dont have to much fun

hi girls
to all that are going on the ms ride
1/ dont have to much fun and if you do, think of us who arnt with you
2/ dont get to pissed since you are in charge of a vehicle but have for us, who arnt with you
3/ dont turn to jelly by having to many massages

have fun, laugh hard and come home safe
and rhonie everything will be fine

What a view

Hi all , on Saturday Christine and Loretta took Regina and I for a ride. We floated our four legged feinds down to Foxground. The idea, ride Hoddles Track, until we reached Saddleback Mountain Lookout.

Christine pointed to some towers, a fair distance away, and way up in the sky. We are going there??? Sure are!
We rode along the road, passing some nice proerties along the way.

The road got steeper, there was a section where George and Nugget slipped a bit on the tarmac, nothing serious.

Upon clearing the narrow road we entered a property that has a public 'road' thru it. Actually it was more of a set of tyre tracks accross the grass.

While winding our way thru the more forested areas we encountered some cows, yay for Nugget! The black bull we saw had the shortest legs you could ever get on a bovine, with a massive bulk of body. He wasn't a problem, the cows behind a well hidden fence, above us , were. They kept up with us, too the point of running beside us; when you could see them, that is! Poor Nugget was having heart moments. They're stalking me!!!

After leaving the cows behind, we entered a clear area which had some holiday cottages in places. Some people must have mega bucks. The views were just inspiring. The top pic shows has Regie on George, Nugget and I in the centre & Christine on Neville on the right. Behind us is looking south. The next pic. shows the view to the north east, look closely and you might see the Port Kembla ERS Stack. We spent some time at this lookout trying to find familiar landmarks. Next time we will remember binoculars.

While on this flat plateau we had some nice trotting and cantering.

Back into the forest again for a while, some steep, narrow trails to negotiate, and then suddenly we had arrived at Saddleback Mountain Lookout! Unbeliveable!!!

After Christine and Neville braved the lookout platform, the rest of us joined her. Pic. at left shows Loretta on Roxy beside me. Bragging here I know, but I was impressed with Nugget, I asked him to back down off the platform, and so help me he did it perfect.

We spent a while enjoying the views, while Regie had us in stitches alternating between telling funny stories and cursing George; who being George, was obsessed with stuffing his face with grass.

Look how high we were. We had been discussing which trails we could see, trying to work out what ones we had ridden on.

There were a couple of tourists walking around up at the lookout. I am sure they must have been wondering where the hell four horses and their riders had come from.

A nice older couple took a photo of us with their own camera, and then very kindly used my camera to snap a good photo for the four of us on the lookout platform.

Once this group photo was taken we rode off the platform before any horse needed to do some fertilizing!! Nugget is especially good at that.

We let the horses have some well earned green grass, before heading back down to Foxground.

The ride down was just as great, surprisingly there was no slipping or sliding.

We got back to the floats late lunchtime, and after a quick wash down we loaded up and had a cruzy drive home.

Thanks for a top ride.

Lessons with Jan

Lucy and I went for lessons with Jan on the Saturday before the RDA ride and I thought I would share some photos of Bubba and Rosies first lessons.

Both girls worked really hard and went well. Lucy and I have homework to practice until next time - Stay relaxed, use your legs and keep them travelling straight. Check! All easier said than done but practice makes perfect and with daylight savings approaching we will finally be able to get some more riding time in.

Look out Lola and Boris - that means you too!!!!

RDA Charity Ride

Here are some of the photos Dad took at this weekends RDA Charity Ride.

Picture of Bubba at Mt Murray

Rejie took this picture of Bubba and I on the last big Saturday ride we had off George. Bubba is going along well (Bar one small episode....oh well they all have to have at least one except maybe for the lovely Lola). I could not be happier with how she is progressing and we are so far still heading to the RDA and MS Ride. We have our first lesson booked for next weekend so I am looking forward to that. It is Bubbas first and will also be good for me who has not had a lesson for about 9 years. Aghh!! I can only imagine what bad habit's I have picked up in that time. Jan is going to have a lot of work whipping Bubba and I into shape.

Anyway a BIG thank you to all the girls who have been helping me get Bubba going (Rhonda, Loretta, RHONDA, Rejie, Trish - not so much in person due to those darn geographical issues but you are definitely my sounding board over the phone, did I mention Rhonda, and of course Lucy) and a extra big thank you to Mick and Lucy who have to truck the giant kling-on everywhere as she does not fit in any float Ive found to date and who have had her up on their property while we were fixing her manky feet (which now look beautiful thanks to the good Robertson soil and the Bradding they had yesterday).

