Christmas is coming and the goose ........

Can you believe it - Christmas is here again - so we both send our greetings to everyone for a very happy Christmas and New Year. We are both soooo looking forward to 2011.

We have been taking a things a bit easy for the last week or so as we have both had little colds. Nothing serious, but Tom has put us on the easy list until we are quite better. Actually, because it has been so cold and snowy, we probably wouldn't have been doing too much anyway as everything has been frozen solid for days at a time - boy oh boy are we pleased to have our rather snuggly rugs to wear - without those, things might just be rather on the chilly side!

Now we are looking forward to our Christmas lunch - which brings our old pal the goose to mind. Really we were wondering (or at least I was) if his goose has been cooked so to speak, and he's going to be someones Christmas lunch? Lou thinks thats rather mean, but thats the way of the world!




Not only do we have Christmas to look forward to but on January 1st we have our official birthdays as well - we will become two year olds - us, can you imagine it..... that means that this year we can go racing! It seems like only yesterday we were two little girls fresh off the boat from Ireland and now look at us. Lou Lou and I were both measured last week and the little one is not so little anymore! She is now measuring a good 15.1 and I'm over 15.2 now, so although she has caught up quite a bit I'm still keeping ahead - I expect I'm due for another growing spurt quite soon - I really can't have her catching me up.

The New Year sounds as though it will be exciting for us, as I've heard Tom say that we will be off to our trainers - that WILL be interesting - not that we haven't had a lovely time here, but we like change and new things and can't wait to see what next year will bring. Could we be coming soon to a racecourse near you? ....Ascot, Newmarket,Sandown, Epsom ............who knows??

While we dream, both of us wish you a Happy Christmas and New Year - see you on a racecourse somewhere we hope.

Love from Thelma and Louise (aka Primacy and Fleur de la Vie)xxxxx

PS - We'll be back to tell you all about our Christmas excitements just after the New Year.

Getting my Oats

Hello - its me Lou Lou. As Big T says, we are soooooo busy here all the time that a girl never has a chance to just chill out and do her nails. Well that actually not quite true as the blacksmith comes regularly and gives us a little trim here and there as required so we are always looking quite gorgeous. I've got a smart trace clip too - just something else we've had to get used to, but we are really so grown up now that there isn't much that can faze us!

One thing that is different for me though is the amount of food that I'm getting - I seem to eat all day one way and another, but as a result I'm busy growing - who knows at this rate I may catch Big T up and become Big Lou - that would be a turn up for the books. The only trouble is that I suspect that as fast as I grow Thelma will just keep ahead of me - but watch this space.

Our daily routine continues on its merry round, and now its really very cold some mornings - I just hope that it doesn't get as cold and wet as last winter - now that really was bad. At least we are not out all day so even if we are out for a bit we are soon back inside and lovely and warm in our stalls with all that lovely deep straw to luxuriate in. Really there isn't much to report this week -just that we are both in fine fettle. So will head off and go back to my oats, oats and more oats!

Bye for now Louise

Busy, busy,busy

 

Here we are again - and I can tell you (thats me Thelma) that life here certainly never has a dull moment. As we were expecting, we did have a visit from the dentist -personally the least said about that the better - just suffice it to say that if he doesn't come again for a while, I personally, won't be too upset!

I am now ridden out most days - not too far and we are taking it easy, but I must say its nice to get out and about and see the countryside a bit. Now, as you will know it has started to get quite cold and I now have a lovely thick coat again but to go with it I have a very smart and lovely trace clip - so I think I look rather gorgeous. Because of this I have to get rugged up at night - mines a lovely purple one - as you can see in my photo. I'm not sure what colour LouLous is, as she is in the stall behind me and so I can't see her at night.

I have had one little adventure - this week Tom took me on an outing all by myself. I was loaded up in the horse box and off we went. After about an hour or so we arrived (at somewhere called Ascot I heard him say) and I was shown into a stable and who should be there to meet me but The Gaffer - I must say it was rather nice to see him. I had a good look round and there were lots and lots of other horses going in and out of stables. Now some of them were really badly behaved, whinnying, shouting and generally making all sorts of fuss. Me, I just had a good look around and took it all in. Tom then appeared and stuck two stickers on each side of my bum!
This I wasn't so keen on as it spoiled my nice hair cut. Then he led me out and into a ring where we walked round and round while lots of people looked at me and called out. Now as I have said before, I rather like being the centre of attention, so I just walked around calmly strutting my stuff and after a minute or two I was led out again and back onto the horse box to be whisked home again. What was it all about? Well I have since learned that I went through the auction ring - but I was sold back to The Gaffer - phewwwwwwwwwww.

What else are we doing? Well eating and growing mostly. I know that I have grown a bit and thought that I would be miles ahead of Lou by now - but shes growing too so I guess its a case of upwards and onwards.

Lou will write next but not for a fortnight, because as you can tell we are busy, busy, busy.....

Love Big T

Showing Off

So Thelma is a star - well I am too. We had a visit from the home team this week which was lovely. We were standing in our stalls when suddenly The Vickster, The Mrs, The Gaffer and The Extra Man appeared out of the blue. It was really nice to see them all and naturally they made quite a fuss of me (and Thelma). Tom was there and explained all the work that I had been doing and how well it was all going and, all in all, gave me a glowing report.

He then tacked me up and led me up to the lunging ring where I strutted my stuff and showed how well I had learned everything and what a good little mover I am. I think I looked very grown up with my saddle and everything on, and I have to tell you they may have filmed Big T but I was the first one to have the roller and saddle on, so I am just as much a star as she is! I think the team were very impressed with me and what I was doing. When we finished I showed them how good I am in the horse walker as well. In fact while I was going round I watched Thelma being put through her paces in the ring which is right next door. I must admit that she looked quite good as well as she went through her paces and seemed to know what she was doing. Then as soon as she had finished she joined me in the horse walker too.

I must say seeing the gang made me realise what a lot we have accomplished in the short time we have been here, its all been a real whirl of activity but we know the routine now and have really settled in quickly - something I couldn't have imagined as we loved our last home.

Before they went, I heard Tom telling the folks that the dentist was coming to see us next week - why do I think that this is something we might not like? Was it the face The Gaffer pulled or the tone of voice? Mind you, we didn't think we'd like having our feet done - we'll have to report back once he's been as this will be quite a new experience for us both.

