Just a quick update; had a great ride out today with Ruby, she seems to enjoy the longer ride outs much more than the short ones. It really feels as if she enjoys exploring new places, don't know if that is a trait you can attribute to horses, but if it is she's in the right job!
I was intending just to do a quick hour and a half to Pietrina and back, but we were both enjoying ourselves so we decided to carry on. Ended up getting quite lost in the woods a few times as I tried to find some new trails, but it's all in the name of adventure. In the end we got back on the Pian delle Querce trail and came out of the woods at San Vivaldo, although I did have to flag down a passing truck driver at one point to ask him where we were!
It was such a lovely day for riding that I wanted to take some photographs, but Camera (have decided it is no longer just 'the camera' as it has such an interesting personality it shall hereby be known as Camera) was quite against the idea, so I took a little video on my phone, unfortunately the quality is awful but I think you can get an idea of why we decided to stay out longer on the trail!
Horse Riding in Tuscany
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Highs and Lows of Today
Today was certainly a day of ups and downs; let me take you through it.
Down....
Was rudely awoken at 6.20am by little Lizzie barking at me to wake up. I was quite annoyed. After about ten minutes the barking drove me nuts and I got out of my lovely toasty warm bed, threw on a pair of jogging bottoms, trainers with no socks, I just grabbed my coat when....she widdled on the floor. Great.
....Up
Then as I opened to door and ventured outside, I saw it was going to be a glorious day. I decided I would take advantage of the good weather and ride to Pietrina and get some photographs from that infamous view, if my camera is having a good day.
Down....
Unfortunately camera was having an off day so I left it at home and made my way to the yard with the doggies in tow. As I was approaching the arena I noticed two people and some dogs. I thought they were tourists out with their dog, and thought maybe they were looking to ride. Alas, this was not the case. They were hunters. Guns at the ready and really quite annoyed at my yappy little dog for disturbing them and their dogs, I didn't realise it was Saturday today. The weekend is packed full of hunters (as we are next to the game reserve), there goes my plans of riding to Pietrina. Not because I'm afraid my horse might bolt at the gunshots, the dogs or the fleeing 'cinghiale' (wild boar), but because I'm afraid they might shoot us. And it's true, they might.
....Up
Turned Ruby out in her new paddock which she seems to be enjoying, even saw her do three strides of canter, bless her. The sun was still shining and lovely Elsa was at the yard and kindly gave me a lift back home in the truck. I didn't fancy walking past those guns again! Taking advantage of the good weather I decided to do some work in the garden, as it really was warm. I was too hot sitting down in my jacket; it's almost December! I hope it stays like this (no chance!). Also, camera decided it might be a good day after all, bonus!
Down....
Got back to the yard this afternoon to find Ruby had escaped her paddock. I checked the fence, all seems fine, electric is working (ouch!), so I can only imagine that she got frightened by the hunters and made a bid for home, sorry I mean hay, as thats where she was of course, munching away. Can't imagine that she jumped out, she must have gone under the fence. Poor girl, deciding to get electrocuted rather than face the scarey men. Don't blame her at all to be honest.
....Up
As she was in I decided to go for a ride out. Didn't make it to Pietrina as by now the hunt was in full swing at Palagio (on the way to Pietrina). I used the oppurtunity to do a bit of schooling though, as Ruby still cant get the idea that she has to walk on the right side of the road. It must be a little confusing for her, having been taught to walk on the left before, but it shouldn't be too hard to grasp as she was only broken in for about a month before I started riding her. Joy of joys however we did get some walk on the right side of the road, and she is definitely responding much better to the aid 'move over'! I wonder why, is it because it's all I ever seem to ask her!
Also saw a young deer in the road on the way home, just milling about. Tried to take a photo as he was there for a while but alak, alas, camera's 'zoom' function seems to have given up the ghost.
Managed to make it home without being shot anyway, we shall see what tomorrow brings.
Down....
Was rudely awoken at 6.20am by little Lizzie barking at me to wake up. I was quite annoyed. After about ten minutes the barking drove me nuts and I got out of my lovely toasty warm bed, threw on a pair of jogging bottoms, trainers with no socks, I just grabbed my coat when....she widdled on the floor. Great.
