Achnacarry & Craigiebrig Highland Pony Stud
9th December 2005
This is me.....Jean....it used to be me asking Tim to put photos
on the web......now I had to put the new ones below on as Tim has had a blind spot, I think and just couldn't get them on. Anyway they're on now and it will be soon be time to put more on. I am still waiting for my Tiffany page as I am not sure how to do that! Both Tiffany and her puppies are very well and the pups are growing like weeds! I was going to supplement the puppies but instead I have fed Tiffany the best of everything and lots of it and she is managing to feed her brood and keep herself reasonably well too. She is going out for walks now for around 20 minutes as she trusts the other animals in the house and is quite happy to leave them in charge of her puppies!So far we have homes for 8 possibly 9 of the pups and that was without
trying!! I have no doubt we shall find homes for the remaining two. Meanwhile I shall have my work cut out in the next week or two when I wean them. They are great fun and real time wasters.As far as the ponies are concerned they are all well apart from Mhairi
whom I found hopping lame today in one of her hind legs. Her hoofs don't seem to be hot so perhaps she has had a kick from someone. I brought her into the barn and she will stay there overnight and we'll see how she is in the morning.Tomorrow we are taking Xanthe and Rowan over to Lochieheads, the farm
where the local Nativity Play is performed. We have lent the ponies to them for at least 6 years and I am always in attendance. However this year I am letting someone else do the work as I shall have enough to do here!! Mhairi was also supposed to go too but unless she recovers it may have to be Skye!! That could be interesting as she has never "performed" before and like her master she doesn't have any patience! The Play is great and if any of you out there haven't been you should go.The foals are coming in soon to be weaned now that Tiffy has had her
puppies. We have sold Fearchas to a very nice family from the West and he will join them towards the end of January.My immediate job is to try and do my Christmas Shopping!!!
Until the next time........
8th December 2005
Sorry I am having great difficulties getting the photos to work.Tim.
6th December 2005
A quick update regarding Tiffany's puppies. Unfortunately we lost one of the
puppies on Tues 29th. Probably Tiff lay on her, hardly surprising with that
size of litter. It is one of those things. Anyway puppies are thriving, they
have doubled in size in a week. Tiff is doing them very well and is now
eating like a horse. It took a bit of time. She is on a luxury diet chicken,
meat, scrambled egg, cheese, goats milk and fish. A few more photos are
shown below. All the ponies are well. Skye returns from Manchester on Friday.
Somehow we must keep riding her and not let her get so fat again.
26th November 2005
In haste. It has been one of those days after yesterdays snow which
thankfully has gone. Getting into Perth via Gateside yesterday morning was
interesting to say the least!
Anyway Tiffany started to whelp at 1500hrs today and now at 2300hrs we hope
has stopped! Believe it or not she has 12 pups. 9 dogs and three bitches
the poor little thing is knackered! Hardly surprising. The last bitch (12th)is
a little iffy at the moment. How on earth does she feed 12 puppies? Tim
22nd November 2005
Time for an update.
As usual we seem to have had plenty to do.
On Saturday, 5th November we had a great evening at Scott's leaving
party. It was held at Ballinton and there were lots of "worthies" there. Scott did us all proud. We had a firework display, champagne when we arrived,wine and good food. Willie Simpson was playing with his band and a good time was had by all. We were entertained during the band's break by an old friend of Scott who was an expert story teller in poetry form. He spoke in broad Scots and was great fun. Although Tim and I didn't arrive home before 2.30am we heard that the party went on until the wee small hours. It was a fine tribute to Scott to see all his friends there and we wish him all the best in the future.The following weekend saw us up at Nairn in the Newton Hotel at the
Highland Pony Society's Annual Dinner Dance. Tim and I went up on the Friday and stayed the two nights. It gave us time to socialise before and after the dance. Once again it was an excellent evening, good food, good company and good music.
The following day we were invited to Sally Leslie-Melville's home to have
lunch with herself and Alan along with several others. Needless-to-say we saw her ponies and foals when we were there so that rounded up a very enjoyable weekend.
With us it is always a famine or a feast!!
The following week we were off down to Pennistone in Yorkshire
to stay with Alison Payne. It was time for the AGM of the HPEC of which Tim is Treasurer. We travelled down on the Thursday to avoid some of the heavy traffic so we had a free day on Friday.We decided to visit Chatsworth which is the home of the Duke and
Duchess of Devonshire. We hadn't a huge amount of time due to the fact we had visited Alison's father and their ponies before-hand. (photos to follow once they have been downloaded) We decided to visit the inside of the house another time and instead walked round the kitchen garden and the rest of the grounds. It was lovely and we had a great time.Next day was the AGM which was well attended, not quite as many people
as usual due to the fact that the date had to be changed and the new one clashed with some other things. However we all had a good chat and caught up with all the news. We even came home with a rosette or two from the various Competitions that the Club runs through-out the year. I will add another update of some of the winners later on with a few photos.Anyway that is most of our news. We have almost made a deal with some
nice people who want to buy Fearchas, Fhauran's colt foal from this year.
The next exciting event that we are waiting for is of course Tiffany's
puppies which are due next week. I don't think we will be at the Winter Fair somehow!!Here is a photo of herself and Hope in the warmest place in the house!!
Until the next time. I shall sign off as it is now time to venture out
and see to the ponies. I have been avoiding this today as it is bitterly cold!.............26th October 2005
Since my last update we never seem to have stopped!
On Saturday 15th. Tim, Xanthe and I AND the dogs! went along
to Sauchieburn to the indoor school there where there was a demonstration on Parelli in the morning, then in the afternoon there was a demonstration on Western Riding given by Kayreen Jones. Xanthe and I were "guinea pigs" as well as Gillian Docherty and Commander of Sunnyneuk as the newcomers. It all went very well and there was a great deal of interest in both the Parelli and the Western Riding.Since then I have a ride or two on Xanthe and Tim and I paid a visit
to The Cycle Tavern in Auchtermuchty on Rowan and Xanthe. Tim always enjoys a pint on horseback and I my orange juice!! Since then I have had Rowan's shoes removed as she is getting rather portly although she is not due to foal until end of May, but as it will be her first foal I am spoiling her and letting her retire early!! We think Skye is coming back to us so we will still have two ponies to ride, but if she doesn't, Fhuaran will find herself with four shoes on again!This week and last we had all the ponies' (foals included)feet done.
The only foal (as usual) who wasn't done was Corrie's. Her foals are always behind the others as they don't go anywhere during the summer so I usually work with them in the winter. My next chore is to worm everyone and also arrange for the vet to come and give the foals their tetanus jags and also micro-chips. Today I let Corrie and her foal into the barn to get him used to me and hopefully I will get a headcollar on him next week then call out the vet. I must say that his big brother,Euan was very well behaved when he had his feet done last week so it all goes to show that if you work with and handle your youngstock it pays dividends in the long run.Other than that, life goes on....we are just waiting for Tiffany to
enlarge a little then it will be all go...buying all the "gear" required for whelping. I think top of the list will be a very large puppy pen to keep the little rascals under control when they find their feet!!I shall sign off for now and hope to see some of you at the Highland Pony
Society Dance on 12th November............11th October 2005
Time for an update.
Since our Stud Visit life has been hectic to say the least!
Tired Ponies!!
The Day After Our Stud Visit
Tiffany (schnauzer) had come into season on 18th September
and as we wanted to breed with her we were very excited (me more than Tim!) I contacted the owner of the Schnauzer dog we had chosen to prepare her for the days we would probably take Tiffany to see him. Everything was fine until Monday 26th September when I got a phone call to say that Max was unwell and was in the Vets. However his owners were hoping that he would be fine. On Tuesday his owner telephoned again in tears to say that Max was critically ill. Without any delay I drove over to Deanstown (near Doune) to keep her company. We spent a very worrying day but she was allowed to go and visit him later on in the afternoon. She returned feeling a little better. He wasn't out of the woods yet but holding his own. He had haemorrhagic gastro-enteritis which is in short a very severe tummy bug possibly caused by stress. (his owners had been on holiday). He had been in his own house but obviously a change in his routine. Anyway, to cut a long story short, he recovered but wasn't in good shape to mate with Tiffany.I only had one day to sort something else out and managed to book a
very nice dog for her BUT he was in South Yorkshire!! We had to cancel a meal out with friends, a curling game and I had to cancel a hair appointment! Anyway down to Yorkshire we went and Tiffany and her new boyfriend mated on Thursday 29th September. Hurrah!!! Puppies (hopefully) will appear around 1st December. Very exciting.
