Bakers Farm Shoot
Still not feeling great so don't go again. Such a shame really, all the training I put into the dogs through out the rest of the year. But Risque needs a decent ride today, and I need to bring a haylage bale down into the yard as well as my normal chores.
Sorrel
Took her out into the field to do a few retrieves on her new dummy. I am letting her run in but she really is good, and always brings it back with a perfect present. I did manage to get her to stay in the sit while I threw the dummy behind me so that was good. I just need to get the balance right between training and fun. I certainly don't want her to get bored so I am hesitant about putting too much steadiness in at this age.
However, she still hasn't been on a lead and heelwork is non existent.
Out tonight for a drinks party.
Monday, 31 December 2007
Thursday, 27 December 2007
28th December, Friday
Shooting
Findon Valley
Have cancelled my day picking up here, which was a shame, as this is my last day I think, unless anyone can't do some of the days in January.
Hunting
Chloe
Off we go again. Because I have a cold, I will probably only do a short day. The meet isn't too far away, so I can stay as long as I like depending how I feel.
Chloe was much better behaved today, so I guess she is still tired after Boxing Day. After the meet we did some hunting round the farm, and had a few ditches to jump, which she did brilliantly. We carried on South and had a nice day with some tiger traps. Overall she went really well today, but I left soon after lunch.
8 for dinner tonight.
Findon Valley
Have cancelled my day picking up here, which was a shame, as this is my last day I think, unless anyone can't do some of the days in January.
Hunting
Chloe
Off we go again. Because I have a cold, I will probably only do a short day. The meet isn't too far away, so I can stay as long as I like depending how I feel.
Chloe was much better behaved today, so I guess she is still tired after Boxing Day. After the meet we did some hunting round the farm, and had a few ditches to jump, which she did brilliantly. We carried on South and had a nice day with some tiger traps. Overall she went really well today, but I left soon after lunch.
8 for dinner tonight.
27th December, Thursday
Shooting
Bakers Farm
Well, I haven't gone to the shoot again today. I have got a really bad cold, not surprising as nearly everyone I know has been ill over the past couple of weeks. I seem to have missed so many days here, it just has been one of those seasons I guess.
It is hard to get the yard done, and horses all exercised before 9am. The only way is for me to get up at about 6am, and just felt like an easier day today.
I still have all my tack to clean from yesterday which is absolutely plastered with mud, and Risque must go out today for roadwork as she can't go in the field because of her injured foot.
Bakers Farm
Well, I haven't gone to the shoot again today. I have got a really bad cold, not surprising as nearly everyone I know has been ill over the past couple of weeks. I seem to have missed so many days here, it just has been one of those seasons I guess.
It is hard to get the yard done, and horses all exercised before 9am. The only way is for me to get up at about 6am, and just felt like an easier day today.
I still have all my tack to clean from yesterday which is absolutely plastered with mud, and Risque must go out today for roadwork as she can't go in the field because of her injured foot.
Boxing Day, Wednesday
Hunting
Chloe
We met at the local pub, which was great as I could hack to the meet.
Chloe was a real pain at the meet and wouldn't stand still so I ended up stood at the back and just walking her round.
There were loads of people at the meet, the field opposite the pub was just brimming with people.
Off we went following a trial and Chloe was really strong for the first 10 minutes but then she settled down.
I have done nearly all the jumps over this ground, and know it really well because of the shoot, so I felt quite relaxed, enjoyed the day, and probably did about 20 fences or maybe more.
Came home about 2.30pm.
Chloe
We met at the local pub, which was great as I could hack to the meet.
Chloe was a real pain at the meet and wouldn't stand still so I ended up stood at the back and just walking her round.
There were loads of people at the meet, the field opposite the pub was just brimming with people.
Off we went following a trial and Chloe was really strong for the first 10 minutes but then she settled down.
I have done nearly all the jumps over this ground, and know it really well because of the shoot, so I felt quite relaxed, enjoyed the day, and probably did about 20 fences or maybe more.
