Saturday 18th June 2011

Today we covered plaiting! June showed the members how to plait up a mane for a show or hunting, followed by the tail. They were taught how many plaits to do down the horses neck, and how to finish them off into a neat ‘blackberry’ shape. They were instructed on how to do the forelock as well. That is done like the tail but finished of with the ‘Blackberry’ bobble.

All of the members had very good attempts at this. Plaiting up a horse is not an easy thing to do, with the tail and forelock being the hardest parts. It would be much simpler if they didn’t move but……… As we all know, they are living breathing creatures that fidget worse than very young children who are bored just when you need then to be still. There were lots of cries of “I can’t do this” or “ He/She keeps on moving”. I glad to say that everyone persevered and a very passable job was done by all!

Mucking out was done with Jenny and completed so quickly that she had time to show some of the members how to braid with 4 & 8 strands of twine, so definitely a plaiting day!!!

Riding was shared between Jenna & June. June took our newest members and concentrated on getting them balanced & relaxed in the saddle, Ella & Josh have joined pony club right at the beginning of learning to ride, but did extremely well.

Jenna tested the members on their ‘E’ Riding Test and I am glad to say that the following members have passed:- Megan – Abby - Millie T – Alice - Chloe P – Libby – Bailey – Hannah – Eryn – Emily – Ted – Amy – Tam – Jemima – Lorcan – Megan O – Annabella & Cormac

Jenny also informed me that Ella & Josh have passed their grooming badge – Well done to all you guys & gals, you have been absolutely wonderful today.

2 weeks ago, the members covered one of the sections on wild flowers, and we held a small competition with a bean seed, to see who could grow the healthiest plant. In the morning session I am pleased to announce that Chloe P won with the best looking plant. She has already received her prize! The afternoon sessions winner was Jemima, she has yet to receive her prize as she had to leave before they were judged. The prize for the best kept log will be announced at the end of next weekend!