trails and tales

project quagga (aka get the damn flies off her legs)

Matilda just wants to play with him but he's very shy so i've been spending a lot of time just letting the two hang out together and working on his training as Matilda follows us around the fields

the morning perimeter checks are always so pleasant. our fences are holding up nicely, it's been lots of work but we have divided the area into 7 big camps for the 5 of our hooved beasties, who are extremely happy and healthy, getting my undivided daily attention and frankly being spoiled!

so nice to finally see the farm become so vibrant after winter

this photo keeps making me giggle. i was given one(1) job and it was to be a groom for the weekend, and here is a picture of me having a very fun chat and a funny moment with my friend, as the OWNER of the entire ranch and big, big name in the industry cools down the horse i was given to look after.

Kalant taught me the absolute freedom and trust in riding bitless and bridleless. He taught me another way of training.

ice coffee date with Matilda because i needed it

oh, i forgot to post this - i took Matilda for a long walk last saturday, all the way to the local garage/shopping centre, and stopped at the cute farmstall restaurant nearby for a coffee. it was extremely busy, and we came across a lot of cyclists(Matilda's nightmare - trucks, motorbikes, and even big farm machinery is okay but cyclists? nah). She was so, so well behaved though, besides biting my buttcheek once. i think about 15 different people came up to her to take a selfie or give her a treat, even the owner came out and was all over her. really love that i live in a friendly neighbourhood where i can take Matilda with me to new places!

she's so willing for a treat

hoppity hop

i was looking at old photos of myself and was struck with how dull and dark my eyes looked in every picture, none of my smiles looked real and i looked half dead. this was the first picture i came across where i actually looked happy, the first time i met Matilda. prior to this photo she had nudged against my ear and blew out through her nose, and it literally caused me to cry with joy, she stole me heart. she really saved me during a dark time.

two portraits for my friends of their horses, Titan and Moya. reminder that pet portrait commissions are open, DM me for more info ♥️

Matilda enjoys a good jump.

Titan is recovering nicely, he's finally allowed to canter and he feels very good! it's been a good opportunity to have a restart on a lot of schooling with him and he is just so lovely. he used to be very strong and hard in the mouth, ridden in a kimblewick, now he's as light as a feather going bitless. really proud of him and his owner for making it this far, it's been a tough journey and i am honoured to ride and school him weekly