Tifany & Percy
Odivane Sultry Sally & Jalero Mr Mason
We had a pleasant time down South walking in Clumber Park (which took
us all day). There was lots to see and a huge kitchen garden (just up Tim's street!)On Saturday 1st October we were back home....then on Sunday 2nd we
were off on more travels! This time we went across to the West Coast near Loch Teachas to stay with Tim's sister and brother-in-law. We spent 3 days there enjoying the solitude. All too soon it was time to return home on the Wednesday.This week and last we are catching up with things but on Saturday we
are active again ...this time with Xanthe and The Central Scotland Highland Pony Club. For those of you who don't know the Club is having a Parelli Demonstration in the morning, and in the afternoon .."yours truly" and Xanthe are giving a demonstration on Western Riding along with ANOR. Kayreen Jones is talking about the Western Riding and it should be a very good day.That is us up to date. For the future, we have the HPS Dance on
12th November (much to my annoyance as we usually fit in a dog show that weekend)...although this year if Tiff is in pup we couldn't have gone anyway! The following weekend we have the AGM down south for the HPEC then the following Wednesday will be the Winter Fair!! Not long to persuade this year's foals that they WILL go into the trailer without their Mums!! As you can see it is all go in the Connell household. We'll keep our fingers crossed for Tiffany....we should know in a week or two.Until the next time......
26th September 2005
Time for a quick update. Tim is responsible for an update on the ODE
and also some photos...he just hasn't got round to it yet!!Too busy gardening!!
Commander of Sunnyneuk
One Day Event
Appin of Litigan
One Day Event
Since the Central Show we have been at the Study Day which was
very interesting. Both the talks were informative and entertaining. The Working Hunter "slot" was very good and I think that everyone there would have done a round on a pony with Jill Cousens teaching. They would have been too scared not to!!! Seriously she had everyone on their ponies performing much better than when they started off...I think she instilled confidence.The next thing was the One Day Event which Tim and I always enjoy
and usually act as Jump Judges. The day went very well...a bit wet to begin with but stayed dry for the competitors when they went round and also when the prizes were presented. I won't say too much as Tim hopefully will add his bit as well as some photos.The following day we had our joint Stud Visit with Millfield Stud.
We had members both from Border Highlands and Central Scotland. In the morning we went down to Freuchie to Willie Allan's and spent a very pleasant time viewing all his ponies, mares and foals and other youngstock as well as his young colt by Eros of Achnacarry.
McBeth of Millfield
By Eros of Achnacarry x Melody of Millfield
Here are some other pictures of some of the Millfield ponies.
Ponies looking at people!!
Millfield Foals
Afterwards we went to the Lomond Hotel in Freuchie where we had a very
good lunch and had plenty of time for chat and catching up on all the gossip!!Next was our Stud.
Our ponies are divided up into 3 fields as we have the two stallions.
We started off with Rannoch and his two girls, followed by Tarka, Corrie and Emperor (her foal) and Rowan. Then it was off across the road to view the rest of the gang!I have to say that all the Millfield ponies were all very well handled
and behaved impeccably with all their visitors. Luckily ours followed suit.....so much so that they all seemed asleep!!! I think we had arrived just when they all have their afternoon siesta. Seriously, now that I have more time on my hands I observe the ponies at all times of the day and they have a time when they all eat, then they have a sleep then perhaps all go for a drink, then lie down (usually with one guarding)....then back to the more important pastime of EATING!!!I think the foals entertained our visitors and I think everyone enjoyed
their afternoon. All too soon the visit came to an end and after some light refreshment Tim and I were on our own again...but not before we enlisted the help of Willie Allan and Jennifer to walk Rannoch and his two girls back down the road to their winter field.All in all a very pleasant day
Here are some photos.
Mares & Foals
Fearchas & Friends
Rosie & Friends
Rosie & Fearchas
7th September 2005
On Sunday 4th September, Tim and I went along to Dabbs to watch
the judging of the in-hand and ridden classes of the Central Scotland Highland pony Show. The in-hand judge was Pat Watson and the ridden judge was Gillian McMurray.The largest class was the gelding class having around 15 ponies in it.
It was won by Pauline Cousin with Connachan Buzzard, 2nd was Macallum of Millfield and 3rd was Whitefield Prince Henry. The two yeld mare classes were very disappointing with 6 in the yeld mare entered in the ridden class and only 3 in the yeld mare not entered in the ridden class. I can remember the days when both classes had 15 ponies at least in them. Burnside Hannah won the ridden in-hand yeld mare class and as we had just arrived I'm not sure who was 2nd and 3rd. Brigid of Dalbrack won the non-ridden yeld mare class, Hazel Lundie with Gemma O' the Glens was 2nd and Marnonwells Pollaidh was 3rd. There was only 1 veteran and that was Ruralach of Trailtrow. The entries for the youngstock were very disappointing..only 1, 2 and 3 entries. The 3 yr old class was won by the Alexanders with Fourmerk Heather Honey. The 2 yr old class was won by Lesley Dewar with Ember of Achnacarry. The yearling class was won by Sylvia Alexander with McPherson of Craigie Loch. There were only 2 brood mares and foals there. The class was won by the Alexanders with Elisedene and the Gourdies from Glenfarg were 2nd with Briar Rose of Shianbank (who is in foal to our Rannoch for 2006). The Alexander's colt foal was 1st and the Gourdie's also a colt foal was 2nd. There were no stallions which was a pity as the cup donated by ourselves and the Valentines in memory of Archie of Litigan just had to go back in its box!The Championship went to the Lawson Family with Brigid of Dalbrack so
well done to them. She actually went on to win the Overall Championship. Reserve in-hand went to a delighted A. Munro with Burnside Hannah, a very nice mare who reminds me a lot of our Meg of Achnacarry.
Burnside Hannah & Ember of
Achnacarry
The Ridden Champion was Dunedin Fair Isle ridden by Lindsay MacDonald, and
the Reserve went to Susan Fairfield and Macallum of Millfield.
Susan was 2nd in the large class and Appin of Litigan and Louise Cushnie won
the small ridden class, but on this occasion the Reserve went to the 2nd pony
in the large class.
Dunedin Fairisle
Appin of Litigan
The Novice Champion was Charlie of Muck owned by the Osborne family.
This is a young free moving stallion who may be interesting to watch for in the future. Reserve went to Marjorie Grant with Cloughwood Harry Potter. Champion in the Working Hunter went to Whitefield Prince Henry who had his own fan club with him!!!! Reserve went to Alison Cowan with James of Drumlean.
Charlie of Muck
It made a nice change for us to watch instead of showing....not that I would
want to do it too often!! (not sure if Tim agrees!!!)Tim and I had a very nice ride on the Saturday with Xanthe and Rowan.
The dogs came too.....Tiffany thinks it is great fun and keeps up with us. Hope, on the other hand has slowed down a lot and just trots behind and we usually have to wait for her to catch up! Breac, (Jack Russell) who used to go for miles with us is now in his "twilight" years ( 14 1/2 ) prefers to stay at home and catch up with his kip!!!That is the last of our summer shows, time for catching up, drawing
whorls on bits of paper for the foals registrations, handling foals and the other youngsters. Yesterday, Brenda and I brought Euan and Fionnalaigh in and gave them a thorough grooming and I managed to file Euan's back feet a little. He has always been a bit difficult with his hind feet and I like to prepare them for the blacksmith. I was very pleased with him...I am so looking forward to riding him. He will be broken to English riding then to Western .This weekend we will be at the Highland Pony Society Study Day which
should be good. The following weekend we are Jump Judges for the CSHPC One Day Event which is held on Saturday 17th September, then on the Sunday we have our Stud Visit along with Willie Allan. We go to Willie's first, then have lunch then to us in the afternoon. I think after that, Tim and I are planning to go on a pleasure ride held by the BHS Scotland. There are 3 x rides but we shall go on the shortest one for Rowan's sake. It is to be held in Crieff and I believe the country-side is stunning. The date for anyone who is interested is 2nd October. After that we shall go the usual Foal Shows.....ugh!....that means it will be cold and dark!!!!!!2nd September 2005
Another quick update. Tim and I have decided that the mares and foals
have had enough of showing, so we are not taking them to the CSHPC show on Sunday. I had entered Mhairi in the yeld mare class and also Euan in the yearling class, but as Mhairi is too fat!!!! and Euan hasn't had enough time spent on him we are just going to watch. It will make a nice change.Just a few photos of dogs instead of ponies.
