I am a lucky horse as I live at Trifec, which I think is the best home any Nag could wish for.  I know that all the official stuff is on the website, but what I will talk to you about is how I see it from my point of view.  As we all know, horses are superior to humans, so take notice of what I say!

There have been quite a lot of changes here recently.  For a start two of my favorite ladies have been promoted.  Claire Parsons has been made Yard Manager.  She is very nice, but is a bit strict with us nags, so we have to take care to only be naughty when she is not looking.  I suppose from a human point of view strictness is good as it keeps the riding safe for all the riders and is not too bad for us as well as it means we are always properly looked after.  Charlotte Lindon is now Head Girl.  I like Charlotte because she is the one who sorts out our feed and food always buys my affection.  I am told she speaks funny because she comes from South Africa………….so how does she get home and back in time every evening?

The rotten owners have just put tons and tons of new silica sand and clopt down in the main arena (I think they said clopt….I thought that was the sound we make on roads which go with the clipt …clopt, get it?.  No?, well you are only human).  I am told that if the level gets too low we horses tend to slip so they have prevented that.  Shame, it could have been real fun!

This month are a couple of human thingys coming up.

Philippa Morerel is lecturing about some strange thing called an Alexander Technique.  I have read her literature (we can read you know) and I see she refers to us being sensitive creatures (I like her already) and how it is good for horse and rider if the rider knows how to balance themself.    I shall try to sneak a view on March 30^th at 6.30.  That way I do not have to pay the £5….that is a lot for a horse but not for a human.

Also in March is some foreign chappie called D Francisco de Branganca who has been training horses in Portugal for 30 years and will be teaching the humans in the art of classical traditions and principles of equitation.  I don’t approve at all of this good behavior stuff so I will be hiding that night.  I must remember 12^th March at 6.00 to stay well clear, though I may peep to see his funny hat that he wears!  He is jolly famous so I think there will be a few good human fights to get seats for only £15.

As I said, I am lucky to be here as I have a great set of chums to natter to.  Each time, I will tell you about them.  Yesterday I was having a good chin-wag with Midnight, “Mids” to his friends and “In the Black” to his posh friends.  Mids is a 14.1hh black cob x gelding with a few white bits on him (if you want it exact, what we call a star above upper eye level, whorl in centre and white patch on upper lip.  More whorls on neck under crest and over trachea.  White LH half pastern, white hoof and RH white fetlock………..well you did ask!)  Quite a handsome chap really.  Not quite like me, but not bad. You would never believe it, but he is 26 years old!  So, some stories to tell.  Do you know, he was one of Beccy’s first ponies. He was a bit of a teenage hoodlum in those days….even kicked Don (who now does Trifec’s accounts) in the teeth so he had to go to hospital to get x-ray’d for a possible broken jaw.  Silly man, he did rattle a bucket of feed for another pony and smacked Mids on the rear to send him away….well he asked for it!   Some time later Beccy sold him to another rider.  But then later heard that the new owner was going to take him to that nasty place called the “horse sales” and he could have been heading for tins of dog meat.  So what did she do?  She persuaded her mum to buy him back.  Since then he has been as good as gold (when humans are watching) and really enjoys teaching children, and some adults to ride.  Note; I do refer to us doing the teaching, not those instructors, nice as they are.  They just stand about waving their arms and shouting instructions!

I’ll pick another chum next time.

Meanwhile some guidance to other horses reading this.  Humans, please look away:

My tips this week are how to reduce the time spent in that tedious exercise of riding out (I always prefer to put my hoofs up in front of the telly myself to watch Only Fools and Horses).

1. Walk in circles to avoid saddles and tack.  The more you can keep this up the less time there is to ride.  Just as they think they have you, change direction!
2. Try the head-up trick. Be nice and snuffle down to them.  Then just as they are about to slip the bridle over your ears, lift your head quickly.  Unless they are 6 foot tall, that gets them every time!
3. Finally, if they made the mistake of taking off your head collar before putting on the reins, well ….time to walk off.  It is great fun watching them running behind clinging onto your mane.

I will have a few more tips next time if you promise not to tell.

Sorry got to go, here comes Charlotte with a bucket of goodies!  And, oh dear, Claire with a saddle…..time to practice my limp…

Happy grazing,

Bloggins.

Please ring or email the centre in advance as spaces are limited and will be booked on a first come, first served basis.

Pony Club Rallies £20.00

Please telephone to book a space.  Bring your own packed lunch.

Sunday 7^th March (11am – 2pm)

Sunday 21^st March (11am – 2pm)

Wednesday 7^th April (10am – 2pm) + P.C. Test Day £25

Sunday 18^th April (11am – 2pm)

Sunday 9^th May (11am – 2pm)

Sunday 23^rd May (11am – 2pm)

Unmounted Rallies 5.30pm – 7.00pm (Tuesdays)

Achievement Badges can be achieved when appropriate.

30^th March: £5.00

27^th April:  £5.00

25^th May: £5.00

Theory evening for Tests and Achievement Badges*Please book early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited*

Winter Weather

Please ring the centre to check the weather before departing for a rally, as it varies so much from area to area, especially at this time of year.

