One of the best parts about having a Stud is meeting folk and introducing them to the family.

Today we had two wonderful Australian ladies (and yes we did quiz them on everything Kath & Kim, Seven Little Australians and A Country Practice).  Daisy did her “koala bear” face and I needed to know if Redbacks were better than Blundies.  Hopefully life long friends were made as I think we spoke the same language.

We showed off our mares to them and everyone ooh-ed and aah-ed at the delights of the girls.  They knew quality when they saw it – our type of people, definitely.

Then it was time for them to meet the boys – Hammy, Andy and Charlie.  Sue was keen on Welshies, so that was good.  We wheeled out Hammy and were told that he was not fat, just in good condition (he looks like a Suffolk Punch to us!) and he was a fine chap (politeness will get you everything including my revolting home-made soup).

Daisy was pleased to see Andy again.  She used to ride him as a child and she learned her foundation skills avoiding his bull-fighting turns and imaginary fears.  There is nothing like a Shetland pony for teaching a child to actually ride!  She says if he comes to Thordale, she might ride him again.  He would love that.  It was lovely to see them again.

Charlie managed his idiot-face for the camera.  He is good at that.  It is his one talent.

It was a perfect day.  I hope our new friends enjoyed meeting my family – OH, daughters, horses, ponies, Minions, dogs, cat and chickens (in no particular order).

Frances is off at Aberdeen today, to hear the results of her MRI scan for her back. Keep your fingers crossed, everyone! Meanwhile, her eldest is bearing the blog burden at the moment, with BeAnne at my side, of course.

I apologise in advance for the lack of perfect photos. I am no photographer and I can’t work Photoshop out on Mum’s computer. Life is too short and so I present to you the Real Thordale!

Today was hot, hot, hot!! BeAnne has been missing Mum (the real blog owner) since she went off to hospital at 5 o’clock in the morning. She found solace on my bed since then…and she snores. 

Earlier today I went to see the minions. I apologise for the lack of photos but I was otherwise distracted…well, you try working a camera while surrounded by adorableness.

Carrots were distributed accordingly.

I was thoroughly loved and I have the bruises to prove it. Silver is becoming much more bold and is the first up whenever I open the gate. He is even starting to become more cheeky (hence the bruises). They are such a friendly bunch and have come such a long way since I first met them.

Meanwhile, someone rolled. And smelled.

Since it was such a beautiful day here at Thordale, I decided to pay another carrot visit to the Big Boys.

They were on top form as always. Taktur and Kappi had the day off since they worked hard yesterday.

I always think the Icelandic horses are so beautiful.

And as a small reminder, even the most beautiful people look silly when they yawn.

And here’s a picture of the perfect Mr Bimble. Very under-appreciated and under-estimated, but the best horse I could ever have.

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Fingers crossed that Mum gets home tonight. Foggy weather is a nightmare over here for the planes.

Our Equine Dentist, Stuart Huggan, paid us a visit today.

First up was Vitamin, Indy’s Mum. She has developed pouches on either side and we wanted them sorted.  She is an older mare so maintenance of her teeth is essential.  She was a good girl.

Then, Fakur, our 23 year old Icelandic horse, who lost weight this winter, was worrying us.  Stuart sorted him out and said, for an older horse, he looked very good.  That cheered us up.  As ever, Fakur was a complete gentleman.

Fakur and Vitamin were removed to my OH’s vegetable garden for safe-keeping.  We then wheeled out Taktur.  As a breeding stallion, who will be assessed and hopefully competed, we needed to know everything was as perfect as it could be.

Stuart is happy to share his knowledge and so both Jo and Daisy made use of this.

Haakon was afterwards.  Now, he can be a bit of a berk when it comes to the dentist.  He is prone to rearing but Stuart knows him and worked with his fears as well as his teeth.

Then Iacs….

and Klængur.

I asked Stuart to look at The Minions.  I am well aware how the lack of nutrition can cause problems.  You only have to look at their feet to see when they started eating properly so I was worried about what effects the winter starvation might have had on their teeth.

They all behaved as well as they could considering and Stuart just made everything perfect, saying they had suffered no previous dental harm.  All good.  I want them set up to be the best they can.

I am off south tomorrow to Aberdeen to see my Spinal Surgeon for a consultation.  I have instructed Daisy to spend as much time as she can hugging The Minions to make up for this afternoon.  She is good at hugging!

I look at this photo and the song “Here Come the Girls” starts playing in my head!

Today is Sunday therefore it is time for The Sunday Brush.  One at a time, each of The Minions had their manes and tails brushed with mane and tail conditioner.  They were much better about it.  Last time Silver had a little hoof-stamping tantrum when I brushed his forelock – he was promptly reminded this was not rocket science and something that was expected of him so he had better get used to hair-dressing pretty pronto.  No tantrums today, just standing and being brushed like good boys on a Sunday morning.

Afterwards, I let them wander around to play and eat.

They were happy enough coming up to talk to us and I think they looked very smart in their new summer coats, with gorgeous flowing hair.

I am very proud of my Minions.  Obviously they are still very young and have good days and bad.  Sometimes I can’t get near them and they rush about being idiots to catch, the next, they are all over me putting on their own head collars..  Silver has his trust issues but he follows the other two easily.  Baby steps really but I think we have come a very long way.

It rained today so I went outside, after riding my two Icelandic horses (one on the hill and one in the school), to take some moody photos of the water droplets on the plants in the garden.

I haven’t got much to say really except I enjoyed experimenting and my feet are wet from traipsing around in the long grass.

Everyone is fed up and soggy.  The smell of wet dog pervades the house and we want the sunshine back please.

Sorry, I am not very chatty today.  I must go and change into some dry clothes.  I am beginning to feel a bit cold now.

On the good side, at least the midges didn’t appear.  That is something.  I loathe the midges.