Hi, Hannah here!

I’m new to Horse + Pony having just joined the team last week! My first days have been great fun, and hard work too – I've been to interview the North Cheshire PC branch Prince Philip Cup team at HOYS…!

So, a bit about me (yawn), well I’ve always ridden and owned horses and ponies so I guess you could say I’m kind of addicted. I’ve competed in lots of different disciplines and had great fun doing all the big shows. My last pony Gambler, a gorgeous Welsh Section C, who I had to sell before my final year of Uni, is my all time fave pony so I thought I’d give him a mention. We did lots of comps together and he has a huge fan club! I think that’s about if for now, until next week…!

Hi, Hannah here!

Well it’s been all go this week in the office putting together some mega features for the coming months, but even the H+P team had time to laugh at the antics of one famous drunken pony…

Mr. Greedy, a.k.a. a small pony called Fat Boy, bit off more than he could chew when he broke into someone’s garden at midnight, munched his way through loads of fermented apples, got drunk and fell into a swimming pool!

The poor lady who found him thought she had the beast of Bodmin in her pool until she realised what it really was! After calling the fire brigade Fat Boy was rescued using a harness and was totally unharmed his moonlight dip.

Now that’s a story to make him hang his hooves in shame!

Check out the full story at...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7672691.stm

Hey!

As I was sprinting to work this morning, I had a thought - if only I was a horse I’d get there much quicker. Then, it crossed my mind - who would win in a man versus horse race? And guess what? It turns out there is such a race… an annual 22 miler, where runners compete against riders on horseback.

The race takes place in a Welsh town and started in 1980 when a local landlord overheard a discussion between two men in his pub. One man suggested that over a significant distance across country, man was equal to any horse. The landlord decided the challenge should be tested in full public view! Since the year 2000 a horse has won the race seven times to man’s twice. This year’s horsey winner was Dukes Touch of Fun who galloped to victory in 2 hours and 18 minutes. Well it seems I’d be better off as a horse after all!

Hey everyone

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me! I’ve been off doing photo shoots and interviews - meeting up with top Western Youth rider Ralph and his gorgeous horse Rap’s was def one of the highlights! Watching and learning all about the Western way was amazing, I managed to see one of the top reining experts in action, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a horse move so quickly in an indoor arena! You guys will have to wait until it comes out in the mag, but trust me you won’t want to miss it!

Brrr it’s been sooo cold lately, I seem to be living in my coat at the moment, unless someone tries to prise it off me…!

Finally I had to add this: do you remember my blog on Fat Boy, the drunken pony? Well it seems tipsy horses are becoming more common…! A drunk horse in Romania was arrested for being over the limit.

Police officers were alerted to the horse when the cart it was pulling looked out of control and hit a man sitting on a nearby bench. Police tested a sample of the horse's blood and were left scratching their heads when it came back positive for alcohol. Vets said it was the first time they had been asked to test a horse. According to local paper reports, police believe the horse was given alcohol to make it appear stronger and healthier to fetch a better price at a local fair, now I bet that’s something you don’t see everyday!

Byeee!

Hi everyone

The wonderful Will Young has just shot the video for his next single ‘Grace,’ out on Dec 1, and he’s gone all horse-tastic!

But there’s more… the horse in the video isn’t just any old nag, no, it’s one of Hollywood’s most famous equines in movie history, a.k.a. Vandal, - Mel Gibson’s noble charger from the five-times Oscar winning film, Braveheart!

Vandal also starred as Black Beauty in the most recent film. Will’s video was filmed at a South London equestrian centre and Will even wears jodhs and a showjumping jacket to tackle some challenging fences.

He told H+P exclusively, "I found the riding challenging but hugely enjoyable. I rode as a child and recently took it up again, I'm really enjoying it – I had some extra lessons before the shoot too. I'm still finding my way and I'm sure it's clearly visible in the video that I'm not a pro-rider just yet, but I had such an enjoyable time filming that it's totally renewed my enthusiasm in riding." Go Will!

Although apparently Vandal, the A-list neddy, got even more attention than Will on set. Never mind Will, the single is awesome and it’s out in time for Xmas so start making those lists.

Will and Vandal try a trot.

Will seems to be struggling with his jodhpurs!

The gorgeous Vandal got more attention than Will on set.

Will looks at home in his riding gear.

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1agz_QGfv1U

Hey!

I’m so happy to be back in the office now after slipping over and knocking myself out on the ice! Definitely not ‘Dancing on Ice’ style either!

