Hi everyone!

Sarah (and Tippy here!)

I’ve got a v. busy month ahead as I’ve officially got two nags to look after. Gizmo’s owner has had an op on one of her eyes and isn’t allowed near the stables in case she gets dust in her eye and it gets infected - so I’m in charge of Gizmo as well as Tippy.

Gizzy is really easy to do, I just have to make sure he doesn’t eat too much spring grass! I’m going to be riding him at least three times a week, which should help him stay slim and trim. He’s stabled at night, like Tippy, but he’s bedded on straw so I’ll have to get used to mucking out straw again rather than shavings! Gizmo has a medium sized haynet at night and gets a tiny feed morning and night; so he doesn’t get jealous of Tippy munching away.

Apart from being taller and wider than Tippy, Gizzy is v different to ride. His stride is much longer and more rolling than Tippy’s. He’s also a big baby and spooks at everything! So fingers crossed I don’t bounce off!

Better go - as you know both Laura and Jennie are off at the mo!
Bye
Sarah

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy here!)

Tippy is very happy again as Nick and Lauren (the farriers) paid her a visit this week, so she has new shoes to kick her heels up in! She charged around the field when she was turned out after she’d been shod!

She’s still not very happy on the Gizmo front though. She pulls a horrible face at him when I tack him up to go for a ride. He’s actually been quite well behaved. He can be a spooky wimp and jump around at every little thing – which is sooo annoying. Although, when we last rode he only spooked once - at a cat in a hedge.

So, I’ve got a v. busy weekend ahead. Extra mucking out to do (and the fields!), a week’s worth of haynets to fill, two nags to exercise… I’d better get going.

Bye
Sarah

Hiya,

Sarah (and Tippy) here

It's great that the grass is growing but boy am I having to keep an eye on Gizmo! I've watched him while he's grazing and he just seems to hoover the grass up.

I promised Stella I would keep a close eye on his weight and he is definitely getting plumper. So I've put his grazing muzzle on every day this week (which he hates and Tippy is scared of) and reduced his hard feed and the amount of hay he gets at night. It's tricky though because he gets to spend a long time turned out as I'm in the office all day - I now know exactly how tricky it is to manage a laminitis-prone horse or pony.

Gizmo looks hungry in his stable!

Tippy seems so much easier to care for. I've been watching her graze and she doesn't just pig out, she actually lifts her head up and moves around the paddock - occasionally.

I've also had a bad back this week! I do have problems with my back (fallen off too many times!) but I was riding Gizmo last week when it went. I think it's because he's so podgy that it went but it's been painful mucking out, carrying water buckets, grooming etc so I haven't even been able to ride to help Gizmo stay slim. It feels much better now and I'm going to be back in the saddle this weekend.

Bye for now
Sarah

PS Forgot to say last week - Tippy has road nails in her back shoes! The farrier says it will help grip more easily.

Hi H+P fans

Sarah (and Tippy) here

Think it might be just me blogging today. Jen and Laura went on a photoshoot this morning and have yet to come back! Think they are making the most of the sunny weather today and having a laze about in the sunshine with the ponies - can't blame them.

It's been a busy week at the stables. Gizmo's had new shoes (still looking after him) and farrier was very happy with his hooves and says there's no sign of laminitis. Which is good. Stella (his owner) came to turn him out after the farrier had been and he was very naughty!

He rolled as soon as she let him loose in the field and got his grazing muzzle off. She tried to catch him to put it back on and he legged it! Naughty boy! Stella says Tippy didn't help as she charged about on her side of the hedge winding Gizmo up even more.

But best of all... I paid a visit to my local horse trials - Belton horse trials. It was a mega event this year with loads of people (and their dogs) turning out for a brill weekend. Like everyone was there competing and giving their horses a ride out before Badminton next month.

There were some amazing horses and I've saved my faves to show you in the next issue of the mag... but in the meantime to keep you going I've dropped a few on here!

Mary King and Apache Sauce
(Mary took all her top horses to the comp - she was very busy jumping from one to the other!)

Lucy Weigersma and Beckli
(Lucy just did the dressage with Shaabrak as she's keeping him in cotton wool before Badminton)

Cheeky chappy eventer Matthew Wright and Cermont

Ruth and the awesome Two Thyme
(Check out this month's issue of H+P - out now - for some shots of Two Thyme at home)

Andrew Nicholson
(I was very pleased to see Andrew riding while wearing glasses. I now have to wear glasses all the time and it was cool to see someone else riding in them! I suppose it helps if you can see what you're jumping.)

Happy Easter

Sarah

Hiya

Sarah (and Tippy) here

I hope you’re all having a cool holiday!

Natalie’s gonna kill me for telling you but you will never guess what happened on Saturday! If you ever needed a reminder as to why it’s sooo not cool to reach behind a horse’s legs – read this.

Natalie was grooming Joe and instead of going around the other side to groom his other back leg she reached across. No, she didn’t get squashed, trampled or kicked (but this could have been a problem), she got poo-ed on! As she reached around, Joe thought he’d do a crafty pile and it went all down Natalie’s back!

Linda and I, who were also grooming shouted out to warn her but it was too late. It was so funny. Tippy had a big grin on her face and I thought she might try the same!

Bye for now
Sarah

Hi

Sarah (and Tippy) here

Tippy is in for a very ‘lucky’ summer! The first two swallows arrived back a week last Saturday. I was in Tippy’s stable and I thought, I recognise that sound and looked up and there they were – none the worse for their long journey home.

Over the last week more birds have arrived back, at guess there are about 20 now, all very noisy and determined to get the best nesting spot. Unfortunately for Tippy, one pair has decided to build their des-res, chick-rearing home on the middle of the beam slap bang above her head. They’ve already covered her rug in droppings and I’ve started wearing a cap while I muck out. It looks like we’re both gonna get covered in swallow muck over the next few months while they’re nesting and raising their family (they might even get two families in). So, by my reckoning Tippy and I are going to be very lucky indeed this summer!

I always look forward to the swallows arriving each spring – they do a great job fly-catching over Tippy’s field – but I’ve got a feeling I will be very pleased to see them leave again this autumn!

Bye

Hi

Sarah (and Tippy) here

Titch, the Shetland and Tiggy's bezzer mate, has the thickest coat ever! She is sooo woolly and her coat is coming out by the handful. She's been caught out by the very warm weather and is moulting non-stop to try and catch up. Linda decided to help her out the other night by giving her a thorough groom in the field. She ran out of time and didn't have time to clear up all the hair, so had to leave it.

I was still at the stables after Linda had gone and within a few minutes there were jackdaws pecking up Titch's hair to take to line their nests with. I was even more impressed by a genius rabbit who was stuffing its mouth with hair to carry back to make its burrow snug and cosy. I think there might be baby bunnies shortly!

Hi

Sarah (and Tippy) here

Everyone else has been out visiting cute foals this year and I haven't! So I decided I was going to go and find some. I went to visit the Quainton Stud in Buckinghamshire. They currently have five foals, all fillies! One had even been born the night before we arrived and was well sweet. New foal and her mum were still stabled waiting for the sun to come out again and warm the weather up before they ventured outside so I could get really close.

Many of the stud's horses are related to top showjumping horses and one of their best stallions Chateau de Brion recently got his Holstein breed license - this means his foals will be approved as full or part-bred Holsteins (which is one of the most popular breed choices for showjumpers). When the stallions aren't at the stud they are ridden in top comps by Ben Maher.

The Quainton Stud will be hosting a top showjumping competition, parading their stallions and showing visitors around on July 31 if you fancy a visit. Log onto www.quaintonstud.co.uk and click on shows for more info.

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

I've got some pics of the Quainton stud foals I went to see last week - check them out

Long legged chestnut foal

The foal who didn't want her photo taking!

Sleepy foal

Cutey long-legged foal

Hiya

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Just gotta let you know - Hannah (H+P's showing expert) is feeling very proud of herself at the moment! Her horse (well technically her mum's horse) Gainstown Bridge, aka Bouncer, was 2nd in the Small Hunter Class at the Royal Windsor.

Unfortunately Hannah was not riding him at the time, as she got mullered by another horse just before the show. She was out exercising one of the show horses when he decided to tank off and smash her leg against the side of a narrow gateway, so she isn't able to ride at the moment! Not wanting to lose her entry fee for not turning up at the show, she persuaded her boss, David Tatlow, to ride Bouncer for her. Hannah was particularly proud as David hadn't ridden Bouncer before the class since last October but Bouncer was pretty well behaved for him. So well done Bouncer!

It was also my birthday this week. I'm getting very old! Tippy decided she would help me celebrate by getting down and rolling in her field and getting covered in mud - thanks Tippy! So I spent my b'day evening grooming her.

Thanks also to Jen and Laura who bought me a pair of Crocs ready for the Pony Club Championships. We've discovered you can wear Crocs when you take a shower in the mobile unit at the Championships - then you don't have to stand on the floor! Jen wore flip flops last year and managed to lose one, still to be found, but Crocs stay on your feet more firmly. So cheers ladies!

Best go as mag is going to press.

Sarah

Hi

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Bad news - my back has gone! I was just walking along on Tippy the other day and it went. She didn't do anything wrong at all. I just felt a nasty pain in my lower bad and decided I ought to get off quick. Good old Tippy was very well behaved as I struggled to dismount and led her back to the yard.

So Stella, Natalie and Linda are taking it in turns to look after Tippy while my back gets fixed. I've still been going to see her and she's been very gentle nuzzling me. But she can't quite work out why we can't go riding at the moment. Although I don't think my boyfriend is going to be as sympathetic as Tippy when he realises he's got to muck her out, groom and feed her this weekend! Oops forgot to tell him!

One thing my bad back has made me realise is how painful it must be for horses and ponies to have to wear a saddle which doesn't fit them and pinches. It must be agony! Even though I'm pretty sure Tippy's saddle is okay, I'm going to get a saddle fitter to come out and give it the once over - just in case.

Hey, Sarah and Tippy here:

Good news! My back is feeling much better (thanks to everyone who's been asking about it). Also thanks to Stella, Natalie and Linda who've been helping look after Tippy.

I still can't ride, carry water buckets or pick out hooves - but can just about manage to muck out okay. Although Madam Tippy seems to be doing her best to irriate it again. I was leading her out to her field the other day and she was the first out. Big mistake!

She decided she just could not cope being all alone and would simply die if another horse didn't appear soon, so started leaping around. Luckily I managed to get her in the field and shut the gate before she tried to leg it, although she did do a very high pitched neigh right next to my face. My ears are still ringing! Stella wasn't far behind with Gizmo, so Tippy needn't have panicked but managed to wind Gizmo up sooo much he spend the next 20mins charging round. Mares - who'd have them?

