The Glorious Twelfth in this house means one thing and one thing only – my birthday!

(for many years, I thought the 12th August was named The Glorious Twelfth because of me!)  

I was gutted when I found I was wrong.  Who knew?  So unfair.

MY day has been spent taking it easy, going to see my boys and having the statutory birthday snog (like I need an excuse).

Floss and I tried to dodge the showers, coming in thick and fast, to see the lads.

That huge solid grey cloud got us, however, and so we came home soaked through.

To be honest, I have not done much today.  I am enjoying the rest.  I have spent most of the afternoon playing with my presents while intermittently panicking about Daisy’s 21st birthday present (on the 22nd).  Any ideas (she already has Iacs, Lyra and Taktur)?

Flossie asked me what kind of cake I wanted for my special day, so I glibly said “a Minion cake”.  Hours (and I mean hours) later, this wonderful creation was produced.  I am so proud of her.  A delicious Victoria sponge lies under that excellent icing.  Tonight’s pudding, I think.

And now we know why it is called The Glorious Twelfth, don’t we?

Me, me, me!

The weather has changed dramatically.  We have had an entire month’s worth of rain in one day.

So after all the riding we have done recently, I decided to give the horses the day off.  They have worked hard and deserve it.  Also, my back is not brilliant and I could do with a bit of a rest too.  Instead I went round checking everyone was alright.  There has been some quantity of water coming off the hill and the stream flooded across their fields.

The girls were pleased to see me and all still looked beautiful and clean after their show bath.  I don’t think I have seen Fivla looking so white for a very long time.  To think she was entirely black when I bought her as a foal.  I was told she would turn grey but I never really believed it.

This little lot will all go back to the hill park now we don’t need them.  We were only entered for the Walls Show so there are no more outings.  Their show training, despite being unused, will not go to waste.  The girls learned to lead and stand nicely, follow body language and to load without a fuss.  All invaluable skills for any young lady (and gentleman).

Daisy and Anna have gone off on their travels abroad at the crack of sparrows this morning and the house seems eerily silent without them.  Daisy comes back to Shetland in 10 days and Anna goes on home to the US.

Happy travels girls.  Go safely.  Zoot would have offered to carry your bags!  I can just see her at the Spanish Riding School showing them how to do it properly!

And I love to live so pleasantly,
Live this life of luxury,
Lazing on a sunny afternoon.
In the summertime
In the summertime
In the summertime

….. Ray Davies

This afternoon, I went for the best ride ever on Klængur.  He was hoof-perfect and Bjørn, my trainer who came along too, gave me a 6 out of 10 for his tölt (for me, that is an awesome score).

Afterwards, we spent some time with the boys in their field.

Such a relaxing atmosphere. I could not ask for nicer horses and such a peaceful feeling. The cure for all ills, I swear.

Of course that meant a quick snog from the bebbies.

Storm came straight up to Daisy for a hug, but was vying for attention with BeAnne who does not give in easily.

Hugging can be so exhausting for everyone.

Subsequently Waffle came up to talk.

And then Silver. He is really coming out and is happy to talk to people unless startled by a terrier or person.  He has a very sensitive nature.

For those that don’t know, Shetland ponies make the most excellent chairs.

This is BeAnne’s “happy” face. At the moment she grazes more than the ponies do. Most odd.  Perhaps she needs more fibre in her diet.

Indy Ping-Pong was as gorgeous as always. He has taken the bebbies under his wing and I think that they are very grateful. He will teach them their manners and how to interact with the herd, which is better than anything that we could do for them in order for them to be normal ponies.

A perfect ride followed by a perfect bebbie snoggin’ session.

Who could ask for more?

It is pouring with rain therefore it is Show Day –  the Walls & District Annual Show.

We were due to enter our four girls (Gwendolinda, Lyra, Carina and Zoot), had practiced, washed and cleaned everything when the decision was made to withdraw all our show entries.  There was a conflict of interest (not our fault or problem) and that is all I can say?

Ho hum.

The silver lining to my raincloud was meeting Storm’s Mum, Benstonholm Nightshade, who was being shown by her breeder.

She was lovely and I could instantly see they were related – the same eye, the same movement.

Anywho, I went for the morning wandering around with my camera and seeing old friends.  Today waterproofs were national dress.

The Show had some fantastic entries in every category imaginable.

Yes, there is a class called Six Potatoes (especially for Simone – get well soon and I hope this makes you smile)

Beautiful newly shorn fleeces in boxes.

Vegetable Creations (Children’s Section) – one of my favourite classes to see.

A Scarecrow? (I think that’s the class).

Article in Woodwork (this was incredible craftsmanship. Beautiful).

Most Unusual Plant – huh?  What’s that then?

Miniature Garden (Children Section)

Basket of Heather

This makes me laugh every year.

Who knew there was so many local gentlemen?

Decorated Novelty Sponge

Openwork Shawl – truly awesome.  This always takes my breath away.

There were many other exhibits and I looked at as much as I could without becoming drenched.

Maybe next year we will try again.

Disappointed muchly.

I have missed having Taktur around.  Since he arrived from Iceland, 2 years ago, he has only lived at Thordale.  Now he is running (well, standing still) with Hetja for 6 weeks in Sandness, 4 miles down the road.

As you may remember, it all started very badly.  When Taktur first met Hetja, he had an idea of what was required but Hetja would have none of it.  She was not ready and she certainly was not willing.  So Taktur visited on an almost daily basis for a while.

After a few failed attempts of leaving them together, Hetja was more encouraging and so here we are almost three weeks on.  I wanted to visit them and see how they were getting on.

Everything is fine.  I talked to both of them individually and could see that they are happily living together having got past the squealing, the sideways glances, the body language and kicking stage.  Life is much more peaceful and they seem to enjoy each other’s company.

They make a handsome couple and hopefully the foal, if it appears next year, will be a mixture of the best of both of them.  Who knows what colour it will be.  Want to guess?

Hetja frá Skeiðháholti

Sire : Hrói frá Skeiðháholti (bay dun no markings, Bleikálóttur)
Dam:  Fríða frá Skeiðháholti (chestnut with no blaze, Rauðblesótt)

Taktur frá Velli II

Sire: Hugi frá Hafsteinsstöðum (Chestnut with blaze, light mane and tail or Rauðblesóttur, glófextur)
Dam: Tíbrá frá Hafnarfirði (Black, Svartur)

I am excited at the thought of an Icelandic horse foal at Thordale.  Early days, I know but everything crossed it happens.