2013 – Gallops & Garlands

2013

The year that was – Twenty Thirteen.

January 6, 2014May 8, 2017by gallopsandgarlandsLeave a Comment

So what a year that was! I am rather glad I started and kept us with this blog because it was a fairly interesting year, devastating and exceedingly brilliant all in one. One of the more poignant ones with many moments I will remember for a lifetime.

Starting the Year I didn’t really post any goals or achievements I wished to work towards. I think this post certainly lives up to its name. I would certainly never dreamt this time last year I would be in the position I am now, with the opportunities I have been given. Truly grateful to Ladies (and Gents) of the Aussie Dressage world for being so extremely generous with their time, knowledge and horses.

So here is my semi defining list of moments for 2013

1. Canberra Royal – I should really thank the giver of the biggest backhanded compliment I’ll probably ever receive. Opened my eyes up 🙂

2. Boneo Park – The gorgeous facilities but more importantly meeting a wonderful new friend, getting a ride on a gorgeous WB.

3. Miss S arriving. Everybody involved was so incredibly nice and went out of their way!

4. Lost my Louis dog, so suddenly. Forever Loved. I clipped our little Lochie today and shed a few tears in that familiar face looking back at me.

5. I did finish my exams, admittedly the months leading up to my final exam around June was a very hard slog. Thankfully passed my final unit and got the results back the day after I paid the deposit on S.

So a year of ups and downs. Hello 2014.

2013

New pony friend!

August 10, 2013May 8, 2017by gallopsandgarlands2 Comments

Our new pony friend to fill the 3rd stable arrived! Name yet to be decided.

She has been a very good girl, decided oaten hay is far better than Lucerne and people are good for pats.

Attributes wise she scarily ticks every box I wanted…Filly, by Jive Magic, Medallion or Salute line Dam, kind eye, no pink noses…and we got a star and 4 socks as a bonus!

So glad she is here safely…and if you ever need transport I’ve no qualms about recommending Southern Cross!

Off to play ponies and she what she thinks of a hard feed for breakfast!

2013

Heading Home

May 14, 2013May 8, 2017by gallopsandgarlandsLeave a Comment

Not a particularly note worthy drive other than being very sad to leave the dressage diva lifestyle.

Came home to serious wetness….stables were rather damp, paddock chest high grass yet rather wet underfoot. Boys got all rugs off and put in the back paddock together to hoon…and hoon they did!

Unpacked the float, unplaited the ponies and although happy to be home (no sweeping??) Boneo Park soon felt like a world away. The week’s experience will certainly not be forgotten though, a big thankyou to the Boneo Park staff for making us feel so welcome and the agistees for putting up with us.

2013

All States Showdown

May 14, 2013May 8, 2017by gallopsandgarlandsLeave a Comment

Park Hack class – E worked superbly. Perhaps the best ride I have had on him to date, the epitome of a true ladies Galloway he was an absolute joy to show.

Good pony 🙂

I let him out for a rider class, at very short notice – the lovely girl riding him didn’t have time to practice a sitting extended trot but I promised her if she sat and asked him he would do it for her, in the workout it was up the centre line…He rocked it 🙂

E’s open I think was the most strongest class of the show, 7 horses including some seriously decorated National and Royal Champions. E was a commendable 6th, the fat kid amongst the lightweight types I was very happy with him.

J got worked and plaited in the afternoon.

and Team NSW won the State Cup 🙂

2013

SHCV Autumn Classic

May 14, 2013May 8, 2017by gallopsandgarlandsLeave a Comment

E was a bit tired but rose to the occasion, his scores were a bit all over the place with a 3rd, 4th & 5th LOL I guess his type is liked by some and not others because he is that bit heavier. Perhaps a hunter career may suit him!

Sitting on E, I saw J’s hunter class being called and him escorted off to the class. Super organisers, big thankyou there :).

I finished one and hoped on the next. J put a smile on my face and did a great gallop workout, perhaps a lap of gallop with a flying change and a bit the other way before halting/walking isn’t commonplace in Vic as NSW because a few commented upon it. Certainly a regular occurance when free workouts are allowed and part of the set workout at one GN qualifier. He was a 5th, 5th and a 2nd with had him in 4th place. I was happy, the judge I wanted to do well under we did (2nd).

The drivers in our group or at least those not riding decided we were staying at Tarcutta that night. Left Boneo Park at 4pm …hit Tarcutta late 11ish. Baby snake near stables caused a few issues as some poor Arabian pony colt heading to East Coast was in the stable nearby so we grab a halter and dragged him to safety…LOL only problem was the halter was to big, and colts/mares everywhere! Grabbed one of the boys haybags and the poor fellow stood very quietly whilst snake was dealt with. Full house at Tarcutta that night amongst transport trucks and East Coast competitors. A most honourable mention to the check in name that someone has put on the place, gawd I laughed and laughed that night!