Tiffany & Friends
Tiffany & Trumpet
1st September 2005
Thought it was time for a short update on our activities.
I suppose summer is coming to an end but today was so hot at one point there's hope yet!!! Xanthe and I went for a nice ride.....most enjoyable....there's nothing better than being on top of a Highland Pony on a good day.Anyway our news of Blair Atholl Show. We took Midge and Rosie
There were 12 mares and foals entered but as always they weren't all there. However we got 6th with Midge (Boo! Hoo!) and 3rd with Rosie. The class was won by Willie & Jennifer Allan with Misty 11 of Millfield, 2nd was Whitefield Queen Henrietta Maria and 3rd was Marie Rose of Strathmore. 1st Filly foal was G M Baird Jnr, 2nd was Burnside Taransay and 3rd was "Yours truly" with Rosanna of Achnacarry. 1st Colt foal was Rhum of Sunnyneuk, 2nd was Bob Davidson and 3rd was W & J Allan. I don't think I am going to put all the results on unless any of you who read our web site thinks it is a good idea? Let me know, I can put them on....not a problem. Champion was Misty 11 of Millfield and reserve was Chapelhill Vegas. Best Mare & Foal combination was won by Martin & Wendy Taylor with Marie Rose of Strathmore and her foal Rhum of Sunnyneuk. The new gelding Trophy presented by Susan Fairfield went to Angela Cresdee with Falcon of Forglen. The Working Hunter Champion was won by Mary McLeod with Dunedin Macaskin. Reserve was the Valentine Family's Thorn Xsara. The Ridden Champion was won by Anne Mitchell with Dunedin May Rose and Reserve was Gillian McMurray's Trailtrow Taransay.
Midge & Rosie at Blair Atholl
23nd August 2005
Just a report on Drymen Show.
As the show had been postponed due to the wet weather in May this was
their second attempt. Perhaps they should move the date to August as the weather couldn't have been better. It was nice and warm....even hot! There had been several new entries done since May so the catalogue wasn't much help as it was the one that had been printed in May! However , the results from the Brood Mare class was 1st Will Keron with Abby of Westbank, Scott McGregor was 2nd and we were 3rd with Fhuaran. We all had to walk round again with the foals and were pulled in 2nd to begin with, but we were extremely pleased to be handed the red rosette for 1st!!...that was for Fearchas. The Stallion class was won by Taymount of Millroy. The yeld mare class was won by Meggernie (I think it was a Croila mare), 2nd was Janice Milne with Erica of Acharn and 3rd was Duncan Bonar. The geldings were won by Heather Dick, 2nd was Thorn Braveheart 3rd was Macallum of Millfield. The 3 year old filly class was won by Scott and 2nd was Fourmerk Heather Honey and 3rd was Moss-side Lynfield Lady. In the 2yr old class 1st was Moss-side Marista, 2nd was Will Keron and 3rd was Scott (I think!) The yearling class was won Scott again and 2nd was Pat Gray with Pipers Water Betony and 3rd was Will Keron. The ridden class had good entries and 1st was Meggernie, 2nd was Dunedin Fairisle and 3rd was Arran of Ashrowan. The Championship was won by Scott with his 3yr old filly and Reserve was Abby of Westbank. opposite sex to the champion was Heather Dick's gelding.In a way it was quite sad as this was Scott's last show as he is moving
to Tasmania if all goes well. He plans to take some youngstock with him so Ballinton Ponies will soon be prolific in Australia! He will be a great loss to the Highland Pony World.That was our ponies!!! We were well chuffed with our foal.
However I had noticed that the Dog Show was just next to us and had been
keeping an eye on it and eventually decided to enter Tiffany even although she hadn't been bathed etc. However she was quite presentable. We entered the Non-Sporting class and also the Open Class. Mrs Malim from Meggernie had also entered her two dogs in the Sporting class, one a Jack Russell and the other a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand). They were also in the Open. There were lots of varieties there, from Westies to Spaniels. Anyway Tiffany won her non-sporting class , so I decided not to go in for the Open class. Mrs Malim was 2nd in both her sporting class and Open class. We were delighted with Tiffany (Odivane Sultry Sally) especially when we also were presented with a lovely silver cup!! We had to wait around for a bit until the other classes had been judged as we were eligible to compete for Best in Show. Our chance came along and we were up against a Whippet, A very nice Golden Retriever and a Rottweiller. I was sure that the judge liked her but the other dogs were also very nice. Imagine our surprise and delight when Tiffany won BEST IN SHOW!!!! I was over the moon , and we were presented with yet another Trophy!!!That was Drymen Show....a very successful day out for the Connells!!
We are off to Blair Atholl on Thursday probably with Midge and Rosanna.
I entered a few but I think I shall take them. On Saturday we have The Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show which I shall probably go to (we thought Tiff would be in season by then) although Tiffy's coat is not perfect. On Sunday there is the Aberdeen Highland Show which we have entered....we'll see if we have any energy left!!!!!Until the next time.........
18th August 2005
Here are some photos of us and others at Kinross Show.
It is pouring rain outside, much needed I must say,..the farrier is coming this afternoon to re-shoe Xanthe and Rowan who is just having her front shoes on as she is in foal and not doing so much. Tomorrow it will be washing day again as we have Drymen Show on Saturday.
Rosanna of Achnacarry
Macallum of Millfield.Reserve Ridden Champion
Fhuaran & Fearchas Kinross
15th August 2005
Believe it or not this is the 2nd time of my updating this.
I do not know what happened the first time but all my update vanished!! Not funny !!We had a good day on Saturday at Kinross Show and made getting up
at 4.30am worth while!!Tim, Jimmy and Brenda left just after 6.00am with Fhuaran and Fearchas
(not the best of boxers!) and I stayed behind to walk the dogs and prepare Midge for the next journey. We arrived at the showground for the 2nd time just before 8.00am...not bad!!Our class was first and the Judge was Sheila Brooks with Jennifer McNaught
probationing. 1st was Misty 11 of Millfield, 2nd was Marie-Rose of Strathmore, and we were 3rd with Midge. The colt foal class was 1st and was the largest foal class (everyone must have had colt foals this year!) Bill Allan was 1st, we were 2nd with Fearchas and 3rd was Martin Taylor. The filly foal class only had 1 entry!...us! However when the Foal Championship came along, our filly foal, Rosanna of Achnacarry was Champion which pleased us very much. This also meant that we had won the coveted Ella Kirk of Kaimeknowe silver salver presented by her niece, Lorna Hepburn. I have fond memories of 'Tella' as she was affectionally called, visiting her and her beloved ponies, and of course that was where I first saw Pharic of Hunthall, the sire of Drumloist Jock, my first Highland Pony. The yeld mare class was won by the Cessford family with Huna of Whitefield 2nd was Marnonwells Cearstaidh and 3rd was Milis of Denmill. The Gelding class was won by Macallum of Millfield, 2nd was Cloughwood Harry Potter and 3rd was Commander of Sunnyneuk. The 3yr old class was won by Mystique of Millfield, 2nd was Shevock Poplar. The 2yr old class was won by Shona of Sunnyneuk, 2nd was Trowan Madonna and 3rd was Ardnagaisk Piper. The yearling class was won by Montreathmont Ogilvie and 2nd was Trowan Molly. The under 14.hh class was won by Sally of Inverdarroch, 2nd was Moss-side Inverey and 3rd was Appin of Litigan. The over 14.hh class was won by Macallum of Millfield ,2nd was Trevor of of Caenlochan and 3rd was Commander of Sunnyneuk.The Overall Championship was won by Misty 11 of Millfield and Reserve
was Shona of Sunnyneuk.The Ridden Champion was Sally of Inverdarroch and Reserve was
Macallum of Millfield (who was also the gelding champion).Hopefully that is all correct...I am finishing for the moment, and
will add some pictures later...I had better get on with some real work!!!!Until the next time.........