The first of the swallow eggs in the nests above Tippy's stable hatched this week. There are some very busy swallow parents around. Unfortunately the weather hasn't been great for feeding very young chicks (cold and wet) so I hope they are all okay. There seems to be plenty of cheeping going on though!

Hey, Sarah and Tippy here:

Great news – I’ve started riding again. My back is much better although I’m still getting the odd twinge. I’m taking it very steadily, just walking, which is really annoying Tippy. I’m going to have to find someone to take her for a canter! If she doesn’t get a good run out every now and again she gets very twitchy on her hooves, like she’s going to explode or something.

Also, I’ve just got to show you this pic:

Isn’t it hilarious! Laura’s looking all summer cool. It was taken last week on a photoshoot when the photographer was testing his camera and lights. He could have found a cute pony to take a pic of!

Bye for now

Sarah & Tippy

Hi

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

It's been an up and down week weather wise. Tippy's in her stable at the moment, as rain was forecast but the sun's been shining all day. She'll be in a good mood when I get to the yard tonight. She much prefers spending time outside.

Although, the silly old fool did a really stupid thing this week. I got her in from her paddock the other night to find her legs (only up to her fetlocks) covered in little bites. They didn't seem too sore but must have hurt nonetheless.

I guess she'd been standing on a red ant's nest of something and they'd got annoyed with her clod hopping hooves crushing their house and bitten her to move her off. All I could say to her was: "I hope the grass was worth it Tippy!" As she was no doubt after some tasty grass when she trampled their nest.

Hey everyone!

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Tippy got some new neighbours on Tuesday, although they had to be evacuated a couple of days later.

Tiggy hasn't been in for a while so her stable was empty. Linda shut her dog, Saffy, in there for a few hours while she took Tiggy out for a ride. When she came back she let Saffy out as normal. The next morning, she realised Saffy had been digging in the straw at the back of the stable and went to investigate. Scattered amongst the straw were some tiny hedgehog babies - but no sign of mum! We decided to gather the two babies together and put them under the straw and leave them for the day to see if mum came back.

Meanwhile I set Laura the task of phoning St Tiggywinkle's Wildlife Hospital to see if there was anyone near the stables who would be able to care for the hedgehogs if mum didn't come back to the nest. Luckily Laura tracked down Sadie at Hedgehog Row, because that night when I got back to the stables the tiny hedgehogs were still there all alone.

I put the two babies in a box and then had a good dig through the stable in case there were anymore. I found another one. All three were very weak but still alive. When I got to Sadie she examined them and said they were two or three days old, very cold but a good size. She was hopeful she would be able to hand-rear them once she'd warmed them up.

I'll keep you posted!

You will all be pleased to hear the hedgehog babies are simply thriving. Sadie, at Hedgehog Row, says they opened their eyes for the first time yesterday!

There are two little girls and a little boy and apart from Sadie being very tired, the hedgehogs are doing really well. They get their last feed for the night at 2am, just like if they were with mum (who would then go out to find some tasty slugs and snails to munch on) and their first feed of the day at about 8am. If they were in a nest with mum she would then feed then throughout the day, so Sadie is having to feed them every couple of hours every day!

She says they are very lucky as so many young animals living in the wild will have been lost in this week's floods.

Check out this pic of the cattle grid on the track to Tippy's stable. Luckily she was tucked up in her stable when the worst of the rains came!

Hi all

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

As the weather was sooo super and warm last weekend, I gave Tippy a bit of a wash and brush up. She's always pretty clean, but as the sun was shining (about time too!) I spent some time washing her mane and tail.

Tippy loves having a shampoo - so she can go straight back out in her field and roll!

When I was grooming her though, I realised she's actually moulting and starting to get her winter coat. The weather has been so cold and dull this summer, Tippy's giving up hope of there ever being any sun and is getting ready for winter!

Hey all

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Tippy and I spent a very lazy evening yesterday picking cherries. There are some great fruit trees around the bridlepaths we ride on and Tippy decided we weren't moving until we'd picked some cherries, last night when we were hacking out!

She gets right under the trees so I can reach up and pick the ripe fruit for her. I have to take the stones out and then she can eat them.

You have to be careful though, to make sure you know what you're picking i.e. that it's edible fruit and that she doesn't move and knock you off under a branch. I always tie a knot in my reins and take my feet out my stirrups. Then if she does move a bit quick I'll just fall off and not get caught hanging out a tree!

Hey all

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

The most disgusting thing ever happened last night. As you know it's been raining none stop recently so I thought I'd nip out to do some poo-picking in between showers. As I raced around Tippy's field with the wheelbarrow wearing rubber gloves, I somehow managed to get Tippy poo in my mouth! It sort of splashed up as I tried to scoop it up! Gross! I would not advise it.

I must give a big shout out to everyone at Minchinhampton Pony Club this week. They've been having their camp and despite the awful weather had an amazing time.

Check out this piccy of instructor Sarah and her ride:

Also, don't forget to download our Ellen W podcast. She chats about winning at HOYS last year with Henri de Here (and also Jennie makes a star of herself doing the intro!).

See ya xx

Hi everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

I have discovered how to get a pony muddy in one easy step - even when the field is dry!

1. Cover the pony (Tippy) in fly gel, cream and repellent
2. Turn them out
3. Watch as they roll in the dustiest patch of the field - usually next to the gate
4. And spend the next three hours grooming when their coat has dried out

It was not good - Tippy was filthy and very dusty.

As you've probably guessed Tippy is getting irritated by flies so I'm trying some products from Global Herbs.

I'm feeding her FlyFree (which smells awful, but she eats quite happily). It's supposed to repell flies from the inside out, although I should have started feeding it a couple of months ago to get the full effect. I'll keep you posted on how we get on.

I've also got a pot of Deflect fly repellent cream. Smells okay to me, but seems to be keeping the biting flies away.

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

The whole H+P office has been really upset to hear about the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Surrey. It’s really sad news for all the affected farms.

It's worth remembering though horses and ponies cannot catch FMD – this means that unless you are in an affected area it’s still okay to go to your stables.

Unfortunately, horses and ponies, like us, can carry the disease. This means that in affected areas, bridleways and footpaths may be closed, horse shows may be cancelled, farms may be out of bounds and the travelling of horses in boxes and trailers may be restricted.

You might also spot disinfectant areas for washing and dipping boots and even car tyres at gateways. Be responsible and listen up the instructions of people in the know – but don’t panic about your fave pony – he cannot catch the disease.

Let's hope all the official get it sorted asap.

If you want to find out more log onto www.defra.gov.uk

Hi everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

It's been a mad week here at H+P. We've been a Ponies (UK) show every day as well as rushing into the office to do the mag. Everyone is exhausted and Tippy is getting v. annoyed cos her dinner has been served late every night.

Big shouts outs to:
Ellen, Kimberly, Lauren, Ellis, Dawn, Kels, Phoebe, Maddie, Lou... who came to say 'hi' if you're passing by the stand don't forget to let us know you're an H+P fan.

Must dash as we're off to the Pony Club Champs on Sunday!

Hey all!

We've had a busy few weeks visiting you lot at some shows.

Check out some pics

Some of the Burghley PC

This BYRDS team did a dressage quadrille display

Laura was a busy bee on the H+P stand everyday

Polocrosse was fast and furious

We love Lucky. He was on the Winners stand next to us and sat up begging everytime he saw another dog he wanted to play with!

There was dressage to music too!

Hi everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Have you heard? The ILPH Rangers club is now up and running. Membership is totally free and members get a fab welcome pack and access to the exclusive members’ only area of the website which has screensavers, videos and cartoons on. You can join easily online by visiting www.ilphrangers.org

Tippy and I have just signed up!

Hi everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Poor old Tippy really isn't feeling very happy at the moment. She got stung by a wasp inside one of her ears when she was turned out. She’s had a droopy left ear, which looked very pathetic. She's sooo naughty she just won't wear a fly mask for more than two seconds.

I know it was a wasp as I found a wasps’ nest in an old rabbit hole in the hedge next to her field. The wasps didn’t look too friendly so I ran pretty quickly back down the field!

I called the vet who said her ear could have been a lot worse and has given my some steroid cream to help it heal and to soothe it. She also said to try to make Tippy wear her fly mask so flies didn’t go in the injured ear and irritate it more - easier said than done! So Tippy has spent the last few days inside while the ear healed. She can now prick it again so I know she’s feeling better.

Hey everyone

As Tippy's recovering from her wasp stings at the moment - we all went to Burghley this weekend!

Here are the pics:

William Fox-Pitt and the gorgeous Parkmore Ed. William had a brill comp - he didn't just win he also launched his new autobiography 'What Will Be'.

And of course we can't forget the amazing Ballincoola!

Mary King remembered to lean back on Apache Sauce!

Lucy Weigersma and her 'sport's car' Shaabrak

Polly Stockton and the veteran Tom Quigley were second!

Zara Phillips and Ardfield Magic Star nearly didn't make it through the half coffin!

Keep your eye on Piggy French and her new horse Paris - they're gonna be a force to be reckoned with next year.

Oliver Townend's stable jockey Angus Smales competed at Burghley this year too.

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Tippy's ear has healed and she's feeling fine again. The vet said to keep her fly mask on to stop any flies getting in and irritating it as the skin is still sensitive, but apart from that she's very happy.

We're now in training for a local sponsored ride. This will be the first 'event' Tippy's been to for some time so hopefully I'll keep control. We're only going to be doing the 10 mile option as she's no spring chicken. We're also opting for a late start time so we won't upset any other riders by just going steadily. I've decided that I will get off and lead her if she needs a break so I'm going to have to get fitter too!

I'll keep you posted on how we get on!

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Don't forget it's sooo nearly Hoof it for Horses, the International League for the Protection of Horse’s (ILPH) annual fundraising day. This year's mega event takes place on October 6 (the Saturday after this one).

You could organise your own event or take part in one of the ILPH’s sponsored walks, even the Horse of the Year Show which is on that day is getting involved. For more info log onto www.ilph.org/hoofit

Even the ILPH's mascot Hoof it Harry is getting involved. He's going to be running about so much on the day he's in training now!

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

I've had a few days off work and while I'm feeling ultra-refreshed and ready to go again, Tippy's exhausted!

She's not keen on being ridden every day! Well it's not so much the riding as all the scary stuff she's seen while we've been out hacking. The annual hedge-trim on the bridleways and lanes around the stables has started and we keep trotting round a corner and coming face to face with a massive tractor and hedge cutter. Scary or what?

Tippy's also annoyed as pretty much every day we've been out for a hack, it's rained and she's come home soaked. I've had to dig out my cooler rug to get her dry and comfy.

