On Saturday Danni was booked in for the 11.30 ride and Jess wanted to do some shopping so we dropped off Danni and then Nigel, Jonny, Jess and I went to New World. It will probably have been my last trip to New World. After picking up Danni we came back home and spent the rest of the day here. Danni made a chocolate cake and I prepared some things for the evening as we are to have a pot luck supper over at the house. Danni, Jonny and I went over to the house at 4.30 and they watched some TV whilst I prepared some beefburgers.
Rob and Julie arrived about 6pm shortly followed by Daniel, Cherry and baby Marco before Gordy and Gail arrived. We sat down to a good meal to which everyone had contributed and Danni and Jonny ended the evening toasting marshmallows in the chimera on the patio. It was a clear night and almost a full moon and the view over the estuary, with the moon shining on the water, was stunning.
Everyone left at about 9.30pm and Nigel brought Jonny over to the house to watch his dvd whilst I cleared up helped by Danni.
On Sunday I had arranged with Kathy to meet up with her at Massey pony club so that Danni could try out Boxer, a pony that belongs to the pony club. We left here at 9.30 and dropped Jonny at home before going on the pony club. Kathy was already there and she introduced us to several people and to Anna, her daughter, and Anna's horse. Anna was to have a lesson with the instructor there. Shortly Patris, the head coach at the pc, arrived with Boxer the pony that Danni was to try out. Boxer is a real Thelwell pony, about 12 hands, hairy and with legs like tree trunks!! Danni immediately fell in love with him and set about getting him ready and tacking him up. There were several people riding in the outdoor school and soon Danni and Boxer joined them. She had a happy hour or so riding and doing a bit of jumping and rode him well. Everyone was so friendly and the pc has amazing facilities. http://masseyponyclub.co.nz/
After Danni had untacked Boxer and taken him back to his paddock I dropped her off at home and drove back here.
Monday was dry and sunny and a good day for housework!! We have many visitors, ants, in the pantry so I emptied it out and we put down some bait.
I was supposed to be at the stables, for 2 rides, on Tuesday afternoon but Heather rang to say that the rides had been cancelled. I went over there at midday to pick up Emma (the French girl who is working at the stables) and brought her back here. After lunch we took her to see Pakiri Beach and Goat Island beach. In the evening we went to the cinema to see a French film, Le Chef, and then went into the Vintry for a glass of wine before coming back home.
On Wednesday morning Emma appreciated being able to have a bit of a lie in after her 10 days and early starts at the stables. The day dawned fine but heavy rain soon set in. We hadn't been sure what to do but Emma said that she was quite happy to relax and spend some time on her lap top so we had a quiet morning. It's been good to speak French again in readiness for our return back home.
In the afternoon the rain had stopped so we set off for Snalls Beach. Rob was at home so we called in to say hello and after a cup of tea Rob joined us and we went for a walk at Scotts landing where we usually launch the boat. We walked along the beach and over the causeway to the island as it was low tide.
After dropping Rob off we called in at the Warehouse in Snells Beach before going on to Warkworth and dropping Emma back at the stables.
On Thursday I was at the stables in the afternoon. There were 2 rides, 25 Japanese students on each ride, and they arrived at 2p.m. The horses were tacked up and ready when I arrived but there is quite a lot of organisation involved in working out who is to ride what, then fitting them out with boots and hats. Then we lead out the horses, one by one, and get them mounted, adjust the stirrups, check the girth and show them how to hold the reins. Then we get mounted and each of us leaders had 4 riders to take care of. We set off in a long line and ride around the farm and back through the paddocks. It's amazing how the confidence of the students differs although few of them have ever been on horseback before. One large, confident looking lad was terrified and turned to jelly once on the horse and said how scared he was. Several of the girls just sat on their horses as if they had no concern whatsoever and kept their cameras clicking throughout the ride. Once back at the stables we have to dismount quickly and help the riders dismount before going through the whole process again! I stayed on after the second ride to help untack the horses and rug them up before returning home.
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