A little scary

buying a puppy off trade me without first having seen it.

I'm afraid it was one of those impulse things; not even the breed I had been hanging out to get (powder-puff).

I just thought it looked incredibly cute in the photos; like a wee tiny teddy bear. Funny enough, I found none of the rest of the litter appealing at all, and in addition although I had planned on getting a small dog, I hadnt intended to get a Very small one - or a male!

Hopefully I will find him just as appealing in real life.

Knowing the old ugly duckling story though, it will probably be that the less attractive of the litter will turn out to be nice looking adults, and my wee boy will be the 'less attractive'.

Oh well, just crossing fingers he will fit into the household ok, although I am sure there will be some jealousy issues to work through initially.

Ummm; it was also licence to go on a shopping spree....as well as puppy food, there is a snuggly cosy bed, a new collar and lead, and of course the obligatory toys. (All hidden from the other half at this point in time, until he meets the new acquisition, of which he is - for now- totally unaware)

Winter SJ - 21.06.09

I have a sneaking suspicion that the grass may be causing a few problems in both my lads.

WEC had a member's practice SJ yesterday at which the new jumps were unvailed. Some great fillers, two walls; one red brick type filler, and the other a grey castle with turrets, sign written fillers, and YAY, a liverpool.

Well, Willie was a demented flea. Spooking and carrying on at even the wee little x rail warm up, then dancing around all over the place.

He was very difficult to ride in both his rounds, taking a hold and charging at the fences, only to spook and prop before doing a hideous jump....although he elected not to jump the liverpool, preferring to dump me in it, and breaking his reins. Tied a knot in them and got back on, at which time he went doolally, spinning round and round in circles, before I managed to calm him down, jump the liverpool (badly) and carry on.

However, having been given magnesium on Saturday night, he was a different horse for the Kaurilands winter series. Keen and forward, but not at all spooky....basically he was great to ride, and apart from a lazy rail jumped well.

Couldnt figure out why my knees were sorer than usual however, till later that evening I realised I had some rather large bruises, no doubt from my intimate meeting with Mr Liverpool the previous day.

However, all in all pleased with how he went on Sunday.

Hoping to have photos to post, as there were photographers clicking away.

Kaurilands Dressage 07.06.09 Day Two

Lovely weather, and Willie was very well behaved.

Given my tendency to avoid doing much flat work at home, he did very well to come away with a pretty pink rosette for a fifth place in his 2.1 test with 62.5%

Scored about mid field in the 2.4 test with 53.07%

It's a tough life

Willie is in 'ticking over' type work at the moment, with priority given to Sampson for riding. I am sure Willie is happy just being ridden several times each week (he's certainly full of it when he is ridden!).

But with these lovely sunny days (wish they would last all Winter) the boys simply enjoy lazing in the sun.
At one stage Sampson was completely flat out, so obviously very stressed in his environment ;)