Also, to keep you updated! Most of the swallows left the beams (above Tippy's head) last Saturday for their long migration south. I think they knew the cold weather was on its way. There are five remaining birds, three youngsters and two adults. I guess they are waiting for the young birds to be strong enough to make the journey.

Bye for now!

Hi everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

It's finally time! Tippy and I are doing the sponsored ride this Sunday. We've trained hard and are both fighting fit. Tippy looks even better than normal.

She knows something it going on already but I know that as soon as she sees the trailer ramp down, she's going to get mega excited. She's always really easy to load - you just point at the ramp and up she goes - see she loves going places sooo much.

I'm going to be taking my lunch out on the ride and some mints for Tippy. I have to take something for her or she'll refuse to budge when I eat my sarnies! Wish us luck.

Hey there!

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Tippy & Sunny fill up on hay before setting out!

Setting out

Well, we did it! Ten miles - not a problem. Tippy set out at the fastest walk ever on the sponsored ride, she was so happy to be out and about. And when it came to trotting she left poor old Sunny and Natalie behind. We only rode steadily though and it did take us over two hours to notch up the mileage.

Oh and for all you doubters out there, neither Tippy nor me have any aches and pains after our excursion. I guess it pays to get as fit as you can before attempting any long ride.

Bye for now.

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Tippy is back on top form after the sponsored ride! She got very annoyed with Gizmo yesterday though.

He’s in the field next to hers but has to do everything she says. Although, Gizmo sometimes has other ideas and he broke through the electric fence away from Tippy yesterday. She couldn’t do anything but trot around, neighing to him and telling him to come back where she could see him! Gizmo is NOT in her good books and got a real telling off.

Gizmo’s owner, Stella has decided to keep him inside today until she gets round to mending the electric fencing tape he broke through. Poor old, Gizmo it’s not a good time for him.

Hi everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

I've asked Tippy new bestest friend, Claire to blog on what it's like spending time with cheeky mare.

Claire says:

Tippy is a pretty good pony to ride. Once, when we were out riding, there was a tractor parked on the other side of the road. I thought she might spook at it, but she took one look at it and walked straight past. I was pleased and it gave me more confidence. She doesn’t seem to be scared of much when I ride her.

She’s also good to be groomed. She lets you pick out her hooves and stands still when she’s tied up. She even picks her feet up herself sometimes, but that’s usually when she wants a treat!

Tippy hardly moves at all when you groom her, although she does stand with her back legs close together, which can make it difficult to brush them. She’s easy to tack up too and doesn’t try to bite you when you do her girth up (well, not always).

Tippy looks after me when I ride her. When I’m trotting she makes sure I’m okay and if I get something wrong, or she doesn’t understand she just stops. As I’m just learning to ride, Sarah took us to the school the other day, to help me get my trot sorted. I rode on a lunge line and Tippy too good care of me, especially while I was doing rising trot.

She can be funny though. When you tie Tippy up, she sometimes lifts one of her front legs up. This means she wants a treat or she’s waiting for her breakfast or dinner. Then, whilst I’ve gone to mix her feed, she does a poo. Sarah says this is because she’s excited as she knows we’re getting her dinner ready!

Tippy & Claire are good mates.

Hey everyone,

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

It's just me blogging this week - soz! Jennie's poorly and Laura's at Your Horse Live. So if you're going to YHL pop round to say 'hi' to her. She'd love to meet you all, especially as it's going to be FREEZING this weekend.

Anyway the latest news on Tippy's yard is that a new horse or pony is coming. I don't know more than that but will keep you posted!

The latest goss is that Katie Price will be signing copies of her new book ‘My Pony Care Book’ on Saturday November 17 (so that's in a week's time) at Derby House's Wrightington store in Lancashire, from 1pm.

But, she'll also be joined by all the members of the British Eventing Pony Team who won both Team and Individual Gold at this year’s European Championships in Germany. The Pony Team will be at the Wrightington store from 10.30am to sign autographs and answer any questions you might have on breaking into pony eventing.

Click on www.derbyhouse.co.uk and follow the link to the stores page, for more info.

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

It's my fault the weather has got cold! Tippy was getting so sweaty and sticky everytime she was ridden I got Granville to clip her this last Monday. She'd turned into a little bear and now she's got much less hair - so - it's suddenly got frosty.

But don't panic, I'm not letting her get cold. She's had a blanket clip so it's just the hairy bits which were getting sweaty which are now hair free. Plus, she's wearing a cotton sheet, bib, fleece hood, blanket and rug every night - she's as warm as toast.

I think she quite likes being clipped as she stands so still and loves getting groomed afterwards. Although she's not going to be happy at the moment as it's dark and she's still outside. Oops - I'll be in trouble!

Ellen W isn't hanging about! We might not have celebrated Christmas yet, but she's already focussing on the New Year.

The top Caldene sponsored rider says she will be aiming to:

Get selected for the Olympic showjumping team
Be named as one of the top three GB jumpers
And make it into the top 15 in the world

No pressure then!

Ellen's aiming high next year!

Hi all

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Have you heard? We've got a brand spanking new ebay shop so you can now get your hands on the latest issue of H+P without even leaving your keyboard. Click on this link...
http://www.horseandpony.com/shop

Buy the mag using paypal and we'll get a copy in the post to you no messing!

Hiya

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

Big changes at Tippy's yard! The new pony has arrived. His name is Eclipse and he's a 13.3hh Fell pony. He's black apart from a little sickle-shaped snip on his nose. I think that might be why he's called Eclipse.

He seems to be keeping himself to himself at the moment! But I'm sure that'll change soon.

He's got a very long mane and tail, including a long forelock so perhaps he can't see Tippy smiling at him! Anyway will keep you updated.

Bye for now
Sarah

Hey everyone

Sarah (and Tippy) here:

A special message for everyone who thinks Tippy is a perfect pony - SHE IS NOT! She was very, very naughty this last weekend.

As you know Claire is learning to ride on her and the time had come for her to try a little canter. They were having a nice little canter together when Tippy got a bit too quick and Claire couldn't stop.

I eventually managed to catch them as Tippy tanked past but as I made her stop sooo quickly, Claire bounced off the side. Good news is she's fine and was happy to get back on. Claire is now riding Tippy in a flash noseband to help to stop her taking hold and pulling the reins through Claire's hands. She is a very naughty pony!

Claire is now doing some more riding without stirrups to help her strengthen her seat and keep control of Tippy!

As promised a pic of Tracey and Eclipse (the new Fell pony)

H+P's pony Tippy wants to say: "Merry Christmas!"

No prizes for guessing what she's up to today!

Hey everyone

Sarah here:

I know Tippy's been busy blogging her own Crimbo wishes - but I thought I'd add mine too. As you know I've left her in the capable care of Stella and Kelsie while I'm in Lapland.

Passed all your Xmas wishes for ponies of your own onto the big fella - Father Christmas himself yesterday - but he did say he would be struggling to get them all loaded safely onto the sleigh, so some of you might have to wait a little longer yet. He has to consider the welfare of the ponies and his own reindeer so just can't deliver all the ponies he'd like to in one night.

Anyway that's it for now from a very snowy Lapland - Merry Christmas to you all!

Sarahxx

Hey, not really!

Tippy is still top pony around here! But while I was in Lapland over Christmas, I got to check out some other forms of animal transport.

This is Oliver the reindeer and he's 15 years old.

Then there was the husky sledding. You don't have any reins - just a brake and your body to lean in the sled. It feels really fast whizzing through the snow and ice. But the dogs were a little smelly! So I guess Tippy is still the best form of animal transport.

Siberian huskies can have odd coloured eyes - a bit like ponies who have a wall eye!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

OMW! You are never gonna guess what happened on Tuesday. I turned Tippy out as usual and left the yard for work.

Next thing, there's a phone call from Stella explaining that I might notice a few extra hoofprints in Tippy's field that evening. Gizmo had escaped from his stable, with Stella in hot pursuit. Tippy whinnied to him and Stella thought he'd just trot down to her field gate and she'd be able to catch him. But Gizmo didn't stop at Tippy's gate, he jumped straight over and headed off up the field at a gallop with Tippy alongside!

Stella said she would have left him out but he still had his stable rugs on and it was raining. She then had to spend an hour trying to catch them! They wouldn't even come to be caught with a bucket of food on offer.

Stella's now being careful to shut Gizmo's stable door every time she goes out!

Hey everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

I guess you are all getting like Tippy and me - absolutely and totally fed up with the rain!

At the beginning of the week, Tippy was still enjoying going out for a mud bath every day (that's a roll in the muddiest part of the field) but by Wednesday I was dragging her out to the field.

She isn't having a roll anymore and just stands at the gate all day waiting to come back in.

It's not good for her joints to stand in her stable all day, so I've been forcing her outside every day, even if it's just for a couple of hours.

The yard resembles a ploughed field. There is mud everywhere!

What are your riding stables like? At least Tippy isn't at risk of getting flooded out - are any of your fave ponies? Let us know. Email Laura on laura@horseandpony.com

That's it for now. Hopefully the sun will come out soon!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

I've had a clear out this week. Once you get to Tippy's age (20) you acquire more stuff than one pony could ever need. So, I've collected together all her old rugs and numnahs and donated them to Operation Esther.

Operation Esther is name given to the horsey world's efforts to help the horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from Spindles Farm, Amersham in Buckinghamshire. There's already been loads of money, feed, etc donated so I thought it was time Tippy did her bit! I got quite nostalgic going through all her old stuff. She's grown out of some of her rugs so those are the ones I packed up ready to go.

The convoy of trucks are due to go to Redwings and the ILPH this weekend.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well, Tippy has another new neighbour. Windy Miller arrived last Sunday and he's living next door to Tippy. She's quite liking having so many new geldings to blow kisses to!

Tracey decided she'd like a little horse of her own, as well as having Eclipse on loan, so she's got Windy. He's only five years old, which Tippy is loving cos she can boss him around. He seems very sweet natured so I'll try and get you some photos to see this weekend.

Tracey hasn't been able to ride him since she got him home as she's waiting to get his saddle fitted so he's just chilling in the field every day.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

I have come to the decision that the grass is officially growing again! After all the rain and a couple of days' worth of warm sunshine it is definitely sprouting through. Tippy has also suddenly become trickier to catch.

So, as to avoid any risk of her getting laminitis, I am monitoring her waistline very carefully. I'm making sure she isn't getting too much hard feed and I've stopped giving her hay in the field. If the grass carries on growing, I'm going to have to get out and put the electric fence up, which is never an enjoyable task as it's always twisted in about a million knots. Tippy won't be happy then!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

The H+P office has been getting ready for our visit to BETA next week - that's the British Equestrian Trade Association's annual fair. It's where all the equestrian companies showcase their new products for the year ahead.