Now I know you have been used to our little weekly letters but as we are now sooooooooo busy, its hard to find the time to put our thoughts down. So we are going to have to space things out a bit so we can fit writing into our busy diaries. Just to warn you then , we will be keeping you posted, but not until the 7th of November, when we have a window in our schedules!!!!

A bientot. from a happy and very busy Louise

Screen Siren

Oh what a week I've had! I am now officially a star and will be applying for my equity card any minute. Let me tell you all about it.

Like LouLou I've been having a bridle fitted and have been lunging every day. Now Tom says that at the moment I'm growing and I'm 'up behind' so I found it a little more difficult than Louise but I've got the hang of it now. Anyway, this week we had visitors from At The Races who decided to do a feature on the yard. So Tom selected MEEEEEEEEE to be filmed having something called a roller fitted for the first time. Was I phased - not a bit of it - even when the camera man held the camera a couple of feet away from me! I was just serene and took it all in my rather large stride.

Up to the lunging ring we went - with camera man and interviewer in tow - and I went round a couple of times before Tom called me into the centre where I stood absolutely still, just as I've been taught. Then he fitted the roller round me - now this is just really just a big girth (I heard him telling the interviewer all this) and he did it loosely at first so I didn't really know that it was there. Then he tightened it a little and sent me off round the ring - now I did feel it and had a bit of a buck and a rear - which is apparently expected - and then once I had gotten used to it just settled down and trotted round good as gold. Tom called me in again and then sent me around the other way and off I went. I heard him say that I might have a buck and a rear again as I went off the other way, but I thought to myself ,'I'll show them what a star I can be' and just set off quietly. Tom told me I had been VERY good and I must say being filmed was really rather nice. I think I like being in the limelight.

Now this little film is going out on national television - yes me - being beamed into homes all over the place - can you imagine it - me a little girl from Ireland - whatever next. I shall have to retire to my dressing room to think about it.

Love Thelma

New Horizons

Well, well, well, what a lot there is to learn! My little head is fairly spinning with everything I have to remember - this is certainly different to being turned out in a field every day!

Thelma is right, the first couple of days were rather difficult for me, as we're not side by side any more. She is in the box in front of me, although I can't see her. But once I got used to the fact that she was there I settled in rather well. The routine is quite different - everything starts much earlier here as there are so many of us that need seeing to. Now as you know I do need my sleep, so this has taken a bit of getting used to as mornings are not really my thing at all. Still as long as there is plenty to do and see - which there is, thats fine. I am now a whizz at having my bridle put on and I've been introduced to the horsewalker - now this is really a great piece of kit. At first I didn't really know what was expected of me, and the back bit kept catching up with me and hitting me on the bum - but now I'm a dab hand and really like it, as when I'm going round I can watch whats going on in the lunging ring.


Now the lunging ring is where I have really learnt a lot! Every day I get taken up taken up there twice, and over the week I have been gradually introduced to trotting round the ring on a long rein (now I love this and, as I'm rather nifty on my feet, its been no problem at all). Then gradually each day I've had a new piece of kit put on, until towards the end of the week I had a saddle on - moi! How grown up do I look now! Who'd have thought it - two weeks ago I had no idea what a saddle was and now here I am all tacked up like a proper horse.

My head is spinning with it all, there is never a dull moment and I must say I'm ready for bed each evening, and then before I know it we're up and doing it all over again.

love from a rather dizzy Louise

Settling In

Here we are in our new home - its all very different but we do like it now that we have had a chance to settle in. We must admit it was a little strange at first. To start with we are in a large barn with stalls around the sides and up the middle. Now I'm (thats me Thelma) in a large stall in the middle section - I've got bedding up to my knees, as you can see in my photo, and I must say when I lie down at night I can get very cosy which is just as well as its started to get quite nippy at night again!

Louise has a large stall just behind me, although I can't see her, but I know she's there as I can hear her! It was a little strange not being next to each other like we were at the farm but, after a day or so, we soon got used to it and to be honest there is so much going on all the time that it soon takes your mind off things!

So what goes on - well for a start there are about twenty horses around at the moment of all ages and sizes and we are all doing different things. But whatever we are doing, there is always activity with people or horses coming and going, being ridden, being tacked up, being groomed etc. We also have other stablemates - the hens (thank goodness no geese) who peck around the place all day picking up any grain that we've dropped. As you can see from the photo they're quite pretty and make quite a nice clucking noise - no honking I'm pleased to say.



Then of course there is the mucking out and the feeding. Now the latter is something I'm really pleased about. As we don't go out in the field all day our feed has been raised and I'm being given a healthy 12lbs of food a day - blisssssssssssss! It was worth moving home just for this alone - although I know we both miss the team a bit as they did look after us well.

This week has been a gentle introduction to quite a few things - first of all a bridle - now we have been used to headcollars but this is quite different! At first it felt a little strange having something in my mouth (other than food that is),but after a day or so it was easy - I know Lou felt the same, and now we both stand beautifully still while we are groomed and tacked up - see we're learning the technical jargon as well. Just to show off we have Australian bridles, because Tom likes them and thinks they are best for us, but what's wrong with a British one I ask?

Now what will we do next week? I heard Tom say that we have quite a busy time ahead of us - bring it on - thats what I say.

From a well fed me! Love Thelma

Going Further Afield

Hello from both of us - this has been a momentous week! We have moved out of our cosy stable yard and joined the real world!

The week started quietly with our usual out in the field and in at night routine but, come Tuesday morning, it was all change. For starters we didn't go out to the field after breakfast which was unusual. We were given a good groom and tidy up and were looking fairly gorgeous when two lots of people came to see us and say hello. This was all fine and we were given lots of hay so actually we were quite happy, if a little dismayed not to be out with all the lovley new grass that has grown. Then everyone disappeared for a while, but about two o'clock Tom came by and introduced himself and then The Gaffer, The Mrs and The Vickster appeared. They explained that we were now off to join other horses and were going to be educated and taught how to be racehorses - how grown up and exciting is that!!!!

