Narramorehorses

Absolutely delighted to recieve this pic earlier

2009-06-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is Venue, a three year old by Harpers Bornival ex an ID x TB mare.
She was exquisite as a foal, and has grown into a lovely type of horse, the owner assures me her temperament is second to none and she can't wait to start riding her.
I love getting updates from people who have bought our homebreds, it makes breeding them so worthwhile..

Venus

2009-06-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Still at the chewing stage, probably tastes horrible!

2009-06-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

William with his sire in the background.

2009-06-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

William

2009-06-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

For those who remember, this chap got joint ill and ecoli125 as a foal, and very nearly died. His vet's bill stood us at £3400, so it's a good job he's making up into a lovely sort.
He's two now, not cut yet and still a bit bum high, but is aimed at an eventing career, he floats like his Dad paces-wise and has the most effortless enormous jump when loose schooled.
C wanted to take him to the Futurity but I don't think it's a good idea until they sort it out, if the new rule comes in stock like him will not be able to enter within a couple of years anyway, how can they say this isn't a horse worth grading?

Chocolate at Bicton ODE June 2009.

2009-06-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

He loves his jumping! Just look at that expression on his face...

SJ at Bicton ODE June 2009

2009-06-21T14:23:00.001-07:00

Harpers Bornival Bicton ODE June 2009.

2009-06-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Caroline had entered Zenester her young mare into a local ODE at Bicton, it's run over their newly built course but when she walked it yesterday she decided it was too much too soon for a horse that had only gone XC once. There were drops into water, tight turns etc , so she withdrew and asked if the could enter Chocolate in the Open Class instead.
So this morning they set off for an unexpected competition.
It was horribly hot but he did a lovely test for a 30, and went straight into the lead.
The SJ was causing lots of problems, and C put him totally wrong into the planks, he made a valient effort but was just too far off to clear them, he then panicked a bit thinking he had been naughty touching a jump, and had the back pole off the next fence too.
She set off XC round a pretty testing course, it was between 3' 3" and 3' 6" and is intended to be the BE course for their proper event, all newly built beautifully constructed fences but some difficult steps and a roll top into the water etc, so a fair test for an Open Class.
Chocolate loved it, as you can see from the pics, in the first pic above he had just cleared the fence behind into one fo the water complexes, and found nothing troubled him on the course.
Despite the two fences SJ they were clear winners, so a good day out if unplanned.
She will take Zenester to a lower key event, she is such a bold mare it would be a shame to frighten her, and I think Chocx enjoyed his day out. He was much admired and it never does any harm to win locally, it all helps sell your youngstock.

Milo is just so cute..

2009-06-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

But I need to get topping those thistles, they are huge this year!

Dennis

2009-06-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Not amused at his sleep being disturbed!

Prince

2009-06-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Prince was abandoned by his ladyfriend because the horseflies were awful this afternoon, I am going to have to use Spot On again to give them some relief. Wisely she went inside the barn where they stay out.

Callisto aged three

2009-06-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

In the background Leo last year's foal . Tom as he is known will start being handled soon and brought in from the main herd to begin lunging. It's not going to be easy, he and his brother Oberon seem joined at the hip.. Luckily the Deer Park fence is 8 feet high and not easy to escape from, so Obie will just have to be upset..

Three Chocolate youngsters.

2009-06-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

These are some I would have considered entering for the Futurity had the organisers not been so self important re the whole event. They refuse to say who the evaluators are, refuse to give prize money etc but expect entry fees of £50 a horse!
No, I'll keep on breeding nice horses who people enjoy owning, I don't need a load of so called "experts" to tell me if they are any good, the proof is when people contact you to buy another one after their first purchase...Far better than a certificate saying they "might" have potential!

Galaxy a three year old by Chocolate

2009-06-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Can't decide

2009-06-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Whether to sell him or not, I like him my daughter and husband prefer the other two.. By My O My he is bold as brass and going to make 16.2 hh at least. (end up grey I think)

Milo (My O Silver)

2009-06-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

It's impossible to get through his feild without being investigated, this was taken from the car before we made a swift exit..

Harpers Bornival during his first attempt at a Novice.