It will be really cool as we'll get a sneaky preview of all the cute pony stuff which will be available to buy over the summer and even into next autumn and winter. We'll be able to tell you exactly which colours are going to be big and which will suit your fave ponies.

Anyway, must dash got to finish packing everything for our stand!

See-yah!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

It's been a funny old week in the H+P office.

I had to have a few days off due to a family bereavement - so was feeling very sad. Everyone pulled together though and helped look after Tippy while I was feeling down. It was amazing as it was so cold at the stables but no one seemed to mind and mucked in mucking out and caring for her. So a BIG thanks to everyone who's helped me on the yard and in the office. It's nice to know you all care so much.

And then to top it all off - my car broke down! I just laughed about it though as it just stopped working and no one was hurt or put out too much. Hey ho, it's fixed now though.

I don't know how much longer my run of bad luck will last, so if you hear I've fallen off Tippy don't be alarmed!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

A strange thing happened this week. Tippy got a new neighbour - for a few days anyway.

Rocky, the racehorse, was coming to stop on the yard for three weeks but ended up stopping for just two days. He arrived on Monday night and left again on Wednesday evening. After the hustle and bustle of a racehorse training yard, he couldn't cope with the stress-free lifestyle at Tippy's. He was stabled in one of the outside stables and didn't like not being able to see any of the other horses.

He could just see Tippy in her field if he craned his neck and she stood at the top end, near the gate, but she didn't want to stop there and he got very lonely. Poor Rocky! So his owners decided he would be better off going to a busier yard.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

The H+P team (minus Tippy) had an amazing day yesterday at the PC Conference. As Laura said last week, it was at Aintree. We got to get a real nosy round the course. The ground looks in amazing condition, although staff have not yet started dressing the Grand National fences.

Jennie and I did a little talk and we did get a bit nervous cos HRH The Princess Royal was still there... luckily she left just before we got up to do our turn. But we did have to follow Ginger McCain, legendary racehorse trainer. Ask you're mum or dad if you've not heard of his most famous horse Red Rum and they are sure to fill you in. Red Rum is like the most famous Grand National racehorse ever, so our talk sounded dull in comparison but we were just honoured to be in such amazing company.

Anyway, Laura's turned 21 this week so she's a proper grown-up, although she's still not found time to blog today! Please let her off though as her mum is helping out on a farm lambing and Laura has some orphaned lambs to look after. She's going to be busy bottle feeding!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

The heat is on at the stables at the mo.

You might remember I looked after Gizmo for a couple of weeks last year while Stella, his owner, recovered from an eye operation. Well, she's just had an operation on her other eye. So I'm busy looking after Gizmo again, as well as Tippy. She's been getting very grumpy as I tend to feed him before her in the morning and she just doesn't think it's on! Never mind she'll cope.

Gizmo wants his brekkie before Tippy!

Best go as I've yet more mucking out to do!

Hey everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

I paid a visit to the Shire Horse Society Spring Show last weekend. Despite being freezing; the show was brill. It was the first event to be held in the East of England Showground's new indoor exhibition hall - exec so spectators got to stay warm and dry!

As well as all the show classes, the society put on a demo showing the changing face of the Shire Horse and cross-bred throughout the ages; right from knights in armour to the modern day leisure horse. It was great and very moving to think about how much Shire Horses, and horses in general, have helped people in their everyday lives and how much horsepower has given to us. It reminded me how much we have to thank horses and ponies for.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Just heard some news which all you Hello Kitty fans will be mad over!

Burda:ic has launched the official Hello Kitty website, offering fans a free online community. The site brings together everything a Hello Kitty fan will ever need.

Fans get the opportunity to chat about anything on the site’s forums, from Hello Kitty and other characters, to fashion, love, music, games, and much more. Users also get the chance to meet Hello Kitty and Friends, blog about all that’s pink and take part in quizzes. They can buy stylish Hello Kitty merchandise at the online shop, from bags, clothes, jewellery and accessories. Fans can even share their fun with other fans by playing a selection of online games. Awesome!

Join in the Hello Kitty fun at: www.sanriotown.com

Hey there

Sarah and Tippy here:

Let me introduce Amy, who's going to be blogging today...

Hi everyone

My name is Amy and I’ve been helping out at H+P for two weeks on work experience but, sadly, it is my last day today! I have had lots of fun though and I have had learnt a lot of new things so I’d like to thank Sarah and the team for having me.

Before I go though, I thought you all should know about the British Horse Society’s ‘Ragwort Awareness Week’.

Ragwort is a very poisonous plant and is extremely dangerous for horses to eat, so the BHS are urging people to stop it spreading by organising Ragwort Pulling Parties to remove it from all fields.

The BHS can provide posters and advice about the dangers of ragwort (it can be found dried in hay, so watch out!). Lee Hackett from the BHS said “every year the BHS receive hundreds of calls and emails from concerned horse owners requiring advice on how to control ragwort”.

If you are going to get pulling, it is advised that you wear thick, waterproof gloves to protect your skin, and it is also sensible to wear a facemask.

Ragwort Awareness Week runs from April 14-20, 2008. For more information check out the BHS website or contact r.molloy@bhs.org.uk.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Another year has come round again - and it's Tippy's birthday today! She's officially 21 today. I can't believe where the time goes. She was only three when I first met her.

We're having a bit of a party tonight to celebrate; singing Happy Birthday in the field and munching carrot cake.

I've still got to get her a birthday pressie. I really don't know what to get. I mean, what do you get a 21-year-old pony who has everything. She's already got umpteen rugs, headcollars, bridles, brushes... there really is nothing new she needs.

PS Thanks to everyone who's sent her a card and especially Sophie Lear, from South Wales who sent her a feed voucher. Sophie won the voucher in a competition but doesn't have a pony of her own so thought Tippy would appreciate it.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Tippy's birthday went without hitch. The sun shone and she was very happy!

I went to Belton Horse Trials, this last weekend and watched Oliver Townend and the gorgeous Coup de Coeur win his advanced class. He's definitely a horse for my fantasy stables! He's on the start list for Badminton so fingers' crossed.

Flint Curtis is being prepared for the Olympics so is wrapped in cotton wool at the mo!

Find out more about Oliver's horses at his new official site at www.olivertownend.com

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

You will never guess who was at the Petplan Equine Area Festival!

Dressage rider Angela Hamp got a surprise at the Petplan Equine Area Festival - Katie Price was on hand to present her with her prizes!

Angela and her horse Di-Conti won the Advanced Medium Open and Medium Open at the Festival and Katie presented her with the Advanced Medium trophy. A keen dressage rider herself, Katie might one day be competing at the Petplan Equine Area Festival herself!

The ninth annual Festival Final was held at Hartpury Arena, Gloucs on April 16-20 and attracted competitors from all over the country.

Katie got a taste of being at a big dressage festival when she presented Angela with her trophy.

Hey there!

Sarah and Tippy here:

You will all be pleased to know that Tippy was quite well behaved when I rode her a couple of weekends ago. She didn't spook once!

Poppy was on a mission though and we had a job keeping up with her little legs! I think she knew it was going to rain cos it absolutely tipped it down. We'd just turned for home though - when it stopped! (Doesn't it always just do that when you're out hacking!)

Anyway on the way back, Tippy's nose was put right out as Tawney and I swapped over; so she rode Tippy and I rode Poppy. I didn't realise until I dismounted quite how close to the ground me feet actually were as Poppy is only just over 11hh.

Hey there!

Sarah and Tippy here:

I love it when ponies do well! And ponies had to be the stars of the show at the TopSpec NPS Dressage Champs. Riding pony Hindleap Choir Boy and Beckie Edwards were champs and Welsh Section B Wortley Grenadier and Sam Roberts were reserve champs.

Beckie has had Hindleap Choir Boy, or Timmy as she calls him, for three years now. Photo courtesy of www.equinational.co.uk

Sam Roberts and Wortley Grenadier. Photo courtesy of www.equinational.co.uk

Hey everyone
Sarah and Tippy here:

Have you heard? The GB Eventing team for the Beijing Olympics has been announced. The equestrian events will be in Hong Kong though.

First up on the list are:

William Fox-Pitt with Ballincoola

or

Tamarillo

or

Parkmore Ed

Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town

Mary King and Call Again Cavalier

or

Imperial Cavalier

Zara Phillips and Toytown

Lucy Wiegersma and Shaabrak

There's also a reserve list of other horses and riders just in case any horses on the first list get ill or injured in the build up to the Olympics in August.

Hey everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Hope you are all feeling fine and looking forward to a coolio half term. This week, I'm handing over to Hannah, who's been with H+P for the week on work experience - so without further ado here she is:

Hello everyone! My name’s Hannah.

I’m 14 (soon to be 15 next month!) and I’ve spent this week on work experience at H+P. I’ve had a fantastic time, learnt a lot and everyone’s really nice!

Anyway, I’m here to talk to you about the Cotswold Show 2008 (Cirencester Park, Cirencester, July 5-6). Gary Witheford, a horse whisperer, will be demonstrating how he communicates with horses in his own unique way. He prefers his talent to be called “natural horsemanship” rather than horse whispering, but I think it’s pretty great whatever he does! He has had over 25 years experience and he started off in racing but after working with the pioneers of new methods in horse training in America and Scandinavia, Gary developed unique knowledge into the way horses think.

Other things are going on at the Show too, from dog shows to monster trucks! There are also country pursuits, a dog whisperer, craft village, loads of stalls and a food village.

The Show is in Cirencester this year and takes place on July 5-6.

Click on www.cotswoldshow.co.uk to find out more.

Enjoy!
Hannah

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

I feel like I should be echoing Laura's blog! I got wet twice this week - and I mean torrential rain - serious wet trouser moments. Jennie and I have to be careful getting wet as we might shrink and get even shorter!

Anyway, I thought you all might like to know I've started running. I know, I know, Laura's the one who usually does half marathons, but would you know it I'm doing one too.

I'm going to be running the London Park's Foundation Half Marathon in October and am now in training (well I have been for a couple of months but I wanted to make sure I'd definitely got a place before I told you). I am going to be running for the NSPCC and it's really exciting.

I feel a bit like how a racehorse must do. I've been to have my running shoes (like trainers) fitted and you have to run on a treadmill and have your gait videoed to see if you tip your ankles or knees over as you run. This is what the vet and farrier do when you have to trot a horse or pony up for them. They are checking to see the horse or pony is sound and how they put their hooves down on the ground.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Not much to report today - Tippy gets new shoes tomorrow though.

I think she's going to be having them refitted as she doesn't do much roadwork when Sally and Holly ride her. They are very lucky as they have miles of bridleways to hack out on.

Holly did some trotting poles the other night in the field. Tippy was like: "Okay, whatever!" And just got on with them. I think she probably quite enjoyed it really.

