Last week, when we moved everyone to their new field (about 1/4 mile down the road), it swiftly became apparent that two certain young Icelandic ladies had forgotten all they had ever learned about leading nicely.  There was “kite flying”, which is never pretty. So Daisy and I decided that, as this is an essential life-skill for any equine, we would gently remind them what was (and always will be) required.

Today, we drove over armed with the necessary (small bits of carrot, head-collars, lead ropes, a stick).  We had a bit of an audience when Daisy caught and we led Lilja and Sóley over the road to the opposite field.  The Shetlands were more than happy to keep well out of this.

While I held Lilja, Daisy led Sóley around and reminded her of her manners and re-taught her leading skills.

Lilja’s eyes never left Sóley.  They are very “attached” to each other. Hmmm……

Meanwhile, there was no Shetland audience participation as a neighbour had kindly cut up and apple and was feeding them.  A good diversionary tactic.  Waffle has been known to go over the fence to “help”.

Handover and I kept Sóley entertained while it was Lilja’s turn to have her manners refreshed.  She did not watch Lilja.

Which was interesting.

Daisy’s consistent and quietly insistent training worked very well on both Lilja and Sóley.  They learned what we wanted and we will reguarly be working with them.

I am very lucky to have her here.

I’m not feeling very inspired today – rather lack-lustre, if I’m honest and tired. Very tired so please forgive this pathetic and probably whiney blog offering.

Anywho, the Boyzens and Girlzens have all been vaccinated and we will have a repeat performance in a few weeks’ time and then it will be annually from then on.

To a sheep, they all behaved beautifully, even Madge who was easily caught (a first – she usually does the wall-of-death in the stable).  The power of gingernuts and a greedy mother greatly helped and inspired.

Afterwards I went for a ride on Klængur, while Daisy rode Taktur, and possibly sensing a disturbance in the force, was exemplary. As good as gold.  Perhaps he realised I didn’t have the strength for spooking at a rock that’s been in the same place since the Jurassic period.

So that was nice.

Here are a few photos from today.

Taktur – his mane is gorgeous.

And he is looking especially handsome with silly-billy hair!

So very handsome.

So very, very handsome!

The old men far away in their winter field.

Dreki who has grown. I swear he is possibly 17hh.  When did that happen?

He has a nice head.

And let’s all hope he has his father’s pea-for-a-brain.

After Minioning (yes, today it is a verb), I drove down to our local beach.  The waves were  beautiful. Such colour.

So that’s me.  Relieved that the sheeple are vaccinated but I sort of feel it is a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.  Ho hum.

First thing this morning, Daisy and I found Missy’s dead body outside the front door.  We didn’t know what to think.  What had happened?  It was horrible.

I fed the rest of the sheep, carefully checking Edna was not pining (she is fine, thankfully) and the rest were just the same as ever – in good health.

We covered the corpse, OH dug a deep hole in our “graveyard” and I talked to the postie (my sheep expert). “Vinster” he called it and I should’ve had Missy vaccinated with a clostridia and pasteurella vaccination.

I feel terrible. I didn’t know this.  I thought she was fine, fit, well and healthy and now she isn’t.  He said it was a quick death (a small blessing) and that it happens to good sheep, out of nowhere.

So little Missy didn’t even have her first Mississippi (birthday) and it’s totally my fault.  My own ignorance.

Rest in peace Little Mississippi. You were a brief joy and a darling in our lives.  You will be desperately missed by us.  You were doing so well training me too (she had her own bowl at breakfast which she insisted upon).

Life is very unfair but death is even worse.  I wish I could turn the clock back.

Many photos from today – when I went to see the Minions in their new field.

It was windy.

Very windy.

There were some great hairstyles out there!

But the field has shelter and the ponies know to stand with their back to it.  They are professionals at this.

I went around and dished out a bit of carrot each.

Yes, just one carrot piece – Newt.  ONE!

Storm incurred the wrath of Vitamin (you can almost hear the teeth).

Of course, he wasn’t sorry.

And then he made it worse, again.

Yup, that’s Storm alright.

I doubt Vitamin will forgive him – and I have no idea what the crime was.  Probably just annoyed her by existing.

So the herd are happy.

And that’s all that matters.

Today, after a ride out on Taktur and Klængur, we brought Efstur in to try out some bits Daisy had received from The Bit Bank.

Efstur’s is a fiddler and chewer with his bit.  The Bit Bank have been very helpful and recommended some bits which they sent out on trial.

Today Efstur was trying out the Frans Sweet Gold Loose Rings by Fager – an explanation, if you’re interested.  Daisy has also been talking to Fager, who have been very educational (thank you – this is a vertical learning curve).

Efstur had already been long-reined in this bit.

Today, Daisy decided to ride him.

To start with Efstur was his usual self but, because the bit is an anatomical straight bar, he couldn’t chew it, which was a huge plus.

He took a while to settle.  Daisy says his brain was divided between his mouth and her instruction.

He did froth up nicely, which is always a good sign.

And then he settled.

It was interesting, too, for me to watch.  When Daisy asked for more speed, Efstur forgot to be distracted.

And then again on the other rein.

Now we are just waiting for the titanium version to try.  The Sweet Gold has an electrical taste – so perhaps without the sucky-sweetie reaction, Efstur might forget to be distracted.

Afterwards, I rode Haakon in a spare Maria Titanium Double Jointed Fixed Ring as Daisy had said she had tried Kappi in it and he loved it!  Haakon did not but he was less grabby with the reins – he really needs his teeth done.  I know that is the answer.

I can always ride Haakon in a head-collar and steering be damned.  However, he was very energetic and happy so that made me smile.

So that’s us – playing with bits so not just Efstur then!