10th August 2005
The computer seems to be up and running again!
Even more exciting is that we are going on Broadband!!...
Yes even Auchtermuchty has reached the 21st Century!!.....so.. once Tim has worked out how to fit the contraption we will be all set.Although we weren't at Perth I did get some of the results.
Champion and Overhall Horse Supreme was Whitefield Queen Henrietta Maria. Reserve Female Champion was Moss-side Lynfield Lady. Male Champion was Chapelhill Vegas and Reserve Champion was McBeth of Millfield. In the yeld mare class, Heather Honey of Whitefield was 1st, Chapelhill Trudy was 2nd and Sally of Inverdarroch was 3rd. In the 3 yr old filly class, Moss-side Lynfield Lady was 1st, Kate of Whitefield was 2nd and Kayleigh of Whitefield was 3rd. In the 2 yr old class, Shona of Sunnyneuk was 1st, Moss-side Marista was 2nd, and Trowan Madonna was 3rd. In the yearling class, Matilda of Westbank was 1st, and Trowan Molly was 2nd. In the brood mare class, Whitefield Queen Henrietta Maria was 1st, Gloria of Whitefield was 2nd, and Misty 11 of Millfield was 3rd. In the foal class, 1st was the Bairds, 2nd was Alison McLeod with Carli of Roisbheinn and 3rd was the Bairds.(filly foals) Colt foals were, 1st Martin Taylor, 2nd Alan Baird, 3rd Bill Allan. 1st Stallion was Chapelhill Vegas, 2nd was McBeth of Millfield and 3rd was Taymount of Milroy. Gelding was 1st, Robroy of Milroy, 2nd was Chapelhill Valour and 3rd was Dunedin Magnus. Gelding (3yrs) was 1st, Strathmore Rhum, 2nd was Chapelhill Zak, and 3rd was Zephyr of Mendick. Gelding (2yrs)was 1st, Creag Chrannach of Meggernie, 2nd was Ardnagaisk Piper. There were no yearlings as far as I was aware. Apologies if these results are not correct...I am only copying what my catalogue writer had down!!!We have had a nice quiet week. I have been grooming the ponies especially
their manes and tails as Achnacarry ponies and the Orangefields have such thick, long manes and tails. My pet hate is to see pleated manes etc. that are never brushed out. Other jobs are to handle Euan, the yearling gelding more and also Rannoch whom I now look upon differently as he belongs to us!! Before we bought him back, I always knew that he would go some day so didn't want to become too attached (difficult!!!!) We are going to Kinross Show on Saturday so Friday will be a busy day as we have two mares and foals going. We will have to do two journeys so it will be early to bed.!!!!I am signing off for now...will try a few more photos.
Here are some new photos of Fearchas and Emperor. Some day we will set
up a pony profile page for all our new arrivals!!
6th August 2005
We should have been at Perth Show today, but instead we decided
to have a rest!!Well, we didn't actually rest BUT we did manage a ride on Xanthe
and Rowan which was very pleasant.Tim is now mucking out the barn with a very pleased Xanthe grazing
in the little field in front of the house until he is finished! I daren't leave her out too long as she has just recovered from laminitis.I have been very busy adding more photos onto our site so do have a look.
This is a short update as we are having problems and I want to see if this has worked!!!Until the next time.....
29th July 2005
Time for an update.
Well, at last we have had rain!! I didn't think that we would
ever have been so glad to see the rain today, but we actually did need it! Our grass was so burnt up here and had really stopped growing. The ponies are all looking well enough, but it is always useful to have some grass for the winter.On Saturday 2nd July we set off to Doune & Dunblane Show with Fhuaran
and her foal, Fearchas. Wendy and I had been very busy the day before trying to make sure that Fhuaran was as white as snow! I always think when you are showing a grey (white) pony, it is important to make sure it is spotless. There were 5 mares and foals and Fhuaran was 3rd and Fearchas was 2nd.Champion was Joan & Ronnie Alexander's Elisedene and Reserve was
Scott McGregor's very nice yearling filly, Maidendene.
Fearchas of Achnacarry
Our next expedition was to Echt Show the folowing Saturday.
We left at around 6.45am and arrived just in time for the start of the judging. As Wendy wanted to see a variety of ponies being shown and judged, Tim and I thought that Echt would have some quality ponies there, some of which hadn't been at the Royal Highland Show. The results were as follows: Champion : Shevock Sapphire Speedwell (John Reid), Reserve : Lindsay of Forglen (G & A Towns), 1st in the gelding class was Appin of Litigan, 2nd was Harris of Forglen, 3rd was Marnonwells Benbecula. 1st in mares was Shevock Sapphire Speedwell, 2nd was Hannah of Forglen, 3rd was Kirsty of Denmill. 1st in mares & foals was April Mist of Tifty, 2nd was Bridie of Forglen, 3rd was Shevock Emerald Amber. 1st in the foals was Katie O' the Glens, 2nd was Oliver of Forglen (which Wendy had her eye on!) and 3rd was April Mist of Coynach. 1st in yearlings was Rabbie Burns of Fourmerk. There were no 2 year olds. 1st 3 year old was Lindsay of Forglen. 1st in the ridden class was Kirsty of Denmill, 2nd was Shevock Sapphire Speedwell and 3rd was Appin of Litigan.It was a beautiful day, very warm and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Unfortunately, Wendy had caught a cold which in actual fact lasted almost until she left Scotland! However she didn't let it get her down too much.On the Tuesday following Echt Show we visited Whitefield Stud much to
Wendy's delight where we saw all the mares and foals, youngsters and stallions. Hopefully I shall be able to add a few pictures later. We each had our own favourites which we would have put into a trailer and taken home. It was a good day.
From there we visited Lorna Hepburn and picniced in her garden as Lorna
was out. You can imagine a very surprised Lorna when she returned to find us sitting on a bench in her garden enjoying our sandwiches!!From there we managed to visit the MacInroy's and see all their ponies
as well as one or two visiting mares and their foals by Taymount of Milroy.Next was Kirrie Show on Saturday 16th July and then on the Sunday
17th July we had an extra show at Kittochside , East Kilbride.To be continued...........
Here we are again!
On 16th July we set off to Kirriemuir show with Fhuaran and Fearchas.
We had lots of helpers in the shape of Brenda and Wendy as well as Tim and I. The mares and foals class was first so we didn't have lots of time to spare when we arrived. There were 6 ponies in the class and Fhuaran was 5th and Fearchas was 3rd...so not bad.All the other classes were very filled especially the yearling class where there were 8 yearlings. Kate Lawson and Willie Sinclair won that with their colt, Rabbie Burns of Fourmerk. The 2 year old class was won by Martin & Wendy Taylor with Shona of Sunnyneuk and she went on to win Reserve Champion...Well done to Martin & Wendy. The 3 year old class was won by Burnside Quintessa. The gelding class was won by Chapelhill Valour...I judged him at Aylth and also put him first. The yeld mares was won by Heather Honey of Whitefield another which I had at Aylth. She got the same placing also....Champion. Brood mares was won by G M Baird with Gloria of Whitefield and the foal class was also won by the Bairds.We all thoroughly enjoyed the show although Wendy's cold was getting worse
and Fearchas had to be almost lifted to get him into the trailer!!! He had loaded perfectly in the morning but he definitely did not want to box at night!!!When we arrived home we put Fhuaran and foal into the field and extracted
Midge and foal from it as we were showing the next day!! We don't often attend two shows in a row but as Kittochside was a new show and also Wendy was interested in going (as we were) we decided to go. We had washed Midge the previous day and she is yellow dun she wasn't dirty. We set off the next day, another glorious warm one and when we arrived were pleased to see that the show was well spaced out with plenty going on. Our only complaint was the ring was rather small and there were no pens for mares and foals. The entries were reasonable as it was just a new show for Highlands and Shetlands. There has always been a show there for Clydesdales. Midge was 1st and Rosanna was 2nd. Champion was Willie Allan with his 3 year old colt (by Eros of Achnacarry) McBeth of Millfield and Reserve was Moss-side Lorna Doune. Reserve Male was McCallum of Millfield and Reserve Female was Catriona of Stevensonhall. It was a good day but we were all very tired by the time we arrived home.All good things must come to an end and Wendy was due to return home
on 19th July so Tim and I took her in to Edinburgh. It involved getting up at 5.30 am!!!!!! However I think Wendy enjoyed herself and we certainly enjoyed having her to stay. I miss all her help I must say.That week I was very busy catching up on my dog grooming and by the time
Friday came I was exhausted!! However we got Midge and Rosanna in to wash and soon we were off to Braco. Again the entries were very good and we were nowhere with Midge and 3rd with Rosanna. Champion was Charlie McQuattie with Rose-Blossom of Strathmore, a very traditional mare. Reserve once again went to Martin & Wendy Taylor with Shona of Sunnyneuk. The ridden was won by Trailtrow Taransay and Reserve was Glentruim of Drumtochty.We had a rest this weekend but once again I have had a busy week with
my dogs. The other excitement is that we have been looking at Schnauzer Dogs with a view of putting Tiffany in pup!!!!! Chaos!!!!!!!!