To all of you, you have no idea how much your help means to me
Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Part 2 this weekend river training

Today was not as good weather wise as last weekend, however, Poppy, Colleen and I manage a nice ride this morning. Even Jack Thompson popped in for a little visit.

Naturally there was a cuppa and a chat at the end of it all.

Have also posted some more photos of the new addition to the family. At home with Miss Chanel

Hope you all have a good week. See what lovely riding country you are missing out on.. Best you soon make a weekend visit and be part of the river training ground.

Take care all.

Souther Wild Waler Woman

At home with Hayes & Friends

Hi to all on the blog.

Thought it was about time I did a little update on the southern happenings.

Firstly goot luck to Step and Tuck etall for the big week at Shazada.

Due to serious work committments my riding plan is a little behind time, however, I thought I would share some of the moments with you all.

My friend and southern riding partner Colleen and I went for a river training ride last weekend. Her girls and husband came down and we shared a cuppa after this nice ride.

Les did not use the zoom too much, but I was there. These photos show us at the start of our river training ground.....

How to stress Nugget out

Well yesterday Leah, Christine and I went for a little ride out the back, towards Jamberoo.
Lovely day, sunny, a bit blowy at times but all up a bonza day.
Riding thru farming paddocks we saw cows from time to time, reasonably close; Nugget has an irrational fear of cows; Why? Who knows- he just does not like them. (BIG SOOK!).
Anyway all is good until close to home, when low and behold, the dairy cows are heading for home down a fenced track about 2 car widths. Great, just great I think, even better, the cows are heading towards us!!!
Well one of the fences is electrified, so not too close, the other side is where the cows are walking. We had to ride up the middle, poor Nugget didn't know where to run or hide. Each time a cow would stop to look at him, he was like, 'oh no, those things are looking at me, need to hide quick, maybe I should run; they're still looking at me!!!!'. Then we had the drama of the cows on one side, a piece of dead tree on the other, which was gunna attack him first. So we finally get clear of the track and into the last paddock, where you guessed it, there are lots more cows, some were even lying down. Now these cows on the ground are an even scarrier horror, they get up! We had to ride thru them to reach the gate to freedom.
I am quite sure poor Nugs had thought he had died and gone to some horsey hell, All those mean cows surrounding him. He did survive in the end, not at all helped by me, who spent some time laughing at his expese.
Might make a campdrafter out of him, cows would be rounding him up instead! Could become a new sport!

Getting ready for Shahzada

Hi Everyone,
Well we are all getting ready for Shahzada. Steph has entered in the 120km trainer over 3 days. Tucker is getting his boots glued on Tuesday 12th & we leave for base camp the next day. She gets to ride for a few days before the camp closes down for the ride starting on Monday 17th. We are hoping to get some time to ourselves but we are part of the volunteers that look after the ride base so that may be wishfull thinking. I'm finishing off my third T.P.R. provisional ride & then I get to be a qualified T.P.R.
Cheers,
Lyn
PS when I get time I will post some photos I took of Steph getting slobbered on by some over friendly Arabs at a friends place.

How Lucky Am I

I just have to say that I feel incredibly lucky to have such beautiful, special warm hearted people, as my family.
You know who you are, you are all just beautiful.
Love you all lots.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHONDA!!

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to Youuuuu.
Happy BIRTHDAY dearrrr RhonnDaaa!
Happy Birthday toooooo yoouuuuu!!!!

Hope you have a great day tomorrow (even if you have to work)
Love the WWW.

Hi to everyone.
I have been having a little difficulty in signing in here, keep forgetting the password.....
Rhonda, your adventure looked just fantastic, I am very proud of you gaviscon!!
The photography is exceptional as well.
Keep up the good work.

I will post some coming home photos of "Miss" Chanel soon. She is settling in ok. Les does not admit that he quite likes her. She manages to end up in our bed after the very early morning toilet trip and play. 3.30 am is just tooooooo early for me to try and function clearly.

More soon,
take care all
Southern Wild-Waler-Woman, aka Trishxx

A great ride

One Saturday a few friends decided to ride to Lake Illawarra for lunch, great idea I'll go too. Regina on George the express pony, and myself on Nugget set out from Croom road and headed down Station road, crossing the Princes hwy at some lights. We had to ride across the trainline on the way to Macquarie Shores where we were to meet Christine V., Jan, Sonia and Kim. Once we were all together we rode towards Oak Flats along the road.



