We can only hope that this Tuesday the Ballina races will be on - rain notwithstanding!
Some people say that "poor old Maz" is forever having bad luck with barriers and the weather. Well, I guess when you have your horse trained in the winter, you are going to get inclement weather, especially on the Northern Rivers of NSW. As for the bad barriers? Well, Phil must of done something to the steward because drawing barrier 18 of 18 is really sad.
Still, the show needs to go on for our boy who is desperate for a run and is jumping out of his skin according to Phil.
I've had a good spell in the paddock over the last week with the weather forcing me to stay inside and take it easy - there is always plenty of work to be done outside, however, on those really low days when the temperature doesnt get higher than 4, you only go outside on a "needs to" basis. Not to mention Evan saying, "No you stay inside and keep warm" - I dont need to be forced!
Still, its back to work on Monday ... its amazing how quickly a week goes when you want it to crawl like a working week!
All residents are looking particulary charming today with the look being "woolly overcoat with mud highlights".
I went for a walk down among the equines this morning while the sun was out, in between the 15 loads of washing that has backed up during the bad weather and stopped at Daisy and Trixie.
I have come to the conclusion that Daisy is a "work in progress" and is really an ugly duckling just waiting to become the beautiful swan. Hmm. It's a pity that her personality isnt a work in progress - where she gets it from, I have no idea as Maddey is the loveliest tempered mare on the property. As far as I have been told, her father is a sook so where her temperament comes from beats me.
Miss Trixie, while the owner of a very thick woolly black jacket, has sweetened and loves to come up for some attention and a rub and scratch just behind her left ear.
With the fine weather it was time for me to worm the older ladies, Pip and Gossy. After locking the canines away, I thought it would be an easy job.... think again.
Pip, as usual was Pip and just stood there and let me worm her. I could hear her thinking, "I know you are only coming up to me on the pretense of a hug and warm fuzzy cuddles but I know, I just know what's in your back pocket." As soon as I had wormed her, given her another cuddle and took the halter off her, she looked at me, raised her head and showed her teeth as if she was giving me a bad smile.
"See I knew what you were going to do and now Iam going to make a scene, give a little whiny and get Gossy to get moving so you cant catch her!!!"
And so the dance with Gossy started.
Both girls moved off together, zigging and zagging with Pip pushing Gossy on. I stood there and just watched the girls.
One thing I have learned from Monty Roberts and thats catching a horse in the paddock that doesnt want to be caught.
So I played the game, zigged when Gossy zagged until she mustered up enough energy with that humungous stomach of hers and cantered off.
"Fine Gossy" I yelled. "You do all the running and huffing and puffing and Ill just quietly walk on up to you when you both settle".
Both girls ran to the other end of the paddock where they were surrounded by steel fence on 2 sides. Gossy was avidly watching me - I was just quietly walking up to the mischievous ladies. I could tell that the game was not over yet. Time for me to let Gossy do a bit more running around!
Im standing behind her but still metres away and I moved towards her off side which pushed her to the near. I moved to the near and she moved back to the off.
She turned around and trotted past me. Fine I thought - your energy not mine. I could tell that she had had enough silly buggars by now and just stood still while I approached her on the near.
"Are we done yet Gossy?"
She snorted.
Game over!
Im sitting here in the study and have Bessie Merle in the heater (ready to combust). The Pikey man is now curled up in a little ball under the desk (no mean feat!) and young Ruby must sit on my lap.
Now if you have been watching how the puppies have been growing on the other blog (Massie Lodge - Dog City), you will know that Doc is now much bigger than Bessie Merle and Ruby, while only small by standard has grown enough that we cant pick her up! In other words, more than a lap full but for some reason she doesnt know it! For those of you who remember my Liver Curly Coated Retriever, Lancey, Doc is likened to him - around the same size and a very sweet temperament.
I have been asked a few times about the other blog. In essence, its just a blog for me and for those that enjoy to see pictures of the Massie Lodge dogs with a few pics of Evan and I thrown in. I guess its like my "baby brag book" ...
Next week sees the return of Adam the farrier - hopefully if it drys up abit.
Saturday Night returns as "Experiment Cooking Night" in the kitchen where Iam going to have a go at Veal Marsala. I havent poisoned Evan yet so we are going well!!
Hopefully if the weather is kind Ill step outside tomorrow and take some photos.