We are off to Moss-side tomorrow with Central Scotland HPC for a stud visit
so that will be very sociable.This coming week looks more peaceful apart from Perth Show at the end of it.
I need to handle my yearlings and groom a few ponies.Until the next time..................
30th June 2005
Tim is at work!!
Good! I can now get on the computer to update the website!!
Since my last update we have had Euan (Corrie's colt) gelded, we have visited
Straiton in Ayrshire where I was invited to judge the Highland Ponies, we also visited Alyth where I was judging again, then it was time to prepare for The Royal Highland show.
Euan of Achnacarry
Our day at Straiton was great fun and I had a reasonable turnout for such
a small show. My Champion was a very nice grey mare, very traditional. I discovered later on that she was bred by James Hendrie and was 12 years old. Unfortunately there was no catalogue so I don't know her name. My reserve Champion was again very traditional. He was a yellow dun gelding who went on to win his class at the Highland Show. He was called Tower Angus and he is by Ruariadh of Croila and was out of one of my favourite mares, April of Tower.The yeld mare class was well filled as was the gelding/stallion class,
the yearling class had only one entry. The ridden was well filled and my winner was Carrick Lord Torran who was by Glenmuir Monarch and out of Skye 11 of Carrick. He was a very active little stallion with good paces.To round up the day we had a very nice meal in the local pub.
The weather was fantastic, very sunny and we met several friends for a chat so ......just a perfect day. We stayed overnight with our good friends, Colin and Carol Mason and were enchanted by their lovely little daughter, Isla.The following weekend was Alyth Show so off we set again accompanied by
our American visitor, Wendy Rowe, all the way from Booneville in Northern California. Wendy has Quartz of Croila (Hamish) and also has two pure-bred mares bred by Ann Armann and one pure-bred foal. Both her mares are in foal to Quartz for 2006.Alyth was more than blessed with good weather and we all had a very
enjoyable day. I think most people were burned by the sun!My Champion was Heather Honey of Whitefield by Viscount of Whitefield
and out of Dulcie of Glenfender, both prolific breeders themselves. Heather Honey was Reserve Champion at Fife Show so went one better this time.My reserve Champion was the very sweet two year old, Lochlands Silver Flute
by Birchcroft Jazzman and out of Flute of Whitefield. Silver Flute went on to win her class at the Highland Show and was also reserve Female. Well done to Kate and Willie.The results of Alyth was Brood Mares :1st. Gloria of Whitefield,
2nd.Marie-Rose of Strathmore,3rd.Highland Queen of Whitefield. Foals: 1st.Martin & Wendy Taylor's foal by Concorde of Whitefield, 2nd.Gloria's foal, 3rd. M Osborne's foal. Yeld Mares: 1st. Heather Honey of W. 2nd.Sally of Inverdarroch, 3rd. Kincardine Bluebell. Geldings: 1st. Chapelhill Valour, 2nd.Strathmore Blair, 3rd.Cloughwood Harry Potter. 3yr old Filly/Gelding: 1st. George Baird, 2nd.Strathmore Rhum, 3rd.G Baird 2yr old filly/Gelding: 1st.Lochlands Silver Flute, 2nd.Shona of Sunnyneuk, 3rd.Burnside Rory. Yearlings: 1st. Money Penny of W.,2nd. Sheamus of Inverdarroch, and 3rd. sorry I don't know the name.The ridden class was very big....15 entries! I had Jennifer McNaught
probationing with me and she was also riding. Poor Jennifer was very hot by the end of the class, but did a very good job riding them all. Our Champion was Sally of Inverdarroch, by McCallum of Inverdarroch and out of Sheelagh of Inverdarroch. She looked a very comfortable ride and gave a nice show. Sally went on to stand 6th in the Ridden Class at the Highland Show a great achievement for Lisa Gourdie who was riding her.
Sally of Inverdarroch
CHAMPIONSHIP ALYTH SHOW
That was Alyth Show!
Our next excitement was preparing for the Royal Highland Show.
However in between times, I mentioned that Euan had been gelded. Everything went well at the castration but after several days it became apparent that he wasn't too great. When I took his temperature it was 105 degrees....way too high. The vet came out and confirmed that he had an infection. So,......more antibiotics....and another vet bill!! We are becoming used to them!!!! I can now report that he is back to his happy self and fully recovered. Fionnalaigh has discovered him and as he is the same age as her they are becoming good friends.We set off for the Royal Highland Show on Tuesday 21st June, having washed
Fionnalaigh and Midge and Rosanna's tail and legs. I must say it is great to have some extra pairs of hands to help in the shape of Brenda's and Wendy's. Our neighbour's grand-children also gave a hand. With 3 children all of whom love ponies and wanted to wash a "bit" of the ponies and then to apply conditioner and shiner onto the ponies' manes and tails...things were pretty hectic but as far as I could see the ponies were none the worse for it!!This year at the Show proved not to be our best.
We came home without any tickets. However it was a learning curve for Fionnalaigh who had never been indoors on her own, and by the end of the show she was so laid back she was almost horizontal!! Rosie enjoyed the whole week and Midge is very laid back at the best of times but was extremely pleased to land back in her huge field after being cooped up in the tiny loose-box all week. (She WAS out twice a day.)
Our two geldings which we sold last year flew the flag for us, however,
they were both in the same class as one was 3years old and the other 2 years old. The older of the two, Ericht of Achnacarry, was 2nd and the younger, Ember of Achnacarry was 4th. Their new owners were delighted as were Tim and I. All credit to their owners who turned them out exceptionally well. Both went on to compete in the St John's Wells but weren't lucky. It was, however, won by three pairs of Highlands, 1st were the McMurrays with a pair of greys by Rummlegairie of Trailtrow, 2nd were a pair of blacks by Blair Atholl of Whitefield and 3rd were a pair of yellow duns by Ruariadh of Croila.Our only other claim to fame was the Stallion, Kestrel of Glencree
who finished a creditable 6th in the new VERY large ridden class. Well done to Tracey Cooper who owns him. He is by Macgregor of Achnacarry and out of Rose of Glencree.I cant finish my report without mentioning the Overall Champion, who
was bred and shown by Susan Wardrop. She was Grace of Carlung, by Brisbane Glen of Carlung and out of Columbine of Whitefield. She is a very nice 4 yr old cream dun mare and deserved to win. This win was very emotional to Susan and Hugh as she was a full sister to Fallon of Carlung who was Female Champion in 2003. Susan and Hugh lost Fallon to Grass Sickness earlier this year and to those of you who read our web site you will know that we tried to put Fallon's foal on to Mhairi, our mare but unfortunately it was unsuccessful.Congratulations go Susan and Hugh for producing Grace for the Highland Show
during which must have been a very difficult time.Congratulations must also go to Beth Wells who showed her 11 yr old stallion
Mosside Dorlach by Monarch of Millfield and out of Whitefield Lady Verona. Reserve Champion was Chapelhill Vegas by Fyfedene and out of Chapelhill Jean. Best gelding was Balmule Corrie Mohr by Viscount of Whitefield and out of Balmule Gael.That was the Highland Show. My fingers are just about falling off so I
think I will finish. The weather outside is brighting up and Wendy and I are hoping to go out for a nice ride on Rowan and Xanthe.We are off to Doune and Dunblane Show this coming Saturday so.....wish
us luck! I don't think we will repeat our performance of last year where we were Champion but one can always hope!!!!Untill the next time........................