The first challenge was Slaters bridge, long, wooden and over wide water. Much to my surprise Nugget followed Jans' mare across without a care, I was impressed. Once clear of the bridge, we rode around thru the back streets of Oak Flats until we reached Lake Illawarra.

We followed the cycleway around the lake, a distance of about 8kms. It was a sunny day, the water was calm, and there were lots of lovely spots for a good trot or canter.

Upon reaching the end of the lake, we had to ride under Windang bridge so that we could get to our lunch spot further along the forshore. It's too dangerous to cross busy Shellharbour road, so we rode along the footpath.You can see the bridge in the background.

From the bridge, it is still a little ride before we arrived at the takeaway shop. Hot chips always smell yummy. We tied our horses up and got stuck into some food. In the photo below, at the top end is where we stopped for lunch, just as the road curves right.

After lunch we dicided to keep going and headed towards Warilla beach. You are able to ride behind the houses and I was wishing we could have a canter on the beach, but sadley horses are not allowed. Some more nice trotting and cantering soon saw us arrive at Little Lake.

The supposed 'bridge' across Little Lake has still not been built. No problem, as Regina was on the second smallest horse, sh went across first. The rest of us watched from the edge, if George started swimming, we were going the long way round!! The water was belly deep, so the rest of us rode our horses across. The photo below shows Little Lake at low tide.

Once clear of Little Lake, we rode up around the headland at Barrack Point. There are some beautiful views along here. Following the road around saw us ride onto the public reserve beside Junction road. We had a wonderful canter and trot until we reached Shellharbour surf club. Here we had to cross Shellharbour road and head towards the Shellharbour Workers Club, in order to ride thru suburbia on the home run.

Lots more cantering and trotting was the order as we made our way along the footpaths and roads to reach the top of the hills.

It was then down towards the Oak Flats Interchange and home. It was here that Regina and I said goodbye to everyone else, they had to return to Macquarie Shores. Regina wanted to ride down to the Oak Flats train station and go home that way. I thought a short cut would be good, how hard can a roundabout be???

So with Nugget and I leading, Regie and I rode along the bicycle lane, around the edge of the interchange. As the photo shows, this is a BIG roundabout, known as the UFO, for good reason (some inept drivers do drive the wrong way on this bugger!!). The only time Nugget got worried was when the northbound cars went under the interchange. Brave little begger.

We left the interchange and headed along the East West route, passing a police car running a speed trap (no galloping now). As home was getting closer we went into a couple of long canters along the grass verge.

We arrived back at the paddock 6 hours and 35kms later. Nugget was very good, especially as he had to lead thru some scary parts. Thanks to my friends for having me along, and a HUGE thankyou to Nugget, what a good boy.

Introducing Miss Chanel

Hello everyone.

I am wanting to introduce an almost new member of the family. Much to the strapper's disgust, I am going against his wishes and getting myself an inside kitty-kat. I feel that life is getting shorter and a kitty-kat will do me a power of good. Not forgetting the other animals at home here, Bronte, Clancy & Ruff, the border collies. Miss Waratah, the horse in a million, and ther is the bloody thoroughbred, Miss lucky to be alive and found her way here, Rose. so now there will be Miss Chanel, a lilac point pure bred bermease, not sure how to spell it, but have included a couple of snaps

the saddle

hi girls
on my way up to my friends place on the long weekend i visited (mrs thompsons) fav saddle maker and had a look see around his lovely warm work shop, my friend jane was out side trying to work out how to get one of his horses onto the back of my ute without him noticing, he remembered we www from goulburn show a couple of years back we all had a drool over his saddles then as well. whilst talking to him about stuff it was hard not to sit in one of his saddles ,very nice on the old toosh, lucky girl mrs thompson

New Saddle - minamising

Hi Everyone.
Well, the new saddle is very commmfy, when I can get into it. The strapper keeps taking over and my time seems to be limited. However, we did manage to get a couple of river rides in over the weekend, even managed to carenterrrrr, a few times. We have mapped out some things to do for the WWW weekend in July.
Also, I have been minamising in the household. I have managed to fill about 5 large boxes of 'goods no longer required' in the wardrobe which will be ready for inspection on that weekend.
I will be pleased when the minamising is complete, and rubbish cleared away, I am waiting for the feeling of good to come over me now that I have almost finished cleaning it.

