A day of Firsts – well, two really.

The first First was going on a ride with Flossie and Bjørn together.

Flossie quickly realised that this was a different kind of plod from our usual rides out and Iacs looked after her beautifully, never scaring her once (I do love that little horse).

We let Bjørn go on ahead as it was obvious we were holding him up.

I rode Klængur who, after realising he was not to follow Taktur, quickly settled down and we did some nice work together.

Iacs kept his beady eyes on me at all times because I apparently am the home of the carrot.

So we stopped for a carrot break which was most welcome by the boys.

The second First is the tentative truce between Wussums and Loki.  It has only taken over two years and I am not holding my breath.

Wu only came into the sitting room because he wanted someone to open a tin of food for him but, still, it is progress.

Wu genuinely likes BeAnne just not Loki.

But he has managed two years without being killed and I do think that if they both met face to face, Loki would do nothing..

There was even relaxed purring today and no one ran out.

I am not forcing this relationship. It must be on Wu’s terms and he must feel confidant that Loki will not chase.

Small steps.

It’s a beautiful day now.  Shetland is back to its’ finest.  Happy, happy.

I have this ridiculous dream that all the horses and ponies will get on together, without chasing, Lambie and Lambert.

So far, I have failed dismally.  The Minions were the worst offenders and only have to see a black and white cottonwool ball following me into their field, before they have a combined evil thought and chase Lambie until he runs screaming up to me to save him.  So I haven’t taken him back for a while.

But everyone is bigger now and perhaps a bit more sensible.

Today the Minions were better behaved but Lambie has not forgotten their previous bullying.

Any hint of sniffing and he was off back to me yelling blue murder.

So Floss and I sat down on nice flat comfortable dry rocks and let everyone get to know each other again under strict supervision.

We made progress.  Huge progress, I think, though I still don’t trust anyone really.

Early days.

But it was nice to sit in the sun surrounded by Lambie, Lambert, Silver, Waffle and Tiddles.  Storm is away being a VIP – a very important pony – with Taktur.  He is the ring leader, if I am honest, so I am glad he was away in another field as he couldn’t get the others to join in with his games.

We will see……

Shetland is not always beautiful.  Shocking, I know, but there is the odd day when really I think it could make more of an effort.

Today would be a case in point – non-stop rain, and I mean proper rain, since last night.  Instead of soaking into the already sodden ground, it is quickly falling off the hill instead.

Still the dogs have to be walked and so, bedecked in my survival suit as it says it is waterproof, I set out, nose down not looking back…..

… until I noticed I had my two little woolly friends running after me.

Bless them, no matter where I go, and as long as I don’t have a Minion with me, my sheepies follow.

BeAnne and Loki are used to this ridiculous situation now.  They just do their own thing.

BeAnne is still considered Group Leader, though by the woollies.

They sometimes dawdle at the back but if you shout, they quickly come running.

I got home vaguely dry but feeling very worthy.  Apparently it might stop raining one day – tomorrow would be nice.  Time is drawing near and I want to go out riding with Flossie before she goes back up.  She is getting on very well on horseback.

He looks so good in it.  I just couldn’t resist.

We are not gender specific in our house with colour and I think Taktur carries this Hot Pink fleece and satin (yes, I said satin) rug off very well.

This rug is for special occasions.  Taktur will be wearing it when he goes to shows.

I think he will stand out.

Nope, I definitely know he will stand out!

I am particularly taken with the gorgeous silver brocade at the back.

Pure craftsmanship (cough).

And the KP Coat of Arms definitely excudes Class with a Capital C!

Taktur was very happy in his new-to-him rug.  He had no problems with it so I have wrapped it up carefully and put it somewhere safe for our next show outing.

Now, I wonder if I can find a matching one for Storm.  Is that a jealous face I see?

Oh golly, look what I have just found on Fleabay!  Off to measure Taktur’s mini-me.

Bjørn very kindly gave Flossie a proper riding lesson to teach her the essential basics of riding.  The foundations from which it all comes from.

It has been a very long time since Floss has wanted a real riding lesson from a real instructor.

Both Iacs and Flossie listened carefully to the instruction.

And then carried it out to the best of their ability.

The Olympic Games Selection Committee were busy so they sent a substitute to watch on their behalf.

There was walking and trotting and Floss learned halt and half halts on both reins.

They both looked very good and, more importantly. relaxed.

And then Bjørn asked Floss to cross her stirrups – a slight panic but Floss acquiesced.

Floss said the first ten seconds were scary and then she got used to it.

This is her “Concentration” face.

So off they went without stirrups to practice steering, halts and half halts.

Again, there was listening.

Concentration (both) ….

And even a smile as Floss realised she could do this.

The end of the lesson arrived and out came Iacs’ imaginary nose-wheel.

So well done my Flossie – you were brilliant and thank you Iacs – you were a gentleman and thank you Bjørn for the “proper” lesson.

❤ So proud – sniff – so proud ❤