While the cat's away the ponies will play

So, like everyone else it seems, I have been struggling with a VERY nasty cold over the last 3 weeks which has made me feel sans umph which is most unlike me. (Don't really get the opportunity with 4 ponies, 3 horses, cat dog hubby and 2 children!).
I'm afraid I've let me normal pony regime slip somewhat ie they've been allowed to stay out 24/7 rather than being under enforced stable curfew at night! This simply meant I didn't have to muck out all the stables!
What a bad idea-one particularly clever pony is able to get into my heavily guarded hay shed and either spends all day in there muching and mess-making OR her latest trick is to pull a bale of hay (weighing around 25KGs) through the barricade and into the field where she can munch outdoors.
Well, you may think that this is a help to me. NO NO NO. All it means is that the little monsters eat far too much hay than is good for them!
Well I'm almost back to what is normal for me! and ready to tackle those munchers. That's their belated Christmas over indulgence done for the year, now time to return to their diet regime!
Watch out ponies, I'm back!!

Come and see our new party pony, Maisie

Finally got round to taking a photo of a rather muddy Maisie.

She's looking very content as she and Jinny 'escaped' from the area they were supposed to be in as it obviously didn't have enough grass in it and the pair of them have been happily munching the VERY long grass in the out of bounds area!
Maisie is only around 30" tall and is an 8 year old, Miniature Shetland mare (girl pony).
She'll be assisting with pony experiences and pony parties for both tiny tots and teens plus she'll partner with adults on our corporate team building and leadership courses.
As we've done with all our ponies, Maisie will undergo some induction training with my daughter and friends before she's let lose on our visitors!

Blacksmith just been to trim ponies feet

Why does it have to rain just at the point you need to be outside?
Blacksmith arrived at the same time as the rain.
Anyway all the ponies have had their feet trimmed which will do them for another 4 months or so.
If you don't keep on top of it, their hooves grow unevenly which can cause strain on various parts of the leg/foot causing lameness.
At least they don't have shoes on (as they're not ridden much on the road)-then they'd have to be shod approx every 8 weeks plus shoeing is over 3x the cost of a trim.
It all gets rather expensive!

Enchanting, bespoke, luxury children's parties now available

I've just added the ultimate 'Perfect Pony Party' at Cheshire Pony Parties -THE most enchanting, bespoke childrens party for the most discerning of parents.
The parties are designed to be all inclusive, covering party food, cake, party bags, transport to and from our idyllic orchard, gift for birthday child, hot drinks for parents oh and the ponies and my team's wealth of experience and knowledge of horses/ponies.
All our party guests are treated as individuals so everyone goes home with wonderful memories to cherish.
We haven't forgotten the adults either with inside and outside seating, complimentary hot drinks and a variety of publications to read whilst not on photography duty!
Our current, standard parties are loved by both children and parents-just imagine your child's Perfect Pony Party.'Take a peek here