Came home about 2.30pm.
Christmas Day, Tuesday
Today it is cold and raining. All the frost and really cold weather has gone now.
Have 10 for lunch.
Risque has to stay in because of her injured foot. Chloe can stay in and keep clean ready for tomorrow, Ellie and Panache went out, but just stood at the gate wanting to come back in again because it was raining, so got them in after a couple of hours.
The dogs were well behaved, as we also had a Tibetan terrier here for Christmas Day as well!
Have 10 for lunch.
Risque has to stay in because of her injured foot. Chloe can stay in and keep clean ready for tomorrow, Ellie and Panache went out, but just stood at the gate wanting to come back in again because it was raining, so got them in after a couple of hours.
The dogs were well behaved, as we also had a Tibetan terrier here for Christmas Day as well!
Christmas Eve
Hunting
Risque
Took her to the meet up on the Downs, and she was so well behaved. She stood really well at the meet, and was a pleasure to take.
The temperature has definitely risen, but it was really cold on the tops where there was no shelter from the biting wind.
No jumping today, but Christmas Eve is generally a quieter day.
Unfortunately I came home a bit early as Risque has cut into her heel. It is like an 'over reach' but it looks quite deep so I suspect it was cut on a flint. She doesn't seem lame, but then with the adrenaline of the day she probably wouldn't be until the following day.
14 round for drinks tonight.
Risque
Took her to the meet up on the Downs, and she was so well behaved. She stood really well at the meet, and was a pleasure to take.
The temperature has definitely risen, but it was really cold on the tops where there was no shelter from the biting wind.
No jumping today, but Christmas Eve is generally a quieter day.
Unfortunately I came home a bit early as Risque has cut into her heel. It is like an 'over reach' but it looks quite deep so I suspect it was cut on a flint. She doesn't seem lame, but then with the adrenaline of the day she probably wouldn't be until the following day.
14 round for drinks tonight.
22nd December, Saturday
Hunting
The meet that was canceled on Monday has been rescheduled for today, but the ground is still frozen, so it has been canceled again.
Shooting
I had said that I would pick up on the shoot today, but I still have so much to do for Christmas, that I think I will have to get on with my chores!!
Now that I have 2 horses to keep fit as well, it is really hard to fit everything in.
The meet that was canceled on Monday has been rescheduled for today, but the ground is still frozen, so it has been canceled again.
Shooting
I had said that I would pick up on the shoot today, but I still have so much to do for Christmas, that I think I will have to get on with my chores!!
Now that I have 2 horses to keep fit as well, it is really hard to fit everything in.
20th December, Thursday
Jonny goes home today.
The ground is still frozen, and it is really cold.
The school is really hard, but fortunately the roads have been gritted so I'm able to get the horses out on roadwork.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
19th December, Wednesday
Rusty & Hazel
Angmering Park Estate
Heavy frost again last night, and the temperature is freezing. Add a cold northly wind up on the Downs and I was glad of the extra jumper!
The other 'pickers-up' have loads of dogs, and the shoot only has 2 spare vehicles so I am driving the landrover all to myself today. Fortunately, my off roading skills won't be required that much as the ground is frozen, so only ruts and slippery frost to negotiate.
Although the bag was over 200 there wasn't that much for me to do today, and the dogs worked well. We did 4 big drives, and although we stopped for pasties and sloe gin, we didn't have an official lunch and shot right through.
That means the guns were finished by 2.30pm and by the time we had swept through it wasn't long after 3pm before we were finished which is great as it means I can get back to do the horses before dark.
Angmering Park Estate
Heavy frost again last night, and the temperature is freezing. Add a cold northly wind up on the Downs and I was glad of the extra jumper!
The other 'pickers-up' have loads of dogs, and the shoot only has 2 spare vehicles so I am driving the landrover all to myself today. Fortunately, my off roading skills won't be required that much as the ground is frozen, so only ruts and slippery frost to negotiate.