We were going together - so that all sounded fine and we will be meeting loads of other yearlings, so actually it sounds like we are going to have quite a lively time. Thats not to say that we won't miss everyone here - we know we will - but we are quite grown up now and ready to find out about whats out there in the world. Now one person we won't miss much is that pesky goose, but we have become friends with the Alpaca, the other horses in the yard, all the people who come in and out, the swallows, the puppies just to name a few and we have even become used to tractors, helicopters, cars of every shape and size and we even like cricket (though we're not quite so keen on opera!).

Anyway back to Tuesday, our ropes were put on and we went out through the tunnel to the yard where this lovely little 2 horse box was waiting for us - it looked almost exactly like the trailer that we had been jumping in and out of last week and so it was really no bother walking in and getting settled. I went in first - thats me Thelma - as Tom thought that as I was the biggest I should have the most room to manouvre - and then in came LouLou. We were as good as gold - as if we had been doing this for ages (which of course we had - well, since last week anyway) and we could tell that everyone was very pleased with us and we got lots of pats. We could hear Tom saying how well we had behaved and we think he was quite impressed with us. Then we had to say goodbye - now that was a bit difficult and we had lumps in our throats, but Tom seemed so nice that we were really quite happy to be driven off to our new home and we know everyone will come and see us - so as long as they feed us properly we really won't mind.


We had a lovely smooth ride - we must say it was much better that our earlier trips especialoly the one from Ireland - Tom was a much better driver for a start and because we had had our trailer training the whole thing was a breeze - in fact we were so relaxed that we even started having a little play with each other in the lorry and before we knew what was what we had arrived.....

Now we'll tell you all about our arrival next week when we've had time to gather our thoughts because there is so much to tell you about - but what we can say is that we are excited to be here.................

Love from a quite grown up Thelma and Louise xxxxxx

Orfeo Off

What a week - I can't tell you, people everywhere and the noise! Listening to The Gaffer and The Mrs they have been putting on something called an opera at the farm - actually in the barn right next door to us.

It seems to involve lots of people, lots of banging, lots of singing, and lots of music. Now I'm as tolerant as the next filly but they do make a lot of NOISE - they practice very late in the evening just as we are trying to settle down and then, just as we are relaxing, there is a burst of applause! Don't they know we need our beauty sleep? Especially Louise - she can be very grumpy in the morning if she doesn't get her full eight hours.

Then to cap it all they had a dress rehearsal - and all these people were walking around in togas - now someone should tell them that this really is not a good look - as for the laurel wreaths - they're something I'd eat at the drop of a hat - they definately shouldn't be worn!

Then after all these dress rehearsals there were the actual performances - what a performance thats what I say! We had to be in our boxes before it all kicked off (I like it - thats something I usually do) and then we had to wait for the interval to have our tea - then they all poured out into the yard and sat down to eat and drink - and nothing quiet about it either. Still, lots of people did stop by and say how gorgeous we are - so every cloud.... Everyone seemed to enjoy it - but if I'm really honest I would have to say that it all sounded a little dull to me - no jolly tunes - but then what do I know about opera? Nothing I'm sure - but The Gaffer did say to someone that we would now be very highbrow fillies - highbrow - I think my brow is just about right personally - don't you?!

Anyway its all gone quiet again now - phew.........

Love Thelma

Up, Up and .........

Suprise, suprise, I'm the superstar this week - not only do I look lovely, as my photo shows, but I led the way this week!

For some reason, known only to themselves, The Gaffer and The Mrs decided that this week we were going to do 'trailer training'. So on Monday we walked past this open trailer in the yard with the back and the front down. We both had a good look at it. I thought it looked rather nice but Thelma wasn't so sure but we both had a good sniff around it on Monday evening. On Tuesday morning we had another close inspection, but I didn't really want to go in, but on Wednesday - that was quite different altogether! I had a look and, with The Vickster leading, up the ramp I went and out the other end - simples, as they say on the telly. Everyone seemed very pleased with me. Now Big T had a look but didn't fancy it herself. The next morning up I went again - showing off a bit I have to say, but I did tell Thelma it wasn't too bad and up she came and off the other side. Now I don't think she liked it quite so much, as she came down in a bit of a hurry - but at least she tried. The next morning we both did it again - lots of pats and 'well dones' from the team. I could tell that they thought that I had been very, very good.

Come Friday, I was actually a bit disappointed as we just walked straight on by - just when I was having fun too - spoil sports ........

Love Louise

A Trainer Calls......

Well it never rains but it pours, but hopefully the grass will now start to grow again and there will be more in the field for us to eat!

Now on Friday, which I have to say was rather wet and miserable in this neck of the woods, we were suddenly brought in around three by The Mrs and The Gaffer to our stables. Now this was a funny time in itself so that was out of the ordinary. But not only that - on the way in from the field we had to pass no less than three new obstacles down by the cricket field, large (and I mean large), red bags full of stuff that were rustling in the wind. Did this bother us? Not a bit. I led the way and after a moment's hesitation Lou Lou followed - good or what. Then we got into our stables - to our horror no food, just hay - and there was all this growling and squeaking going on and we couldn't work out where it was coming from. I must admit it was all a bit scary to start with, and we were a bit upset for about 10 minutes, but then we calmed down and got used to it. We worked out eventually that the puppies were in the stable next door, as it was raining and they couldn't be outside, and there was no need for us to worry.



But that wasn't the end of it - after we had been dried off and tidied up The Gaffer and The Mrs came back with The Trainer - or at least my Trainer! He'd come to inspect me as he hadn't been able to come when we were on show before. Now I have to say this was all a bit tense making - I mean would he like me????? Well I needn't have worried. I heard him tell The Gaffer and The Mrs that I was in excellent condition and well forward (whatever that means) and that he liked the look of me and my 'good legs with lots of bone'. Well judging by everyone's faces this was all good and I will be going to Summerdown to be trained. Now I like the sound of that - Summerdown - it sounds rather romantic and beautiful - just like me!!!!!!!!!!! Actually, I have to be honest here and tell you that he said some nice things about LouLou too - but this week its my story.

Well after all that excitement it will take us, and especially me, a few days to come back down to earth - my Trainer liked me! Meeeeeeeee.......