Postscript....I have just managed to put on my first photo all by myself!!!
There will be no stopping me now!!!!!
4th June 2005
Time for an update.
Since I last wrote we seem to have been so busy with dogs,ponies
and gardens!!We decided not to go to Fife Show as the ponies really weren't quite
ready. They still had a lot of winter coat in. The weather has been so cold in the evenings that most of the ponies have ben hanging on to their coats.I also had the Scottish Kennel Club show on the day after Fife Show but
again I decided Tiffany's coat just wasn't right......nothing to do with the weather .......more to do with me!!!!!!!Anyway the next thing was that someone had telephoned about Tinker,
Mhairi's yearling colt. After several photos being sent down to Bristol and also after various phone calls Tinker was sold. Eric Gillie was to collect him last Friday and I had gaily told them... Yes....you will be able to drive up the road and turn in our yard!!!! The lorry duly arrived last Friday and HELP!! it was one of their largest lorries!!!! On board were mares and foals and the driver did not want to frighten them by brushing against any trees so when he arrived at our house he said "I can't turn in there!" I was horrified and more than a little embarrassed. They loaded Tinker on the road and I have to say he was a little star....he walked up the ramp after me and into the compartment without any bother. Afterwards the lorry had to reverse down our steep hill!! When he reached the bottom it must have taken him around 15 minutes to turn around.....I bet we weren't too popular!!!!! I have since heard from Tinker's new owner that he arrived safely and not the least bit stressed and had settled in very well.We also have had various visitors to us and our ponies.
The weekend of Fife Show we had visitors from Sweden. They were the
parents of our friend, Linnea Ornstein, who came to stay two years ago. Unknown to us it was their 25th Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday 24th May and after staying with us on the Sunday night they hoped to spend their Anniversary in a Scottish Castle which did B&B. I must contact them to find out if they had managed to do so.After Herbert and Elizabeth Ornstein I had a visit from Frau Christa Blanke
from Germany, courtesy of Susie Robertson, our secretary. Christa had purchased a pony from Carmen Druce (Nee Thorley), Monreith Horatio now 11 years old . When he arrived in Germany he had been very good, but after a few weeks he was napping if ridden and kicking the stable door in if left on his own. I was able to tell Christa a little about where Horatio had grown up and also about his companions. I think this helped her a great deal and she certainly went away happy!!After that we had a visit from Tim's neice and her husband and two small
children, aged 5 years and six years. That was great fun.After that there was not much to report. We have heard from Susan
Wardrop that Mhairi is just fine and hopefully she will be in foal to Carlung Fergus.The next thing.....nothing to do with ponies or dogs or gardens.....
thank goodness!!!!!!....Tim and I had a whole day out without any of them!!!We went to Edinburgh on Wednesday 1st June courtesy of The Bank of Scotland
(I refuse to say Halifax-Bank of Scotland!) We actually went with the Pensioner's Club YES The Pensioner's Club!! We left Perth at 9.30am and our first Port of Call was The Scottish Parliament Buildings. It was absolutely pouring with rain so we chose a good day to go sight-seeing. I have to say we were both impressed with the decor. We were not actually in favour of The Scottish Parliament being built in the first place and even less impressed when we heard how much had been spent on it. However we were suitably impressed with the whole building. There is a lot of wood in the building and it has been well designed.We were shown around by John Sweeney MSP and I have to say he was charming
and very well versed.After a nice lunch across the road in a cafe in Holyrood it was time to
get back on the bus. This time we were off to The Playhouse to see The King and I. What can I say? It was brilliant! The music was great, the acting very good and we just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. After the performance it was across the road to Gilleanos, an Italian Restaurant for a meal and a drink or two!!!!We arrived back in Perth at 8.30pm. All in all a great day.
We were extremely pleased to be doing something inside and useful on the
Wednesday but like everyone else we were not too pleased on Thursday when Tim was rained off and had to do more jobs inside!Our next event was West Fife Show. As this would be our only show before
The Royal Highland Show we made up our minds....come rain or shine we would be there!!On Saturday 11th June I am judging the Highland Ponies at Straiton Show
and on Saturday 18th June I am judging the Highland Ponies at Alyth Show so that is why the West Fife Show was a must!! I duly washed Fionnalaigh, our yearling as she was entered. We had also entered Rowan but as she is busy with Tarka at the moment we decided to leave her where she is!We brought Fionnalaigh in for the night and also Xanthe for company.
The following morning we set off with both to the show. It was a beautiful morning when we left, the sun was shining just perfect. When we arrived at the entrance to the show there was a long queue!! Of course I had to get my dig in!! I TOLD you we should have left half-an- hour earlier!! Anyway we joined the queue and it soon became apparent that we were going to miss our class if they were going to start at the appointed time. However it was announced over the loud-speaker system that the classes would start half-an-hour later so that was a relief! Some lorries and trailers had to be towed in to the field but The Connells managed in on their own steam!We managed to get Fionnalaigh ready in plenty of time and set off for the
ring. We had to wait until our class began and Fionnalaigh got a bit bothered when all the hunters and riding ponies kept passing by. Brenda was dispatched to bring Xanthe down for company. Whenever she arrived Fionnalaigh calmed down.The mature class was well filled and the winner was Strathmore Brodie.
He was eventually Reserve Champion. Fionnalaigh won her class much to our delight and went on to be Champion. We were very pleased.It was good to get her out as that will be us until the Highland Show.
On Wednesday 15th June Wendy Rowe all the way from Booneville, north of
San Francisco is coming to stay for a few weeks. She will be a great help at the Highland Show along with Brenda who always helps us there.Tim and I can go on strike Ha! Ha! !!!!
Euan was gelded on Tuesday and that went very well. I think I shall have
to keep him as Xanthe is plagued with laminitis, so at least Euan can take her place in a year or two. He is the right colour for Western Riding and he is going to be a big boy. He was always very shy and I have spent a lot of time with him and I feel we have an understanding. His little brother is also very nice and will be mouse dun so I shall probably sell him instead once he is weaned and grown up a bit.Well, I shall sign off for now. We are leaving for Straiton at 7.30am
tomorrow Tim tells me so I had better go and pack a few things!! See you all at the Highland Show.Untill the next time................
14th May 2005
Here I am at last. Tim is away on a "boys" night out and I
at last have the computer to myself!We have had happy times and terrible times since last update.
As Tim mentioned we have foals now and the first to arrive was
Fhuaran's foal, Fearchas on 21st April. He is by Rannoch and is full of presence. He is going to be grey. He was 2 days early.Next to arrive was Midge's foal, Rosanna on 22nd April. She is full
of beans and a chunky lady. She may be yellow dun but there again she may be cream dun or even just plain old grey!! Time will tell.I was just over the moon as she is my first Tarka filly.
Unfortunately Midge hadn't cleansed and we called out the vet.
The following day we thought Midge was just being foal proud as
she hadn't moved out of the barn with the foal but was eating and drinking. However by the afternoon I thought she looked a bit peaky and decided to take her temperature and to my horror discovered it was 105 degrees.I called out the vet immediately and when she came she advised that
Midge should go to the Vet college in Edinburgh. We bundled poor Midge and Rosie into the trailer and off we set.To cut a long story short they were at the Vet School for a week , Midge
being washed out twice a day to get rid of the infections, and also was given antibiotics. Even Rosie was checked out for blood counts etc.We collected them both after a week and thankfully there was no
sign of laminitis or anything else.On 3rd May, Corrie's foal was born at 11.45pm yet another colt but
a big foal. I am very pleased with him. He is again by Tarka and probably either yellow dun or mouse dun. His name is Emperor.We only had Mhairi left to foal.
