My handsome boy is home.  Indy Ping-Pong is back from his ladies (he was away visiting).

The herd rushed down, eventually, to see him.  All of them knew Indy, except for Kappi and The Minions, who were intrigued.

Indy went round every single horse/pony, politely introducing himself and there was not one argument, difference of opinion or anything.  The odd squeal but that was about it.

The minute The Minions set eyes on Indy, they were in love and decided en masse to make this handsome stallion their hero.

Waffle was particularly taken with what he obviously thought was just a bigger version of himself.  Waffle is Indy’s “Mini-Me”.

He followed him around everywhere, whether Indy wanted it or not.

Indy, ever the perfect gentleman, let Waffle play games and responded gently.

I think he will be a very good influence on these three little rescue ponies.

Lord knows, they need someone to look up to who is utterly gorgeous, charming with perfect manners.  Hammy was not exactly an inspiration.

So Minions, may the horse be with you!  (ok, technically a pony, but did you see what I did there?  Geddit?)

Lateral work is the foundation for everything equestrian.  Last week, Hamish Cameron came up from the mainland to teach.

I booked three one-hour training sessions for Daisy, Anna and me.

We all had specific needs and rode different horses and Hamish gave us very different lessons.

Daisy went first on Kappi, Bjørn’s horse.

Hamish liked Kappi very much.  He was very impressed with his movement and Daisy’s way of riding him.

Meanwhile, the “creepy neighbour” watched.

Next up was Anna on Daisy’s Iacs.  She had him going very nicely and Hamish was a huge help to them both.

Lastly, there was me on Klængur.  I asked for help with bending and relaxing (both him and me).  Hamish addressed all our problems and I really felt that Klængur had achieved great things (by our standards) and we  had much to practice in the future.

I love riding lessons.  I will never stop having them and never think I don’t need one if anyone offers.  As long they understand my horse and me (wonky feet with little or no feeling), then we will get on fine.

Hamish did exactly that.

We went over to see how Love’s Young Dream was getting on.

I had left the pair of them alone together for the past week as it is meant to be a holiday for Taktur from people and also a chance for him to learn how to live nicely with  his lady, Hetja.

They seemed to be happy together.  Both were interested in seeing us and had also reached a mutual agreement, i.e. wait until you are asked rather than just going for it.

Suffice it to say, both of them seemed very tired and there was much yawning!

Hetja is the boss of Taktur.  She watches his every move and she tells him when he steps out of line.

Taktur listens to Hetja and he cares hugely that she approves of him, always. This is important to him.

He continues to do the stallion-thing, and you can see her observing him all the time.

Taktur did ask to come home with us but we had to tell him that he had to stay for a few more weeks with his wife.

Please – Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  Vibes for being pregnant.  

We have been busy for the last few days swimming.  Yes, it has been a chore but we endured it stoically. Someone has to!

So today, for me and my grotty back, we have had a day of rest.   I spent a good few hours with the Minions in the school (catching, grooming, feet and leading) and then in the field where they reciprocated.  Yup, they groomed me, chewed my shoes and led me to a spot where they could be hugged some more.

Hammy is a token Minion.  He is their mentor – heaven help them and they actually get on very well, which is sweet to see.

I have had many animals over the years but I think I have never been so loved by The Minions.  They are the most darling three boys (and Hammy) ever.

Silver, who found getting to know us difficult at first, has made a huge amount of progress.  His learning curve is steep but the reward of being loved by him and his friends is probably the best therapy ever (for me).

These guys have given me so much – I may have had gin and feeling very soppy now!