....Up
Then as I opened to door and ventured outside, I saw it was going to be a glorious day. I decided I would take advantage of the good weather and ride to Pietrina and get some photographs from that infamous view, if my camera is having a good day.
Down....
Unfortunately camera was having an off day so I left it at home and made my way to the yard with the doggies in tow. As I was approaching the arena I noticed two people and some dogs. I thought they were tourists out with their dog, and thought maybe they were looking to ride. Alas, this was not the case. They were hunters. Guns at the ready and really quite annoyed at my yappy little dog for disturbing them and their dogs, I didn't realise it was Saturday today. The weekend is packed full of hunters (as we are next to the game reserve), there goes my plans of riding to Pietrina. Not because I'm afraid my horse might bolt at the gunshots, the dogs or the fleeing 'cinghiale' (wild boar), but because I'm afraid they might shoot us. And it's true, they might.
....Up
Turned Ruby out in her new paddock which she seems to be enjoying, even saw her do three strides of canter, bless her. The sun was still shining and lovely Elsa was at the yard and kindly gave me a lift back home in the truck. I didn't fancy walking past those guns again! Taking advantage of the good weather I decided to do some work in the garden, as it really was warm. I was too hot sitting down in my jacket; it's almost December! I hope it stays like this (no chance!). Also, camera decided it might be a good day after all, bonus!
Down....
Got back to the yard this afternoon to find Ruby had escaped her paddock. I checked the fence, all seems fine, electric is working (ouch!), so I can only imagine that she got frightened by the hunters and made a bid for home, sorry I mean hay, as thats where she was of course, munching away. Can't imagine that she jumped out, she must have gone under the fence. Poor girl, deciding to get electrocuted rather than face the scarey men. Don't blame her at all to be honest.
....Up
As she was in I decided to go for a ride out. Didn't make it to Pietrina as by now the hunt was in full swing at Palagio (on the way to Pietrina). I used the oppurtunity to do a bit of schooling though, as Ruby still cant get the idea that she has to walk on the right side of the road. It must be a little confusing for her, having been taught to walk on the left before, but it shouldn't be too hard to grasp as she was only broken in for about a month before I started riding her. Joy of joys however we did get some walk on the right side of the road, and she is definitely responding much better to the aid 'move over'! I wonder why, is it because it's all I ever seem to ask her!
Also saw a young deer in the road on the way home, just milling about. Tried to take a photo as he was there for a while but alak, alas, camera's 'zoom' function seems to have given up the ghost.
Managed to make it home without being shot anyway, we shall see what tomorrow brings.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
You do, Voodoo?
It was only last week I thought the Voodoo curse may have been lifted; oh how wrong can you be?
Unfortunately, the bay mare who was coming over from Ireland, Ballincurry Lady, had an accident on the morning of her due departure date and sadly had to be put to sleep.
I feel terribly guilty about this, even though I wasn't there, if I hadn't asked for her to be sent over she would most likely be fine right about now. I know it's not actually my fault, but can you see where I'm coming from with this? Honestly, it really got me down when I heard about it. I'm not a softie at all when it comes to horses, you have to be practical with them, but that news really upset me.
Then there is Wilma; still stuck in Arezzo due to the ongoing problems with her passport. Tell me, if a passport is going to expire within the next three months of it being issued, why would you let me pay €150 for it!? The thing is, it's not even about the money now, it's the inconvenience, I need the horse here, now, no in fact, last month! I bought the horse at the start of October, it's now almost December. If I'd known all these problems would occur I would have kept my cash and said I'll pay you when you deliver it! I think I'll be doing that next time, lesson learnt I believe.
On a high note, I have almost finished building the winter paddock, yay! And the hay should be arriving this week. Not that I've got any horses to eat it mind....
Unfortunately, the bay mare who was coming over from Ireland, Ballincurry Lady, had an accident on the morning of her due departure date and sadly had to be put to sleep.
I feel terribly guilty about this, even though I wasn't there, if I hadn't asked for her to be sent over she would most likely be fine right about now. I know it's not actually my fault, but can you see where I'm coming from with this? Honestly, it really got me down when I heard about it. I'm not a softie at all when it comes to horses, you have to be practical with them, but that news really upset me.