Although the bag was over 200 there wasn't that much for me to do today, and the dogs worked well. We did 4 big drives, and although we stopped for pasties and sloe gin, we didn't have an official lunch and shot right through.
That means the guns were finished by 2.30pm and by the time we had swept through it wasn't long after 3pm before we were finished which is great as it means I can get back to do the horses before dark.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
17th December, Monday
Well, the last few days have been cold, with a really hard frost at night. Although the days have been clear bright skies, the temperature hasn't got above freezing, so hunting today was cancelled as the ground was too hard.
Today is a really renown meet, it is the one that's the week before Christmas, and is one of the fast and furious days so I'm sure it will be a disappointment to all not to be able to go out today.
I have done little training with Sorrel this week as she has been busy playing with Jonny so will make an effort after Christmas to do some more retrieving with her.
Today is a really renown meet, it is the one that's the week before Christmas, and is one of the fast and furious days so I'm sure it will be a disappointment to all not to be able to go out today.
I have done little training with Sorrel this week as she has been busy playing with Jonny so will make an effort after Christmas to do some more retrieving with her.
15th December, Sunday
Rusty, Jasmine, Hazel, Sorrel and Jonny.
All the dogs come with me to the stables and hang around while I do my jobs. They are all playing really well together and I just love having them all around.
All the dogs come with me to the stables and hang around while I do my jobs. They are all playing really well together and I just love having them all around.
15th December, Saturday
Chloe
Hunting
Met a midday, and as I waited at the meet there was a few bits of snow. It is cold but cloudy. There wasn't a big field but I guess that is because they were out yesterday, or will be out on Monday.
We only had a couple of fences to jump which were quite small, so nothing very challenging.
Anti's and police all out, and not many hunt stewards today, so it was really quite hard work.
They were only out for just under 3 hours so stayed till the end.
Dogs
All the dogs are getting on great and Jonny and Sorrel spend most of their time playing, so really cute to see them together.
From l - r
Hazel, Sorrel, Jasmine, Jonny practising their sit/stays!
Hunting
Met a midday, and as I waited at the meet there was a few bits of snow. It is cold but cloudy. There wasn't a big field but I guess that is because they were out yesterday, or will be out on Monday.
We only had a couple of fences to jump which were quite small, so nothing very challenging.
Anti's and police all out, and not many hunt stewards today, so it was really quite hard work.
They were only out for just under 3 hours so stayed till the end.
Dogs
All the dogs are getting on great and Jonny and Sorrel spend most of their time playing, so really cute to see them together.From l - r
Hazel, Sorrel, Jasmine, Jonny practising their sit/stays!
Friday, 14 December 2007
14th December, Friday Rusty had a seizure.
Risque
Today I took Risque hunting. This is first time she has been out since she has been pregnant and had the foal. I arrived at the meet quite early and was ready 'for anything'. I thought she would be so hyper as she hadn't been out for such a while.
Anyway she was brilliant. I just love riding this horse, and she stood beautifully at the meet for port and sausage rolls, didn't pull and was really well mannered.
We even had a set of rails to jump with stock wire in, that I made a complete mess of, but she scrambled over.
I didn't stay out long as she isn't that fit, and wanted to have a couple of hours out, and then get back to do the rest of the animals.
Chloe has a busy time coming up, so it did her good to have this day off, as she has lost so much weight, mainly through stress, as she gets so excited, she sweats off any weight she had.
Jonny came last night, and is staying for a week, so that should keep all the dogs happy, having a new playmate.
Today I took Risque hunting. This is first time she has been out since she has been pregnant and had the foal. I arrived at the meet quite early and was ready 'for anything'. I thought she would be so hyper as she hadn't been out for such a while.
Anyway she was brilliant. I just love riding this horse, and she stood beautifully at the meet for port and sausage rolls, didn't pull and was really well mannered.
