Anna here!

After having limited success riding Andy in the Ocean a few days ago, Frances suggested I take Haakon today as he adores swimming. He likes to investigate first and then play with the sea water.

After that, I dismounted and lead him in to show him all was safe, i.e. if I could stand in the water, so could he.  He happily followed me. What a good boy!

Then BeAnne showed him how it was done (she is our instant expert for everything).

So we took the plunge….

Haakon was in heaven. He kept bobbing his head under water in a manner resembling a submarine, then popping up again for more air.

You can see we are both smiling.

He was truly having a wonderful swim and so was I.

Next it was into the Norby loch for some warmer water, where we happily splashed about.

Frances then sat in the water holding onto Haakon while Daisy and I went for a swim.

Today was Shetland heaven (and yes, that is BeAnne’s perfectly formed bottom on the bank!)

An early blog today as I have a riding lesson this evening with Hamish Cameron – very excited.

Anywho, yesterday I took a deep breath, stopped being an over-protective mother, and let The Minions join The Big Boys in the large field.

I was waiting for explosions and politics and there was absolutely none.  Nada.  Not a dicky bird.

The Icelandic horses just looked up, gave them a nod and that was that.

So much for my worries.

I went out to see everyone this morning especially to see if The Minions still loved their dear old mum and yes, they did.  Phew.  I would hate them to change (back to my over-protective status).

That is my hat that was having its usual investigation.

The boys are still testing and playing….

And everyone seems very tolerant of them.

I am sure The Minions are much better off in one big herd.  There are 11 horses and ponies in this field now – a mixture of Shetland ponies, Icelandic horses and a Welsh Section A.

If you are wondering where Taktur is, he is busy with Hetja.  Yup, the wedding was finally consummated and now they are living together in married bliss.  

I don’t think anyone is missing the frustrated bachelor, to be honest.

Blimey it is hot (for Shetland).  We are not used to this.  So I bundled Iacs and Andy, Daisy and Anna, Loki and BeAnne into the car and/or trailer and took them to the beach.

No saddles, just bridles for the riders.

The beach was fairly empty (only two families but they soon left).

In Anna’s head, she had dreams of swimming while riding Andy.

Andy had other ideas (as is his want)

Mwhahaha!

Iacs said he couldn’t swim if Andy didn’t.  He needs leadership usually in the form of Haakon who is a keen swimmer (next time).

But Andy managed a paddle with Anna…..

….. while Iacs managed to drink the North Sea.

After a few failed attempts of this romantic swimming notion, we gave up and took the horses to the next door loch, which is much warmer and less of a worry.

(of course, BeAnne managed to swim in the sea because she is perfection – I thank you.)

So, now we are at the loch and this is familiar territory to Iacs.

But not Andy – he is happier and a little more helpful, though.

So off they went.

Of course the locals were watching.

I think Anna’s face says it all.

And Andy only managed to buck her off twice so that is an achievement!

Next time we will take Haakon.  He loves swimming and needs no encouragement.  In his youth, he tried to swim to Papa Stour (next door island).

Daisy is doing a “school project” involving horses and ponies.

Ever happy to oblige, as that is what we seem to have an abundance of, I co-operated.

First to be introduced to the field of Icelandic horses was Andy, our belligerent Shetland pony gelding.

Most of the herd had met him already except for Kappi and Klængur.

The meet and greet went fine and Haakon quickly insisted on a nice game.

Then it was Hammy Hamsta´s turn.  Hammy is a Welsh Section A (no, not a miniature Suffolk Punch).

Hammy had never met Kappi and Klængur but is considered by the rest of the herd to be a midge-like pest.

He is ever annoying and reminded of his place, mostly by Haakon. The Shetland ponies tolerate him more than the Icelandics.

Last up was Charlie.  He was in a splendid mood and had a few carthorse moments as well as his usual mad face.

Again, Haakon initiated a good game of trying to see if the white bits tasted any different to the black bits.

This field, although ideal for horse/pony watching, is a bit small for 7 horses.  I like them to have space too if there are any disagreements.  So we opened the gate and let them into the big field.

And off they went.

I made the decision not to let The Minions in to join the throng.  My jury is still out on that one at the moment.

Ah yes.  Brat Camp.

And it is at Thordale.

Sent by their parents were Gwendolinda, Lyra, Carina and Zoot.  They need to learn how to lead nicely, run up and stand for the Show as well as their future.

Life is not just standing in a field and looking pretty.  Oh no.  Time for work.  Hard work.  We are not asking for rocket science, just for some basic manners.

We spent some time in the school today working on leading nicely and reading body language.

Zoot had another groom to get rid of her last remaining winter coat (Anna’s job – we have been saving it for her on request).

Daisy is building her relationship with Lyra, who is very happy to cooperate.

And Anna is doing the same with Zoot.

I worked with Carina and Gwendolinda who were being a pair of arses, quite literally.

At the moment I feel like taking BeAnne into the ring.  At least she walks nicely and listens to me occasionally.

I want to scream.