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31st December 2003
Well have had some lovely rides on Pendock Tonto over the past couple of weeks - we have discovered the acres and acres of woods and tracks which are literally next door to my fields (bridleway). Had never really had a chance to explore them properly, more afraid of getting lost, but met a lady riding an Ardennes out so we palled up and off we went, little and large, together with our dogs, who got on famously. You can go for literally miles through the tracks, with several nice gallops.
2nd December 2003
Just realized not updated this for some time. Well the highland foals are now weaned - done at the beginning of October and are quite settled. Katarina has become very friendly, from being so horrendously evil in the stable, now stands quite happily to have her feet picked out without even having a headcollar on, and is happy to have a rug put on.
The winter has arrived with the rain - we did need it, but possibly not all in one week! but at least my fields are still very dry being high up on a hill does have its advantages - drove over where I used to be last weekend, and you can see where animals have been in the fields, but at Whitstone the cattle are still out with no sign of them coming in yet, some stay out all winter even.
Just re-fenced the smaller field in the pouring rain last weekend - that was fun !
28th August 2003
Two mares and foals have gone off to their new homes today - Firsedge Zola and her foal Firsedge Zebulon have gone to Pauline Hill in Leominster, Hereford, and Haven Tamarin and her foal Firsedge Dark Times has gone to join Barbara Dalton's Covedale Stud in Camarthanshire, Wales. They loaded brilliantly, travelled very well and arrived safe and sound.
27th August 2003
The Dartmoor Breed Show, Bicton. Although I couldn't go due to work, Firsedge Royal Breeze (Whitmore Royal Charm x Solera Stormcloud) was 2nd in a good 2 year old class, and 3rd in the Novice 1,2 and 3 year old class. He then went on to be Reserve Champion Gelding for his
owner Sue Plummer. One of F.Royal Joker's first foals, Tedburn M was 5th in the foal class.
16th August 2003
Ashwater Show and Pendock Tonto went off with Sue Plummer for her grandson, Robert, to do the Leading Rein class where they finished a creditable 4th.
8th August 2003
HPEC Highland Show - Holmedown Ponies did very well across the board, Kirstendene was 2nd in a large (13) class of two year olds, Maymist was 2nd in the yeld mare not ridden, Christabella 5th in the yeld mare ridden Cobweb 5th broodmare foal 4th foal H.Jade won the Junior Ridden and the Novice Ridden. It was a great time and if anyone has not yet been to Malvern, it is really worth the visit to see so many different ponies, some ponies did not stay for the second day, but new ones came up instead. It is also a great social event and a chance to bump into friends that you have not seen for ages.
7th August 2003
NPS Chamption ship at Malvern - it was very, very hot. H.Cascade excelled herself in the ridden classes, gaining two 4ths and a 5th out of huge classes of 32 and 38 - not bad as only been broken in since April. Cobweb was 5th in the broodmare class and her foal 4th in the foal class, Cascade and Kirstendene were both 7th in huge yeld mare and 2 & 3 year old classes respectively.
2nd August 2003
Decided to go to Northlew Show at the last minute, as it is the last time it is being held. We took Holmedown Cobweb and foal. The second time he has had a halter on, and he was brilliant, being stroked and made a fuss of by lots of children and not worrying at all. Cobweb won the large M&M 4yrs and over class and went M&M champion.
Cosden Cracker who I recently sold to Natallie Banbury of Monshall Dartmoors, Winkleigh was 2nd in a very strong small breeds class.
20th July 2003
Holmedown Cascade won the Highland/Fell/Dales Open class at Chard Show, and was also 3rd in the Junior Ridden qualifier.
4th July 2003
Have sold Cyd, and have finally got Pendock Tonto (Welsh Sec A) who I used to own back - bought him some time ago, but he has just been delivered, so spent an enjoyable evening hacking round the roads.
2nd July 2003
Went up to the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, and ended up just taking Holmedown Cobweb and her colt foal. Cobweb was 6th in a big class
and her foal was Champion foal and behaved very well.
14th June 2003
Well Cosdon Cracker who was sold recently has gone off to his new home with Natalie Banbury, Monshall Stud at Winkleigh where he has two mares waiting for his arrival.
2nd June 2003
At last Firsedge Zola has foaled - a black colt by Cosdon Cracker, very friendly and will be for sale at weaning.
31st May 2003
Holmedown Cobweb has had a dark grey dun colt foal by Dunedin Monarch, a rather large lad ! He will be for sale at weaning.
17th May 2003
Drumpark Kara produced a filly foal this afternoon - jet black, but will be dark brown by Dunedin Monarch. Loves it dearly, but is quite happy to leave it to investigate what I may have in my pockets !
24th April 2003
On Sunday 20th Firsedge Sophie foaled, a black filly with no white, the first foal I have from Cosdon Cracker. This afternoon Haven Tamerin has foaled out in the field, the last foal in this country by Stoneyoak Dark Czar, who is now in Austria. Black colt with a white star, but mother is very protective So that just leaves Firsedge Zola left to foal.
27th January 2003
Am pleased to advise everyone that the Highland Stallion Johnsondene is coming home. His offspring have proved to be very successful being Champions both in-hand and under saddle. He will be available for a few outside mares, and will also be produced undersaddle. There are some youngstock by him available from the Kewstoke Stud - please contact me for further details. holmedown@btinternet.com