PS Laura's blogging on Monday as she's going cross country schooling this weekend. (she's off to the Foo Fighters this evening - lucky devil)

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Tippy's been naughty again! Holly and Tawney were riding in the field last night doing some schooling. But, Tippy decided she wanted to spice things up a bit - well schooling can get boring - so she started bucking - at a walk!

She really tested Holly's riding skills out. But good on Holly for sticking on and not giving up. Naughty Tippy even bucked when Tawney coughed. She was well hyped up and managed to get Tawney's pony Poppy spooked out too.

Don't you just love ponies? They can really embarrass you. Especially after I've been saying how calm and well-behaved Tippy is.

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

How ya doing?

Check out H+P's very own vid - it's Tippy putting the brakes on last minute. Well have a looksy and let us know what you think.

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Hope you are all doing fine! Tippy and Poppy have been watching the haymaking from their field this week. Unfortunately it rained so it's not going so well.

Anyway, I've got a guest blogger again. Meet Annabel! She's been on work experience in the H+P office this week... and has been finding out some cool horsey stuff.

I've found out about a really cool prize this week and one very lucky winner. I've heard nine-year-old Maisie McNab won a competition for thinking of a name for a new foal!

The new Shire foal was born at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre - home to top Shire horses; there they normally name their new filly foals (girls) after Scottish lochs.

I reckon they thought this was getting pretty boring, as this year they had a fab idea of holding a naming competition for the public and this is how lucky Maisie won her prize.

She came up with the brill idea of calling the new filly Cotebrook Charlie's Spirit. Clever Maisie thought of this, as it is a mix of both the centre’s name and also the filly’s grandfather's name. The foal’s grandfather was called Moorfield Charlie and he was a very special horse as he was the original bloodline of the centre. What a stroke of genius by Maisie!

Not only did Maisie get to name the foal and visit her she also won a model of a small Shire horse – how cool is that?

If you want to find out more about the centre check out www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk or visit the centre between 10am and 5pm all year round. I’m definitely going to be popping along!

Maisie and the newly christened Cotebrook Charlie's Spirit

Hiya

Sarah and Tippy here:

Have you heard? The countdown is on 'til Holly and Tippy's first show. They're heading for Holly's local PC Show a week on Saturday.

Holly has started practicing her individual show and getting Tippy's tack ultra clean and I'm going to be helping her start sprucing Tippy up this weekend. I'm gonna pull her mane, trim out her hairy heels and chop the end off her tail so it's smart and level. The makeover is on!

Tippy enjoys looking smart so she should stand still while I whizz around her with a comb and scissors.

Fingers' crossed it all goes okay next weekend and Tippy is well behaved.

Greetings!

Sarah and Tippy here:

Yes, I know it's only Thursday, but I've got to blog early this week as I'm off tomorrow (Friday) getting Tippy ready for her big day - that is going to a show.

I've already pulled her mane and trimmed her heels. She also had her shoes checked on Monday. She was a total yob for the farrier though. She decided as Poppy wasn't actually in sight, she'd leap around, refuse to stand still and try to balance on one leg - thanks Tippy! It made the process take twice as long so instead of being finished when the heavens opened we were all still stood out in the middle of the yard getting soaked.

I'm really worried she'll be naughty at the show and upset all the other ponies and their riders. So if you're one of them - sorry (in advance)!

Hi there

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well, we did it! Tippy went to her first show in about nine years last Saturday. Holly rode her really well and they won quite a few rosettes, although we nearly didn't get there at all. After spending all last Friday cleaning and polishing Tippy, she rolled in the field overnight and looked like a mud-pie the following morning.

It was cold, so we couldn't wash her. We just had to load her up while she was still filthy and go to the show. Surrounded by super-duper clean, fresh smelling ponies, including the most stunning ultra-white grey pony, Holly and I had to set to work trying to tidy Madame Tippy up. Anyway, we did it and Tippy looked pretty smart in the ring!

What do you think?

Tippy rubbed up okay didn't she?

Hi there

Sarah and Tippy here:

I had a trip out the office yesterday to visit the Cottesmore PC Camp. The gang - all 34 odd - of them had just enjoyed their first night at camp so everyone was still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; including all the organisers and instructors. I'm guessing they won't be looking so wide-awake in a couple of days' time.

Camp is always brill - alongside horses, ponies, riding and horse-care 24/7 there's all the fun and games too. Midnight feasts are awesome; just remember to stay of crunchy snacks and sweets with thick wrappers. Rustling and crunching is bound to alert the organisers that there's a feast in full flow. Stick to sweets you can get the wrappers off in the dark and are silent to eat.

I can remember we once filled our instructor Graham's leather boots with water. The problem was he didn't find out until after we'd gone home as he didn't wear them. He went nuts as they'd sat filled with water for three days and were ruined. Oops!

Anyway, so far on the Cottesmore camp some of the lovely ladies had painted the boys' finger nails red and then refused to give them the nail varnish remover. Looking on the bright side, the guys' hands will look nice against their ponies' manes as they are plaiting them up!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Tippy tried her hooves at being a cat burglar yesterday! She shimmied under the electric fence, legged it over to the garden, dodged the guinea pigs' pen, skirted round the bird feeder and stood at the patio doors. Tawney had the shock of her life when she glanced round from the telly to see a big pony face butted up to the glass.

It seems Poppy had knocked over all the water buckets in the field and Tippy had come to let everyone know they needed more water. Hollie gave her a drink and Tippy then turned tail and trotted back off into the field.

Tawney had better keep the patio doors shut or she'll have Tippy sat next to her on the sofa!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

WOW! The Olympics have started.

Word from Team GB is that all the horses have travelled really well and have settled into their deluxe, air-conditioned accommodation like it was home.

Fingers crossed all the GB riders perform well, the horses enjoy themselves and bag themselves a medal or two. Don't forget to check your telly schedule. Most events will be on early in the morning here so you might have to get an early night if you want to watch live.

Check out this interview from eventing Olympian Mary King.

She's got involved with Living Paintings - a charity helping young blind and partially sighted people understand images through touch with audio commentary. Mary was interviewed by Clare Balding, along with Colin Jackson and Tanni Grey-Thompson for the charity.

If you know someone who could benefit from Living Paintings they can do by calling 01635 299771. Their library includes children's books, science, history, famous works of art and more and every item is loaned and posted free of charge.

Howdy folks!

Sarah and Tippy here:

Soz to have to be the first to tell you this but the latest news is that Michael Whitaker's absolutely amazing mare Portofino is lame and is coming home from the Olympics.

Jen's just had a call from Cynthia - Michael's groom - to say that sadly Portofino is unsound. How gutting is that for Michael and his team! All that work to get to Hong Kong, to represent your country (again) and it just doesn't happen. H+P has sent best wishes to the whole team on your behalf.

On another note - we did have the eventing on in the office yesterday. The H+P den was very rowdy cheering on team GB. Big congrats to Tina Cooke! She's a hard working eventer and mum and really deserves her individual medal.

Hi there

Sarah and Tippy here:

A spesh shout out to everyone who came to say 'hello' at the PC Champs this week. H+P have arrived back in the office for a short debrief before Laura and I head off to the novice champs.

Well done to all the newly crowned champions; it was a testing week as the weather wasn't perfect but you all rose to the challenge and did really well.

Oh and we think someone from Croxteth Park's supporters club left something on our Mini-Jumps course. If it was you, give us a shout, describing what you left behind and we'll send it over to you.

Hey there
Sarah and Tippy here:

To all those of you who thought we'd get wet at the Novice PC Champs - we didn't! It did rain, and I guess those poor souls camped out in the horsebox park would have got wet but Laura and I didn't! We were tucked up in a cosy B&B when it poured with rain at night.

Congrats to everyone who competed at the event. The cross country course was amazingly well dressed - like a mini-Blenheim - and just testing enough to give you a real challenge.

It's been a quiet day in the office today as Laura and I said goodbye to Jennie yesterday. She's off to pastures new and I'll post her farewell blog on Monday (couldn't do it today as she's chosen so many pics I've run out of time resizing them all for the web!).

Hey there
Sarah and Tippy here:

Yes, it's official I've already nipped down to like the greatest Horse Trials ever. I live sooo close to Burghley Park, I run through there on my training runs for the half marathons next month. So, I've got to see the event put together at close quarters and I whizzed down there to catch some of the dressage...

Congrats to Oliver Townend and the lovely Flint Curtis who are currently in the lead in the dressage. Fingers crossed for Oli and Flint as they have been working sooo hard all summer preparing for Burghley. (Oh, and don't miss the Oli T. training sesh in the Oct issue of H+P which is out now!)

I'll keep you posted as to how the comp is going as I trot through on my run everyday.

Big congrats to William Fox-Pitt and the amazing Tamarillo. William has won his fifth (yes, his fifth) Burghley; closely followed by a second place with Ballaincoola. I mean most top eventers dream of winning Burghley - not finishing first and second at the same comp!

William totally deserved his win. He simply rode every step of the way round the cross country course on both his rides, but especially with Tamarillo, who does sometimes have a cheeky run out (see, there's hope for us all - even top horses 'try it on!').

To be fair my money was on Ballincoola winning this year. I love that horse and I thought the wet going would favour mud lover Ballicoola rather than Tamarillo, who's an Anglo-Arab which as a breed are not reknowned for their mud paddling skills.

Then of course Mary King won third and fourth with the impressive Imperial Cavalier and Apache Sauce respectively. Mary's brill, she totally loves riding and as a spectator you always feel you are watching someone who thinks they have like THE best job in the world.

It's been some time since we've had a wet Burghley and this year's course favoured the brave. If there was any doubt in the rider's mind at any fence then that was it you were going to have a problem.

I can remember one wet Burghley, when I was about 15, which was on an equal footing for slipperiness on the shopping aisles. Back then Cabability's Cutting was a deciding complex and it was good to see it sorting out the finishers again. Just over half way round the course, the steep drop and pull back up just finishes off those horses tired from mud-wadding and it again saw loads of top riders pull up. Over the last few years Capability's Cutting has sort of been ignored - just another fence - but this year it got back the respect it deserves.

I also want to give a special shout-out to Phoebe Buckley and Little Tiger who finished in 16th place. Little Tiger isn't called 'Little' for nothing she's only just tall enough to be allowed to compete a Burghley, she's only 15.1hh. Imagine, tackling those fences... the Leaf Pit, the Discovery Valley... on little more than a pony.

Phoebe doesn't care she just trusts her horse and gets on with it, although she does say it can be tricky getting cross country times and making the technical distances on courses, designed for much taller, long-striding horses. Good on her for finishing so strongly when many top riders didn't make it round!

William and Tam at home.

We love Tam! Here he is competing at an event last year.

Hi folks!

