40 Things for 40

I guess I am only writing this for me, it feels only right to mention this day, as I commented on his passing. Tim’s service was very moving, and although there was a small number who attended, the pain of his loss mingled with the joy of knowing him was keenly felt by all who where there. The day was warm, and sunny with lots of fluffy white clouds. I’m not even sure Tim could have complained about the weather. The casket was carried by his brothers and nephew to the area where the ceremony was held to Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”. His brothers and a close friend spoke, and messages were read out by those who could not be there. During the service, the song “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/ Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was played. As the singing started, the sun broke through a cloud and lit up the area where we all were stood. Afterwards, there were a couple more readings and then it was time to take Tim to his final resting place, again this was to “Hurt”. He was carried rou...

This is probably one of the hardest blog entries I have ever had to write. Tim first appeared in our lives when we moved the lighting kit to a new warehouse in 2010, another work aquantence of Simon suggested this pleace, with the added bouns of him and Tim avaliable for labour, and sharing costs with another company. Things didn't quite go to plan, and when the other director in ES wanted to sell out to the director of the cpmp[any, we almost lost the business. Tim was able to persuade a friend of his to buy the other director out (well almost) and we found our current warehouse and moved here in 2011. I'm not going to lie, I didn't always get on with Tim, he could be a grumpy, miserable sod and was slow and methodical to a fault (I worked with him on site once -  a 4 hour job took 12!). I may have mentioned having the urge to beat him to death with cable ties once or twice. On the other hand, he looked after Simon, used to have a ritual of taking Blue for a walk when ...

So I was down early to hay/ feed the horses and decided to ride before going to work. Let the horses have hay first so did some poo picking and sorted dogs out first. Wearing HKM Azure Got horses in and gave them a groom then tacked up Matti. Despite using copious amounts of fly spray, he was being irritated by the little blighters so we quickly settled into trot and that seemed to keep them away. As with yesterday, my main aim was to get Matti soft and rounder while maintaining a steady rythym. Although the rythym still needs a bit of work, he was certainly getting the hang of round and softening. He sometimes loses it and then gets very heavy on my hands, but it is early days and more work should help with this (lessons too, but that's a different subject). As he worked so well in trot, his 'reward' was a little canter. I was shocked (in a good way) that he was able to keep a lower outline rather than his 'stargazer' look. Again he lost some balance and g...

Was working from home today so went down to the yard early(ish) to do the horses and dogs. Brought Amber and Matti in and rode them each for 30 minutes in the school. Matti was first and while warming up I was happy that he was relaxed and in a low outline without a contact. I'm working on this in the trot as normally he either rushes and breaks into canter or goes so slower than his walk. Today he showed some moments of good balance and he even lowered his head carriage, relaxed and worked in a proper outline. I could feel his back come up and he was carrying himself properly, it was one of those eureka moments for sure! And, if that wasn't enough, I also put his bridle on without having to undo the headpeice. I still undid the bit on one side, but was able to pop the bridle over his ears without him having a melt-down (I used the same technique I have for putting his fly fringe on). I still untied him while I did it, just to be on the safe side! Next was Amber, who w...

It doesn't sem that long ago that we were preparing for pony camp last year, and yet, here we were again, making the finishing touches for this year. Once again Simon was able to get us a marquee, so we got that put up on Thursday evening and moved tables and chairs over. Friday was spent cleaning, moving equipment, raking the school and poo picking. We had an hour or so of watching the rain beat down with thunder rumbling away. Well, apart from Simon as he decided to start putting the tents up as it started to rain. Once the rain had stopped we got the other tent ready. Then it was time for dinner (pasta and bolognaise), Marquee decided that he wanted to share with Lisa and Sue: Afterwards we got the horses in for the first 'event', a twilight hack. I rode Matti and Mum rode Amber (who was pretty much sound). Both were very good, although I did have to keep Matti at the front so he didn't have a chance to get wound up. Mum really enjoyed riding Amber. We ...