Last weekend was the first day we got the lambs and ewes in altogether since weaning, I learnt how to ear-tag (between the two lower veins on the ear, moderately near the lobe, make sure you trap no wool and spiky bit into the inside of the ear). I also wormed all of the sheep whilst they were waiting to go into the sheep turner, where there feet were cut
Friday, 6 December 2013
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Why Arabs For Endurance?
Many people doing high level endurance, ride Arabs, but why when there are 100s of other breeds to choose from?
Well firstly Arabs are one of the oldest breeds of horse, this means that they are the close relatives to the pre-horses, that constantly had to run away from predators, meaning they have great stamina and can become fit quickly.
They don't mind the heat as much as other breeds, due to their origins, being from hot countries.
They usually have low natural heart rates, and can even skip beats, however this can be present in any breed, and Arabs do have their exceptions, but do seem to have a high percentage with naturally low heart rates.
They have long strides, meaning they can cover ground quickly with having to put in as much effort as a cob, for the same distance, meaning they can retain stamina better, therefore being able to go
extremely long distances.
Finally they are easier to get fit than other breeds, particularly cobs, so you could put a cob on a 6 month fitness program and an Arab on the same program, and the Arab will be fitter by the end of it. Though Arabs do still need getting fit, they can't just do endurance because "it's in their breeding".
Hopefully this has given you an insight into why Arabs are great for endurance.
Well firstly Arabs are one of the oldest breeds of horse, this means that they are the close relatives to the pre-horses, that constantly had to run away from predators, meaning they have great stamina and can become fit quickly.
They don't mind the heat as much as other breeds, due to their origins, being from hot countries.
They usually have low natural heart rates, and can even skip beats, however this can be present in any breed, and Arabs do have their exceptions, but do seem to have a high percentage with naturally low heart rates.
They have long strides, meaning they can cover ground quickly with having to put in as much effort as a cob, for the same distance, meaning they can retain stamina better, therefore being able to go
extremely long distances.
Finally they are easier to get fit than other breeds, particularly cobs, so you could put a cob on a 6 month fitness program and an Arab on the same program, and the Arab will be fitter by the end of it. Though Arabs do still need getting fit, they can't just do endurance because "it's in their breeding".
Hopefully this has given you an insight into why Arabs are great for endurance.
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Arabs
I was reading an article that said Arabs are one of the most loyal breeds of horse and that they rely on humans just like devoted dog breeds, such as border collies. They also devote themselves to keeping you safe. Apparently they can read your mood so if you are happy and relaxed they will be.
Having just got an Arab I was thinking of a case where this theory could be true and suddenly realised that every time I feel nervous when I ride Solli he goes into "Nanny mode", which is very slow and steady to make me feel secure. Another case is whenever I ride Solli out in front he is a lot more spooky, when he is behind another horse, this is because he is a lot more alert as he wants to keep the rider safe from any sudden dangers. It is this that makes me conclude that Arabs are one of the most loving and fantastic horse breeds, who unfortunately are mostly given a bad name for being protective and are often in it for love, not for food, which is not the case in some breeds.
Having just got an Arab I was thinking of a case where this theory could be true and suddenly realised that every time I feel nervous when I ride Solli he goes into "Nanny mode", which is very slow and steady to make me feel secure. Another case is whenever I ride Solli out in front he is a lot more spooky, when he is behind another horse, this is because he is a lot more alert as he wants to keep the rider safe from any sudden dangers. It is this that makes me conclude that Arabs are one of the most loving and fantastic horse breeds, who unfortunately are mostly given a bad name for being protective and are often in it for love, not for food, which is not the case in some breeds.
Saturday, 3 August 2013
All Our Ponies
Here is a gallery of all our ponies!
Solli the Arab
Shanti the Hafinger
Benji the New Forest pony
Lilly the Welsh Section B
And
Rummie the Welsh Section B x BRP
Solli the Arab
Shanti the Hafinger
Benji the New Forest pony
Lilly the Welsh Section B
And
Rummie the Welsh Section B x BRP
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Monday, 22 July 2013
Chickens
My chicks after being outside for a couple of months are loving it. They enjoy an action packed life of eating food chasing our other chickens and climbing on branches.
Meanwhile mum purchased two new plymouth rocks from Salisbury. They are both very pretty and have been named Nicole and Zoe.
In other news I completed my first introductory dressage test with Solli and won !
Meanwhile mum purchased two new plymouth rocks from Salisbury. They are both very pretty and have been named Nicole and Zoe.
In other news I completed my first introductory dressage test with Solli and won !
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Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Solli
After a long time looking for a new pony i finally found one, through Rosemary my riding instructor. She knew of a pony that was being wasted in the Oxfordshire area. So during half-term she picked him up and invited me to try him out. I rode him in the school and he was a saint, having only been at Rosemary's for two days. We did walk, trot and even canter!. Rosemary invited me to stay with her for a few days to stay the night as she lives an 11/2 hours drive away. We bonded really well during this period and even went for a 13km hack. So we agreed to buy him from the lady in Oxfordshire for £1500.
After an extremley long week of exams we picked him up for Rosemary's and finally brought him home, where he is now enjoying a life of early morning breakfasts 6.30am to be precise and hacking + schooling
He is a lovely 14hh old chesnut Arab gelding, who celebrated his 12th birthday last Friday.
After an extremley long week of exams we picked him up for Rosemary's and finally brought him home, where he is now enjoying a life of early morning breakfasts 6.30am to be precise and hacking + schooling
He is a lovely 14hh old chesnut Arab gelding, who celebrated his 12th birthday last Friday.
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| Solli |
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Busy Time Lambing And Unfortunate Pony
Since I last updated we have had many lambs with all of our sheep so far having multiples, with two sets of triplets! This has left us with a total of 66 sheep on the farm at the moment (30 adults 36 lambs) with more lambs on they way. Yesterday mum took last years lambs to Salisbury market where we got £95 for the fatter ones and £89 for the skinnier ones, giving us the second highest prices of the day.
Two and a half weeks ago I tried at a new haflinger called Nina She seemed very nice and calm when riding her in the school and hacking her out. So we agreed to have her on a 3 week loan trial with the view to buy. However when taken out for hack she was extremely green, even after we had given her time to settle in, obviously there has been some lying along the line. But she is going back this weekend and we are going to try out a mare called Charlie!!
Two and a half weeks ago I tried at a new haflinger called Nina She seemed very nice and calm when riding her in the school and hacking her out. So we agreed to have her on a 3 week loan trial with the view to buy. However when taken out for hack she was extremely green, even after we had given her time to settle in, obviously there has been some lying along the line. But she is going back this weekend and we are going to try out a mare called Charlie!!
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