Then there is Wilma; still stuck in Arezzo due to the ongoing problems with her passport. Tell me, if a passport is going to expire within the next three months of it being issued, why would you let me pay €150 for it!? The thing is, it's not even about the money now, it's the inconvenience, I need the horse here, now, no in fact, last month! I bought the horse at the start of October, it's now almost December. If I'd known all these problems would occur I would have kept my cash and said I'll pay you when you deliver it! I think I'll be doing that next time, lesson learnt I believe.
On a high note, I have almost finished building the winter paddock, yay! And the hay should be arriving this week. Not that I've got any horses to eat it mind....
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| At least someone is content....Ruby with the farmhouse in the background |
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Paddock Javelin
Today I decided it was high time that I did some work; so I dismantled Ruby's paddock and rebuilt it where there is some good grass. This is quite a boring job as anyone will tell you, so decided to have a game of 'paddock javelin'. Please don't try this at home kids! In any case I was a bit rubbish, think the furthest I threw a post was about 10 metres!
Then I had to be a grown up, so I built a lovely new paddock where theres lots of yummy grass and a wonderful view (not that she will appreciate it I'm sure).
So new paddock all built, tomorrow she can go out in that one and more good news; Bay mare has her passport and (fingers crossed) will be arriving this weekend! Wilma is also one step closer to arriving in her new home as the ministry vet has said she can travel as long as the passport has been paid for (most important) and application sent off. Is the Voodoo curse weakening? Hmmm, I'm not holding my breath to find out!
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| Paddock Javelin! |
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| Ta-dah! |
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tuscany in November
Went on a nice relaxing ride out with The Roobster today; skies weren't as clear as the past couple of days but still warm and as yet no rain (thankfully!). Ruby did make me laugh though; we were accosted by pheasants, we waded through rivers, we navigated through the deep, dark, spooky woods, we even had the pleaseure of a deer jumping out in front of us, but did that horse bat an eyelid? You have got to be joking. Then all of a sudden, out of seemingly nowhere there appeared the most terrifying thing imaginable....a man in a tree picking olives! Oh the horror! Silly bloody horse. Anyway, enjoy the pics taken today (with my semi-functioning camera.)
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| View from Pietrina towards Volterra |
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| That huge hill in the background is where you'll find Volterra! |
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| A bit blurry, but I like it |
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| On our way to get lost in the woods.... |
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| Amazing views from Pietrina across towards Volterra |
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| Great gallop track right by here |
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| Bit of a wonky moment! |
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Pics from November
Wow! What a beautiful day we had yesterday....the sun was 'cracking the flags' as my nan would say! Went out for a lovely ride around the Soiano vineyards with Jess and her friend, took my camera to get some lovely shots over the valley and guess what....my bloody camera wasn't working! Couldn't believe it. Then on arrival at the yard, I took it out my pocket again to have a look at it and guess what, it was working again. Hmmm, there seem to be some evil forces at work here, I mean, it seems I am constantly getting back luck. Horses having problems with their passports, guests not turning up, mysterious camera breakage and fixage within an hour. Could it be Voodoo?
Anyway, I have now uploaded a few pics below of the yard and the gorgeous Ruby. Enjoy!
Anyway, I have now uploaded a few pics below of the yard and the gorgeous Ruby. Enjoy!
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| We arrive home, camera works. Perfect! |
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| Nice clean horse; amazing view |
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| View over our land and beyond |
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| View from the little lake to the farmhouse & Iano |
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What a Let Down
Well now, boy do I feel a fool. The first booking for La Fiaba turned into our first 'no show'. Yep, that's right, they didn't even bother turning up!
I can't even look on the brightside, I've got 36 bales of hay arriving anyday now and no money left! I'm living in the middle of nowhere and don't even have a car or any heating in the house! These are two things that are stressing me out big time. The shop in the village doesn't even sell mobile phone credit (however you can buy a pair of earrings)! I'm really starting to wonder if I've done the right thing, this is such a huge project to take on when you have got money in your pocket, but when you haven't got a bean it's really quite scarey!
Another thing that happened is yet another problem with another horse's documents. Seriously, I feel like saying just forget it all. So now I have to get on a bus from here to Montaione, wait 2 hours there for the next bus to take me to Castelfiorentino, get the train to Florence, then back on another train to Arezzo, a bus to Castiglion Fibocchi, get the horse's documents that have expired, find the office where I can renew the passport (don't even know where that is!), then it's the loooong journey back home. Che stress!
