Madonna's Child and the new Rare Breeds

Last Sunday was by far the coldest day so far this winter; driving rain greeted the first half and bitter strong winds froze us all throughout the afternoon and evening. But we've learned not to be daunted by such - relatively minor - details as weather. As someone said to me very soon after our move to Lincolnshire; "You don't move here if you don't like wind."

Just as the morning rains abated, we welcomed our latest new arrivals - a pair of very well bred(and very Rare Breed) Buff Orpington hens. They've come from the Secretary of our local branch of the Rare Breed Survival Trust (from whom our Lavender Pekins also came last year) so are of impeccable heritage. And very sweet natured they are too; so, reflecting their colouring as well, they have been named 'Syrup' and 'Honey'. Unlike many hens (and some of our Bantams in particular) they trot around behind me and think nothing of 'asking' for titbits. They were a little wary of the other birds to start with but by their third day in the Poultry Palace were dust-bathing and being escorted by one of the younger Maran Cockerels. Tonight I noticed they were already up on the perches with the established hens. So they must be equally friendly to birds as they are to people! Unusual for hens.

At dusk on Sunday Rocco (AKA Madonna's Child when it comes to dressage) and I set off for our latest Dressage Competition. We'd warmed up on Saturday by competing at the same venue in the Kelly Marks Perfect Partnership Winter Le Trec Series (bit of a mouthful all that) competition where the Boy acquitted himself most admirably by taking 2nd Prize. It's a strange event which during Summer includes a hefty portion of orienteering on horseback; during winter though it's just the "other bits" which are a series of obstacles to go across (eg. bridges), under (eg: streamers), over (jumps) and round (grids and poles) plus basic obedience, like the horse having to stand still, unmounted, in a circle with the rider 5m away. Anyway, all jolly good fun and supposed to represent typical things any rider might encounter whilst traversing the countryside. Rocco quite enjoyed that. So, on Sunday he entered the arena to 'do dressage' and was rather put out to find no obstacles --- just all those white marker boards and letters. Needless to say, his attention was not quite on the job in the first test. Never mind though. We repaired to the freezing cold outdoor arena to have a stern word or two and "warm up" for the second attempt an hour later (well past our dinner times by now).

We knew we'd done better (5th place - pink ribbon - only in the first test) - but were over the moon to score, at last and wonder of wonders, our first ever First Place (RED) rosette at Novice Level. Great excitement; many carrots, apples and pats later we drove home tired, cold but happy.... ("Perhaps I AM getting used to this poncey stuff" he nickered as we arrived back to the snug stable). A total score of 5 rosettes - even one for being Best Turned out - and a Sash for the weekend was not a bad tally.

Meanwhile, on the Curly Coat front..... we think Ginger is looking more interesting as the days go by ... and is being treated with more respect by her colleagues which must be a sign of something????? Mustn't it???