On Saturday 7th May we had our annual ride for Grass Sickness and
this year had a record no of people wanting to attend. We had 30 people to begin with and Tim was panicking a little wondering where to park everyone. However on the day 26 ponies were there and it was fine.As usual the weather had been arranged for us and it was dry, a bit
cold but fine for the ponies. We had divided the ride into two as usual and Tim set off on Xanthe with 10 ponies, and I set off 10 minutes later with the rest. There were also a few bikes ridden by husbands and offspring. We had our usual picnic in the forest and then continued down to the village to The Cycle Tavern where we all had a refreshment.It was a great day and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.
We sure did. The club made £225 for Grass Sickness which was pretty good.On 11th May, Tim pulled back the curtains and announced that Mhairi's
foal had arrived! We could see that he was a big foal and I quickly went downstairs and out to inspect him. Yes another colt but very nice. I was delighted with him when I saw him, he had a very nice, small head with Tarkas's small tulip ears (even although he was a Rannoch foal) He was up and sucking and although his legs were pretty bendy I decided they weren't a problem. Now that he was the last foal we decided to move them all to better grass.I duly managed this with the help of two friends and all seemed well.
The following morning we got a phone call from our good neighbours at
the foot of the hill to say that Mhairi's foal was lying down and they were worried about him. I said I would be down as soon as possible.However a few minutes later our neighbour came up to the house to
tell us that he had gone up to see the foal and that he was dead.Tim and I went down immediately . There was nothing apparent and
we carried him out of the field, all very sad especially as Mhairi was running after us nickering for her baby.I telephoned the vets and said I was taking him up to the SAC college
in Perth to have a Post Mortem done. We wil have to wait and see what they discover if anything. Poor wee foaly, I even had a name picked for him.He was going to be called Tearlach of Achnacarry (Teddy for short)
after Alison Payne's Stepmum's and Dad's Stallion.The day passed in a blurr, we were worried about Mhairi as she had
seen Corrie's foal on the other side of the fence and decided it was hers. She was rushing up and down the fence whinnying and Tim and I felt so sorry for her.The other sad news that I had heard the previous evening was that
Susan Wardrop's good mare Fallon of Carlung, who had won the Female Championship at The Royal Highland Show in 2003, had Grass sickness. I wasn't sure whether Fallon had had her foal so I phoned to find out. I found out that she had foaled on the Monday but had been diagnosed with Grass Sickness and was put to sleep on the Wednesday. Tragic.However we had a mare who had lost her foal and Susan and Hugh had an
Orphan foal so after some discussion, Tim and I set off for Carlung Farm. The little foal thinks his mother has two legs not four as he has really only seen humans more than ponies. However Susan and Hugh have him drinking milk out of a pail but also suckling one of their mares who has her own foal at foot.
It was worth a try with Mhairi so with great reluctance she is letting
him suck but we are keeping our fingers that she will eventually allow him to suck as her own foal. Of course the foal has also not to feel rejected. It is a long shot but we are keeping our fingers crossed.Not a happy week.
Today, Saturday, Rannoch had two girlfriends arrive to visit him so
he will be a happy boy.This year he has produced 4 colts and 1 filly.
Hopefully Rowan will be in season next week and she will go to Tarka along with Corrie to try for a filly ....yet again!! We will probably give Fhuaran and Midge a rest this year.We are keeping Rannoch. Our German lady has decided to move back to
Sweden and it is all too difficult. We are pleased as we had become very attached to Rannoch.........well.....I am probably more pleased than Tim who prefers mares to stallions anyway... but puts up with them.....JUST!!!!!!That's the news so far. We have Fife Show next Saturday and Tiffany and I
are also going to the Scottish Kennel Club Championships on the Sunday as well as helping a friend with her dogs on Friday. A busy week.Until the next time........
23rd April 2005
There is lots of news but sorry at the moment no time to tell you.
Jean will in time. We have 2 foals to date photos below.
Midge and Rosie have been in the Dick Vet for a week. Midge had toxic poisoning as a result of not cleansing properly.
Rosanna (Rosie) of Achnacarry
Fearchus(Fergus) of Achnacarry
Friday 15th April 2005
Well..time for an update. Tim and I never seem to have any
time these days to do anything!Since I last updated we have been to a Western Clinic with Xanthe
and a small dog show with Tiffany. The Western Clinic was good fun and very interesting. There was supposed to be a gentleman called Bob Mayhew there but unfortunately he couldn't make it so the clinic was taken by Kayreen Jones (who has two Highland ponies) and who recently has qualfied as a Western Instructor.Xanthe and I were soon side-passing and starting to neck rein.
Another instructor gave a brilliant demonstration on her Quarter Horse stalion who was very well behaved in the presence of mares.Tiffany and I were at The Scottish Utility Club dog show the week after
where we ended up 2nd.Now we are looking forward to the foals arriving and I know I said
that Fhuaran was due to foal at the same time as Corrie and Mhairi but I have changed my mind!! She must have held to her first service to Rannoch and since Sunday has been waxing up. Last night I was convinced that she would foal as the milk was pouring down her legs and she looks as if she is going to BURST!!!! I was so convinced that I got up at 2.35AM to check and see if there was a foal. When I eventually staggered outside with my torch I was met with the sight of three ponies munching hay from the hay rack and Fhuaran was one of them!!!!....No foal!!Today she is back to just a few drops on the end of her teats so I think
she is playing the waiting game! I won't be getting up tonight! According to my calculations she is probably due around 21st or 23rd April now but I doubt that she will wait until then....... I'll keep you posted.Midge, on the other hand looks about right. She is due around the end
of April. Both Mhairi and Corrie are beginning to show signs of bagging up but are a wee while away from foaling.....I think!!On the subject of foals another Rannoch foal was born on
Monday 14th April. He looks a very strong, chunky foal with a lovely head. His dam is a Croila mare and is very proud of her foal We should have news of another two soon as Kate and John Dykes had two mares to Rannoch last year.Tomorrow, Tim and I are off to the Carron Valley to ride in the Carron
valley forrest with some other members of the CSHPC. We are hoping that the weather is a little warmer than it has been today!Other than that we are just beginning to think of shows and trying to
comb all the winter hair out of the ponies.I will report on the ride and Fhuaran's foal next time........
Monday 14th March 2005
Time for an update.
I had meant to put some photographs on also due to being
shown how to, but I have to confess I need a refresher again as I have forgotten already! Maybe something about being older!Not a lot has been happening except 9" inches of snow around
2 weeks ago. That caught us all out but I am glad to say it has all gone now.The ponies are all looking well and some are even trying to loose
some winter coat! The weekend of 5th March we had the Stallion Show to which we took Tarka.I had also intended taking Euan but he isn't just in show condition
yet as well as still requiring more handling.On the Friday, Brenda and I began to wash Tarka's very long mane
and tail and feathers. We really couldn't wash anything else as he has a full winter coat. However he looked lovely and clean after drying his mane with the hairdryer! He didn't seemd to mind it too much although he objected slightly when I tried to dry his neck and part of his shoulder which had managed to get wet. We used a dry dog shampoo on the rest of his coat and it was very effective.On the Wednesday we had a very exciting morning.
We had had a phone call from BBC Scotland asking if I would be prepared
to give an interview as they were covering the Stallion Show and wanted to talk to an exhibitor.It was quite funny as I had to pretend we were at the Show already so
had to watch and not say things like "He'll look better once he has had a bath"!! However it all went well and I listened to myself talking on the radio on the morning of the show around 7.20am.The reporter did ask me what my chances were and my reply was if
I could look into a chrystal ball I could have told her, but I thought because Tarka was very wooly he would either be at the top or the bottom or perhaps in the middle!! As it happened the other stallions were all very smooth and a little taller than Tarka so we were 5th.
Tarka at Stallion Show Perth
The Reserve Champion was Kestral of Glencree by MacGregor of Achnacarry
and of course I bred MacGregor so I was very pleased.There was a parade of stallions after the showing classes.
