Rural Trader Blogs

The Last of the Summer Coats

We're already into April and my horses' coats are all beginning to turn.  I never like this time of year as we have to say goodbye to glossy summer coats and daylight saving, only to look forward to winter coats and darkness at 5pm.  

We had the Royal Easter Show over the weekend which usually marks the end of the showing season for us.  This time, we had my family's pair of Friesian horses on show, with our competition carriage.  I had spent hours getting the best out of the last of their shiny black summer coats and battling with the long, thick tails that characterize the breed, and was looking forward to a relaxing day at Alexandra Park. 

Sadly, I noticed horse entries were down once again, a real shame especially after the trouble the show had obviously gone to with the advertising and exposure this year.  We continue to support the show every year however - it's been a tradition for my family for years.  

Surprisingly the harness entries were up on last year's and we were thrilled to see some more competition for our pair.  We enjoyed a brilliant day with our carriage driving friends - always fair and friendly competition.  The horses once again stepped their game up a level and performed outstandingly for only their second outing together.  

It was a particularly exciting show for me as it was the first time I was able to drive the pair in competition.  A few days practice at home was really all I had had time for, and therefore I really was placing a lot of faith in the horses to adjust to my voice and driving style, and to perform for me on the day.  

All went extremely well and I was wrapped to win the Lady Driver class (always a class I aim to win).  I can only put my success down to the wonderful training and experience I've gained working with Nick, my father.  I couldn't wish for a better and more supportive instructor. 

The horses had their first outing together at Horse of the Year Show last month.  Big call for a first show?  Yes, probably.  But we have great faith in the horses and had prepared them accordingly, therefore knew they wouldn't let us down.  In fact, they performed better than we expected and truly blew everyone away.  It was a great feeling to be keeping up with the more experienced horses and receiving some fantastic feedback from the spectators also!  The pair was placed in nearly every class they entered at the show, so naturally, we came home very happy.

I hope everyone had a wonderful easter.  See you next time!