Author: Lesley

Hello to everybody,

Life is still throwing challenges at us, there have been changes to the covid restrictions but none that makes it feasible to start group driving.

Mother Nature on the other hand has been in full flow.

For many years we have always had swallows nesting in the stables, rearing their young quite happily amongst the horses comings and goings.

Then for 2 seasons running all the young were lost to the magpies before they even fledged.

Understandably the swallows gave up on the yard and we didn’t see them for 2 years.

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This year one nesting couple returned. They made their nest up on the beam in Ruby’s stable. We have nurtured the 3 young that hatched, we found one tiny little one in the bedding one morning and between us managed to get him back in the nest. A couple of days later we found 2 on the floor. Again they were returned to the nest. In fact we left a ladder in the stable so we could nip them back in quickly, bearing in mind we do have a yard cat! Eventually our babies have escaped the attention of the magpies and have fledged, sitting on the beams and 2 flying today.

Such a small event in the world, but so important to us and the swallows. Hopefully we will see them return next year.

Dear Jim continues his pampered life style. He is looking so well, I really hope our group members will be able to visit soon.

Best wishes

Lesley

I have been out-and-about looking after Jim. I thought I’d let Jim tell his story of what he’d been doing during Lockdown, (see below).





While I was going around the yard I spotted signs and sounds of summer with swallows nesting in Rubie’s stable.

“Hello to my adoring fans, I hope you are all well and looking forward to seeing me again.

My human slave mentioned that I had been furloughed. That caused my ears to prick! Was I now to be racing at the local track? Apparently I was thinking of furlongs, it would seem that the world is in a bit of a pickle and I wouldn’t be driving with my group. Well, that didn’t last long. Human slave decided that I must continue to drive in the field, it has been fun, we have done cones, and I can turn my hooves to a figure of eight and a straight reinback.

Then one day the riding tack appears! It would seem that as I am so marvellous a young lady who has grown out of her pony has come to see me.

Now this is fun; I am totally being fussed over; there are even more kisses and cuddles. I have been hacking through the woods going out with those dopey Welsh Cobs. I still go in the carriage, apparently to keep me ‘ticking over’ as the human slave is keen on this, and I am happy to oblige.

My new girl slave is called Jess and she and her Mum entered me in a riding dressage competition. We all know how much I love a competition, especially when I win.

Perhaps you can all see me performing.

As you can see I am in a very happy place, but I miss you all.

Roll on when we all meet again.”

Jim

While I was checking on the Group’s bits and bobs stored prior to lockdown I found somebody who’d made himself very comfortable on the benches!