Clinics
Last weekend I went up to Loxton to give a clinic. What a wonderful day it was. It was in fact the first clinic I had done and to be honest, wasn't sure what to expect. But everyone was just lovely. For those who have never been to Loxton Pony Club, it may pay to pop in for a visit. Indeed, one very lucky club. Really lovely club rooms, a huge oval, 40x20 fenced dressage arena, days yards for horses (and loads of them) and lots of big shady trees. It was glorious. The weather was smiling on us all day and the people were all warm and friendly.
Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time too and got alot out of the clinic which is just great too.
Aylesbury Lodge will be continuing with doing Clinics across SA, country and suburban areas. So if you would like Aylesbury to come to your neighbourhood, be sure to get on to your local club.
Contrary to what many believe, it is not based around the Standardbred. Of Course, those with Standardbreds will get a great deal out of it as they learn how to get rid of the pace once and for all and lay the foundation for (and obtain) a nice fluent canter.
Aylesbury Lodge show people in an easy to understand manner who to get the most of their horses using the steps in the German Dressage Training Scale. What each step means and how to get it out of their horse. Including handouts for particpants to back up what is said at the clinic so people have something to refer to later down the track.
Home Placement News
Well, it has all been happening. Heard from Amber Vision's new home and he is very much loved which is just wonderful to hear.
I have had horses leaving all over the place lately. Re-Equity has gone to a lovely home along with a 3yo Vanston Hanover gelding in the Adelaide Hills (up near woodside). Hanover Frolic has been sold and is currently being trained for a Dressage future and will be based up at Golden Grove. Sunbeam and Village Dancer, Sunbeam went to reside as a companion horse to an oldie... hehe, that should liven' the old folk up and Village Dancer has gone to a lovely home in the Adelaide Hills to, also as a companion horse.
Amber Vision arrived at his new home today and to say they are ecstatic is an understatement. Residing now up to his belly in Clover he was extremely happy to arrive at his new distination, getting off the truck as calm as a cucumber.. I am told that it was love at first sight. So truly a happy ending there.
Stable News
Archie Moses got lucky this morning and had his first mare. He was actually really good about it. On his tiptoes, he pulled a face found the right spot and did his bit. The look on his face was priceless.
Morning sickness has plagued me the last few days and today was no exception. With so many horses on the property, the time has come for me to reduce numbers. Quality Standardbreds are available from the lodge priced from $250. All have been broken to harness, quiet to do anything with and are available only to the best of homes. I'm getting tired and alot less patient with morons so no time wasters. If they are broken to saddle, bombroof and suitable for beginners then they ain't $250 so don't ask. Yes it has been another of those weeks.
Christmas Do - don't worry folks invites are coming in the mail with your xmas cards! hehe Its been a long week but I have FINALLY got chrissie cards and tomorrow I'll be getting ink then its all systems go. So within a week or two they should be in the mail. (alternatively if I only have your emails, then you'll be getting them via there instead).
DID YOU KNOW IT IS ONLY 8 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS??
Someone told me this in the supermarket today.. This year has gone so fast!
Amber Vision NZ and Diamond Garry both left for their new homes today and it goes without saying it was sad to see them go.
Gold Edge and Archo Baleno have been the latest additions to the Lodge. Gold Edge has spent many years in the saddle and up until recently was ridden by a 10yo to regain her confidence. Archo Baleno is the sweetest little fellow ever and follows him around like a puppy dog, it is really cute.
General News
It has been a week filled with Drama...
Firstly, the female offspring of our cats "winkle pants" and "tinke pants (dubbed Sir Sockingtons by Melissa Smyth)" had kittens a few weeks ago. The little black fluffy one was fine and has had 3 very cute little kittens. The other had her kittens, but we couldn't find them. She dissapeared for two nights so we started scouring the paddocks with no luck. Couldn't find the other Mumma cat. (Sir Sockingtons II - looked like her mum but with a white tip on her tail). The crop was cut and the snakes were out. We saw one and it was promptly disposed of. Unfortunately it may have been too late. We couldn't find the kittens or their mum. Whilst riding through our newly cropped paddock, Jon discovered the body of Sir Sockingtons II with no trace of her kittens. A tragic day which has sent us into overdrive desperate to find her offspring. We suspect that Brown Snake (s) had something to do with the disapearance of the kittens and death of their mother.. 4 days later, we have had no success.
Show News
Archie Moses has returned to saddle training after Jon decided to let me have some fun whilst I still can in the saddle, he wanted to put him back in race work. Thankgod. Finally understood collection today, though I had to use a pelham. I seriously hate that fact, but after several attempts at remouthing, it is as seriously as good as it is going to get. Which for my liking, is not that great. The upside is he has alot of natural flair for dressage so I'll just have to advance him quickly. hehe
Schnaps Of Aylesbury is lining up for her first show at Kapunda this coming weekend. I am very excited to show her off too.
Ooops.. storm brewing.. thunder and all.. so gotta go folks.. will update again on all the goss straight from the lodge tomorrow.
