JFTDWS
+++ Out of Cheese Error +++
Dafthoss and I have had a rather lengthy weekend of snowy hacking, which I thought I'd share with you, if you'll all forgive my rambling, inconsequential post... I warn you, from a hungry native's perspective, it would be a tale of woe and cruelty (anything which involves work and not eating is, y'know!). Fortunately, I have the laptop, not Fergie, so you get a happy post rather than a moan!
Yesterday we were out for a whopping 7 hours in the snow (I know, nothing by endurance standards, but long for us!). We didn't actually cover much ground - partly due to stopping off for a little session in an indoor arena and several tack changes - but the ponies were still bouncing on the way home
I should add that the roads round here are completely clear of ice and snow and a number of the tracks are, although snowy, not frozen solid so very nice hacking on our unshod 4x4 ponies 
Today, somewhat aching from yesterday, we went out for a considerably briefer but faster ride, taking our weekend total to about 30 miles (again, pathetic by endurance standards!).
Anyway, I'm exceptionally happy, aside from the general fun we had, because:
1. Fergs has been really forward and up for it - happily taking the lead on canters today - he's turning into a really confident hack. He's 5 so still a bit of a baby and has always been a bit backwards out hacking.
2.we stable several miles apart so I've had to get the pony out by himself to meet at DH's yard / in the middle, and he's been angelic and hasn't killed me once
He did have a minor panic attack at some sheep, but apparently fire engines aren't scary at all 
On the downside, we discovered that we both need grass reins
(we did actually allow them snack breaks yesterday as we were out for a while...)
Dafthoss and Rob:
Fergles showing off his new orange hi vis:
Yesterday we were out for a whopping 7 hours in the snow (I know, nothing by endurance standards, but long for us!). We didn't actually cover much ground - partly due to stopping off for a little session in an indoor arena and several tack changes - but the ponies were still bouncing on the way home
I should add that the roads round here are completely clear of ice and snow and a number of the tracks are, although snowy, not frozen solid so very nice hacking on our unshod 4x4 ponies Today, somewhat aching from yesterday, we went out for a considerably briefer but faster ride, taking our weekend total to about 30 miles (again, pathetic by endurance standards!).
Anyway, I'm exceptionally happy, aside from the general fun we had, because:
1. Fergs has been really forward and up for it - happily taking the lead on canters today - he's turning into a really confident hack. He's 5 so still a bit of a baby and has always been a bit backwards out hacking.
2.we stable several miles apart so I've had to get the pony out by himself to meet at DH's yard / in the middle, and he's been angelic and hasn't killed me once
He did have a minor panic attack at some sheep, but apparently fire engines aren't scary at all On the downside, we discovered that we both need grass reins
(we did actually allow them snack breaks yesterday as we were out for a while...)
Dafthoss and Rob:
Fergles showing off his new orange hi vis:
What make is it? I might treat the grey to one, so she's ready for venturing out onto the roads when she's broken/backed.
