Tuesday 31 August 2010

The last days of summer

Summer feels as if it's over. This morning the air was cold and smoky, that familiar tang of autumn. The children all return to school next week. I have plans to spend this last week blackberry picking, and jam-making and chutney making, and immersing myself in that wonderfully satisfying feeling of stocking the pantry for the winter.

Even the ponies love foraging in the hedgerows for fruit!
I have held back from posting about Bethan all summer, for fear of'jinxing' things, but I think now is the time to tell the next installment of her story. This summer has been the making of her - since the acupuncture, she has not bucked at all. We have increased her work slowly, and she has been as good as gold. Middle daughter has finally bonded well with her, and they are building a great relationship. Bethan has been to Pony Club rallies,and riding out over the moor, and I have finally trusted her enough in the last couple of weeks to let the girls take her out on their own, riding with friends. She seems happy, and relaxed, distinctly ploddy ( which is good!). The sweetitch takes a little bit of effort to manage, but not too much, and she lives out 24 hours a day. I'm so pleased!

13 comments:

Kath said...

This is fabulous news, you must be very proud of how you have nurtured this lovely pony. I'm sure she will reward you with many years of faithfull service.

Linda said...

Takes me right back to childhood playing on your ponies, happy days. Linda x

Valerianna said...

Yes, summer giving way to fall here, too... and I started teaching LAST week... feels early. Great news about Bethan, really wonderful, and the photo of the berry foraging pony is very sweet! Happy putting up food for winter and change-of-season blessings from over here.

Danielle Barlow said...

Thankyou Kath - I am thrilled with little pony! My big worry is that middle daughter is growing so fast and is already beginning to look too big on her :(

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

I am so looking forward to fall and winter! Our summer has been horrid with all the heat and humidity.

So glad to hear that Bethan is doing well! I know how hard you have worked with her.

Michaela said...

Bethan looks like a great teacher. She'll teach your middle girl a lot before she gets to big to rider her.
:)
Summer here in South Sweden seems to be over too, even though we had a gorgeous day today.
But the nights are getting chilly and the laundry won't dry anymore even though the sun is shining...
Greetings
Michaela

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

oooh, it's so lovely and cool visiting here in Cumbria England... I hope I don't miss the best cool days of autumn in Idaho - my favorite time of year!
- The Equestrian Vagabond

Yarrow said...

Ohmigosh, Bethan looks amazing. I'm sooo happy for you all, she's such a very lucky pony.

I'm doing the same things as you this week. Jam making and stocking up the freezer and store cupboards. Just in case it's a hard winter again!

Windsongs and Wordhoards said...

I love that cheeky pony shot of Bethan grabbing a crafty nibble. She looks such a sweet natured pony, glad it all seems to be all settling down with her - no doubt greatly due to your understanding, kindness and dedication to her well being. Sounds like she couldn't have a nicer home...

Freyalyn said...

I'm so glad for you and Bethan. It's wonderful to hear of ponies that are given patience, love, care and the opportunity to do well rather than just shipped on without even trying. And yes, Autumn is here - I can't wait to be up on Bodmin in a week and a bit, and catch the last bit of summer that's running away from Yorkshire.

Jules said...

Lovely to hear all the good news in such a chaotic world. Seems the patience has paid off for Bethan and she is wiggling her way into your family. She just might become the family sweetheart, some times the little troublesome ones work that way. Wouldn't give up my trouble maker for the world.
keep up the great work

Danielle Barlow said...

Thankyou everyone for your kind thoughts! We are making the most of a sudden burst of sunny weather, and spending our days outside, a jumble of dogs and ponies and kids :)

Blackfeatherfarm said...

Wonderful ! So glad that has worked out finally !

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