Like most famous people it is important to keep your image updated, here is my latest picture. (You have got to admit I do look cool)
Come and see us at Carousel shows and events this year. We look forward to meeting you!
And don’t forget to check back here next month for the latest installment of our adventures. I might even let Ken get a word in.
Love Iddy and Ken
8 MB
Diary update :
Hello Everybody!
I must apologise that it has been so long since my last blog post. My human claims that she has been very busy and hasn’t had time to help me. I’m very clever but typing is tricky with hooves. Ken and I think that she has her priorities all wrong. It’s so hard to get good staff…
Did you catch me at the last few Carousel shows? I did Clear Round jumping. I really like to jump! I did the 40cm class but my young human was definitely holding me back because I can jump a lot higher than that. We know for sure that I can jump 65cm because I jumped out of my stable a few weeks ago. I had been put in there to keep cool during the heatwave but I ran out of snacks. What is a hungry pony to do?
Not much stops me in the pursuit of a snack. I make it my business to know exactly where the humans keep anything tasty. In fact, I think I know better than them where things are. That way, I am ready to take advantage of any moment of human inattention. The humans have tried all sorts to stop me getting in the tack and feed room including a shavings bale in the doorway and standing guard with a broom. None of it matters because I have a strategy. I operate on determination, audacity and what my humans call an unhealthy attachment to snacks. I hang around near the door looking cute and innocent and then, lightning fast, get through that doorway and head straight for the carrots, treats, feed bins or lunch boxes. My humans tell me I am a tiny four-legged criminal. I would say I am simply an opportunist. Don’t tell anyone, but I am already planning my next carrot heist.
I had so much fun at Carousel’s Showing Show! It was wonderful to welcome so many people and get so much fuss and attention. I strutted my stuff in the In-Hand and Fun Rings and came away with a nice haul of rosettes and prizes. My young human was very pleased with me. I had some stiff competition with the other Mini Shetlands that came along. Obviously, none of them were as cute as me, though. As well as in-hand and fun classes there were ridden and working hunter classes. We had Sunshine Tour, RoR and Concours d’Elegance Society GB qualifiers. There was a lot going on. Carousel sponsors Allen and Page were there with their weighbridge. One of my favourite parts of the day was the Dads’ hobby horse obstacle race. It was very funny and best of all, I got to officiate. I felt very important. I also enjoyed the ice cream I had from the van. Yum! I loved meeting all the judges and stewards and getting my picture taken with the Supreme and Reserve Champions of the show.
Ken and I have been doing a fair amount of showing. By far our best outing was when we went to the East Anglian Shetland Pony Group Performance Show. It was heaven – just a sea of Shetland Ponies. We felt right at home. We took part in the long reining showing and obstacle course classes as well as some traditional showing. We had an exceptional day. Ken stood Open Champion and I stood Reserve Open Champion. Can you believe it? We were so proud to win our first ever sashes and they were Shetland sized! And you should have seen the size of the rosettes – enormous!
All the walking and lunging I am doing is keeping me in good shape, but Ken is struggling with his diet and exercise regime. He needs to lose weight but is rather resistant to the idea of lunging. Never fear – his young human is going to do Couch to 5K with him when she breaks up for her summer holidays. That will get him trotting! We will have to rename it ‘Stable to 5K’ or ‘Field to 5K’.
Easter seems like a long time ago now but, of course, Ken and I got in on the fun. We wore our bunny ears, did an Easter egg hunt and played pin the tail on the bunny. That game is definitely not as easy as it looks. Ken was more successful than me – he has more patience and is more careful. I was very good at finding the eggs because there was some carrot to sniff out next to them. Ken and I got very competitive at that game.
Ken and I don’t much enjoy all this hot weather we have been having. After all, we are designed for the climatic conditions of the Shetland Islands. Luckily, we have a paddling pool to cool off in. We like to stand in it but it’s also great fun to splash each other and any other horse, animal or human standing too close. Stand back chickens! During the heatwave I managed to get stuck in the water bowl in our paddock. I climbed in with my front legs and then couldn’t get back out. My human had to rescue me and all the other horses laughed at me.
Look out for Ken and I at Carousel’s Dressage and Eventer Trial on Sunday 12 July. We will be doing some dressage. We have been practicing our test. We just hope our humans can remember it and don’t let us down.
As the nation is getting swept up in football fever, Ken and I are going to try our hooves at the so-called Beautiful Game. See how we get on in my next blog post.
Love Iddy and Ken
xxx
Finally, I must tell you our favourite flower is the Sunflower.
You may have noticed Ken and I are only little, but we are the same as a big horse, just a bit more naughty, and cleverer of course. Will tell you more about the sunflower on another day.