I am going to buy a kitten, the strapper is totally apposed to the idea, however he will have to get over it!!
'southern, wild waler woman'

Jack Thompsons Infamous Ride

Well he came, he drank (box of coldie's in the flower pot), and he rode off into the sunset!!! (Not literally.. we do not condone drink riding. He drank and waited a few hours so he was right to ride)


And down by the veranda, where flower pots grow beer,
Spiders tell a solemn tale of Jack Thompson's ride that year
Upon a horse (not his of course), new saddle as his chair
He rode out into the mist and rain, in his driza bone with a stealy glare.

I know. Sad isnt it. I do not pretend to be a poet.


Except that during the ride Les aka Jack lost his head!!!!!

Looks like Les is going to give the BM a run for his money. We now have evidence that both the boys are not just talented truck/float drivers and strappers. Look out girls!! The way these boys are riding we may end up strapping for them.

Heres Jack on County Rose oh Whops I mean Waratah! Lookin good (however with those shot stirrups you would be better on the Thoroughbred.)

Hey, That doesn't look like a Thoroughbred to me............

Trish Riding in the New Saddle

Here is proof that Trishy rides without us. (Just kidding Trish!!!) The new saddle looks great and from all reports is quite comfortable. The saddle was made by Lindsay Miller has purple leather features near the D rings and a Jesus Bar to die for......(that doesn't sound all that religiously appropriate Sorry!) But you all know what I mean.

She didn't get to ride for long however as......

There was movement at the station for the word had passed around,

That Trish had her new saddle and was riding in leaps and bounds.

Jack Thompson came to visit, saw the saddle and bush mare,

and kicked Trish off from riding so he could get his share................

Trish's New Saddle

Show us your purple bits!!!! Woo Wooo Trish. Your new saddle looks Hot!!! (Not to mention all the fancy ribbons in the background)

MS Ride 19th - 26th September Hunter Valley

About the ride:

The event is an 8 day adventure holiday for up to 250 people and their horses. The first day is spent vet checking the horses and setting camp. Participants then ride for three days, have a rest day and then ride for a further 3 days. Each days ride is between 20-30km on fully supported and well marked trails and there is usually also an option for one or two longer rides. The routes are chosen for their scenic attraction and are mainly on private properties not normally open to the public.

Whats Included:

Your entry fee includes all of the meals for the week, feed and water for your horse (Mitavite Economix and Hay), Veterinary support, Farrier support, first aid, marshals, rouseabout crew, entertainment program, excellent shower and toilet facilities etc. We will stay at two campsites during the week and you have the choice of keeping your horse in our free communal paddock or booking one of our steel yards.

When your not in the saddle:

Relax in our licenced bar or enjoy complimentary tea and coffee in our marquee. Entertainment includes live music, trivia, horse related demonstrations and a talent quest. On the Wednesday Rest day tours to a local thoroughbred stud and a winery will be available as well as a shuttle bus into nearby Cassilis.

Whats Available:

* Farrier
* First Aid St Johns Ambulance
* Vet
* Massage (for people) 1/2 hour $30 1 hour $50 - all proceeds go to MS
* General Store
* Communal Paddock - Free / Steel Yards - $125

Meal Times:

For the horse - Horse feed can be collected from the horse feed tent in the morning from 6.00am - 8.00am and in the afternoon from 4.00pm - 6.00pm.

For the people - Your first meal will be dinner on Saturday and your last meal will be lunch on the following Saturday.
Breakfast - 7.00am - 8.00am
Lunch - On Course 11.00am - 2.00pm
Dinner - 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Ride Costs:

Adult $849 (early entry before 31st July) $899 (late entry after 31st July)

How to get there:

Cassilis is a small village north of Mudgee of a hundred people which is located just off the Golden Highway on the Munnmurra River. It is 43 km north-west of Merriwa (approx 40 minutes drive), 86 km north-east of Mudgee (approx 1 hour drive) and 358 km north-west of Sydney (approx 4 hour drive).

The Proposition and Challenge:

Lets see if we can get involed, raise some money for MS and as the Wild Waler Women team and represent the wonderful Waler breed in the process. All the monies raised go to a good cause and think of the fun and mistchief the Wild Waler Women will have with 6 days of riding and entertainment.

What do you all think???? Any takers???? Interested parties???