Sarah and Tippy here:

Just to let you know - Hollie took Tippy to another show last weekend and they got a fourth and a fifth. Hollie was a bit down about her fifth place but she really deserved it as she was competing in the best rider class, except most of the riders were adults. I think there was only her and another girl who were teenagers the rest were adults including some professional riders. There were 13 entrants in the class and she rode Tippy really well, doing the most foot-perfect show ever. So well done Hollie.

On a more serious note; I need your help. I'm going to be doing the Run to the Beat half marathon in London on October 5 and need sponsorship. As I couldn't decide which horsey charity to run for, I've decided to run for the NSPCC which I'm sure you'll agree is a brill charity.

If you'd like to sponsor me click on www.justgiving.co.uk/sarahwhittington

All donations gratefully received! If you're in the Greenwich area on Sun Oct 5 give me a cheer as I trot my way through in the race.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Very exciting - my running vest for the half marathon has arrived. I have about sent Laura crazy parading around the office in it. I have to get used to wearing it before the big race next Sunday.

My number is 11074 - so near the back!

I went to see Tippy on Saturday as she was having new shoes. But guess what the old devil did? Just as Steven was removing her near side hind shoe, she lifted her tail and did a poo, no warning or anything! The naughty old thing, luckily Steven was quick on his feet and I was left apologising and blushing for her actions. She never changes!

Hi folks!

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well, I've done it! I completed my first half marathon last Sunday. The Run to the Beat half marathon, from the O2 in London, was a very, very soggy affair. Me and 8,000 odd other runners, arrived in the rain, ran in the rain and finished in the rain.

It reminded me of my first cross country comp with Tippy! The raindrops dripping off the peak of my running cap were exactly the same as the rain flying off my hat silk as I careered around the course on Tippy. I felt as stiff the following day too - except the running hurt my legs and Tippy pulled my arms out of their sockets!

I finished the 13.1 miles in a respectable 1hr 57secs exactly. I've just got another 13.1 miles this coming Sunday in the Parks Foundation half marathon.

I felt very honoured to be wearing the NSPCC bib and will be doing so again this coming Sunday... that is if my legs have been put back together in time! I ran with a little calf strain in my right leg and it now feels like my legs have turned to solid wood. I guess this is how a horse with azoturia feels. It's not nice but hopefully the sports physio can sort my strains in time. Keep your fingers and hooves crossed!

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well I've done it... two half marathons and just seven days between them! The second one was totally painful but I did it in 2hrs and 8min. I'm now lame and have to visit the doc's this week to get my leg checked out. I think it's a shin splint.

Tippy had a visit from the vet a fortnight ago. Don't panic, it's nothing serious. As she has to take a painkiller for her arthritis, and has been taking the painkiller for some time, she has to get checked out once a year by the vet to make sure she's not showing any side effects. Apart from being naughty every day, the vet said she was in great shape for her age.

Anyway, check out some of the piccies from my runs:

Back in the O2 after completing a wet Run to the Beat

My new Royal Parks Foundation half marathon running buddies - Amy & Di (photo by Amy's mum)

Probably the most scenic half marathon ever... Big Ben

The London Eye

Nelson's column

Westminster

Hi peeps

Sarah and Tippy here:

I hope you are all enjoying your half term break and managing to get plenty of horsey stuff done. Tippy was paid a visit by the equine dental technician a couple of days ago. The good news is she has a very healthy set of nashers for her age. Dee, the dentist, says she's doing well to still have all her teeth - we've just got to start cleaning between her front incisors with an old toothbrush! As Tippy is getting a bit long in the tooth, there are little gaps between them where food gathers - yuk!

On another note - one of Tippy's old field mates won the 138cm Charles Owen Pony Racing Final at Aintree Racecourse last Saturday. Tippy used to live with Goldborough Moonlight Mist (Moonlight for short) when Moonlight first left her mum as a foal. I guess it's Tippy who first taught her to gallop! Tippy was pretty fast when she was younger. So, a big well done to Hector Worsley and Moonlight for winning the championship!

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Tomorrow (Sunday, November 30) sees the first ever indoor eventing comp - the concept Express Eventing will showcase dressage (freestyle to music), showjumping and cross country indoors. Big names have signed up to take part in the competition at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff so it should be a mega event with the likes of Tina Cook, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Mark Todd, Bettina Hoy, Nicolas Touzaint and more.

As part of a warm-up competition for the event; former Strictly Come Dancing star Jodie Kidd is going to be riding in a show-down showjumping comp against her mate Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. The ladies are experienced riders but not regular showjumping faces so it should make for an eventful competition. The question is, who will win?

Former 'Strictly' star Jodie models the Musto clothing the top eventers will wear in the Express Eventing comp. (Photo: Adam Fradgley)

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson took a practice lesson at Cardiff Riding School with eventers Mark Todd and Oliver Townend. While the guys will be competing in the main event, Tara will be jumping against Jodie Kidd. (Photo: Adam Fradgley)

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Sad news this week - we're paying tribute to Mary King's awesome trooper; Call Again Cavalier, who sadly was put to sleep last weekend after suffering from a suspected broken femur whilst competing in the Express Eventing competition.

H+P was lucky enough to meet the great Cavvy on several occasions, at competitions and at Mary's yard in Devon. He really was a special horse to her - Mary rode the 16-year-old bay gelding at Hong Kong this last summer in the Bejing Olympics on the GB team.

So here's H+P tribute to Call Again Cavalier:

Looking a cheeky chap, turned out enjoying his hols.

He might be on holiday but he was still a show off!

In action showjumping at Belton Horse Trials

Going cross country with Mary.

Happy new year to you all!

Sarah and Tippy here:

Sorry, that I haven't been in communicardo for sooo long! I was poorly just before Christmas. I got that stomach bug, which seems to have been hanging around causing havoc with people's insides, and I felt like I was going to explode!

Anyway, for a catch-up - massive congrats to H+P's very own William Whitaker. He retained his Olympia Puissance title! He shared the first prize with cousin Ellen after they both jumped clear into the fifth round of the high wall competition. All-in-all a brill way to end the year for William.

Well done William!

Also, I want to give a shout-out to jockey Hayley Turner (as she comes from near where I do!) who recently became the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a season. She's really had to battle to prove her worth against the fellas and truly deserves to keep riding top racehorses.

Tippy had a particularly cheeky Christmas. It turns out she's learnt a trick from her old mate Gizmo! A couple of years ago I noticed the big chap, walking from hay pile to hay pile in the field and weeing on each in turn, so his field companion Ollie wouldn't want to eat the hay. Disgusting I know! Well, it turns out a certain Tippy has been doing the same - so poor old Poppy doesn't get any hay. Poor Poppy; who needs friends like Tippy?

Tippy isn't sharing her food with anyone!

Hi there everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

I don't know about you guys but I'm getting fed up with the winter weather. It's dark, cold and wet! You never know though; it's supposed to be snowing soon, which although it will be even colder, it'll be good fun kicking around in the white stuff. The problem with snow though, is that you can't really ride in it. If snow balls up in your pony's hooves (which is always does in Tippy's, no matter how much grease is packed in) you end up riding on stilts made up of snow. This not only poses a slipping risk but can put abnormal pressure on your pony's joints, risking permanent damage.

Anyways, this week has seen a big announcement from the British Open Show Jumping Champs... Katie Price has agreed to take part in a celebrity arena polo match. The match will be held at the show on April 19, although her fellow celeb team captain has not yet been announced. Katie has played polo before, so whoever she's up against had best get practising.

Get your British Open tickets from http://www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Katie rode in a dressage display at HOYS last year.

Hi peeps!

Sarah and Tippy here:

It's well snowy outside the H+P office today. Sadly, Laura hasn't made it in but Hannah and me are holding the fort!

Latest from Tippy's field (it's well weird not seeing her when it's snowy) is that her and Poppy are fine, munching lots of hay and just chilling out (literally!). Silly mares won't go in the field shelter but are sheltering from the worst of the snow by standing with their backsides in the hedge.

Sally said they were very impatient for their brekkie this morning as she couldn't carry buckets and hay so had to make two journeys - the girls just wanted their food NOW!

Tippy's biggest problems is the snow building up in her hooves. I've told Sally it always does no matter what you do and she ends up walking around in stilettos. All you can do is keep picking out her hooves and wait for the melt.

Back at the H+P office Hannah and I have had a snowball fight and built a snow-horse!

Not sure who won the snowball fight!

If you've built a better snow horse - email us a piccy to laura@horseandpony.com

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well, it's been an eventful week in the H+P office. Laura's off today at the Young Farmers get-together in Skegness (yeah, I know, weird!) and Hannah's battle-scarred again. She was run over, by a cyclist, last Saturday and has broken her wrist, arm and dislocated her arm. Ouch! The horrible cyclist didn't even stop to see if she was okay.

Hannah is now off work and in plaster!

It's 80 years since the PC was started this year, so I thought it would be good for us to find out how it's changed over the years. Hannah was due to be going to a PC rally with H+P's pony Tippy in a couple of weeks - gatecrashing a junior ride - to see how rallies have changed since she was a member.

the plan has rather backfired though - as she can't do it with her arm in a sling, I'm going to have to ride Tippy instead. This may however, be rather amusing for the other riders. Firstly, I haven't ridden for a year so won't be very good and the instructor will have to nag me none-stop. Secondly, Tippy may well get overexcited and chuck in some bucks so I will probablyl fall off and thirdly, I'll probably get sent home as I can't find my PC badge. Laura is on about coming just to spectate and laugh at me! Thanks!

Hi peeps

Sarah and Tippy here:

I've just discovered that after not riding for exactly one year - I no longer can! Well, Tippy has decided I'm not going to ride her!

As you will see from this piccy, she tried very hard to dislodge me. (She was very good when Hollie rode her the day before! I know because I watched.)

So for those of you who voted on the H+P poll and thought I wouldn't come a cropper, you were right but only just!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

The weather wasn't exactly brill for Tippy's 22nd birthday but that didn't stop her hogging all the carrots. Poor old Poppy didn't get much of a look in! Old slobber chops stuffed her carrots down so greedily she looked like she was wearing orange lippy.

The ladies spent the day sheltering in the hedge bottom, well the hawthorn buds make for tasty eating. They just had to be careful not to prick their muzzles on the thorns.

Tippy and Poppy are both in the middle of changing their coats and look totally scruffy. I think they quite enjoy the wet weather as it gets muddy so they can have a good roll and scratch some hair out.

Here's to Tippy's 23rd year and a hope that she might finally start acting her age!

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Have you heard? The 27th International Donkey Week is nearly here! The charity event, which aims to raise public awareness about The Donkey Sanctuary's work around the world starts on Tuesday May 5.