Love Thelma

Free Feet

Well as you know we have our feet done regularly by Brian the farrier. So imagine my suprise when last week two (two not one!) young men came into my stable. They looked around and then one of them came and held me round my neck - no headcollar or rope of any sort - while the other started to do my feet. Now this was unprecedented - The Gaffer, The Mrs and The Vickster were nowhere to be seen and even Thelma was somewhat non-plussed. Anyway, they seemed to know what they were doing so I just stood there as good as gold and let them get on with it while Big T watched over the stable divide.

No sooner had they finished and left my stable to move onto Thelma when someone from the house came rushing over to ask them what they were doing. It turned out that they had been sent by the blacksmith who does the other horses with the instruction to 'do the horses feet' - so they had just started with me - who they weren't supposed to do at all!!!! So I got a lovely free manicure and poor old Thelma was left out and will have to wait until Brian comes again.

Now the dry weather has continued and the grass is just not growing so we were getting a bit concerned about preserving our supply so we decided that our friendly fleecy friend just had to go - enough with all this sharing its every filly for herself. So we gave chase and she got the hint and went through the electric fence back to the sheep side of the fence where she belongs. Phew - more for us.

It must rain soon - musn't it?

Love Louise

Fleecy Friends

Well - what have we been doing since LouLou last wrote? - not a huge amount its true except enjoying the sunshine and being out and about. Although the down side of all this sun is that the ground is very hard and the grass isn't growing as it usually would, which is of serious concern to me as I'm a hungry girl at the best of times! Still, as long as we get topped up with feed and hay I guess its all right. Everyone acts as though Louise isn't as fussed about her food but I watch her closely and I can see that shes just as interested as the next filly - ie ME!

Having had random men and dogs in our field - this week we have a sheep - now there is a perfectly good electric fence between us and the sheep but with that thick woolly coat this one seems not have noticed and is quite happy in with us. Two more tried it on later in the week but we sent them packing and are happy just sticking to our original 'friend'. She doesn't get in the way - and as long as she doesn't eat too much of our grass we're happy to have her here. Actually its quite nice to have someone to welcome us into the field when we come out. We have been out most of the time and have just gone in when its been extra hot or to catch up on our zzzzzzzzzzs as, when we're out at night, we have to keep an ear open for strangers and things going on - we never know who or what will appear in our field next!

Bye for now Thelma

summer days

So Thelma has her official name - well shes not the only one as I have one too and I think its really rather nice. From now on I can be called Fleur de la Vie - but as we're old friends you can still call me Lou!

Phew its been hot the last ten days or so and we have come in most days. The odd day though we have stayed our during the day and its been fun. A few days ago we had a whole family of hares running around our field - there were four of them haring around (don't you love the pun) and what fun they were having - round and round and up and down - they were so quick but I think that in a head to head I would edge it.

Then last week we had a dog in the field - the cheek of it! There was a cricket match on and this chap and his dog suddenly appeared in our field. Now a man we don't mind, but a dog is quite another matter. Thelma was having none of it and saw off the dog in seconds. The chap actually came up to us and we said hello which we really quite liked but no field sharing with canines. Our field is our field and we like it to stay that way.

love to all Fleur

On Show

Well we had our little parade - what a palaver. We came in from our field the night before so that we could have our beauty sleep. The Gaffer, The Mrs and The Vickter had us up early in the morning, did our stables and had us all buffed and polished all by ten o'clock - a bit early or what - we are used to a much more relaxed pace than that!

It was a gorgeous day and so I think we looked particularly lovely with our coats shining in the sunlight and we showed ourselves off in front of around thirty people - actually, I think that we both rather enjoyed being the centre of attention. It was quite funny as we were both so relaxed that in between being all ready and The Gaffer and The Vickster coming to get us from our stables to be paraded, we felt a bit tired and lay down for a quick kip - The Gaffer had to wake me up a bit sharpish and give me a rub down in order to get me out of the stable on cue. But we strutted our stuff and I think that people were rather complimetaty about us and liked what they saw. I heard someone say that I had a good shoulder and had presence, and that Lou was well proportioned - judging by The Gaffer's reactions these are all good things.

Since then it has all been rather dull - we have been turned out each night but have been in our day boxes quite a lot as it has been very hot.

We are waiting for the next parade - we could really get to like this!

Love Thelma - or should I now say Primacy which is my 'official' name!

out all hours

Well we're there - where I hear you ask - out all day and night is the answer! Its rather nice having been in for so long to be out all the time, although it is rather tiring. Instead of just sleeping all night we do have to be more alert and we do get up rather early. We are brought in now and again. It was really hot the other day and so we came in to our day stables after breakfast and went out again in the evening when it had cooled off which was nice. And although it all sounds nice - its not all fun, as with the warmer weather the flies come out which is a bit of a pain. We have to keep our tails swishing all the time and poor Lou Lou even managed to pick up a tick the other day which I have to say was dealt with by the team really quickly.

The other day though we were due to come in for the night as it was rather stormy and we had to sleep in our day stables instead as the swallows which have been sharing our stalls with us have hatched thier young and three of the fledgelings were out of their nest and hopping around in our stables - so not a place for us with our big feet. They've gone now so last night we were back in as usual for the night just to make a change. Well there was one BIG change - a fantastic new gazebo thing has appeared in the yard. Its covering the table and chairs and is really very grand - I rather fancy a sit under it myself; it would be perfect in the field!

Love Thelma

out and about

So we are finally allowed back out into the field now that Big T has had the 'all clear'. Even so we are only out for a few hours a day - it all started with 2 hours, and then each day we have had half an hour longer. Now The Gaffer says this is so that our tummies get used to eating the grass again, and so that we don't eat too much. Moi???? The only one who is going to eat too much is Big T (she's not called Big T for nothing!). But its just lovely to be able to run around and kick up my heels - the first two days I admit I was a teensy bit naughty as I didn't really want to come in - but when it looked like they were going to go in without me I decided that I had better co-operate. The weather has been gorgeous too - lovely and warm. In fact on a couple of days it was so warm that actually (just between you and me) it was quite nice to come into the day stables where it was lovely and cool and airy.

I've heard mention that we might be left out all day and night now that its getting warmer. I'm not sure about that as, personally, I like having a nice quiet rest in my stable - I mean will it be as quiet out in the field? After all there will be foxes, bats and the rest running about all over the place, not to mention the birds getting us up so early. I will have to consider this carefully. Personally why anyone needs to change our routine is beyond me.