Anyway, hopefully you and your fave ponies are all wrapped up as the colder weather comes in, fingers crossed for a white Crimbo.

Speaking of ice, did you know that Icelandic horses are perfectly capable of being ridden on ice, without slipping over? In fact they have performed on ice rinks in the UK! As the original horse of the Vikings, taken to Iceland over 1,000 years ago they have been pure bred ever since. Between 12hh and 14.2hh, the Icelandic horse has an extra gait – the TOLT, which is a four-beat running walk - some even have a two-beat lateral gait called the FLYING PACE, used for racing.

Never mind extra grippy shoes and salt for tackling the ice, I should just start riding everywhere on the sure-footed Icelandic horse from now on!

Hi everyone

Hannah here:

Hope you all had a good Christmas!

“He’s behind you…!” Familiar words to Panto's newest star, Sparky the Welsh pony, who has been wowing audiences at the King's Theatre in Southsea.

However, Sparky has not just become a stage star, he is drawing crowds to The Phoenix pub, close to the theatre, where he has set up stable in a room at the back of the building, usually used for playing pool! Regulars at the pub have been helping Sparky keep up his strength for his Cinderella performances by feeding him loads of carrots. Apparently people have even been wandering into the pub and asking, “is it true you’re the pub with the horse?”

Pulling Cinders’s carriage off to the ball is only one of Sparky’s claims to fame and he seems firmly settled in the pool room at the pub, being no trouble at all for the landlords. With so many fans it may be hard for Sparky to leave behind his celebrity lifestyle and swap the spotlight for sunlight (well, if we ever see the sun again!)

Hi everyone

Hannah here:

I had a rockin evening yesterday when I got to meet the record-breaking 100-winners-in-a-season jockey, Hayley Turner.

I met her at a floodlit race night on all-weather racetrack Great Leigh’s in Essex. The atmosphere was amazing and seeing the steam billow off the hot horses in huge clouds when they had finished a hard race was surreal!

But night-time racing isn’t the only variation on horse racing. In Sanlucar, Spain, there is a horse race run along an 1800m stretch of beach, during August, which dates back to 1845! Rumour has it that the race started because fish buyers raced their horses along the beach as they waited for trawlers to bring their haul into port. Originally the race was for the rich and elite only but now it's a thrilling spectacle open to all. You can sit on the beach to watch with only a small mesh fence separating you from the thundering Thoroughbreds. And when the races have finished there is a massive party that’s open to the public! Where’s my passport…?!

Hey!

Hannah here:

Apparently you and your mates would most like the internet to take your exams for you! Despite all the other options, like traveling into the future or back in time, more than 37% of 11-15 year olds questioned by BT Connected Earth said they would like the internet to be able to sit their exams!

Well I know what I’d choose… I wouldn’t go backwards or forwards in time, just somewhere hot and filled with horses.

So what else did they find out?
44% of you couldn’t live without the internet for a single day.
64% of you were between 5 and 10 years old when you first started using the internet.

Here's guessing some of you are reading this then!

Hey!

Hannah here:

Love ponies but never had a riding lesson? Well now’s your chance… This half term all would-be pony/horse riders in London can get 10% off at six different riding schools across the city.

The special discount has been arranged by Hoof, the London 2012 Olympic legacy project, for an introductory lesson at one of six equestrian centres. You can get this awesome discount at London's Hyde Park Ross Nye Stables, Trent Park Equestrian Centre in north London, Mount Mascal Stables in Bexleyheath, Littlebourne Equestrian Centre in Hillingdon, Woodredon Equestrian Centre near Epping Forest and Aldersbrook Riding School in east London.

Prices vary depending on whereabouts the stables are but start from only £12 for half an hour. Make sure you book yours over the middle two weeks of February and learn to ride! For more information, booking details for the riding centre of your choice and the 10% discount voucher, go to http://www.hoof-in-town.com/learntoride.html

Hey folks

Hannah here:

I’m back in the office after 10 days in lovely Thailand – it was hot, hot, hot! It took a massive 16 hours to get there but it was well worth it! I got to try lots of Thai food (and have probably come back twice the size…), went elephant riding – it’s a lot scarier than horse riding, and went swimming in a waterfall with giant fish that sucked my toes and fingers which was really weird!

Apparently, I’ve got a good suntan, which must look a bit strange to most people seeing as we’ve had heavy snow and freezing weather here. Speaking of which I was really sensible before the flight home and put on lots of layers of clothes and packed coats in my hand luggage as I knew it would be really cold when we landed at London Heathrow. Unfortunately I totally forgot about my feet and left my flip-flops on – I got some really strange looks on the London underground and my feet were blue by the time I made it home to Norwich late that night…!