Enough rambing!
Life is good. Enjoy!
Some people say that "poor old Maz" is forever having bad luck with barriers and the weather. Well, I guess when you have your horse trained in the winter, you are going to get inclement weather, especially on the Northern Rivers of NSW. As for the bad barriers? Well, Phil must of done something to the steward because drawing barrier 18 of 18 is really sad.
Still, the show needs to go on for our boy who is desperate for a run and is jumping out of his skin according to Phil.
I've had a good spell in the paddock over the last week with the weather forcing me to stay inside and take it easy - there is always plenty of work to be done outside, however, on those really low days when the temperature doesnt get higher than 4, you only go outside on a "needs to" basis. Not to mention Evan saying, "No you stay inside and keep warm" - I dont need to be forced!
Still, its back to work on Monday ... its amazing how quickly a week goes when you want it to crawl like a working week!
All residents are looking particulary charming today with the look being "woolly overcoat with mud highlights".
I went for a walk down among the equines this morning while the sun was out, in between the 15 loads of washing that has backed up during the bad weather and stopped at Daisy and Trixie.
I have come to the conclusion that Daisy is a "work in progress" and is really an ugly duckling just waiting to become the beautiful swan. Hmm. It's a pity that her personality isnt a work in progress - where she gets it from, I have no idea as Maddey is the loveliest tempered mare on the property. As far as I have been told, her father is a sook so where her temperament comes from beats me.
Miss Trixie, while the owner of a very thick woolly black jacket, has sweetened and loves to come up for some attention and a rub and scratch just behind her left ear.
With the fine weather it was time for me to worm the older ladies, Pip and Gossy. After locking the canines away, I thought it would be an easy job.... think again.
Pip, as usual was Pip and just stood there and let me worm her. I could hear her thinking, "I know you are only coming up to me on the pretense of a hug and warm fuzzy cuddles but I know, I just know what's in your back pocket." As soon as I had wormed her, given her another cuddle and took the halter off her, she looked at me, raised her head and showed her teeth as if she was giving me a bad smile.
"See I knew what you were going to do and now Iam going to make a scene, give a little whiny and get Gossy to get moving so you cant catch her!!!"
And so the dance with Gossy started.
Both girls moved off together, zigging and zagging with Pip pushing Gossy on. I stood there and just watched the girls.
One thing I have learned from Monty Roberts and thats catching a horse in the paddock that doesnt want to be caught.
So I played the game, zigged when Gossy zagged until she mustered up enough energy with that humungous stomach of hers and cantered off.
"Fine Gossy" I yelled. "You do all the running and huffing and puffing and Ill just quietly walk on up to you when you both settle".
Both girls ran to the other end of the paddock where they were surrounded by steel fence on 2 sides. Gossy was avidly watching me - I was just quietly walking up to the mischievous ladies. I could tell that the game was not over yet. Time for me to let Gossy do a bit more running around!
Im standing behind her but still metres away and I moved towards her off side which pushed her to the near. I moved to the near and she moved back to the off.
She turned around and trotted past me. Fine I thought - your energy not mine. I could tell that she had had enough silly buggars by now and just stood still while I approached her on the near.
"Are we done yet Gossy?"
She snorted.
Game over!
Im sitting here in the study and have Bessie Merle in the heater (ready to combust). The Pikey man is now curled up in a little ball under the desk (no mean feat!) and young Ruby must sit on my lap.
Now if you have been watching how the puppies have been growing on the other blog (Massie Lodge - Dog City), you will know that Doc is now much bigger than Bessie Merle and Ruby, while only small by standard has grown enough that we cant pick her up! In other words, more than a lap full but for some reason she doesnt know it! For those of you who remember my Liver Curly Coated Retriever, Lancey, Doc is likened to him - around the same size and a very sweet temperament.
I have been asked a few times about the other blog. In essence, its just a blog for me and for those that enjoy to see pictures of the Massie Lodge dogs with a few pics of Evan and I thrown in. I guess its like my "baby brag book" ...
Next week sees the return of Adam the farrier - hopefully if it drys up abit.
Saturday Night returns as "Experiment Cooking Night" in the kitchen where Iam going to have a go at Veal Marsala. I havent poisoned Evan yet so we are going well!!
Hopefully if the weather is kind Ill step outside tomorrow and take some photos.
Enough rambing!
Life is good. Enjoy!