We even had a set of rails to jump with stock wire in, that I made a complete mess of, but she scrambled over.
I didn't stay out long as she isn't that fit, and wanted to have a couple of hours out, and then get back to do the rest of the animals.
Chloe has a busy time coming up, so it did her good to have this day off, as she has lost so much weight, mainly through stress, as she gets so excited, she sweats off any weight she had.
Jonny came last night, and is staying for a week, so that should keep all the dogs happy, having a new playmate.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
13th December, Thursday
Sorrel
Well she is 15 weeks old now, nearly 4 months old. I can't believe she can start competing in the Gundog Working tests at 6 months old - we are no where near ready. That is the problem at this time of year, by the time I have done the horses it is dark so I have struggled to really focus on her training.
Saying all that she has picked up a lot from the other dogs and has fitted in well. She is at last getting the concept of house training, but I don't think we have had 1 day without a mistake! She will retrieve a tennis ball fine in the kitchen I just need to work on this outside.
Today she ran off, and I was really worried as I couldn't find her. I heard the bin men early this morning, so rushed up from the stables to give him his Christmas card/box and all the dogs followed me. The other dogs were all barking at the bin lorry, and Sorrel did bark but stayed well back by the trailer. After 'chatting', I looked round and couldn't find her anywhere. I knew she had been a bit scared of the bin lorry but I didn't expect her to be so badly spooked. After looking everywhere round the house, garden and fields, I eventually heard her bark, and she was on the next farm. I was really surprised that she had been that scared to run so far away, as she hasn't been anywhere without me or the other dogs with her.
I do need to do some traffic introduction, along with meeting some kids, as she hasn't really done any of that yet. However, it may have to wait till after the shooting season, and then I will have more time to focus on her.
Ellie
I have been doing some work on picking up her feet, and can just about pick all her feet up now without too fuss, as long as she is balanced, otherwise she tries to run round the stable on 3 legs which is rather difficult to hold onto the 4th leg!!
She has had a rug on the last few days, and she is getting used to this, as well as being brushed.
She has now had her feet washed and after trying to canter round me and kicking at the water the first few times she has really settled. The other day she stood tied up while I washed her feet, so that was such an improvement I was really please.
Panache
I can pick up her feet, although she still seems to get in a muddle with the farrier. Last time he did her feet, he was trimming the front one, and she managed to jump right over the top of him, knocking him flying, so still some work to do there!!
Leading is ok, washing her feet is a bit of a nightmare, but overall she is really sweet temperament. Just need to do some more work with her. I put her out in the top field the other day as there is more grass and the field is dryer. I was clipping Chloe and saw her in the small paddock and wondered how she got there. I went out to investigate, and she had broken through the slip rails, 2 of them broken in half. Why she went through the post and rail I'll never know. Thank god I don't have any wire; I'm sure we would have had a really serious injury if we had.
Well she is 15 weeks old now, nearly 4 months old. I can't believe she can start competing in the Gundog Working tests at 6 months old - we are no where near ready. That is the problem at this time of year, by the time I have done the horses it is dark so I have struggled to really focus on her training.
Saying all that she has picked up a lot from the other dogs and has fitted in well. She is at last getting the concept of house training, but I don't think we have had 1 day without a mistake! She will retrieve a tennis ball fine in the kitchen I just need to work on this outside.
Today she ran off, and I was really worried as I couldn't find her. I heard the bin men early this morning, so rushed up from the stables to give him his Christmas card/box and all the dogs followed me. The other dogs were all barking at the bin lorry, and Sorrel did bark but stayed well back by the trailer. After 'chatting', I looked round and couldn't find her anywhere. I knew she had been a bit scared of the bin lorry but I didn't expect her to be so badly spooked. After looking everywhere round the house, garden and fields, I eventually heard her bark, and she was on the next farm. I was really surprised that she had been that scared to run so far away, as she hasn't been anywhere without me or the other dogs with her.