Every year, The Donkey Sanctuary hosts a special shindig to help remind peeps about what they do - not just here in the UK but overseas too! The charity works in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Mexico through its Sanctuary from Suffering campaign in the form of free mobile clinics and education for donkey owners, children and vets.

The charity relies entirely on donations so please help out... click on http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk and find out how to help.

The Donkey Sanctuary is based in Sidmouth, Devon - and you can visit!

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

Just wanna say big congrats to H+P columnists: Oliver Townend (and the gorgeous Flint Curtis) on his Badminton win, and also to Mr Puissance himself showjumper William Whitaker.

How high can he jump over the big red wall? Despite having a near miss with Leonardo at the British Open, he somehow scraped over and won! He shared the prize with himself also, riding newbie horse Cyber Space, and cousin Ellen (Whitaker). If that wasn't enough, he then won the Royal Windsor Horse Show puissance, with Cyber Space, a couple of weeks later. Can anyone jump higher than Will? I know I can't!

Don't forget you can catch up with top advice from Oliver Townend in H+P every month, whilst finding out what William's been up to. Wow! (And there's still time to grab a copy of the June issue for your chance to win a day with William, thanks to his sponsors Tuffa. Entries close June 5 - so hurry!)

Oh, and if you want to grab a poster of Oliver at Badminton... now is your chance, get on that poster vote now!

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Hope you've had a fantastic and horsey half term hol. H+P Towers have been bathed in sunshine nearly all week - except when Laura went to visit H+P riding expert Anna Baxter at Mill House, Leics. It was cloudy and rainy then! Actually thinking about it, Laura nearly always gets rained on... I'm starting to see a trend here... looks like I should be the one getting out and about.

Anyway, we've both just got back from visiting Maddy, Erin and Emma at Grasslands EC. The ladies posed for a photo-story for H+P, really getting into the spirit of things. Ponies Muffin and Alfie were total pro too! Brill!

I'm going to be seeing Tippy this weekend, so I'll give her a big pat from you peeps!

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

H+P's pony Tippy is one busy lady at the moment! The queue to ride her is just getting longer and longer... Tawney was in the saddle yesterday (Sunday) and cheeky Tippy gave her a lesson in pony behaviour.

The old girl (Tippy) spooked, span round and legged it up the field. Good old Tawney just sat there and brought her back to a walk but it just goes to show however much you trust a pony, you should always have your wits about you. Even the best behaved pony can do something unpredictable.

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

The Alltech Paint the Horse Competition needs you to well, paint a horse!

This is an urgent call to all you artists out there. Horse health experts Alltech, in association with Stamford Endowed Schools and the British Equestrian Federation want you to paint a horse! No, not a real horse, a template of a horse!

The competition is open to all UK school pupils aged between 6 and 18. Alltech’s Paint the Horse Competition aims to support Team GBR’s attendance at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games which takes place in Kentucky in 2010. The scheme is also supporting Riding for the Disabled.

Entrants must create an original design using a template on the entry form. Each of the four category winners will receive a framed print of their design signed by a Team GBR member of their choice and will also be invited to paint their design on a scaled model horse at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships August 25th-30, 2009 which will also be showcased at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials on September 5, 2009.

One overall national winner will be selected to have their design professionally painted onto a life-size model horse which will be paraded at the Olympia London International Horse Show. The national and category winners will all receive hospitality tickets for the Olympia London International Horse Show December 21, 2009. Now that sounds like a challenge! Get painting people.

The closing date for entries is July 5, 2009. Download your entry form at
<http://www.ses.lincs.sch.uk/foundation> under the ‘projects’ tab.

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Sssh! Have you heard? Rockin’Horse Equestrian Stunt Show (as seen in Your Horse Live 2008) in association with Impulsion, are presenting an all Equestrian Stunt Spectacle on July 18 at Corner Farm Equestrian, Halton Holgate, Great Steeping, Spilsby, PE22 5PW.

Joining Rockin'Horse for this event will be Jean Francois Pignon's PRE-SHOW called Impulsion. Horse of the Year fave Jean Francois Pignon is sending five of his best riders and nine horses all the way from France, to take part in this fantastic action packed event!

Guido Louis, principal rider of Rockin’Horse says: "When theatre became more and more part of the Equine and Equestrian shows, I for one welcomed it, but after nearly a decade of watching a lot of theatre with a little bit of action we offer you a whole lot of action with a little bit of theatre."

The Rockin'Horse Equine Extravaganza is sure to be a great way to kick start your school summer holiday! Show times: 2pm and 7pm. See you there!
Get your ticket at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rhproductions

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

I rode the old girl last weekend and she was sooo well behaved. It was like riding a top dressage horse!

Tawney decided we should stop at home and do some schooling rather than hack out. I was a bit - 'oh boring!' - but thought I ought to make an effort and surprise, surprise, Tippy was brill.

She felt really balanced and even cantered on the correct leg every time (not easy when you've got arthritis in your hocks)! All I can say is: "Thank you Hollie and Tawney - you've obviously been riding her carefully to get her going so well." I was able to spend time concentrating on my position and using my seat properly and keeping my shoulders back and down. Cool!

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Hope you're having a fab summer hol. Isn't time just flying by?

Poor old Tippy! No one loves the old nag any more. She went on PC camp last week, as Poppy was going and she couldn't stop home alone, and even though there was a spare pony up for grabs no one wanted to ride her. Guess everyone has seen how naughty she was at a PC rally when I rode her at one this last spring. (Check out the September issue of H+P which is out now!)

She got well cheesed off standing in the field on her own watching everyone else have sooo much fun at camp. No wonder the old girl is in a bad mood at the moment.

Also, just heard, modern pentathlete and H+P fave Heather Fell is going to be pressing the big National Lottery button tomorrow. Catch her on the telly, BBC1, 8.30pm tomorrow.

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

Hope you've had a cool ponified summer hols. Bet some of it included rocking on over to some shows, well H+P recently sent goodies over to the Pony Club Area 14 Grass Roots show. So, we thought we’d find out why going to a show is sooo much fun.

The Wilton PC team of Bethany Puzio, Hannah Sherborne and Mia Downes won and the Royal Artillery Lipizzaner team of Lucy Newman, Olivia Humphrey and Emma Pike came third, with the Portman Hunt team (pictured) in between in the runners-up place.

Here’s what the ladies had to say…

Rosie Gibbs: “The competition was great fun. I enjoyed the Team Dressage Test because doing it with friends made it really good fun. My pony Dewy was the best he’s ever been and I think he enjoyed it too.”

Annabel Vickery said: “I liked our group display best because it was fun and Hoby didn’t put a step wrong.”

Chloe Rideout said: “I really enjoyed Grass Roots, because there was a really fun Handy Pony and my pony Bramble walked over a stuffed body with a fluorescent jacket on. I was nervous but very happy because I knew the two people in my team and we had really fun day together.”

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

We've got copies of the new look, tack box size H+P in the office!! (And some of you lucky subscribers might have by now too - depends on your postal service!)

For everyone else - just a few more days to go before you too can get your hands on one totally cool mag. We've been very busy talking to you peeps and finding out exactly what you'd like to see in it, so I'm sure you're going to love it... All very exciting!

Hi peeps

Sarah and Tippy here:

Long time no see! Sorry, been ultra busy with the mag… but for a quick catch up… have you heard Grandstand Media Ltd, the organizer behind Horse of the Year Show, has announced that SKY Sports are going to be showing highlights from the show this Crimbo? The special two-hour programmes will feature showjumping, Pony Club Mounted Games and Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing. Check the schedules for Sky Sports channels 2 & 3 nearer the time – programmes are currently scheduled for Dec 31, Jan 1 and Jan 3.

Tippy's due for a visit from the farrier next week so her shoes will still be nice and shiny for Xmas.

Also, congrats to H+P’s columnist Emily Hanstock who raised another £1,000 plus for the Brooke at a fundraising fashion event last night.

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

Have you heard? The Donkey Sanctuary is looking after an orphan donkey foal, Ashley. The little man's mum sadly died giving birth so staff have been working 24/7 to make sure he does well.

See Ashley's blog and video at:http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/node/2510

and don't forget to dig deep and donate whatever you can to help support him and his donkey friends.

Hi guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well it's definitely Christmassy at H+P Towers! The snow is a falling and Laura and I are happy to be tucked up inside the office.

H+P's Tippy is fine too. Sally reports the old nag and mate Poppy hadn't eaten all their hay this morning as they are so stuffed full. They are currently stood right in the middle of the field and Poppy has just enjoyed a roll!

Well, I'm off to Olympia - The London International Horse Show on Sunday! It should be very festive. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the Metropolitan Police Service Police's Mounted Branch. I've seen them perform before and they are awesome. We've been told to look out for Lochearn. He's just a young horse and Olympia will be his first show.

Hi everyone

Sarah and Tippy here:

How are you all? Snowed in?

Tippy and Poppy and holding on in there but getting very bored mooching around the same old snowy field all the time. They are getting fed up munching hay but it's the only way to stay warm!

Check out these tips from the World Horse Welfare on how to keep horses happy in snowy times:

This World Horse Welfare band on ponies look happy!

1. A constructed shelter or hedge will ensure that your horse can find protection from the elements.

2. If your horse has to be rugged, always have a spare one available so you can swap if it gets very wet. It’s important to remove and re-adjust rugs every day so you can check your horse thoroughly.

3. Be careful not to over rug your horse. It could overheat and too many rugs will prevent air circulation.

4. If your horse lives out 24/7, keep a close eye on their legs. In deep and prolonged snow, their legs are not able to fully dry off, which can cause skin conditions.

5. If your grazing is sparse and covered by snow put some hay or haylage out to compensate. However, if your horse is not used to hay or haylage as part of its diet, you may cause problems by suddenly introducing it so if snow is persistent, introduce the forage gradually over a number of days.

6. Apply petroleum jelly to the underneath of the horse’s hooves – particularly during exercise – to prevent snow balling up. Remember to remove it all afterwards as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria in warmer weather.

7. Have some sand available to use on icy paths.

8. Check the horse regularly for any changes in bodyweight by using a weighbridge or tape. You may be riding less, or increasing the amount of time that your horse is stabled, which means that it is burning fewer calories.

9. Make sure fresh water is always available by breaking any ice.

10. Check your fencing regularly and remove any snow and ice from electric tape as the extra weight can bend and break plastic poles.

11. Remember that when the snow melts, the ground will be soft and easy to churn up. To avoid injury and mud fever, take steps to stop the ground being disturbed. Moving your horse to different fields to graze will help. Or you could change the point at which you enter the field so that you don’t disturb the same area repeatedly. Move water troughs regularly if possible and cover particularly muddy areas with straw or sand.

Sound advice peeps!

