KJB Pony Adventures

After last weeks debacle with our boy Boston I took some time for me and went to visit my friends on their farm in Wiltshire. It was a well needed little break and while J went to visit his dad for a few days I got to wake up with astonishing views, breath in fresh countryside air and rid my chest of the tightening pain that was suffocating me. I was able to let my hair down on several nights with grown up conversations and drinks to celebrate. In the morning I went to unrug their ponies while in PJ's and sunglasses. Then I helped wash them in the yard - by help I mean sitting back to watch and soak up the rays. It was bliss not having to drive half an hour to go and see them and have everything on site. This is something I would like for J and I to have. A small holding with everything to cater for family life and to care for our animals - which I am sure will be growing. My friend was given some bunnies as a non valentines -valentines present. Well you can imagine

You may have heard that there has been an outbreak of Equine Flu recently? If not you can read it online here. I had B's equine jabs updated which unfortunately meant that we had to start his round all over again as it was too long since his last set of jabs. The vet booked in his second set of jabs for four weeks time to make sure he is all up to date and safe. While there the vet checked his saddle and bridle and said they fit well and that he isn't having any pain or discomfort because of these. By the way we have recently changed vets as I wanted a second opinion after everything we have gone through. This new vet is so caring and understanding and reassuring she is now helping us get to the bottom of Boston's change in behaviour and ensures us that if there is a medical issue we will find it. Alas the only thing which could cause him discomfort is his girth and blister pockets. I have never heard of these but apparently it is where the girth rubs against the ba

Since last Monday's lesson J has had the most emotional week with B. I thought they were bonding? I thought B and I were bonding? Tonight I thought B was going to seriously injure himself and my son and I have never been so frozen in fear before as I was at that moment. J was excited for his lesson with the instructor I call his competition coach. He was so keen to show her how well B had improved again and make him sweat once more. Everyday J has been riding him - not flat out and not for extensive periods. Always with a walking warm up and directional changes to get both listening and active. B has continued with his napping to the corners, in particular the gate, resulting in J ending up in tears. Several bystanders have given their advice which I do appreciate but everything is conflicting and everything is overwhelming especially since I am feeling delicate regarding my anxiety at present. I am not one to drink alcohol with every meal or even every week. Th

Today I took the plunge and dabbled in a bit of clipping. I have never clipped before and did my research about the best clip which suit Boston. When we first got him he came to us fully clipped (including having his mane and forelock hogged - which is now growing thankfully - having a son a girl needs a mane to plait and make pretty lol). Picture courtesy of Google I debated whether to go for a blanket clip or chaser as advised by my guru friend as Boston tends to sweat on his chest and sides. It is recommended not to clip long after January for it can affect the horses summer coat. I ummed and ahhed about clipping so late but as Boston will be working harder he will be benefit more from it. While talking on Twitter (My account is: @KjbPony ) I came across the best horse clipped pattern which made me think about doing something similar with B. It would look a little like this: Image courtesy of Google Not sure if I am brave enough to attempt a pattern just yet tr

Image courtesy of My Loud Bipolar Whispers I lay in bed wishing after a bit of a rubbish day on the one hamd but a fun and productive day on the other. As I lay I wished how I could curl up with B for a cuddle bit knew deep down that he wouldn't have any of that. I wished tjat I could shelter in his stable and let the years flow and on some.level he would understand and muzzle his head into my lap as I wrap in a heap. However I knew that he's more than likely turn and present his rear at me instead. I felt like B didn't like me. I felt like the worst horse owner ever. This made me feel lonelier than ever. Despite having J in the bed next to me twiddling my hair for his sensory feedback, I felt incredibly alone. My mind wandered to my relative who passed recently and how they had been surrounded by family for which I was grateful but then as I pondered our last moments together. I couldn't stop the thoughts appearing in my head. Around and around t

Hi all, How has the past few days been treating you? So I have had the most amazing week since the devastating day where I was told of the passing of a family member and then told I should seriously consider selling our beloved pony. Distraught at the prospect that I may be really messing up with being a pony owner and pony owner mum I enlisted the help of an amazing instructor who I may have mentioned  previously as my guru. As a very experienced rider, trainer and lecturer she has been amazing at teaching J at his level and using instructional language that he understands. For instance when she asks him to open the reins to allow Boston to go forward, thus preventing him from putting his head down and J tipping forward,  J calls it a Diamond because of the shape it makes. Instead of pony club kicks the guru says squeeze the toothpaste so therefore encouraging him to use his lower legs to press against the girth instead of swinging his legs back and forth with little impact. He

After a stressful few days it was time J and B had a bit of fun so with us grown ups walking on foot some of the children mounted their steeds and headed out into the woods for J's first hack on Boston. J has only been on three hacks so not really used to controlling the horses out and about and being prepared for any events. The first time was when we were in Ireland almost two years ago when he first rode a horse. We went on a beach hack which was breathtaking and inspired him to pursue riding. The second time was the week before he started riding lessons locally and we went on a hack in the same woods with my then boyfriend. The third was a half hour lesson in the school and then a half hour hack out into the woods. This hack was J's first real hack out and I couldn't be prouder. He started off with his friend holding the lead rope and the adults helped them all across the busy road. What was supposed to be a quick half an hour walk turned into a

Please excuse, well me, but I thought this was quite funny. Boston loves his turnout time and to eat grass and today whilst trying to put him out he was more interested in chatting to his friend than going out to play! Alas I managed to entice him out and off he went. He was however a stubborn little so and so to get back in and I had to trek all the way to the bottom of the field to get him! It'sa little unclear because the beautiful sun was setting but you see the top of the field? That's where the gate is! *face + palm* If you looked at him you would think butter wouldn't melt lol. Are any of yours this cheeky? KJB xxx

For Christmas my brother bought me the amazing book For The Love Of Horses written by Kelly Wilson of the Wilson Sisters from New Zealand. I have previously mentioned that I have watched the documentary on Horse and country TV (Keeping up with the Kaimanawas)  of their lives growing up around horses and run holiday camps for young equestrians - something J would like to do. I haven't finished it yet - life gets in the way of reading sometimes. Here is a pic of me, as a unicorn, reading about the real life unicorns. I tend to pick up a book while I already have a book on the go. On my bedside table I usually have two or three books half read. I am currently reading another book alongside For the Love of Horses called Why Mummy Drinks by Gill Sims. It's hilariously relatable. Gill puts down on paper the day to day parenting disasters that can occur all before 9am. A friend once helped me have a declutter and asked me why I didn't just throw out the books I

This week has been a weird week for us. It has been filled with joy and sudden sadness. This week has exhausted all other weeks so far this year. It all started on Sunday when we had a fun time at the stables joking and frolicking in the paddocks with the ponies. All the children were getting along. All the adults were laughing with the children. Some friends of mine came over to meet B and catch up with J an I which was so nice despite my distractions (will explain a little later on). Stick with me. Since sorting B with a new pre-loved saddle I enquired about some lessons for J to get them both into a regular routine. I was saddened that friends whom promised they would be able to help (bearing in mind I would be paying them) then changed their minds when I asked and said they couldn’t. Long story short I felt a little let down if I am honest. But I got over it quickly and moved on. Monday morning comes and as I preparing to leave for school I receive a text