Training, Team-Penning and Tullie
Posted by DE&DL Henderson on Tuesday, October 9, 2012

On September 22 Lofty and Barbara and Alexandra and Guiness were lucky enough to spend some time under the tutelage of the wonderful Ann Taylor at a clinic organised by the Esperance Equestrian Club's Antoinette Vincent (thank you!). They benefited greatly from her wisdom, and enjoyed it as well. It is always so inspiring to see how good teachers can effect change in such a short time.
The following Sunday, September 29, Torradup was invaded in a friendly fashion by a bunch of horsefloats and riders, and hordes of absolutely gorgeous children (there seems to be a baby boom in Esperance's horsey population!) for a team-penning day. It is always great to see a farm this size come to life with people. These places are intended to be lived on, and it is wonderful to see so many young people taking part in horse sports. The lovely thing about sports like team-penning and campdrafting is that it is possible to see three generations of competitors taking part, with grandpas and grandmas, mums, dads, children all out there: still on horses and still competitive. As a family earning our living from livestock, it is also wonderful to see people out there, getting dirty and dusty, and having a great time. Nappy changing and bottle-feeding on tailgates---just so much fun!!! There are some great pics on our facebook page (thank you Barbara!).
Last week the horsey excitement continued when we collected our two new broodmares, whose details will be posted on the site soon. Tullie (Intan Permata) and Star (Double Pass) have come to us from our dear friend and fellow horse enthusiast Suzanne Compagnoni, and are both in foal. Star is a registered stock horse (TB) and Tullie will be. We are excited to have them on the "team" and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their babies!!
We also had our precious, missing "horse-nut" home for the week, and Rosemary's university break coincided with the return from lease of her special friend Huntsman, who has enjoyed a lovely time with the wonderful Ridgeway family out at Condingup. A reunion which almost brought tears to our eyes!
As I write this, Alexandra is out helping her Dad muster cattle, and her siblings are at the Munglinup Pony Club grounds, having enjoyed a fun showjumping training day yesterday---now preparing for the club gymkhana---SO I must get off this and go and check horses! 'Til next time!