Ok, time to calm down. Aside from the no money, the no show and going stir crazy from being by myself; I'm really happy with the new horse; Ruby. She is a star. Went out for a (very wet) ride this morning and she's great. Forward going, easy to turn and stop etc. She seems to enjoy our little adventures! Just wish the weather was a little better as I'd really like to do a lot more exploring. I was thinking to ride up to Pietrina and get some photos for the website; but little point when the whole of Chianti just looks grey and miserable!
So now what? Well I'm still out there, trying to plug my new business to anyone and everyone who will listen! Anyone here fancy coming riding? Horses are great but the owner is crazy! Well, she must be for taking on this project, right?
I can't even look on the brightside, I've got 36 bales of hay arriving anyday now and no money left! I'm living in the middle of nowhere and don't even have a car or any heating in the house! These are two things that are stressing me out big time. The shop in the village doesn't even sell mobile phone credit (however you can buy a pair of earrings)! I'm really starting to wonder if I've done the right thing, this is such a huge project to take on when you have got money in your pocket, but when you haven't got a bean it's really quite scarey!
Another thing that happened is yet another problem with another horse's documents. Seriously, I feel like saying just forget it all. So now I have to get on a bus from here to Montaione, wait 2 hours there for the next bus to take me to Castelfiorentino, get the train to Florence, then back on another train to Arezzo, a bus to Castiglion Fibocchi, get the horse's documents that have expired, find the office where I can renew the passport (don't even know where that is!), then it's the loooong journey back home. Che stress!
Ok, time to calm down. Aside from the no money, the no show and going stir crazy from being by myself; I'm really happy with the new horse; Ruby. She is a star. Went out for a (very wet) ride this morning and she's great. Forward going, easy to turn and stop etc. She seems to enjoy our little adventures! Just wish the weather was a little better as I'd really like to do a lot more exploring. I was thinking to ride up to Pietrina and get some photos for the website; but little point when the whole of Chianti just looks grey and miserable!
So now what? Well I'm still out there, trying to plug my new business to anyone and everyone who will listen! Anyone here fancy coming riding? Horses are great but the owner is crazy! Well, she must be for taking on this project, right?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Quick Update
Well it seems we have our first booking at La Fiaba, hooray! Ok it's for one night and just one half a day riding out, but hey, it's a start right?
So what does that mean for us? Crazy preparations in order; I have to get out on my new mare and get riding her around, she's really quiet but she's also really green so I need to get educating her. I'm hoping she will be good as my lead horse, so then I can put my guest on Wilma, as I know her really well. You could put your baby or your granny on Wilma and not have to worry, she's a star! Then again if this lady wants to ride in a western saddle, Ruby is going to be better, as I think the western saddle we have will be too big for Wilma. Hmmm, will have to see.
I'm also still learning the routes, in fact, I don't know any routes as yet except for the ones I've seen on a map so er, I really had better get out there and riding eh?!
Then there is the accommodation to prepare, a welcome email to write for the guests and the payment to organise; how should I go about taking the payment? Is it worth taking a deposit for such a small sum?
All this in less than a week. Yes, the horse riding holidays in Tuscany dream has begun, but it now seems to have left me behind a little....help!
So what does that mean for us? Crazy preparations in order; I have to get out on my new mare and get riding her around, she's really quiet but she's also really green so I need to get educating her. I'm hoping she will be good as my lead horse, so then I can put my guest on Wilma, as I know her really well. You could put your baby or your granny on Wilma and not have to worry, she's a star! Then again if this lady wants to ride in a western saddle, Ruby is going to be better, as I think the western saddle we have will be too big for Wilma. Hmmm, will have to see.
I'm also still learning the routes, in fact, I don't know any routes as yet except for the ones I've seen on a map so er, I really had better get out there and riding eh?!
Then there is the accommodation to prepare, a welcome email to write for the guests and the payment to organise; how should I go about taking the payment? Is it worth taking a deposit for such a small sum?
All this in less than a week. Yes, the horse riding holidays in Tuscany dream has begun, but it now seems to have left me behind a little....help!
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