There were 19 entered and I think 15 paraded so it was quite a spectacle.
Tarka was full of himself as he doesn't go to many shows but I managed to to stay on the end of the rope! Our friend, Alison Payne was up from Pennistone in Yorkshire with her stallion, Langsett Tearlach or "Teddy" as he is known to his friends. They stayed on the Friday and Saturday nights with us and on the Sunday morning before they left for home, we managed to have a ride on Xanthe and Rowan along with Teddy. Alison,s friend, Derrith was riding Rowan and fell in love with her. We rode into the forest and discovered there was still lots of snow left. At one time we were riding in around 4" snow. It was lovely, the ponies all enjoyed it.
Winter Ride
Our next adventure was Crufts with Tiffany.
We set off on Thursday 10th March to stay with friends who live only
20 miles away from the NEC. It is very convenient and gave Tiffany a rest before the big day.Even Tim enjoys Crufts. It is the only dog show he will go to with us!
After much preparation and combing and grooming, we were on! I felt Tiffany stood up well and ran out perfectly but when the time came to hand out the rosettes we were not in amongst the winners. I was naturally very disappointed but .......that's showing.At least we still have our 3rd prize from last year to boast about!
We had a lovely evening with some more friends then we had to high-tail
it back up to Scotland the next morning as we had a wedding to go to that evening!!After driving around 370 odd miles we arrived home at 3.30pm and were
back out in the car after having showered etc. etc. and got to the hotel at 4.45pm JUST in time to give our order for the wedding meal!!!The wedding was that of Lisa Gourdie from Glenfarg and John Allison.
It was a great evening and Tim and I seemed to get a second wind....... much to the surprise of the Band which consisted of Willie Simpson and others!! Of course we all have Highland Ponies so knew each other.So.....back to the drawing board with Tiffany, I will keep plugging
on as I did with the ponies and one of these days!!!!!!!!..............The next few weeks will be reasonably quiet...or so I hope.
I will have some more dogs shows to go to this year and of course
the horse shows .Our foals are due in April and May. Midge will be first around the end
of April then Mhairi, Fhuaran and Corrie are all due around the middle of May. So it will be a busy few weeks then.Hopefully I will get some photos on soon or maybe even Tim will find
some time!!Until the next time...........
Saturday 12th February 2005
Well, here I am at last! I have been meaning to update the
website for ages but like everyone else this time of year seems to consist of feeding ponies and tramping about in MUD!!!!I must also apologise for the way our web site reads.
Hopefully either Tim or Ellie is going to sort it out.Again I start on a sad note. We lost a good friend this week.
She and I met through Highland Ponies when she was 13 years and I was 15 years old. She had a pony called Farandy who was a yellow dun and bred in Glendevon by people who lived at Frandy Farm.....hence the name "Farandy"...a slight variation. I had Drumloist Jock who was also a yellow dun but much darker. There was a year between the ponies.Kathleen was a very good horsewoman and taught me a lot.
Sometimes our rides were a bit "hairy" ....to say the least BUT we always arrived home safe and sound and at least our parents knew where we were.That friendship lasted for all these years and it was in very
tragic circumstances that Kathleen died and I shall miss her. Hopefully I will print a photograph of us both on our ponies in the near future.What else?
On 1st February, my friend (who has an Irish Draught X Welsh Cob
called Molly) and I went out for a lovely ride. I was riding Xanthe western and we were out for around 2 hours. The day was perfect.... warm and sunny and the ponies (well Molly is about 15.1hh !) were thoroughly enjoying themselves and we had lots of long canters. It was a perfect day.On Saturday 5th February, Tiffany and I went to a dog show
held at Ingliston accompanied by my friend, Sarah, and her Pharaoh Hound puppy. We had a good day. Tiffany won her class and Minya won hers also and was awarded Best Puppy and Best of Breed. Needless-to-say we celebrated with Tim that evening. A few gins were consumed!The two yellow dun colts who are inside at the moment have been
wormed and I am trying to handle them. They are lovely boys. Ruadh who is Midges's son is exceptionally friendly and we can do anything with him, but Euan who is Corrie's son is very shy so needs lots of TLC!!! Today I walked him up and down inside the barn....leaving Ruadh to his own devices.....which included puting his head into a dustbin where we keep carrots!!! Euan is entered for the Stallion Show and between now and then I have to teach him to box, lead (properly) and just generally behave!!! A tall order!Ruadh has been sold to good friends and will be leaving for his
new home soon. I shall miss him....he is such a character.
Euan and Ruadh
The other two foals (or yearlings) are Tinker and Fionnalaigh.
I haven't actually weaned them yet....a first for me...but their mothers are looking so well. Once the two boys vacate the barn, we shall wean the other two. We have stables but I like them in the barn as there is plenty of room.Mhairi Bhan and Fhuaran are in foal to Rannoch as is (perhaps)
Kirsty 11 of Orangefield. Corrie Bheag and Midge are in foal to Tarka so we should have a few foals again this year. I think Meg has decided she is too old... or her melanaemia has decided for her! Pity as she is a lovely mare. I rode her too much...I should have bred more foals.I think that is about everything up to date.
I have entered Tarka and as I said before Euan for the Stallion Show as well as Tarka for the Parade so I have some work ahead. Tarka is so hairy...I am almost tempted to put a rug on him for a few weeks!!!! However he looks like a Highland Pony should look like at this time of year....if a little too fat!!! Our friend, Alison Payne is coming up with a friend and her Step-Mum and Dad's Stallion Langsett Tearlach for the Stallion Parade. Although unrelated to Tarka, he looks quite like him. After the Stallion Show, Tim, Tiffany and I are off down to Crufts once again so we are looking forward to that.I think that is about all I have to report except, once again any
of our friends who are reading this and who have not heard from us for abit , could they please e-mail us as we have lost quite a few addresses. Thanks .....Until the next time...........Just another addition. We forgot to say that Skye has settled
very well in her "On loan home" where Ericht of Achnacarry is. Skye has been jumping and being ridden out on a regular basis. She is as well doing that than vegetating in a field. I hope Tim will include some photos of both of them when he has time.Saturday 9th January 2005
Time for an update.
A Very Happy New Year to all.
When I last wrote the Tsunami had just hit Indonesia that day.
I don't think I nor anyone else had any idea how bad it was going to be. As we were trudging through mud and rain today we were just saying we shouldn't really grumble . We are all much better off than some.What have we done this year so far? Well last Monday we decided to
wean Euan and Ruadh and so far so good.They are in a different part of the barn but can see their mothers
so it is not quite so stressful. We have done our weaning this way for a few years now and it seems to work. The only thing is we have Tinker and Fionnalaigh to wean as well and don't want to put all 4 foals in together as they didn't run together in the summer. Although we have plenty of other outbuildings the barn has lots of room so they will just have to wait their turn. My idea is, once Ruadh has gone to his new home we will bring in Tinker and Fionnalaigh to keep Euan company. It will be good for the foals to be in for a bit as I can handle them more. The ground is so wet at the moment the fields are just quag-myres.Euan and Ruadh are certainly getting used to loud noises. They should be
sound proof and traffic proof soon! They have to put up with the tractor starting up every so often and also the cars, and today they had to put up with men climbing up and down ladders. One of the timbers holding up the roof of the barn was disintegrating and part of it almost fell on our heads! Tim decided it was time to have it fixed, and our neighbours came up this evening to fix it. As the barn roof is a long way up it entailed someone climbing up onto the roof and another climbing up a ladder whilst the other gave directions which way to place the new beam. They had a chain saw and the sound of that drove the foals mad and they trotted up and down threating to jump over the gates!! Very stressful for Tim and I. As Corrie, Midge and Tarka rushed out of their end of the barn that did not help matters as their presence always calms the foals. However the job was done and we had no mishaps.Hopefully the weather will improve soon and things may dry out!!!!
Now that Tim has painkillers from the Doctor he can ride again but .....
sods law....we haven't managed a ride for a week or two. My only compalint is that Tim has pinched my Western Horse as Xanthe is nice and narrow for him to ride.Enough of my blethers....I shall sign off until the next time..........
Site developed by A Douglas 2001
© T&J Connell 2001