I do need to do some traffic introduction, along with meeting some kids, as she hasn't really done any of that yet. However, it may have to wait till after the shooting season, and then I will have more time to focus on her.
Ellie
I have been doing some work on picking up her feet, and can just about pick all her feet up now without too fuss, as long as she is balanced, otherwise she tries to run round the stable on 3 legs which is rather difficult to hold onto the 4th leg!!
She has had a rug on the last few days, and she is getting used to this, as well as being brushed.
She has now had her feet washed and after trying to canter round me and kicking at the water the first few times she has really settled. The other day she stood tied up while I washed her feet, so that was such an improvement I was really please.
Panache
I can pick up her feet, although she still seems to get in a muddle with the farrier. Last time he did her feet, he was trimming the front one, and she managed to jump right over the top of him, knocking him flying, so still some work to do there!!
Leading is ok, washing her feet is a bit of a nightmare, but overall she is really sweet temperament. Just need to do some more work with her. I put her out in the top field the other day as there is more grass and the field is dryer. I was clipping Chloe and saw her in the small paddock and wondered how she got there. I went out to investigate, and she had broken through the slip rails, 2 of them broken in half. Why she went through the post and rail I'll never know. Thank god I don't have any wire; I'm sure we would have had a really serious injury if we had.
12th December, Wednesday
Hazel & Rusty
Angmering Park
When I turned up it was lovely to see G there who I pick up with at Findon Valley. I didn't know she was coming, so we bagged the toyota and loaded all the dogs, she had 4 labs, and I had my 2.
It was a really sharp frost last night, but the sky is cloudless which is so nice to have a lovely day after so much rain. There is no wind, and actually although I don't think the temperature got much above freezing all day. We stopped at lunch for hot pasties, and it was quite warm sat on the pheasant feed bags in the sun.
Overall the dogs did ok. Hazel found a partridge after the guns had swept the area so that was nice. Nothing really exceptional, and not that much retrieving as some of the guns had dogs, but still a really enjoyable day, with stunning scenery.
Angmering Park
When I turned up it was lovely to see G there who I pick up with at Findon Valley. I didn't know she was coming, so we bagged the toyota and loaded all the dogs, she had 4 labs, and I had my 2.
It was a really sharp frost last night, but the sky is cloudless which is so nice to have a lovely day after so much rain. There is no wind, and actually although I don't think the temperature got much above freezing all day. We stopped at lunch for hot pasties, and it was quite warm sat on the pheasant feed bags in the sun.
Overall the dogs did ok. Hazel found a partridge after the guns had swept the area so that was nice. Nothing really exceptional, and not that much retrieving as some of the guns had dogs, but still a really enjoyable day, with stunning scenery.
12th December, Tuesday
Chloe
Hunting
Today the meet was at the Secretary's house, and we had a peaceful day. The weather is bright with some sunshine, and I just had such a lovely day. Chloe got over the top at the beginning and just was too over enthusiastic at the fences and we had a couple of stops, just because she was rushing them and I was trying to steady her, so she almost just crashed into them. I am a bit disappointed about that as they weren't that big, but she jumped really well for the rest of the day.
Not that big a field, and only a few of us stayed out till the end. It is so nice to hack back to the meet with the hounds, and then have tea and cake. A really nice social day, with some good hound work.
These are the days I love.
Hunting
Today the meet was at the Secretary's house, and we had a peaceful day. The weather is bright with some sunshine, and I just had such a lovely day. Chloe got over the top at the beginning and just was too over enthusiastic at the fences and we had a couple of stops, just because she was rushing them and I was trying to steady her, so she almost just crashed into them. I am a bit disappointed about that as they weren't that big, but she jumped really well for the rest of the day.
Not that big a field, and only a few of us stayed out till the end. It is so nice to hack back to the meet with the hounds, and then have tea and cake. A really nice social day, with some good hound work.
These are the days I love.