Bye for now Louise

Free to Roam

So finally this week Charlotte the vet came and gave me the all clear - I can go out next week - yipeeeee! Looking at the sun from our stables is not the same as being out in it and to be frank we shall be quite keen to get away from those birds. Dive bombing is now a daily occurence and we're really quite fed up with the whole thing. It will be good to taste grass again as well although from what I hear we can't go out all at once - but however long it is it will be a welcome change. As Lou Lou says whizzing round the yard in the mornings is not quite the same thing at all.

We had Brian the farrier in this week as well to see to our feet - we are now sooooo good at having our feet done and Brian was very complimetary about how nice my feet were looking generally. They are really a nice shape now and so with perfect feet and my shiny new summer coat I've heard The Gaffer say that we are really starting to look like real horses (now I'm a bit miffed by that actually as personally I think I've been a real horse since day one!). But its a bit ironic really as just as we've gotten rid of our winter coats the weather has turned cold again and smart as we might look it has been very chilly at night.

Can't wait for next week when I can kick up my heels.

Love Thelma

A la Carte

As Big T has mentioned food, there has been a development! While we are in at the moment, in these huge new stables (I have the biggest,) we have been given a new treat - alfalfa. To start with I wasn't all that keen, it just seemed like some rather dry roughish, grassy stuff - but actually I rather like it now, as it makes a nice change from hay during the day. We get it at the end of stables in a large plastic bucket - this is quite fun as I like playing with mine a bit and move it around all over the place - only once I've eaten whats inside of course!

The other problem is the birds - now I'm as tolerant of immigrants as the next person (from what I hear a bit of a current topic) but these south african swallows just never stop talking!! Chat, twitter, chat all day, AND most of the night, as now that the summer is here it gets light so early and they are up and about at crack of dawn. We have at least three pairs in and out of our stables all the time - not only do they chat and twitter ALL the time, but they dive bomb us as well if you get my meaning! A girl really needs her beauty sleep if she is not to be grumpy in the morning, and then to be dropped on as well - it really is a bit much.

Thelma's tummy is looking good, so everyone says, and I know the lovely Charlotte (the vet) is coming to give her the once over next week so hopefully we can get back out and about - its all very well walking around the yard but by the time we've been round about six times I'm feeling a bit dizzy - now I know The Gaffer thinks I'm a bit of a dizzy blonde anyway .................. enough said!

Have a good week

love Lou Lou

Home and Away

Well as Lou Lou has told you, off I went to the vet. I thought I was really quite brave getting onto the lorry and going off all by myself. Actually, that's not quite true as The Gaffer travelled in the lorry with me and unloaded me the other end. Now one of the lads who was driving the lorry (very well I might say) had brought me over from Ireland and said how much I'd grown. He and The Gaffer had a small bet as to how much I weighed now. Much to The Gaffer's delight he was closest as when they led me onto the scales at the vets I weighed in at a healthy 375 kilos.

It was all a bit strange at the vets, but all the girls who looked after me were very nice - the only bad bit was that I couldn't eat before my op - I've never heard of such a thing! The next thing I knew, I'd had the op and was feeling a bit woozy - I really can't remember much about it - but at least food was now on the agenda. Everyone did spoil me a bit while I was there - especially as I had come alone as Lou Lou had put her food down and decided not to come with me - actually she missed a trick there as a change of scene was really quite fun.

Two days later it was back on the lorry and home - I'm pleased to say that I arrived back just in time for tea - talk about good timing. I must say it was nice to be back and after a quick hello to Louise - who apologised for not coming along - it was everything as usual. Having got back though, The Gaffer realised that my food bucket and rope were still at the vets so he had to go in and pick them up a couple of days later. He was most put out when he got back as, when he arrived at the vet's to pick up my bucket, it had been planted up with geraniums and was out in the yard!! I think he was a little taken aback - anyway my bucket is now home too (minus the geraniums!). I'm pleased to say that yesterday I completed my course of antibiotics that were being mixed into my food - uggghhhh they taste horrible and I can now get back to tucking in properly. The only real downside to my little op is that I have to stay quiet for 4 weeks which means that we are not out in the field but in extra large special stables during the day. We go in each morning after breakfast after a walk around the yard - typical as the weather is now gorgeous - still as long as there is plenty to eat...........

Love Big T

Flying Solo

Well its been quite a varied week - Big T had to go off this week and have a minor op (for a tiny hernia which apparently is very common). I was supposed to go too but................. On Wednesday morning we didn't get our breakfast which was odd to start with - then we were given something by the Mrs which I have to say didn't taste very nice. A few minutes later we had our headcollars put on and were led into the back yard where there was a very, VERY big lorry - it was HUGE! The back was open and there was a ramp up into it - now I had a really good look and didn't really like what I was seeing. At first Big T wasn't too keen to go in but after they put some bedding down on the ramp she went in slowly - but in she went. Then it seemed to be my turn - now I thought to start with that I would go in and several times I went halfway up the ramp but I just couldn't quite bring myself to do it!!!! No- one could persuade me and so then guess what - I heard The Mrs say that they could just go without me - without MEEEE!!!! I couldn't believe it - I would have gone on if I'd known, but they took me back to my stable and off Thelma went - she never batted an eyelid and here I was all alone. I was not pleased - I stamped my foot and was thoroughly moody if I'm honest (my own fault really). I spent the next two days while Big T was away in a proper sulk - I heard The Gaffer say that I was behaving like a moody teenager!

Anyway - Friday afternoon and back she came - straight into her box and over to her food - she did say hello but then just got back into her routine. I must say I was very pleased to have her back. I'll let her tell you herself about what she got up to - but I'm happy now that things are back to normal.

Now we were right - the swallows are well and truly here and we have a pair that are swooping in and out of our stables and I think the are tidying up their nest ready to move in for the summer - I just wish they were a bit quieter in the morning and didn't wake up quite so early - as any teenager will tell you - we need our sleep!!!

Bye for now Lou-Lou

Better Days

I'm pleased to report that after my tummy problems on Saturday night I'm now feeling much better - I have to admit things were a little uncomfortable there for a bit but all is now forgotten and its back to our usual routine.