District Commissioner: Miss Beccy Field, Upper Triley Farm, Llantilio Pertholey, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8DF. 01873 890523
Assistant DC: Miss Claire Parsons,   Upper Triley Farm, Llantilio Pertholey, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8DF. 01873 890523
Secretary: Mrs Suzanne Hughes, Upper Triley Farm, Llantilio Pertholey, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8DF. 01873 890523
Treasurer: Mrs Rachael Thomas, Upper Triley Farm, Llantilio Pertholey, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8DF. 01873 890523

Email  enquiries@trifec.com

Please only give your horse a maximum of 3 treats per week!!

Carrot and Apple

1 cup sweet feed
2 cup bran
4 large carrots, grated

1 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup applesauce

Mix molasses, brown sugar, carrots and applesauce in one bowl.  In another bowl mix the dry ingredients. Slowly combine the molasses mixture with the dry ingredients. Add only enough molasses mixture to form a thick dough, add more bran if necessary.

Line baking tray with aluminium foil.  Using a tablespoon, drop batter onto baking tray and flatten slightly to form portions about the size of a silver dollar.  Bake at 180ºC/Gas Mark 4 for about 1 hour. Flip and bake for an additional 45 minutes until they are dried out. Keep checking to make sure they don’t burn.

Whinny Bars…

2 Cups Dry Oatmeal
3/4 Cup Grain
3 Cups Bran
1 Cup Molasses

Mix Oats, Grain and Bran together in a bucket. Drizzle in Molasses while mixing with your hands (you’re looking for a consistency a little thinner than Play-Doh). Place dollups (about half a handful) on a baking tray and bake at 180ºC/Gas Mark 4 for ten minutes. These have a tendency to burn. They never get completely hard, but they store nicely.

Sunday Cookies…

1 Cup Dry Oatmeal
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup Shredded Carrots
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Sugar
2 Tablespoons corn oil

1/4 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Molasses

Mix ingredients in a bowl in the order listed. Make small balls and place on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 180ºC/Gas Mark 4 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Yummy Oat Cookies…

1 Cup Oatmeal
1 Cup Bran
1 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Molasses

Mix ingredients together, grease a cookie sheet. Drop spoon size balls onto sheet. Bake 180ºC/Gas Mark 4 for 8 minutes or until hard on the outside. Refrigerate any uneaten cookies.

Oat Molasses Cookies

2 Cups Dry Oatmeal
1/2 Cup grated Carrots

3 Tablespoons Molasses

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
Combine all ingredients. Add enough water to make soft dough. Stir well. Form cookies. Bake at 180ºC/Gas Mark 4 for 8 minutes or until golden brown.

Carrot Cookies…

1 Cup Dry Oatmeal
1 Cup Flour

1 Cup shredded Carrots
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar
2 Teaspoon Vegetable Oil

1/4 Cup Molasses
Mix ingredients in bowl as listed. Make little balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 180ºC/Gas Mark 4  for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Apple Cookies…

1 Cup Margarine
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Bran
1 Cup diced Carrots
1 Cup diced Apples
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
2 Cups Quick Cooking Dry Oatmeal
2 Eggs

Cream Margarine and Sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Combine Flour, Bran and Baking soda. Blend into a creamed mixture. Stir in Oats, Carrots, and Apples. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 180ºC/Gas Mark 4  for 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown.

Monday 29^th March

9.00am Hour Adult Group (Novice) £18

10.00am Hour Adult Group (Intermediate) £18

1.00 – 2.30pm Gymkhana.  Suitable for all ages and abilities.  £25

Tuesday 30^th March to Thursday 1^st April

8.30am – 4.30pm Easter Camp £50 per day

Friday 2^nd April

9.30am Hour Adult Group (Advanced) £18

10.30am Hour Adult Group (Intermediate) £18

11.30am Hour Adult Group (Novice) £18

12.30 – 3.30pm Own a Pony Day*.  Novice/Intermediate/Advanced riders. Activities to include Flatwork, Jumping and Stable Management lessons.  £35

Saturday 3^rd – Sunday 4^th April Weekend lessons as normal

Monday 5^th April

9.00am Hour Adult Group (Novice)             £18

10.00am Hour Adult Group (Intermediate)  £18

11.00 – 12.00pm Hack – suitable for Novice riders* £18 (Places limited to 6)

1.00 – 2.00pm Gridwork lesson (children) £18

2.30 – 3.30pm Gridwork lesson (adult) £18

Tuesday 6^th April

11.00 – 4.00pm Hack*.  Intermediate and Advanced Riders only.  Lunch Included.  £40

Please bring suitable clothing for the weather.

Wednesday 7^th April

10.00 – 2.00pm Pony Club Rally £25 Please bring a packed lunch.