10th December, Monday
Bakers Farm Shoot
Rusty & Hazel
Today is the last 'Monday' for the family days on this shoot. Overall the dogs worked nicely, and Hazel sat at most of the drives off lead and didn't look like running in. Unfortunately, a bird was shot and landed directly in front of her, and she ran in!!! Back to the drawing board with her.
There was 6 of us picking up, and I really didn't have that much picking up to do.
Collected Sorrell after the mornings drive, and took her to the pub for lunch. She managed to poo in the car on the way there!!! and it's only a few minutes up the road. I had Hazel in the car which I thought would help.... obviously it didn't!! Anyway, loads of people made a fuss of her in the pub, so took her to the shoot for the last couple of drives. She sat in the car while I picked up with Hazel, but had a run round between the drives.
They hadn't that big a bag, so they decided to blank a huge area in for the last drive, and by the time it had finished it was nearly dark. I got really cold today, although it didn't actually rain. I just think I was stood still for such long periods.
Sorrel
Gundog Training 7 pm Indoor School
Took her tonight to the same class as last week. She managed to poo in the car on the way there!!!!! In the class she was ok, but surprise, surprise our heel work hasn't really improved. Considering she has only been on the lead twice she really hasn't got the concept but that's down to me to put some training in. I still feel it is beneficial for her to go for socialisation so the last one is next week so I might go if I'm not too tired.
Rusty & Hazel
Today is the last 'Monday' for the family days on this shoot. Overall the dogs worked nicely, and Hazel sat at most of the drives off lead and didn't look like running in. Unfortunately, a bird was shot and landed directly in front of her, and she ran in!!! Back to the drawing board with her.
There was 6 of us picking up, and I really didn't have that much picking up to do.
Collected Sorrell after the mornings drive, and took her to the pub for lunch. She managed to poo in the car on the way there!!! and it's only a few minutes up the road. I had Hazel in the car which I thought would help.... obviously it didn't!! Anyway, loads of people made a fuss of her in the pub, so took her to the shoot for the last couple of drives. She sat in the car while I picked up with Hazel, but had a run round between the drives.
They hadn't that big a bag, so they decided to blank a huge area in for the last drive, and by the time it had finished it was nearly dark. I got really cold today, although it didn't actually rain. I just think I was stood still for such long periods.
Sorrel
Gundog Training 7 pm Indoor School
Took her tonight to the same class as last week. She managed to poo in the car on the way there!!!!! In the class she was ok, but surprise, surprise our heel work hasn't really improved. Considering she has only been on the lead twice she really hasn't got the concept but that's down to me to put some training in. I still feel it is beneficial for her to go for socialisation so the last one is next week so I might go if I'm not too tired.
Saturday, 8 December 2007
8th December, Saturday
Chloe
Hunting
The forecast is for rain, and rain it did. It only stopped for a short while in the late afternoon. The meet is just up the road from the house, so it will take about 10 minutes to hack there. Anyway I was soaked by the time we arrived.
They are shooting here today, and I must say I'm glad that I'm not picking up, it will be a long wet day.
After port and cake, they laid a trail, and hounds ran hard, so we had a fast canter to sort of warm up - if that was possible. We went round the woods, anti's and police were out. What the police were doing driving around in the police van in the woods, is just a damn cheek. I bet they didn't want to get out of the van and get wet!! They are not allowed on private land unless they think an offence has been committed.
It wasn't long before the huntsman had had enough, and we left the woods and hacked quite some way to have some free space.
However, the wind and rain continued, really heavy at times. Everyone was coated in a layer of mud, and I was soaked to the skin. After a few hours, they drew a covert near the house, so I took that opportunity to make for home. I think I got home about 2 pm and it was still pouring.
Hunting
The forecast is for rain, and rain it did. It only stopped for a short while in the late afternoon. The meet is just up the road from the house, so it will take about 10 minutes to hack there. Anyway I was soaked by the time we arrived.