Its been a funny old week - lovely sunshine one moment and then hail and wind the next. But I think spring is around the corner as Lou Lou and I saw the first swallow skimming over our field this week, which means that the warm weather must be on its way. We have noticed that there are some old swallow's nest amongst the beams in our stables so we are wondering if we are going to be sharing our accommodation before too long. Hopefully they will be quiet as Louise likes her beauty sleep - in fact when we had to wait up for the vet the other night she had to have a lie down while we were waiting as the photo shows - no staying power (now do I really mean that -what will be her distance in time I wonder?)

The grass is growing (which was a factor in my tummy problems) which means there is lots for us to eat in the field and the whole valley is looking green, and spring is putting a spring #9quite literally) in our step. Now Lou Lou has really perked up and was quite naughty one evening this week and didn't want to come in. She was messing around in the field and kept wandering off when The Vickster tried to put her headcollar on. Now The Mrs got really fed up with this and, as I already had my collar on and was waiting patiently by the gate, she told The Gaffer and The Vickster to take me on out of the field and off to stables. Now while I was doing this Louise was walking off in the other direction and eating and didn't notice what had happened. Then a couple of minutes later she turned round and noticed that I was gone and was ready to walk out of the gate in the next field - well you should have seen her - she was furious at being left behind and rushed up to the fence and made a fuss. The Mrs was very firm with her and put on her headcollar and made her walk in slowly and without rushing - Lou Lou really was not amused! I don't think she'll be trying that again - talk about calling her bluff!!!!

Happy days - Thelma

A Night on the Tiles?

Well a quiet week except for Saturday night - I know what you're thinking - two uppity fillies out on the town - well WRONG! It was all down to the Big T. We came in from our field in the evening and had our dinner and then Big T got all hot and bothered - literally, and began to sweat up a bit which The Gaffer and The Mrs decided wasn't normal. There was a bit of toing and froing and consultation with other people and the vet was called. Now being a Saturday night, she was out with someone else (no not on the town - another horse acutally) and couldn't get to us for a while. In the meantime The Mrs had to find a thermometer and take Thelma's temperature - not an elegant process I have to tell you! Her temperature was a bit high but nothing serious apparently. Anyway, the poor vet came at around 8.30 - now I'm not used to being up that late and was finding it all a bit of bore by this time and had a lie down - but I soon got up to see what was going on when the vet arrived.

The diagnosis - too much grass (well I might have had a guess at that myself as Big T knows how to put it away!). The vet (who is soooooo nice, by the way) said that she had been called out quite a few times in the last couple of days for the same problem as the grass had suddenly grown. A quick injection later and Big T was feeling much better and is now back to eating as normal. As for me I just had to catch up on my beauty sleep as quickly as possible - as a girl never knows who's going to drop in.

Love Louise

Pastures New

Well, we are in our new field and very nice it is too. We had our first look at it on Monday, which as it happened was the most gorgeous sunny day. We had to change our routine completely which was quite exciting. Every day since we have been here we have seen the older horses go out of the yard in the far corner through the big gate that mysteriously opens all by itself, and have wondered where they have been going. Well to our new field was the answer. Out of the gate we turned right, went through another field and then into this lovely new pasture. Its very nice with a water trough right in the middle and a field shelter - how smart is that! We now have lovely views right over the valley as we are on a slope and get a great view of the cricket ground as well. I wonder if we will still be here when they start playing - if so we can learn exactly what cricket is all about.

We are also right next to the field with the llama and go and talk to him over the fence every day - he's really quite a friendly chap and comes right up to rub noses with us. I wasn't too sure about this at first but am now quite used to him.

The weather has been so warm that we are starting to loose our lovely woolly winter coats, which means that our hair is coming out in great handfuls when we are groomed. I heard The Gaffer say that the birds would like it for nesting material! I suppose in our little way we are recycling. The only down side of all this moulting is that it makes us a bit itchy and sensitive when we're being groomed but I think that we will look very smart when we are in our shiny summer coats.

Bye for now Thelma

Sunny Times

Well - what a gorgeous, sunny week its been - lovely. Everything looks and feels so much better when the sun it out including worming and having our feet seen to!

Yes, it was worming this week again - it seems like only five minutes since the last dose, but I heard The Gaffer say it was three months ago - how time flies. This time it tasted really vile - so vile in fact that we both couldn't eat our breakfast afterwards. Now that's really saying something as Big T is NEVER off her food! But I'm pleased to say that after a day in the field we were well and truly ready for our dinner.

As if that wasn't enough, the following day the farrier came. Now we're really both getting quite good at this and he was in and out in about twently minutes having done both of us. I think The Gaffer and The Mrs were quite pleased with us.

The other thing about this lovely warm weather is that I am starting to come in my coat - some of my fluffy winter hair has come out, and in places I'm looking quite sleek. Thelma is losing her hair too, but hers was much thicker than mine in the first place so she is still quite woolly. I only hope it doesn't turn cold again as I might feel a bit chilly.

We didn't get to move fields after all this week but I think tomorrow might be the day - Big T will let you know how that goes next week. Au revoir Louise

Hunting for Answers

Well some funny things happened this week - the best of which is that the sun shone for the whole week and we have't had a drop of rain! The sun on our backs has been lovely and spring is in the air. And as if that wasn't celebration enough it was my birthday this week. Although Louise and I were officially one on January 1st and became yearlings then, my real birthday was the 6th March so I'm properly one now! Louise has still got 7 weeks until she catches me up.

Another strange thing was that the local Hunt came by - well we only knew what it was later when we heard The Mrs and The Gaffer talking about it. Lou Lou and I were quietly minding our own business in the field, when we heard all this noise and clatter on the road above fields and then noticed the other horses starting to get very excited. Then suddenly all these dogs came pouring down the hill from the road and ran along the hedges yelping and barking and getting altogether very excited. Now we played it a bit cool as, to be honest, we didn't have a clue as to what was going on. But the horses nearer the road went bananas - whinnying and charging up and down their fields in a state of great excitement. It didn't last long and we soon lost interest and went back to our grazing, but the older horses where in a bit of a lather for the rest of the afternoon.