2009-06-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Chocx and Caroline competed in the Novice class at West Wilts yesterday, it's a long way from here but the course has a good reputation of being fair but technical.
As you can see the course wasn't any problem for him, he isn't too keen on skinnies but has learned he has to jump them regardless.
His dressage score was 30.5, a fair mark according to his rider, he then jumped a clear round SJ, and started the XC knowing they had to go fast and clear for a place as the competition in that class was stiff.
He didn't seem phased by the bigger fences and finished clear but with 4 time penalties, most others in that section also had them, but C was worried about going too fast and getting in trouble!
They finished a very creditable 7th place, which is what we try to aim for, being constistantly in the placings proving you aren't overfacing the horse or rider. (plus the family aim is always to win, so we don't compete unless we feel we have a real chance of doing that!)
Now the aim is to get round a few more Novices in similar fashion but higher places...
Jack (Final Matinee) had his legs scanned yesterday, he was a little unsound after his last event and we felt it was sensible to ensure there were no hidden hot spots, the vet assured us he was perfect, and it was reassuring to hear from the back man in the afternoon that he had found some tightness in his shoulders, possibly caused when he whacked a XC fence , that was likely to have been the cause.
Once upon a time I would have scoffed at being so meticulous re an injury, but when eventing costs so much it makes sense to try and keep a horse in tip top condition, now we can resume his fittening knowing he should be ok.
He and Chocolate compete at Stonar next.
I was looking at our three year olds yesterday and have to say they are stunning..
Callisto is likely to stay as my husband's horse, he looks rather like Jezebel his full sister who we lost last year, but taller and slightly classier . Galaxy and Oberon really do look super, and if not sold before autumn will start being backed and ridded out, I was amazed how much taller all of the baby horses have suddenly become, it was like being surrounded by full grown horses!
Solstice a four year old we sold is also about to be started, pics will appear on here of her progress.
Also about to be started is Isabella, being an orphan foal she isn't huge, but very elegant and so ready to do things, C will back her and then advertise her, she thinks she will be a super child's eventer.
Hope you enjoyed the pics and report, next report will likely be a BD, Choc went and did some classes last weekend bringing home a rosette from each one, I'll add the pics when I find them!

Kapow!

2009-06-18T05:32:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not there is a hidden ditch here, whoch is why he appears to be leaping in mid air...!

Caroline and Chocx

2009-06-18T05:31:00.001-07:00

I think he enjoys the bigger course much better, something to get his teeth into!

Caroline and Chocolate West Wilts.

2009-06-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Isabella

2009-06-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Izzie was our orphan foal, she's now 4 and about to be started then sold. She isn't very big (around 14.2 hh ) but should make a cracking event pony for someone.

This is the cheap broodmare we bought

2009-06-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Annoyingly she hasn't come in season yet, so may end up being jabbed.

I'll just have a little stretch before a drink...

2009-06-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

As yet un-named possibly Humbug colt on day two.

Jumpjet

2009-06-14T10:40:00.001-07:00

Jumpjet

2009-06-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

He's got a little hernia which will need operating on come the autumn, but already has a cresty neck and a good bum.

Harmony's colt at day two

2009-06-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

He's slept a lot today, but seems happy enough.

Milo, his legs have straightened up no end.

2009-06-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Naughty Milo...

2009-06-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Izzie had her headcollar left on by mistake so he made a beeline for it...

No not horses

2009-06-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

but this year has been so good for the roses as the song says...
The pink one is James Galway David Austen rose, sort of powdery scent but looks good.

Harmony's colt.

2009-06-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

As yet unamed but wow what a lovely chap! (by Harpers Bornival)

Harmony's foal

2009-06-13T12:03:00.001-07:00

As yet unamed!

2009-06-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Moreton 2 BE June 2009

2009-06-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Caroline and Chocolate set off this morning for Moreton Dorset, a couple of hours' drive away. It's a wonderful drive along the Dorset coast, and C said she had moments of admiring the view of the sea in the sunshine.
This is the first time she has evented on her own, but as I am coughing my head off still from a chest infection and our next door neighbours were also going to be there it was best I stayed put.
Chocolate did a nice test for a 32 dressage, putting him in third place before the SJ.
Now lately he's been doing PNP which is Novice height courses, so he wasn't too impressed by what appeared to be a smallish course, he knocked a pole off the first jump whereon he got a smart reminder to wake up, and after that jumped clear.
The XC was fine, in the pic he looks slightly scruffy, but apparently C had been taking his plaits out and only got half done before having to get ready! She's also changed her XC colours slightly, the hot weather called for a thinner material.
They ended up 4th, which she didn't discover until she arrived home, it's a long drive and there are other horses to do when she gets back, so the Prize giving had to be missed for once.
Next outing is Novice at West Wilts, which should suit Chocx better, then Winkleigh for both horses.
I've decided to add a bit more info to each blog eventing pic, and I hope you enjoy that.

Gyp loves any sort of vehicle.

2009-06-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

here she is accompanying Caroline to Mole Valley, it is getting more difficult for her to get in and out (we suspect she's around 14 years old now) but as you can see, she's loving every minute.

Jack mid test Pontispool BE100+

2009-06-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

There be dragons in that ditch!

2009-06-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

First XC fence Pontispool

2009-06-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Chocolate SJ Pontispool

2009-06-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

Jack BE100+ Pontispool

2009-06-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

Jack mid test Pontispool

2009-06-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Does this look like a 40 mark test to you? !!

Jack Pontipsool 2009

2009-05-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

Not a good day, he bucked in the dressage phase,he had three jumps down SJ and lamed himself XC on a stone.. (he did jump the larger fences ok though!)

Chocolate PNP Pontispool

2009-05-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

He came 8th despite a fence down and time faults.

CCJ and G sneaking on the cruise ship..

2009-05-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Transformation windswept to glamour!

2009-05-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Even eventers get dressed up sometimes!

