Today the snow finally started to thaw although still too much in the arena to ride yet and a rather bitter wind made it feel pretty cold.

The horses are still going out for a few hours although the fields have got slightly slippery now the snow is rather wet. They are also rather bored of the walker now, as illustrated by Millie who has a couple of times stopped it dead by planting her bottom against it, ignoring all vocal attempts to get her to move. However a quick flick of the electric fencing button shows how quickly Millie can accelerate when she puts her mind to it and normality returns! The only exception is Sadie who was only introduced to this idea of going round in circles this week. As yet, the novelty hasn't worn off and she still marches on very keenly. I think she sees it more of a social occassion with her mates than a way of excercising.

Anyway, tonight we have more snow forecast, but it is warmer and there is a chance it could be more sleet and rain at the coast where we are. So please let it rain and we can wake up to see green outside with all snow melted so I can get back riding. Wishful thinking maybe, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed all night....

I know that it is everywhere, but we are really not use to so much white stuff in the balmy West Country: Frozen taps, icy tracks and the arenas covered in snow means hard work, but no riding just when I was ready to crack on with all the horses to prepare for the coming event season .

Archie and Ben are still at home ready to return as soon as the weather improves whilst Aragon  and Fling were just ready to start some serious schooling and a bit of jumping. Millie who had been in light/medium work all winter is raring to go out BSJA again and Sadie is getting bored a bit although I definitely wasn't planning on doing much with her until the weather is a bit better. Instead lessons with my trainer Sue Edwards were obviously cancelled today and I won't be risking taking the lorry out down the lanes until they have melted. Thank heavens for the horse walker situated right next to the yard and I am still turning everyone out for a few hours as the snow is powder and not balling up in their feet. With big pile of hay each they are behaving remarkably well although Sadie did have some acrobatics at first and even got her Mum to join in briefly!

Video taken on  mobile so not the best quality and some photos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv-b99c7Avk

 Aragon and Fling

 Aragon and Millie

 Mum and daughter Roodi (behind) and Sadie; not always easy to see which is which!

Sadie looking very furry and glossy who was very interested in Fiona's son Ben who came to visit the horses this weekend