And then yesterday there was the helicopter - now we are getting more used to this, and although we had a little gallop when it came down the valley to land, it was more of an excuse to have a run around rather than the fact that it scared us - in fact we didn't even give it a second glance as we walked past it on our way in for the night - it is a rather smart blue though, I just happened to notice in passing!

I heard someone say that the weather is supposed to be good for the next week - hooray - and also mention of the fact that we might be moving fields! That could be interesting.

Til next week love Thelma

Mud, Mud, Gl.......?

My turn this week (its me Louise!) - are we fed up or what!? - nothing but rain and mud. We now have a smart new hose that washes us down when we come in each evening - but it was hilarious this week as The Mrs had to be washed down as well!!!

We were near the gate in the field putting on our bridles to come in - and the mud there,I have to say, is particularly deep,sticky and soupy. Anyway, The Mrs was putting Big T's bridle on when Big T started itching against her - as she tried to move, her foot just got stuck in the mud and she went over backwards - SPLAT into the mud soup!!!!! Luckily, she saw the funny side and just lay there laughing while Big T stood there looking down at her in complete horror and suprise. We all just stood there in shock for a moment, before we started laughing as well. She got up and we went in as usual - now I was following behind them and there was mud all over her back! We got our wash down, and then it was the Mrs' turn - luckily she had been wearing a long coat and the mud didn't go quite everywhere - but almost.

But thats been the story of our week - whoever said mud was glorious didn't know what they were talking about, as we see it quite differently!

a bientot Lou Lou

A Firm Footing

Hello - its me Big T this week - we've decided to take it in turns updating you for a bit.

Its been a quiet week but wet again and, I must say, with frost followed by thaw keeping our feet as we walk out to our field has been difficult in places. The ground has been squelchy to say the least and the mud around the gate has been over our fetlocks at times and affecting our equilibrium! It hasn't just been us - yesterday as we were coming out of the field The Mrs got her foot in so deep that she couldn't get it out for a minute and I had to stand there while she tried to pull it out - it suddenly came with a great squelch and she nearly went over - that would have been interesting. Now The Gaffer, The Mrs and The Vickster continue to be very particular about keeping our feet clean and dry once we come in of an evening and so we now have this little routine going. Into the stables, wash the feet and legs down and then pick out the mud etc. I heard them say that its so we don't get foot rot (doesn't sound very nice to me) so we just let them get on with it although it does slightly delay us getting to our nosh - however, talking of which, the new food is now going down well.

This week we had the measuring tape - I've grown quite a bit and am weighing in at around 320 kilos - Louise, who of course is younger, is around 260 kilos so you see I really can throw my weight around when it comes to keeping her in her place and sometimes I really have to! I think next week it will be measuring how tall we are - now I'm taller than LouLou as well - but I will be interested to know by how much. They say size isn't everything but when it comes to being the boss out in the field it certainly helps.

Hope you are having better weather than we are wherever you are! love from Big T xxx

Mending Fences

Well at last we have had some better weather - it may have been cold but at least it has stopped raining - we think we are starting to sound like people as we seem to talk about the weather a lot, but it is rather important to us as we are out all day come what may! We're going to divide up telling you about our week between us - Thelma first.

Well this week The Gaffer, The Mrs and The Vickster have really been working on our feet - the mud in the field has made keeping them clean rather difficult and some days when we have been coming in we have really been getting our feet dirty. So every day this week we've had our feet and legs washed and had a really good clean out of our hooves in the evening as well as the morning. Its become quite the routine - and we're both quite good at it now. Louise has her moments, and has been a bit stubborn at times but has improved at lot. I've been generally good but I have one front foot that I'm not very keen on having done, so I've developed this technique of leaning on whoever is trying to do that particular foot and, because I'm so big, its quite hard for them to move me or the foot! Come on Louise, you do your bit now.

Ok, so they have started to give us some new mix for our meals this week as well - we really weren't too keen on it at first and even Thelma left a little the first night but we are getting used to it now and it really isn't as bad as we first thought. The other funny thing this week was Thelma's bum - she has quite a large one and this afternoon (sunday) it was a bit itchy and so she decided to rub it on one of the fence posts. Now it seems that she chose the wrong one because as she was having a good rub she gave a particularly big heave ho with her backside and the post broke at the base along with two of the rails - it was quite funny really - one minute the fence was there and then it was gone! Big T looked around all suprised and was a bit embarrased by the whole thing - in fact when everyone came to lead us in and saw the fence she just wandered away as though it had nothing at all to do with her - I think they all knew though! We think that The Gaffer will have to do some repairs tomorrow - that should be fun to watch.

love from the two of us - Thelma and Louise

Sacre Bleu

Well we have been quite excellent this past couple of weeks - both The Gaffer and The Vickster have been away at various times, so at first it was The Mrs and The Mysterious Broom Man who were left in charge, with a bit of reluctant help from The Daughter who we think doesn't really like us - hard to imagine we know, as we really are two little sweeties (most of the time).

We really only had one anxious moment at the start of this week - we were on our way in from the fields and walking past the bottom barns heading towards 'goose corner' when we saw this rather large coil of something bright blue. Now, we were sure it hadn't been there the day before because it was soooo large we couldn't have failed to notice it - not even if we were being distracted by the goose. Anyway we put the brakes on a bit, but The Mrs and The Mysterious Broom man coaxed us past eventually and now its a breeze - but who makes plastic pipes in bright blue????

No sooner had The Gaffer come back then The Vickster went away. Now this is where we have been really very excellent, as The Gaffer and The Mrs have led us in and out all week - no third man needed and we have been good with a capital G! We've had to adapt and help with the opening and shutting of gates but its been no problem. We've had to walk right past the big horse who has been very close on our way out to the field - no problem - in fact we have been altogether no problem!!! Extra pats on the nose for us this week we feel. A bientot.