2009-05-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

Formal night Queen Victoria Cruise

2009-05-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

My sons..

2009-05-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not they're twins, though totally different in character.
I don't think I've seen both so tidy for years!

Amazingly colourful lilac..

2009-05-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Norway was around the same stage of summer as us but colder..

Waterfall

2009-05-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

The North Sea at sunset..

2009-05-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Mr Henryhorn attempting to look posh...

2009-05-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

A cabin (sorry stateroom) with a view...

2009-05-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Geraingerfiord

2009-05-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Look at the centre, that white strip is fast flowing water! (click to see closer)

Narrow gap, huge ship approaching

2009-05-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Gerainger ford

2009-05-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

this is melting snow cascading hundreds of feet into the fiord.

Fish and friends...

2009-05-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

They haven't come out very well but there were thousands of jellyfish, even ones like boiled eggs in this water just behind the harbour, it would put me off swimming..

Alesund Norway

2009-05-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

Alesund, Norway

2009-05-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

me, late night after quite a few cocktails!

2009-05-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Stockland Lovell 2009

2009-05-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

He came fifth

Sitting on my coat this was my view.

2009-05-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Come and walk the farm with me, and enjoy the views, the flowers and the naughty horses...!

We don't touch the trees just allow them free rein.

2009-05-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Inside the wood

2009-05-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

orchids..

2009-05-12T08:15:00.001-07:00

Part of the nature reserve.

2009-05-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

For a time the entire woods are filled with primroses, slowly supplanted by bluebells

2009-05-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

I think this is wild borage?

2009-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

The lanes are lined with bluebells, this blue flower, pink campion and something white, it's the most beautiful time of year in Devon..

We have lots of orchids

2009-05-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

We have bluebells!

2009-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

We keep around 6 acres as a nature reserve, and only spray the bracken.
The bluebells aren't quite out but the scent is still wonderful.

They've spotted the dog...

2009-05-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

OOO A camera...me first!

2009-05-12T08:08:00.001-07:00

Raff who can't be bothered dog chasing!

2009-05-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Galaxy and Robin dog watching..

2009-05-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

Galaxy aged 3, for sale...

2009-05-12T08:06:00.001-07:00

I spy with my little eye

2009-05-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

That big puffball of a retriever, just the right size for chasing!

Naughty horses..

2009-05-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

They were planning how to get the other side of the deer park fence to chase my dog..They suddenly all shot off up the hill, went through a paddock and galloped down to the gate so they could try and chase him. Unluckily for them, I waved my coat at them and kept a firm hold on his collar..

Callisto and Oberon

2009-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm quite pleased with how these youngsters are looking.

2009-05-12T08:02:00.001-07:00

Oberon, Solstice and Callisto

2009-05-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Yearling by Chocolate, will make over 16 hh

2009-05-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

(for sale !)

Lucia

2009-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

This four year old isn't very big (around 15 hh) and has a blemish on her leg from when she decided to jump a massive metal gate to rejoin the herd as a two year old. She is incredibly sweet, once she trusts you she's super, and will be having a trim and then get advertised within the next two weeks. She's by Chocx ex one of the chesnut mares Jenny. (all by that mare compete successfully)
If you are interested she will be £1250 to a nice home.

Condisdering Chocx isn't chunky, he throws some bone!

2009-05-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

Five Chocolate youngsters.

2009-05-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

From the left, four year old behind a three year old, last year's foal behind, four year old fillies both about to be broken.

Wind under their tails!

2009-05-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

The young herd

Me? Dig for rabbits? Never!

2009-05-12T07:53:00.001-07:00

Happiness is being an utterly disgusting dog..

2009-05-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine what the frog can smell of, it's brass!

2009-05-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

Mini orchard

2009-05-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

I planted around 10 trees here and on a grassy area along the drive, hoping to grow my own fruit. Last year the grubs got in them and they didn't grow big enough, this time I have banded them and hope for some fruit big enough to eat!
I also grow peaches, raspberries, cherries, redcurrants, strawberries and have a tiny plastic greenhouse with tomatoes, cucumber and runner beans. At this point I should confess the squirrels eat the cherries and redcurrants every damn year despite netting both.

Bee wall summer 2009

2009-05-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

We have all these holes due to a species of bee that lives in the old cob wall.

Garden pond summer 2009

2009-05-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

Garden summer 2009

2009-05-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Peepo!

2009-05-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dennis playing hide and seek.

Milo

2009-05-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Considering his dam was in really lousy condition he's gaining weight nicely, by the end of the summer he should be a round little foal.

Dennis

2009-05-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Milo, legs like a spider!

2009-05-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dennis

2009-05-10T08:29:00.001-07:00

Just because I liked the view...

2009-05-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is actually the opposite side of the valley where we live, between us and there is a deep valley, fields then a road and river in the bottom. Sometimes you can hear traffic but rarely.

Hello, what do you want?

2009-05-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Milo a couple of weeks' old.

2009-05-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Dennis a couple of weeks' old.

2009-05-10T08:25:00.000-07:00