So once again as I sit down to write my blog … I am playing catch up!
But, it’s a perfect day to do it, as I look outside at the steady rain that has been coming down since last night without a break, I am confident that I’m not missing out on being outside today!
Since we last caught up, I’ve moved into my new house, got a new cheeky family member and numerous other fun things too … let me share them with you!
Straight off, you can probably remember the photos of my little flat, before the renovations began. Well, we stripped, scrubbed, tacked holes, scrubbed some more, wallpapered and painted over the course of four weeks during September/October and I have to say, it looks amazing!
Here are the photos of how the place has come together since I moved in in Mid October.
The Kitchen - I'm sure you remember the hideous lino and terrifying green bench top…it's come a long way!
The Lounge…now devoid of revolting carpet!
My Office
The Bathroom! Looks like HUMANS can bathe here now!
My bedroom…
And I also mentioned that I got a cheeky new family member … well, here he is below, my little Eclectus Parrot, Reuben. This is after he's had a shower and been dried with the hairdryer, with a very interested audience!
He was a rescue job and has had a fairly rough start to life, going through three homes before he was even six months old. He was doing all sorts of nasty tricks like biting, squawking and destroying things, but he has come home to me and transformed into a happy, cheeky little green monster. They say these guys have about the emotional intelligence of a five year old child, meaning that in the coming months and years, I’m sure he’s going to run the household and definitely run rings around my dog. But these little critters develop a full vocabulary, which they can use in context, asking when they want certain foods, telling you off when they think you’ve been ‘naughty’ and talking to other household pets. So far Reuben only says ‘Hello’, but he’s only a baby! Oh, and did I mention they live for 60 years? So I’ve got myself a friend for life! Hopefully one day soon when he’s harnessed trained and a little bit more mature, you’ll see him out at events with me, sitting on a perch in the back of my horse float.
In Horsey news things are going very well!
I’ve been throughly envious of everyone out there competing in the horse trials the last few months, but I am very pleased with my decision to focus on the dressage and jumping. I feel like Archie is going from strength to strength on the flat, and will be ready to tackle a 2** start early next year. He’s been doing some cross country schooling and doesn’t miss a beat, but I’m not planning on getting him super fit and eventing again until January.
Archie being a good sport and copping a cuddle after we went out for a big gallop on our hill,
which he thought it was AWESOME fun!
We had a real highlight recently when we attended a clinic with Megan Jones while she was here in Melbourne, and her comment during my dressage lesson was “Nic, it’s starting to look really effortless...” I think I nearly fell off when she said that! Archie has been SUCH a tricky horse to get going and I finally feel like the puzzle pieces are starting to look like they are from the same picture at least! haha - I am very proud of him and how far he’s come.
Take a look at a short clip from my lesson
Muz is also ticking along, feeling more and more through and good in the body every week. I am keeping my fingers and toes and everything else crossed that he stays sound and can have a career as an eventer. He really is a work horse, he loves coming out of the paddock and can’t wait to do his job, even if he does it particularly … mmm, expressively, at times, he really loves to be there.
He’s going to have his first cross country school since this whole spur situation next weekend. We have treated him and helped him as much as we possibly can, now I think I am just going to need to continue to manage him to the best of my ability, but also not to baby him anymore. I need to be able to get out there and work him and jump him and cross country him and if he’s going to break, well, we’ll cross that bridge IF we come to it.
Unfortunately the chestnut horse that I have here in work is still looking for a home. His sale has reached ‘urgent’ stage, as his owners can’t afford to keep him in work any longer, so his price has been reduced to $5,000 firm. We have a few people coming to see him this weekend, so fingers and toes crossed!
Check out Chairmanoftheboards credentials HERE
We will also have a young horse coming on board in the next few months as well, a 4yo grey filly by Grand Farnese (2** stallion being campaigned by Nat Davies) out of a Grosvenor/Sir Tristram mare, owned by my best mate who is a dressage rider. He broke her in himself earlier this year and she’s now ready to start her career as a real horse, and seeing as how she’s bred for the job, I get the honour of eventing her! I’m pretty excited actually, she has super movement, a great jump and an incredibly bold nature, so I’m sure she’s going to be good fun!
Grand Fantasia…aka Fanny free jumping about 1m
Last but not least, I would love to update you all on my new facebook page. I have created a page where you’ll be able to find out about horses for sale and in work, as well as the latest news on my competitive horses when I’m out and about myself. I’ll also include any cool training tips that I find really worthwhile myself, so feel free to drop by if you’re interested.
Good luck to everyone competing at the Adelaide International 3DE this weekend! Archie, Muz and I all look forward to joining you there next year in the 2**!
Looks like the rain is easing up, so I might go and get a ride in ...
Best Riding,
Nicole
