My next equine project horse

AdorableAlice said:
It is apparent that Ted's tummy and the clippers are not compatible.

However I am pleased with him, he said sorry after he flattened me and remained at my side even though I was not the right way up.

Anyone competing at Allens Hill on Saturday please don't laugh at his unique clip, he will get a complex.
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Oh bless him he's obviously ticklish!
 
Hetsmum said:
Oh bless him he's obviously ticklish!
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Very !, I couldn't keep the clippers still on him, but at least he tolerated it and hadn't forgotten the work David did with him a few weeks ago when we bib clipped him. I think I will need a happy pill to get him tidy for Saturday, he looks like a giant moth has attacked him.
 
That will teach him to wriggle.

A quick text to my dear vet, that said - 'you know that specsavers advert' followed ' are you calling in today' has resulted in a clipped out Ted.

Now neither of us can see very well anymore, she had her nifty head torch on so that helped on her side, we got two sets of clippers going and got the lot off except his feathers. I couldn't see much but cracked on regardless. I admire anyone that can clip by electric light in the dark.

Ted went on a little trip, think he enjoyed it, dribbled a bit and put his dingle in the vets ear at one point, at least with her torch on she didn't chop it off with the clippers ! Whether or not it was a good idea will be proven on Saturday, hopefully he will be more comfortable and watching the weather now it is getting ever milder so there should not be any brisk gales up the trussocks of a newly broken carthorse to incite any break dancing moves.
 
The sooner he is out of the baby dressage classes the better, this is too early and I will have to dig him out of the shavings.

He had a little practice yesterday, first time ridden since he became naked, and was just a little fresh. It is windy here and quite exposed where we are going. I hope he does not do any baby glides in the arena and I also hope the judge has forgotten her glasses and cannot see all the bits I missed when he was clipped.

Right then, weetabix and pony cubes. 5.20am I must be mad.
 
You do have a knack for vivid descriptions - the clipping episodes, on your own and with the vet, had me laughing out loud.

Go Ted! It's windy here today, too, but it's a very warm wind - 15 C. Is it really December?
 
T is for Tense. All good things come to an end ! Catering van was good though, yummy breakfast.


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Loading in the dark took several attempts despite the lorry being well lit and the ramp is lit. He was not naughty as such, no reversing or stropping just confused. Travelled very well and his full clip kept him cool. I can never remember travelling a clipped out horse in mid December naked. This weather is odd.

He was a real baby once we were on the show ground, calling out to others and eyes on stalks, it took several attempts to get on board and we knew by then that he was unhappy. He has been to Allens Hill once before in August and was fine, but his other 3 tests have all been indoors at a very quiet venue.

He wandered around the warm up arena and kept himself together but he fell apart once he got between the boards. Circles were squares, no corners were visited. no stretching and no halt. He scored a woeful 58% and finished 3rd of 4 entries.

He was a handful to untack and then dwelt on the ramp again before loading and tucking into his net. Travelled well homewards and has just run up the field to find Alice and tell her all about being kidnapped in the dark and going on a mystery trip.

We are not disappointed with him, he basically did what he was asked to do but in a very babyish way on a very windy morning. He is entered indoors on 26th January and as long as the weather does not close in we will take him.
 
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Ah, bless Ted. Baby horses will be baby horses I suppose. At least it's something you can put down to experience, and it sounds like he tried even though he was worried. Lots of babies would've thrown a big old strip if in that mind frame. Onwards and upwards :)
 
Reads as though it was well worth the outing to keep on building his confidence with new experiences, and at his age it is a massive achievement for you to be able to say Ted did what was asked of him, so well done Ted.
 
Adopter said:
Reads as though it was well worth the outing to keep on building his confidence with new experiences, and at his age it is a massive achievement for you to be able to say Ted did what was asked of him, so well done Ted.
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This time last year I was wondering if it would be kinder to put him down, not wondering if he could trot up a centre line. I am so proud of him, everyone involved with him and me for keeping trying !
 
Sometimes they have to have a blip so that you appreciate it so much more when they cope. He has so much body to control and has come so far. AND for all his wobbles he still wasn't last - result x
 
Merry Christmas to everyone who follows the bonkers cart horse. He wishes you all a peaceful and successful New year.

I had the best present ever. I have always ridden on Christmas morning, but illness put paid to that in 2013 and 14.

The pocket rocket and I went out at first light with a friend. A short simple hack that meant so much.

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Happy Christmas Ted and co. I love your updates.
This week we had to pass a black carrier bag that was caught in the wind and was being blown along the lane in a circular motion...thought it was a demonic hedgehog at first! The old boy stopped dead and whipped round with my OH, snorted and refused to go pass the demon, so I said to my lovely mare 'oh, just get on with it' and she marched straight past with the old boy in tow. It's a phrase that has stuck in my mind from your thread.
I'm glad you had your Christmas morning hack - best wishes.
 
What a lovely update! I've followed you for a while and just want to say well done! Carrots and tipple of choice all round I'd say. Wishing you all the best for 2016. :)
 
Come on then own up, who sent Ted a ton of Miracle Gro for his Secret Santa ?

I have just stripped him off for the first time in a few days to go out for a hack and I cannot believe what has greeted me. The round and tubby coblet has disappeared. His back end is towering above his front end and his middle is a pipe cleaner. He looks like a moose. We are off to an indoor school tomorrow, he won't fit in the lorry at this rate !

Thank you for all the good wishes, lots to look forward to in 2016 as Ted and Alice rise 5 and become grown ups.

Alice has spent her Christmas money on dodgy mascara and now has an eye infection. She is a walking sick note.
 
Your entertaining descriptions always make me smile AA, so here's wishing you and the equine gang a successful 2016 with lots of fun and good luck.

Somewhere I seem to have heard that the larger breeds can go on growing until they are 6, so you may need that new lorry by the time Ted matures!!!
 
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