Thursday 8^th April

9.30 – 11.00am Gymkhana.  Suitable for all ages and abilities.  £25

11.30 – 12.30pm Hack – suitable for Novice riders* £18 (Places limited to 6)

1.00 – 2.00pm Gridwork lesson (children) £18

2.30 – 3.30pm Gridwork lesson (adult) £18

Friday 9^th April

9.30am Hour Adult Group (Advanced) £18

10.30am Hour Adult Group (Intermediate) £18

11.30am Hour Adult Group (Novice) £18

12.30 – 3.30pm Own a Pony Day*.  Novice/Intermediate/Advanced riders. Activities to include Flatwork, Jumping and Stable Management lessons.  £35

Saturday 10^th – Sunday 11^th April

Weekend lessons as normal

*Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

Please book at Reception or call 01873 890523.

Nutrition Consultations with Clare involve:

• One and a half hours with you and your horse
• Bespoke dietary advice for your horse
• Get answers to all your feeding questions
• Follow up report with a balanced diet and bespoke advice

A Nutrition Consultation can help you with:

• Overweight or underweight horse
• Old horse that loses weight over winter
• Behavioural problems e.g. horse too fizzy or too lazy
• Optimum diets for performance horses
• Ensuring a balanced diet, especially for a good doer or with a natural feeding regime
• Clinical problems including laminitis, tying up, and colic
• A horse with problems e.g. poor hooves, stiff joints, allergies, crib-biting
• Optimal health in breeding horses and growing youngsters
• General diet check

EVENING LECTURE:

“What are you feeding your horse & why?”
Friday 9th April at 6.30pm
45 minute talk then questions Venue: The Gallery at Triley Fields Equestrian Centre Tickets are £5 and available from the office. Call 01873 890523 or email: rachael@trifec.com

Clare MacLeod MSc RNutr is an expert in equine nutrition and feeding who runs her own equine nutrition consultancy business. Clare is one of just a handful of UK equine nutritionists who are registered with the Nutrition Society of Great Britain, who recognise the highest standards in nutrition. Clare‟s book „The Truth About Feeding Your Horse‟ is published by JA Allen.

Imagine you have taken a child to ride on your shoulders. If the child sways around, slumps, tightens up with fear you feel it. If the child is confident and balanced you walk along happily carrying the weight. The horse is a sensitive creature; he feels a fly on his back – think how he must feel with you on his back if you and he are not in harmony.

The Alexander Technique can help you to find that harmony. It can improve your balance and body awareness and help you develop a more independent seat. You can learn to be more effective in a subtle but powerful way: toned rather than tense, relaxed but not floppy.

Since how you are off the horse is reflected in the way you ride, Philippa will start by working with you on the ground, and on a saddle horse. You are also welcome and indeed encouraged to have extra lessons outside the riding environment.

Philippa used the Alexander Technique to help her redevelop her own riding skills. She has competed up to Prix St Georges level in competition dressage and now has a strong interest in Classical Dressage.   Based in Hay on Wye and covering Herefordshire, South Shropshire and the Welsh Border, Philippa has been teaching the Alexander Technique since April 2004 when she graduated from the Cumbria Alexander Training School in Kendal.

We are pleased to inform you that Philippa will be coming to give a talk and demonstration in the Gallery on Tuesday, March 30^th at 6.30pm.  Tickets are £5 each and are available from the office.  She will then be available at Trifec during the day on Wednesday, 31^st March to give individual lessons.  These will be £35 for a 45 minute dismounted lesson.  Please put your name on the list in the Gallery if you are interested.

Before you can take your Riding and Road Safety test you must prove that you have done at least 10 hours training.  Our test date is 20 March 2010 at Park Farm, Llantilio Crossenny.

A pack will be provided for you containing a Riding and Road Safety Manual; a copy of The Highway Code; a reflective tabard and a pair of white gloves.

The cost is £35 if you are a BHS member or under the age of 16; £45 if you are neither.

Training dates:

Tuesday 2 February 2010 6.30-8.00pm – Talk in Gallery £5.00
Tuesday 9 February 2010 6.30-8.00pm – Dismounted session in Gallery.  Please bring your hat as the standard needs checking.  £5.00
Tuesday 16 February 2010 6.30-8.30pm – Mounted session in Outdoor School £10
Dates and times to be arranged, February and March – 2 hour mounted sessions in Outdoor School £10 each
Date and time to be arranged, March – 1 ½ hour visit to Test Venue – no charge
Saturday 20 March 2010 – Test Day at Park Farm.  Transport £10 per horse (unless own transport provided)

We have been full to the brim stable wise through most of January with many people wanting to bring their horses to Trifec to use our indoor facilities due to their own outdoor facilities being frozen.

Pony Club (P.C) is proving to be very popular; we have nearly 50 members now. Our first P.C rally (last Sunday) was a great success, and thank goodness the weather was nice too!!  Claire Parsons ran the 3hr rally with eight children.  For the next Rally (7^th of Feb) we have two instructors taking 16 Pony Club members and a third instructor taking the usual Sunday lessons, so it will be a very busy day indeed!  We have also selected some Trifec P.C children and ponies to Show Jump in a team event held at Bromyard Equestrian Centre on Sunday 21^st of February (it would be great to have some spectator support too!!!!). The children are in teams of four and will compete against other P.C’s in the area.

The Brecon P.C will be returning to us for their P.C Polo Cross rallies every other Sunday as they did last year – details to follow.