Recent content by mollyblob

I went to Dam Top in Rawtenstall a couple of times a few years ago, but it didn't work out because my work hours changed. They're a small yard, but were very friendly and accommodating. Also Birtle riding school (it's in Bury so maybe a bit far away, depending where you're based) has a...

Brilliant, that sounds great- well done you for being brave and replying to the advert. I'm trying to find a share at the moment but wimpiness about replying to adverts is impeding my progress! He sounds lovely- you're going to have a fun summer!

Congratulations! She's beautiful, and love the name too- I've known 2 Dollys- my brilliant share pony, and my amazing Dolly Daydream, known as Mollyblob- both absolutely wonderful ponies. Love the face markings too- what a cutie!

We used to have one like this who had intermittent swim bladder problems and would bob about upside down on the top every so often and get himself wedged in awkward places. I used to give him an uncooked pea (take it out of the skin and break it up a bit so he can get his mouth round it)- I...

Fantastic, well done D&D! I'm always impressed at daughter's mature attitude which always shines through in your posts- you must be so proud of her and Dolly. And I reckon there's something in the name actually, I've known two Dollys and they've both been absolutely brilliant ponies. Can't go...

I once started having a go at this with a horse that would clamp his mouth shut and fling his head around, and drag the person around the yard with him. Not good! I did the same as someone else suggested and took the bit off and just practised this to start from- I think he got himself...

Jodie- good point about the banners probably implying they're looking for spectators! We didn't end up going in the end, which was disappointing. But a night of torrential rain then waking up to more torrential rain this morning led us to the decision to not spend the morning standing in a...

Thanks for the replies. I think we'll brave it- I've always loved watching working dogs, so I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll learn something. And if we feel too out of place (OH is very townie, not sure he's ever owned a pair of wellies!) we can always escape to the pub down the road...

On my way to work all week I've been driving past banners advertising sheepdog trials in one of the farms tomorrow. I'd be really interested to go- I love seeing sheepdogs working, and have only ever seen trials on TV. Does anyone know if non-sheepdog owner types go to local trials? Would...

Ha... I was the same before I came up to meet you and Doll too... don't think I did anything too dozy seeing as you let me come back :) I'll keep you updated!

Thankyou everyone for all the useful comments- really good to get ideas for things to ask. I haven't ended up riding him this evening after all- the owner's other horse (which she was going to ride out on the hack with me and Dougal) lost a shoe so can't be ridden. So I'm going up tomorrow...

I'm going to try a possible share horse tomorrow and I'm really nervous! I went to meet him and his owner briefly last week and he seems lovely, though a lot bigger and chunkier than I'm used to. He was advertised as 15.1 but I reckon he's bigger- he looked huge! He's a bit of a fatty (I...

A brilliant post! Well done your mum :)

Wowee, two years has gone so fast! I'm endlessly impressed by how much progress daughter is making every time you update- her jumping is brilliant! And I love the last photo :) They look like a great partnership- really relaxed with each other.

I'm after something very sensible I can mostly hack about on. My last share horse was brilliant- we mostly hacked but I also got the chance to do an in-hand show and even took her to a farm ride and tackled a couple of teeny xc jumps, which was amazing. I'm not that brave so I like...