The H+P office has also been sent some photos of your horses and ponies enjoying the snow - here are our faves:

Ready Eddie Go by Abby Spurrell

Snowy horses in Devon by Lucy Underwood

Howdy folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

The grass is now officially growing in Tippy's field! So that means it's time to keep an extra eye on pony waistlines. Too much of the green stuff and they could be at risk of laminitis, especially eating the nutrient rich first flush of spring grass. Keep an eye on the H+P webbie to see how pony Velvet's owner Sophie is monitoring her condition. Hopefully Velvet won't come down with laminitis this year, but it really is a constant battle for Sophie. Check out http://www.horseandpony.com/horse_n_pony_laminitis.php

Extra news...
Are you a budding author? Do you think you could win a writing competition?

Equine student, Pippa Ireland, has organised a short story competition as part of her equine management course. The writing competition includes a section for Pony Club members, with masses of prizes to boot. As well as the top prizes, the PC winner and runner-up will be offered the opportunity to feature their ponies in the third book in Penny Grubb's crime series (Penny is also a judge for the competition). The book, The Jawbone Gang, should be out later this year or early next. Other prizes in this section include insurance vouchers; saddle cloths; baseball caps; specialist lessons; saddlery vouchers and many more. Pony Club entrants are also eligible for the main cash prizes of £200, £100 and £50 plus runners-up vouchers for equestrian photographer, La Scala Studios.

As well as prize sponsors, Pippa has attracted two international award-winning writers as part sponsors of her competition. The competition judge is Penny Grubb, crime writer and local show judge. A first edition of her latest book, Like False Money, which is set in East Yorkshire, will be a prize in the competition’s special Yorkshire section.
In addition, entrants will be offered the chance of a critique from award winning author and writing coach, Linda Acaster, whose latest novel, Torc of Moonlight, is set in Hull.

Author Penny Grubb is also a show judge (Photo: Laurence Ireland)

Organisers expect lots of entries to judge! (Photo: Weronika Dziok)

Schedule, rules and entry form can be downloaded from http://lascalastudios.photium.com

Entry costs £5 for each story entered but is free with a receipt from Derby House Saddlery. Entries close May 15.

Prizes
Overall winners
1st prize - £200
2nd prize - £100
3rd prize - £50
3 runners-up – La Scala Studios vouchers
Overall competition sponsor is La Scala Studios

Pony Club section
Prizes include: Saddle donated by Derby House Saddlery, Jeffries English leather bridle, insurance vouchers; saddle cloths; baseball caps; specialist lessons; saddlery vouchers and many more.
Sponsors in this section include:
E Jeffries of Walsall
Dengie Feeds
Shearwater Insurance
Equest Wormers
White Rose Polo Club
Master Saddler, Patrick Wilkinson of Beverley
Oliver Townend, Eventer

Hey guys

Sarah and Tippy here:

We've just heard some sad news at H+P Towers... The Horse Refuge a horse sanctuary based in Kent, battling to help end the suffering of sick and unwanted horses, is pitching it's own fight for survival.

Staff at The Horse Refuge have until the end of April (that's only the end of next month!) to raise £600,000, as the land the sanctuary is located on is up for sale and the refuge and all its horses are being evicted.

The Horse Refuge is home to over 40 horses, including Duke the Shire, the UK's tallest horse. Many of the sanctuary's horsey residents are elderly and staff are worried their health may deteriorate if they are forced to move home.

Gorgeous (and enormous) Duke may have to move home!

The Horse Refuge's Sara Tuppen and Jack. Everyone is devastated at the news the sanctuary may be evicted.

Everyone is very excited as both Simon Cowell and Max Clifford have offered their support for The Horse Refuge, but there's still a lot of money left to raise. If you can donate anything, no matter how small an amount please click here www.thehorserefuge.org

Myjo is just one of the horses facing eviction.

Or you can send a cheque payable to:

The Horse Refuge

to
The Horse Refuge
Dobells Farm
Moons Green
Wittersham
Tenterden
TN30 7PR

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

Well spring is here and Tippy is moving back home. Poppy is gonna be joining her for a little while but I think they're going to love it.

Their new field backs onto gardens with a river at the bottom (although the water is strictly fenced off - we don't want the girls taking a dip)! I'm going to have to strip graze the field too as it's not been munched off all winter and I don't want anyone getting too podgy from eating too much (not to name any particular pony but that'll be Poppy!).

The hacking out from the new place is good. Just one big road to cross in the village and then we're away.

So, the countdown is one with just a fortnight to go!

PS - Thanks for all the cover star entries, we're struggling to find a single winner as there are so many deserving ponies out there. We're going to have a selection of ponies on the cover of H+P. Enjoy!

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

As from today, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has the next 26 days to raise as much money as possible! So, the RDA needs YOUR help.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has been chosen as one of the 26 partner charities for Phil Packer's latest fundraising event. The “26” project will see Iraq veteran Phil walk the London Marathon in 26 hours for 26 charities – all of which have just 26 days to raise as much money as possible.

Phil Packer suffered severe spinal cord injuries in 2008 and has raised over £1.3 million for charity by rowing the English Channel, walking the London Marathon over 14 days and hauling himself up El Capitain - all within a six-month period last year.

In this latest challenge, a representative from each charity will join Phil for one hour of the 26. Emma Kent will be representing RDA for her allotted hour-long walk with Phil at the grave-yard slot of 5am! Emma, 23, is a World Class Paralympic Dressage rider, who has been riding with RDA’s Arrow Group in Greater London since the age of two. “I'm very honoured to be asked to do this for RDA as I wouldn't have the life I have now if it wasn't for them,” she said.

You can support Phil and Emma at www.philpacker.com

Or find out more about RDA at www.rda.org.uk

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

For all those of you not going to Badminton Horse Trials next weekend, of which I'm one (and lucky old Laura isn't!) the scheduled BBC TV slots are as follows:

Sunday 2 May
Red Button
10.50-17.00
BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS: CROSS COUNTRY

Monday 3 May
BBC TWO
12.45-14.15
BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS: CROSS COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Clare Balding presents highlights from the Badminton Horse Trials. The programme features a preview of today's show jumping, plus highlights of Sunday's cross country event.

Red Button
14.15-15.15
BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS: SHOW JUMPING

BBC TWO
1800-1830
BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS: SHOW JUMPING HIGHLIGHTS
Clare Balding presents highlights from today's show jumping.

So, get the sofa in position and enjoy!

And for those of you looking for activities the following weekend; there's the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre open day on Sunday May 9.

Organisers say that the event offers the public a chance to see the premises of Europe's original charity for the rehabilitation of racehorses at Halton in Lancashire.

The open day is between 11am and 4pm and events include displays of riding, a parade of horses, birds of prey and alpacas, arts and crafts stalls, face painting, trade stands, and a bouncy castle.

Admission is £5 adults; £3 concessions, including teenagers. Under 12s are admitted
free of charge. Tickets can be bought at the gate on the day. For further information call 01524 812649 or click on www.thoroughbredrehabilitationcentre.co.uk

Hi folks

Okay so the weather might be feeling positively wintery again, but you can be assured of some summery styles in the new Toggi range.

Toggi supports some of the world's leading riders - including the likes of Oliver Townend and Pippa Funnell - and now you can follow their style in a range of Toggi-wear especially designed for younger riders.

There's the sporty Toggi Carousel inspired by the horsey fariground ride in torquoise...

... and pink

(Age 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; from £13.50)

As well as the:

Toggi Twister polo

Toggi Waltzer polo

Both in a range of colours and sizes, prices from £20 (Waltzer) and £21.50 (Twister).

And for a zipped hoodie, which will look as good to non horsey mates as to your horse-crazy friends, you need look no further than the awesomely cool Toggi Helter Skelter hoodie...

From £25

But the prize for the best value, most practical item has to go to the Toggi Showring Jodhpurs. In beige, black, chocolate and navy, in sizes 18"-28", from just £17.50 these are sure to get your mum's approval.

Click on http://www.toggi.com for more.

Hi folks

Sarah and Tippy here:

How are you all? Tippy is in her starvation paddock looking longingly over the fence at all the surrounding lush grass. She's nearly drooling with anticipation of maybe, just maybe being allowed a little taster. I think I may have to lead her out for a five minute chomp! What do you think?

Anyway the purpose of this blog is to let you know about this great story we've received from The Blue Cross. They just had to tell us about a rider and the pony she has on loan from them...

Blue Cross Harlequin Star (Harley, for short), is a beautiful, black, 17-year-old Welsh Section D cob and he's the love of Hannah Adams’ life.

This big-hearted 14.3hh gelding is proving to be a Pony Club superstar!
In the short time that he and Hannah, 15, have been together they have been racking up rosettes as members of their local North Staffordshire Branch of the Pony Club.

Harley was placed in the care of The Blue Cross when his owner sadly had an accident and lost her confidence. He was a very well-cared for horse and she knew the charity would give him a secure future. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for staff to find him the perfect home with Hannah in February 2009.

Hannah and Harley!

Hannah reports: “From the minute I first got on Harley I trusted him. At our first Pony Club rally, I was anxious about taking him into an indoor school in case he hadn't been in one before but I needn’t have worried – he was an angel and the instructors adored him. As the weeks went by I loved him more and more, and it became clear that he was a one-to-one kind of horse and that he loved me too. After about six months we went to our first Pony Club camp. He really shone and I knew then that I could never part with him.

“Harley’s jumping got better and better and we started winning competitions. At the end last year we had won the under 16's jumping trophy and a collection of rosettes. One of our favourite competitions is Pony Club pairs jumping, which we won three times last year! This year we have so far managed to win the starter stakes twice and qualify for our local Riding Club championships. We also got picked to represent the Pony Club in their showjumping competition at Somerford Park and our team came second out of 16 teams. Harley loves life and we all love him! There’s no question, he’ll be staying with us for the rest of his life.”

Hannah and Harley adorned with rosettes.

Hannah and Harley in action.

Hannah’s mother Samantha Adams continues: “The rosettes and trophies are wonderful but they don’t really matter. What’s important is that Harley’s kind, honest and safe and hasn’t got a nasty bone in his body. If we had all the money in the world to spend we could never find a more perfect pony. Thank you Blue Cross, you are an amazing charity.”

Find out more about the range of Blue Cross horses and ponies looking for homes at this year’s Pony Club Championships, August 14 to 17 at Draycott House, Derbyshire.
The charity sponsors the popular Horse and Pony Care competition at the championships and this year will be hosting an education tent with games and information to help competitors with their preparation.

Don’t miss it!
The Blue Cross is also challenging The Pony Club to a fun mounted games competition on Tuesday August 17. A team of rescue horses and grooms will battle it out against Pony Club members - not to be missed!

To make a donation
The Blue Cross receives no government funding so it relies on the public to support its vital work. To find out more or make a donation, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk or phone 0845 230 1672.