Autumn 2018 Update
Autumn is nearly over, and after a week of cold and wet weather it certainly feels like winter is coming soon.
We’ve been busy with client horses, who are all doing well and will be returning home soon. All but two of the late foals are now weaned, so there have been handling sessions. Working with foals has rewards all of its own as it is so important to lay good foundations for all later work.
We have had visits from a few people, including Mary Torok and some of her family from NZ. Mary owns a gelding by Rev, out of Sidi, and another Rev daughter.
Late summer and autumn saw me starting on a new journey: jousting. Cliff Marisma, accomplished jouster and recently accepted into the Order of the Star, has taken me under his wing as squire and is teaching me to joust. My mounts have been Rev and Cliff’s superstar Paco. Part of learning to joust is wearing armour. With a borrowed harness, I’v been riding as often as possible, not only at home but also out on the trail. This has possibly caused some confusion by passing motorist, but I don’t think I have caused an major disruptions so far… While it is unlikely, that I will be jousting on any of the Icelandic Horses, I see no reason that they shouldn’t be accustomed to armour and weapons, so I am having a load of fun riding some of them in full armour as well. Additionally, I have brough Ramirez back into work. More to come on about jousting soon.
I have also done a little more horse archery, attending a club day with Keldan and participating in a postal match.
There are several skill at arms and archery clinics and competitions coming up in spring, and I working out which ones to attend. I think we’ll have a lot of fun. As I am about to bring several of the mares back into work, I will try to bring a couple more up to being archery mounts and hopefully also be handy for skill at arms. That means winter will be busy!
Photo by Greg Lehey