They are shooting here today, and I must say I'm glad that I'm not picking up, it will be a long wet day.
After port and cake, they laid a trail, and hounds ran hard, so we had a fast canter to sort of warm up - if that was possible. We went round the woods, anti's and police were out. What the police were doing driving around in the police van in the woods, is just a damn cheek. I bet they didn't want to get out of the van and get wet!! They are not allowed on private land unless they think an offence has been committed.
It wasn't long before the huntsman had had enough, and we left the woods and hacked quite some way to have some free space.
However, the wind and rain continued, really heavy at times. Everyone was coated in a layer of mud, and I was soaked to the skin. After a few hours, they drew a covert near the house, so I took that opportunity to make for home. I think I got home about 2 pm and it was still pouring.
Thursday, 6 December 2007
5th December, Wednesday
They are hunting today, but I'm busy with work so will just have to give it a miss. As it is, it rained consistently all day. In fact the last week or so seems to have been constant rain. The ground has now gone to mud, and just the thought of all the tack and horse cleaning has left me taking the easy option of doing jobs at home.
It rained all Thursday (6th) as well!!!
It rained all Thursday (6th) as well!!!
Monday, 3 December 2007
3rd December, Monday
Rusty and Hazel
Bakers Farm Shoot
After heavy drizzle ALL day yesterday and high winds this morning has dawned clear with a cloudless sky. Although it clouded over this afternoon, at least we stayed dry.
Both dogs were good. The both had some nice retrieves, with Rusty finding a bird that had been pricked that was miles away, it was only because I was chatting with Dick at the car and Rusty disappeared into the wood and came back with it that it was ever found.
There was only 4 of us picking up today and I was the only one with 2 dogs so there was plenty for everyone to do.
Really nice day out as always.
Sorrel
Training Class at Brinsbury - 7pm
I am tired, but Sorrel has had little socialisation, and decided to join this class tonight. I was not impressed as we were a bit late because just as I went to leave, I realised that she had just poohed in the house. Cleared that up, and took her in the car. When we got there I realised she had poohed in the car!! Cleared that up as well! Her house training is terrible. I admit that perhaps I haven't put as much time into it as the other dogs, but I have never had a puppy that has poohed in the car.
Anyway, we tried to do some heelwork, but as Sorrel has done virtually zero lead work she obviously wasn't that good. We did some whistle sits and that was OK. Overall, I was very pleased with her behaviour. She was quite bold and not at all intimidated by all the other dogs.
If I have the energy, I will try and go next week.
Bakers Farm Shoot
After heavy drizzle ALL day yesterday and high winds this morning has dawned clear with a cloudless sky. Although it clouded over this afternoon, at least we stayed dry.
Both dogs were good. The both had some nice retrieves, with Rusty finding a bird that had been pricked that was miles away, it was only because I was chatting with Dick at the car and Rusty disappeared into the wood and came back with it that it was ever found.
There was only 4 of us picking up today and I was the only one with 2 dogs so there was plenty for everyone to do.
Really nice day out as always.
Sorrel
Training Class at Brinsbury - 7pm
I am tired, but Sorrel has had little socialisation, and decided to join this class tonight. I was not impressed as we were a bit late because just as I went to leave, I realised that she had just poohed in the house. Cleared that up, and took her in the car. When we got there I realised she had poohed in the car!! Cleared that up as well! Her house training is terrible. I admit that perhaps I haven't put as much time into it as the other dogs, but I have never had a puppy that has poohed in the car.
Anyway, we tried to do some heelwork, but as Sorrel has done virtually zero lead work she obviously wasn't that good. We did some whistle sits and that was OK. Overall, I was very pleased with her behaviour. She was quite bold and not at all intimidated by all the other dogs.
If I have the energy, I will try and go next week.
1st December, Saturday
The Opening Meet
Chloe
Well, it was delayed by a month because of foot and mouth, and today we are at Knepp Castle as always for the Opening Meet.