Love Thelma and Louise

Best Foot Forward

Well if Big T thinks shes been good I think I have as well! Brian came and gave me a manicure as well and this time I had all four feet done - so my feet are looking gorgeous too! I did have a minor wobble, but I soon got over it and Thelma came and talked to me over the stable wall and told me to just be calm as it really wasn't as bad as all that - and, much as I hate to admit it, she was right (its not very often I say that!). I also thought I ought to behave properly as The Vickster was there this time and I really didn't want to show myself up! I agree with Thelma too that its a nice feeling having neat and tidy feet and despite the weather (rain, rain, rain) I'm really feeling quite perky in a nice way - I've been very, very good walking in and out, depite a few murmurings from the goose and having to walk right past one of the older horses who is grazing the walk through to our field at the moment. Now the first day she was there I wasn't too happy as she's very big and a little intimidating but I'm used to her now and know there's nothing to be scared of! Am I growing up??
I think so!

Love LouLou

Foot Perfect

Well I think I've had rather a good week - being good I mean. Its been quite quiet with our one visitor being the farrier on Friday. Now I think that I was perfect, and I think The Gaffer and The Mrs agreed. I stood there munching my hay being as good as gold while Brian did my feet and, I must say, I felt much better afterwards as they are all beautifully shapely again. I overheard Brian saying how much I'd grown and how well I behaved so I KNOW I've had a good week. The same day it was sooooo wet that we stayed in all day which actually was quite nice. Now having been brought up in Ireland I'm used to rain but this was something else - it poured and poured all day and when we went out to the field on Saturday it really was rather muddy at the gate. Still after a day in its always good to get out and stretch our legs a bit.

Love Thelma

Snow Long

Well finally the snow has gone, although there is rather a suspicious pile of it left on the walk out to our paddock. Its right on' goose corner' and if we didn't know better we'd think it was there for the goose to hide behind - but we do know better!

Having grown our coats like mad to keep warm while it was ooooh soooooo cold we're now boiling, which makes us particularly itchy! It makes us rather keen to roll, and the other day as we were being led in Louise decided to have a roll while on the lead rein - quite remarkable - don't know who was more suprised Louise or The Mrs who was leading her. We never had weather problems like these in Ireland - it just rained there - all the time.


We've both got these new headcollars to wear, mainly for Louise, who loves to toss her head and prance about. They're called 'Be Nice' headcollars and The Gaffer is delighted with them, although they do stop us pulling and generally messing about. They come off when we're turned out in our field, so thats OK. The silly mademoiselle, who does like to wave her front legs about when she's eating, got her foot caught in the hay net the other day. The Gaffer was lightening quick to react although LouLou hadn't even noticed. It was potentially quite dangerous but she did look funny on three legs.

Otherwise quite a quiet week but I expect the builders and bricklayers will be back this coming week, working on the barn so there might be some excitement there.

Till next week - Thelma and Louise

Froid and Frost

C'est tres froid, but what a great week its been - I just LOVE the snow - its just such fun to play in. The first day we went out it was like powder, and as you can see I had such fun rolling around in it and running all over the place. Big T was rather superior about the whole thing and, as usual, just put her head down to eat - although we had to work hard at that, scraping away at the snow so we could get to the grass underneath. The last couple of days when, I have to say, it has been seriously cold The Gaffer has put out some hay for us in the field which has been nice.

It was quite funny the first day it froze really hard. The Gaffer walked all the way across the field to our trough to break the ice - I don't think he knew I was watching - and went to pick up the stone that he usually uses to break the ice and, as he went to lift it, he couldn't move it - it was hilarious - it had stuck to the ground it was so icy! I watched as he kicked it and heaved away before finally getting it free and then the ice was so thick that he couldn't break it anyway!!! Today has been a bit warmer and some of the snow has gone from the field - a bit of a shame. Perhaps it will snow again??????????? Love Lou-Lou

Bolt from the Blue

Well, what a week its been where we are - snow, snow and more snow - I've never seen anything like it - we never had this sort of thing in Ireland. We woke one morning and when I looked out of the stable it was white everywhere, and I have to say despite my nice thick coat rather cold! The first day it was snowing so hard and the paths weren't clear, so we had to stay in our boxes which was a bit dull as I'm with Louise all the time and a girl does sometimes run out of things to chat about.

However, we've managed to get out everyday since then and while its been cold its been good to get out in the fresh air. I rather took it all in my stride, whereas Louise, as you can see in the photo, was all over the place, galloping around and playing in the snow - she's a bit flighty really - no sense of dignity! On Friday I must admit I did have a bit of a bolt - we were walking through the alleyway between the barns where the tractors are kept, and I now realise with hindsight that someone had had one of the tractors on - there was this awful smell like burning and it frightened me and I took off. Now The Gaffer was leading me in and, although it was all snowy underfoot, he clung on for dear life and stopped me as I started to go up the ramp towards the stables - I have to say that I had no idea he could move that quickly or was that strong - I was rather suprised to see him still there when I stopped! He wasn't too impressed and gave me a telling off - actually looking back on it now it was a bit silly of me really - I must try and do better. Til next week and hoping for better weather! Love Thelma

Older but not Wiser

Happy new year to everyone - we thought that this week we would share our message as we start 2010 as yearlings. These birthdays are funny things - we thought that we would feel a bit more grown up when we woke up on New Year's Day, but in fact we both felt exactly the same as we did the day before - we checked with each other, but no difference!

Its been a quiet old time at the stables - everyone has been away and it has been very cold as well - we've been glad to come in every evening to be tucked up with lots of hay and out of the frost. It might all look very pretty, but it makes the ground very hard to walk on and a bit uncomfortable where it was all chewed up and muddy from the rain. Its also a bit harder to find decent grass during the day - we have to have a good look around to find bits where the sun has warmed the ground and the frost has melted off - Louise is very good at this, but I get a bit more impatient or maybe its that I'm just not so fussy (some might even say greedy - but I think I just have a healthy appetite).

The sheep and the Alpaca have moved back into the field next to us - the first day they were back Louise in particular wasn't so keen to walk past the Alpaca, but actually we were soon back in the routine of having neighbours and in fact Louise and the Alpaca spend a lot of time looking at each other over the fence (look at the photo and see what I mean!) - personally I think they have a bit of a thing going on!

A thing going on - really - Thelma may think shes older and wiser but really she can be a bit silly sometimes and gets the jitters far more easily than I do - so it will be interesting to see what 2010 brings - we've had a bit of a chat about this and we think that it could be quite an exciting year for us and one that will bring lots of changes - by the end of it we will certainly be older and who knows maybe even a little wiser.

Until next week - Thelma and Louise