Team Bradley

There is something really special about bringing a horse on from the beginning. I didn't breed Bea, however her dam was in my life as a weanling, so when I saw the opportunity to have Eleanor's mini-me in the paddock, of course I jumped at it.

With a young horse, so many things that eventually become completely ordinary are actually little milestones. Learning to lead, tie up, have their feet handled, wear rugs, load on the float, be washed, clipped and plaited, go to shows, encounter their first monster, stand quietly somewhere new... and, in Bea's case, stand still long enough for me to get the forelock plait STRAIGHT 😂 I think that's the part I enjoy most- watching all those little things slowly become no big deal.

It's also one of the reasons I love in-hand showing my young horses. Long before they're old enough to be ridden, they're learning to travel, stand up, be handled, cope with busy environments and see a bit of the world. Even if we don't come home with a ribbon, they've usually come home having learnt something.

Of course I'm already thinking about what she'll be like under saddle and what she'll eventually do. I'm definitely guilty of having a million plans. Bea already has everything she needs apart from a saddle... she'll get one fitted once she's mature enough for us to see exactly what she needs 😂.

But I'm in no hurry to get there. All these little everyday lessons are what will hopefully add up to a confident, capable horse one day.

She's worth the wait 💕🐴

As a bit of a closet tack hoarder, collector of far too many saddle pads and lover of all things horsey: old, new, vintage, english, western, pink, sparkly...I've always loved the bags people make out of old saddles.

I've been making browbands, sewing and doing random horsey crafts for years, so when the old saddle I had my major accident in back in 2015 was still sitting around taking up space, I thought... why not turn it into something? 🤷🏽‍♀️

So that became saddle bag attempt number one!🔨✂️

Of course then I had to start collecting a few more old saddles because apparently I needed to master the art 💁🏽‍♀️. (A big thank you to all those whom have donated 🥰)

This is attempt number two and I'm really happy with how it's turned out! Im definitely still figuring out what works and what doesn't, but each one is getting better.

At least my tack hoarding is finally becoming productive... 🤣🩷

After a month of bonding over farm rides and getting to know each other, Bliss and Amelia headed along to the One Tree Point Pony Club practice showcross today for their first outing together. 💕

Meme rode him beautifully, and it was honestly so rewarding to watch. Bliss looked happy, pretty relaxed and ended up completely in his element. Sometimes with horses, it really is just about finding the right match, and these two seem to have really clicked. 🥰

Supporting them today also brought back memories of when I first made the move onto hacks and used to watch Danielle ride Bliss's dam, Splice, for me back in the day (top left). It's pretty cool to now be watching baby splice out there with a young rider. ❤️

Michelle and her girls are doing a fantastic job with him, and after putting so much time into breeding and producing this little guy over the years, it's pretty special being able to step back and finally watch him enjoying himself with a rider who suits him so well.

I can't wait to see where these guys go. Bring on the season!

..I suppose I better start thinking about getting the others into a bit more work too. 😂🐴

It's been a while since my last update, so I thought it was about time to let everyone know what I've been up to over winter!

🐴 Rossie has been enjoying lots of hacking over winter, with the occasional schooling ride mixed in. My biggest focus has been building strength and developing his topline. Looking back to when he first arrived, he has strengthened so much already. We still have a long way to go, but I'm really excited about the journey ahead.
We also ticked off our first dressage outing together, bringing home a 3rd and a 4th. I've never really considered myself a dressage girl, but I really enjoyed the challenge and can definitely see us doing more of it in the future. Unfortunately, illness meant we had to scratch from the second day, but there will always be another show. I'm looking forward to getting back out there with him when the time is right.
Ross has enjoyed visits from Kim Dawkins Equine Sport Massage A holistic approach, Be Osteopathy, Northland Saddlery Services- Sylvie Webby, Bruce Peters (farrier) and Julian Greatorex (dentist) over the last couple of months. A big thankyou to all of you for helping him get as close to 100% as possible.

🤎 Awa has been doing exactly what a growing youngster should be doing, being a horse! She's had a couple of quiet sits, but there's absolutely no rush. I'm enjoying watching her mature, and I can't wait for the day we begin her ridden career properly when she's ready.

💛 Bea continues to grow, not only physically but mentally and emotionally too. It's been lovely watching her confidence and maturity develop. Young horses certainly keep you on your toes, but they're incredibly rewarding when you give them the time they need.

💙 Bliss has probably had the biggest change of all. There have been plenty of moments where I've wondered what the future would look like for him, but I'm so excited to say he has finally found an amazing lease home. I truly think this is the right next step for him, to help him gain more confidence out and about with a younger rider and I can't wait to see what he's capable of.

🩶 Luke is still happily enjoying retirement and living his best life as the world's greatest babysitter. He might not have done a lot under saddle for me over the years, but he's looked after his share of young horses and has more than earned his peaceful days surrounded by friends.

Outside of the horses, life has been busy with teaching and recovering from a pretty nasty few months of illness. As someone who likes to give 1000% to everything I do, finding the balance between work and horses isn't always easy. I love both, and I'm the type of person who always wants to give everything I've got.

So far, this year has been a good reminder that it's okay to slow down sometimes. After everything my body and mind have been through over the years 🧠😬 they occasionally remind me that I don't have to be running at full speed all the time. I'm learning to listen to them a little more, give myself a bit more grace, and remember that taking care of myself doesn't mean giving up on my goals. It just means giving myself the best chance to enjoy them for many years to come.🥰

Bring on the longer days, warmer weather and plenty of horsey adventures. Im excited to see what the rest of this year has in store 🌞

M 🩷

Recently we ended our season on a high at the Northgate Lodge Equestrian In hand Show 💗

Bea was well overdue for an outing. I’ve been keeping things low-pressure at home with a few short, positive handling sessions to help refine her young horse manners, as she had been a little challenging at her last couple of shows- and even at home. It’s all part of the age and stage, but still something that required some thoughtful redirection 😬. I’ll admit I went into the day feeling slightly nervous, however she exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t be prouder of my not-so-little-anymore girl. Her winning the manners class was the highlight of the day for me.

Awa, after enjoying a well-deserved holiday following her successful in-hand season, made a quick return to the ring. I couldn’t resist offering her for a special outing with the very deserving Baliegh Williamson 🩷

Results

Bea - Foal & Yearling Classes

Best Presented Foal or Yearling & Handler – 2nd
Hack Yearling (EMH over 148cm) – 1st
Warmblood – Foal or Yearling – 1st
Thoroughbred/Standardbred – Foal or Yearling – 2nd
Best Paces – 2nd
Best Mannered – 1st
Best Coloured – 3rd
Best Handler – 1st

Awa – 2 & 3 Year Old Classes (Handled by Baliegh Williamson)

Best Presented Horse & Handler – 2nd
Hack Three Year Old (EMH over 148cm) – 1st
Thoroughbred/Standardbred – 1st
Best Paces – 1st
Best Mannered – 1st
Best Coloured – 1st
Best Handler – 1st

This marks the end of Awa’s youngstock inhand career. She has been an incredibly straight forward and rewarding filly throughout her in-hand journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of what she has achieved this season. She will now be given the time to continue growing, maturing and just being a horse. I am very much looking forward to her future as my ridden mount.😍

Thank you once again to JM Photography for capturing these moments.

A huge thank you to Northgate Lodge Equestrian for hosting such a fantastic day for the young horses, and to the judges and stewards- your time and effort is always appreciated.