AT LAST, Jim has shoes on and he has realised that he hasn’t retired.

Martin the farrier did a great job of getting shoes on him, as Jim didn’t have the most wonderful of growth on his hooves. It’s great to be back in the saddle, and at last I can start and get Jim fit.

I ended up going to Scotland without Jim, as I decided that as I was only going for a few days, it wasn’t worth taking him, and that instead, I will take a week out of work sometime and go for 7 or 8 days.

I did go to stay with Jane whilst she had her horse Harry put to sleep, and it was really sad, but the kindest thing for the horse.

At the moment, Jim and I are just happy hackers, which is fine, though it’s the hardest time of year to get a horse fit, especially when you work.

It’s dark so early now and so I can’t ride after work, so I am getting up really early doors to ride, and then muck out and get everything done for the teatime shift!

It’s never ending, but all of the horses and the other animals are worth it, even if I do need to keep reminding myself as I’m pulling on my wellies at 5.30am! Jim isn’t too keen on the early morning rides either.

I’ve missed being around the shows and events etc, and I would have been doing the indoor cross country clinic at Woodnook today with Jim, but obviously, he is just not fit enough, so instead, I am going as a helper.

Abi is coming to help as well, so it will be nice to catch up with her. Frankie is taking Rocky (Abi’s horse) to the cross country clinic, so it will be lovely to see him, and Sue my instructor is taking the clinic, so it will be good to see her too, as I haven’t seen her for ages for any lessons. It will be good to get back into that – I think!

Sue came up to our yard to clip Jim for me and he looks super, I do love the colour he is when he’s clipped, he becomes my golden boy.

Sue also pulled his mane and generally tidied him up for me.

Kate and I will be clipping Zen soon, but otherwise all the other horses are keeping their winter coats as they aren’t being ridden.

Last year, we had the Equine Dentist out to the horses, just before Christmas and I promised Steve that I would make sure I booked him much sooner this year, to try and spread the cost. Oops, I forgot to book him and so I need to do that this week, and yep, it’s getting near to that time of year again, Christmas!

It is important that the horses are seen by the dentist at least once a year. Vaccinations are due as well Steve – sorry! It’s easier to tell him in the Examiner than dropping it into a conversation! We just need to remember that the horses are worth it Steve!