I have decided after our fall last week not to go for some of the bigger hedges. I know today will be fast and furious galloping over a line of fences, so I just want to enjoy the day and have the horse come home uninjured.
I couldn't get over how flooded everywhere was. All the small streams had burst their banks and some of the water the horses had to cross was really deep. Some of the ponies were up to their tummies at one place. We had loads of water to wade through which was a bit daunting at times, especially later in the day when we had a bridge to cross and you could only just make out where it was as the stream was so full of water it was higher than the bridge and running over it.
Anyway, she jumped great, did all the timber fences no problem, and we still managed to jump a couple of the smaller hedges.
We went to the pub for second horses, and the field had really whittled down by now. Chloe had run really fast, and I lost count of how many fences we had jumped. It still seemed a bit early to go home, so did till 3pm although it was a bit slower in the afternoon.
At least the weather was dry, with some sunny spells, so overall a nice meet, and it was nice that so many people were at the meet as I had wondered how many would turn up with it being a month late.
Chloe
Well, it was delayed by a month because of foot and mouth, and today we are at Knepp Castle as always for the Opening Meet.
I have decided after our fall last week not to go for some of the bigger hedges. I know today will be fast and furious galloping over a line of fences, so I just want to enjoy the day and have the horse come home uninjured.
I couldn't get over how flooded everywhere was. All the small streams had burst their banks and some of the water the horses had to cross was really deep. Some of the ponies were up to their tummies at one place. We had loads of water to wade through which was a bit daunting at times, especially later in the day when we had a bridge to cross and you could only just make out where it was as the stream was so full of water it was higher than the bridge and running over it.
Anyway, she jumped great, did all the timber fences no problem, and we still managed to jump a couple of the smaller hedges.
We went to the pub for second horses, and the field had really whittled down by now. Chloe had run really fast, and I lost count of how many fences we had jumped. It still seemed a bit early to go home, so did till 3pm although it was a bit slower in the afternoon.
At least the weather was dry, with some sunny spells, so overall a nice meet, and it was nice that so many people were at the meet as I had wondered how many would turn up with it being a month late.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
30th November, Friday
Findon Valley
Hazel
Today is damp with low cloud. The first drive is very cloudy and misty. That's the trouble on the Downs, stunning scenery in clear weather, but you are so high up the mist is really thick. All the drives were changed after the first one, as the big high drives are on top of the Downs and you could hardly see the birds. Hazel was a pleasure to take. She had some nice retrieves, and plenty of strong runners, probably a few too many but that's the way it goes.
After lunch the rain set in. One the first drive this afternoon I was stood in the bottom of the valley with the rain whipping through, and the rain horizontal into my face. It wasn't long before I was soaked and cold. We had to stand a long time, as it is a long drive, and at last the whistle went and we went and picked the birds. There was only 3 of us this afternoon, and there were some pricked birds that had gone back to the top of the valley so we ran the dogs through the cover at the top.
The last drive we picked a couple of partridges and then it was off home, to get the horses in and fed.
Hazel
Today is damp with low cloud. The first drive is very cloudy and misty. That's the trouble on the Downs, stunning scenery in clear weather, but you are so high up the mist is really thick. All the drives were changed after the first one, as the big high drives are on top of the Downs and you could hardly see the birds. Hazel was a pleasure to take. She had some nice retrieves, and plenty of strong runners, probably a few too many but that's the way it goes.
After lunch the rain set in. One the first drive this afternoon I was stood in the bottom of the valley with the rain whipping through, and the rain horizontal into my face. It wasn't long before I was soaked and cold. We had to stand a long time, as it is a long drive, and at last the whistle went and we went and picked the birds. There was only 3 of us this afternoon, and there were some pricked birds that had gone back to the top of the valley so we ran the dogs through the cover at the top.
The last drive we picked a couple of partridges and then it was off home, to get the horses in and fed.
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