Hi
Hannah here:

Boy am I happy to be back in the H+P office, it gets so boring just lazing round the house, trying not to move too much!

Anyway, not long now 'til The Ultimate Pet Show, (May 2-4) which look set to be a bit of a horse fest on the Sunday, with:

* A morning seminar on Equine Behaviour, (10-10.30am) which tells you how to work with your pony’s natural behaviour to get the best out of him in a tricky situation.

* Stunt demos featuring an amazing TV and film horse-master and his horse (1.45-2.15pm and 3.45-4.15pm) and a lights, camera, action seminar (2.30-3pm) where you can find out how horses are trained for film work! That is a lot to keep you entertained!

If you’re a fan of all things cuddly/ scaly/ hairy, well all pets really, you should check out the cool stuff on offer at the show on www.ultimatepetshow.co.uk and get yourself down to Birmingham NEC, it’s going to be awesome!

Check out these stunt horses - you can see their trainer and his horse for real at the Ultimate Pet Show.

Hey

Hannah here:

We've just heard about a sponsored ride near to the H+P office! On Bank Holiday Monday - May 4 - there's a sponsored ride at Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne, Lincs.

You will get to chill out in private parkland, with no worry of traffic, while your fave pony can kick up his hooves and enjoy a good canter through the grounds.

Riders of all abilities are welcome and you can choose from three different routes (8, 12 and 15 miles.) You'll trot on through ancient woodlands, see the huge lake and the imposing house and there are even optional jumps to tackle.

The event will be raising funds to help maintain local village churches and this year’s charity Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

The ride will be clearly signposted and there is even a refreshment stop at the halfway stage – complete with homemade cakes! Rides can set off between 10am and 2pm (last start time for the 15-mile route is 1pm) and the advance fee is £15 per horse, or £20 on the day.

Riders under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone completing the course will receive a rosette. And a prize will be awarded to the person who achieves the most sponsorship.

For all the information and entry details contact Rosemary on 01778 590350, email rosemary.player@ppbid.com or visit the event website at www.bccride.com what are you waiting for?!

Hey!

Hannah here:

Ever wondered what the horsey world gets up to on Red Nose Day? Well one equestrian centre in Wilstead, Beds, was certainly busy!

The Stables Equestrian Centre raised more than £500 for Comic Relief. The staff and most riders wore pyjamas all day on Friday March 13 and Saturday March 14.

All the staff decided that they wanted to do something to raise money for Comic Relief and Jo Samuel (the owner) suggested all staff and clients got sponsorship to wear pyjamas throughout both days. The staff loved the idea, as well as The Stables’ clients, with many riders turning up in sleepwear, as well as dressing gowns and even night hats. In fact, some got so behind the project, that whole families arrived in pyjamas, including parents and grandparents.

Check out these awesome shots:

Hey

Hannah here:

Don’t believe you can do cool stuff for free? Well, I’m here to prove you wrong! This next bank holiday, May 4, from 10am–5pm you can experience watching one of the most exciting horsey sports in Britain… horseball at Lee Valley Riding Centre, Leyton, Greater London, for FREE.

Basically, horseball is a game between two teams of players, who use their skill and agility to throw a ball between players. The aim of the game is to score goals by throwing the ball through a basketball style hoop. There will be plenty of thrills, and probably some spills, to keep you on the edge of your seat and you never know maybe you’ll want to get involved.

Horseball is full of action!

The day is not just about horseball though. There will be tons of fun for anyone who loves all things horsey, as well as those who are new to the idea of riding. You can meet the horses and find out more about the riding centre. There is also pony rides, a riding centre quiz, arts and crafts activities, face painting, a carousel and riding to music displays.

For all the info check out http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Goodbye!

Hannah here:

It’s a very sad day for me today because I’m leaving H+P to work where I live in Norwich (quite a long way from the H+P office!)

I’ll really miss everyone, but will keep in touch. I had all the jokes about being car

eful when I’m gone as everyone seems to find my fight with the cyclist quite amusing! I’ve got loads of wicked memories from H+P like chatting to Geoff Billington at Your Horse Live, meeting the Cheshire Hunt North PC mounted games team at HOYS (and seeing Katie Price warm up backs

tage) and my evening interview was top jockey Hayley Turner, too many to list!! I hope Sarah and Laura won’t forget me too quickly, although I bet Sarah will be glad not to have to drive late at night to pick me up from the hospital…!! Keep on riding and watch out for cyclists!

Bye!