YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT THEY GOT ME ON THEIR HOLS !!!!

They go away to sunny Morocco, I get forgotten about in the field...and then get told that they had bought me a nice present to go on my back....fair enough I thought...I get a rest then a smart new blanket or saddle cloth as a pressie. BUT NO....NONE OF THAT.....you want to know what the Gov. and Mam got me? A CAMEL SADDLE that's right a right old piece of junk that go's on those very odd looking horses when they go into the dessert...and that's where they belong. THE NERVE OF IT.....I'm still in shock...in fact I've got the HUMP..HA..HA..HA

Just you wait and see what happens if the Gov. tries to ride me with it...I'll give an almighty buck and gallop off before you can say ALLI BARBAR.

No I have my self respect...I'm a riding cob...and guess what my picture is on Facebook...just look up Rob Steinke....and I'm also on the riding clubs new Facebook site...look it up on Drumcoura Riding Club, and you can become a fan.....signed photos of myself are available ob request...I'm nearly famous.

MY FANS ARE SENDING ME PICS

YES....I've got fan mail....AND she sent me a photo of herself. That's her above, she is called Lily, lives in Sussex, is 4 years old.........and is BEAUTIFUL....a real cob...just like me !!!!! Her owner runs a magazine called Nag Mag....its for all those sensible people out there that enjoy our sort of company. I'm going to get the Gov. to put it up beside my stable....ah it's so good to feel wanted.

AND I know I did not get round to doing my blog last week......I've been poorly...got colic...its like a very bad tummy acke......so bad the Gov. and Mam got the vet. AND YOU WILL NEVER GUESS WHAT HE DID!!!!!....he put long rubber gloves on, lifted my tail and.......NO! its too embarrassing to tell you. Enough to say that if I get a tummy acke again I am going to suffer in silence........ahh vets!!! Anyway, I feel a lot better now and am raring, or should I say rearing, to go. ha ha ha
HERE...the Gov. and Mam just got back from their hols in Morocco and have got me a present...don't know what it is yet...but they say it is to go on my back...maby a brightly coloured rug or saddle cloth...log on next week and find out.

WOW !!! WHAT A GREAT HOLIDAY

Just got home from a great holiday ........fair dues to the Gov. and Mam, they took all three of us, me, Bess and Tara rode Solareo....you know who she is...the flashy blond one.....my new girl friend. Beautiful place Achill in Co. Mayo..lots of mountains..& sheep......sandy beaches..& sheep....good company..& sheep...and next to my stable?...you guessed it...YES...SHEEP.There was 16 of us, most with horses and some on foot....we went on the beach every day and I even swam...YES I DID A DOGGY PADDLE.


Here are just some of my holiday pics...Tara washing me after my swim....our new puppy, Sonny, sitting up top with the Gov......Kistin, our guide, giving me a hug.

There's loads more pics...call in again next week ...we went up to a deserted village...bit like Zone Horror on the TV.

LOOK...I'M ON THE FRONT COVER

SORRY SORRY SORRY...yes its been too long since I wrote last...BUT I am going to keep up to date in the future...promise.

The Gov. has been busy writing his new book...AND look my name is on the cover...and a pic of me driving inside. AND I've been told to tell you all to visit the museum's new web site www.MuseumOfTheMasterSaddler.com its on sale there, and on eBay.

Its been all go here at the stables, I got an admirer, even sent me a pic of themselves.. a good solid cob like myself...will show it to you next week.

Guess what? The Gov. and Mam are taking me on holiday with them this weekend with the Riding Club to the mountains and beaches on Ackill Isle in Co. Mayo....watch out for the holiday pics !! All week they have been going around singing We're All Going On A Summer Holiday, loadsa riding for a day or two....got told it was a hit song years ago for a Cliff Richards......Gov. said he was once Hank Marvin's backing singer.

AND I've got a new email address, its now Tibbsy@MuseumOfTheMasterSaddler.com so come on all you pretty fillies out there lets have a picture of you all....I just love a nicely turned fetlock !!!!

WOW !!! I'M BACK IN ACTION

YES !!!!! I'm back.......its been a long time doing next to nothing since I dropped the Gov. on the arena floor and broke his arm....but look at us now. I did wonder if he would send me to the glue factory for misbehaving....but no.....here I am. We went to a great Long Distance Ride the other day at Lord Abercorn's estate and rode for nearly 4 hours in the most beautiful surroundings you could imagine....and the following week we drove an obstacle course in harness...but more of that another time. Promise it wont be so long before you hear from me again.

I told you that the Gov. was getting old....well he had his 60 Birthday Party recently...and just look at the cake....IS THAT MEANT TO BE ME???????????? the nerve...mind you the Gov. does look a bit like the man on the cake...but not ME!!
Great cake though...but none for me...I'm on a diet to get fit, get galloping, get jumping....hope the Gov. stays in the saddle this time.

I hear that this site is now connected to http://www.linkedin.com/ so is you read this do drop me a line...YES of course I can read.

Log on again soon for more news of me in harness.
I

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS...OF DIVISION 2 !!!

Well the football season has finished ...and all the Gov. can do is to go round the stables singing "We Are The Champions......We Are The Champions" ......no the red and white scarf he dressed me in isn't for Man U or Liverpool (when were they last champions?) ...its for BRENTFORD....Champions of division 2. All he talks about is Brentford this and Brentford that....we even talks about when he first started going to support them...he even remembers the team..Gerry Cakebread, Ken Coote, etc...no they mean nothing to me either.
He told me all about football...bit like playing polo....now that I would like to do...can you see me galloping up the wing on the pitch at Griffin Park? .....YES think I would like to have a go.
GREAT NEWS.....I got a new set of shoes fitted a few days ago....my first since the accident (I try not to talk about that ) ........maby I'm going to go out for a ride...or better still the Gov. may put me in my carriage again and drive me......watch this space...........

NOW I KNOW WHY THEY'RE CALLED COWBOYS!

Last week they all cleared off to be Trecies....this week they became cowboys......YES complete with Cows!!!!!!!!!! ....... Talk about "Home On The Range" & "A Four Legged Friend"....this four legged friend got forgotten about...AGAIN... and they went on a round up....YES I know it was for charity and that's great...BUT what about me.......just wait...I'll be back soon....I heard the Gov. singing (very badly I might say) "Back In The Saddle Again"....so I live in hopes.

In the meantime, here is a selection of photos taken at Bunnageddy Equestrian Centre in Co. Roscommon that the Gov. and Mam bored me with when they came back....although I do like the bucking bronco....think I might try that trick....oopps...I already have.....

There they are, Tara, Mam & Annette representing Drumcoura Riding Club.....But it should have included MEEEEEEE

THEY'VE ALL BECOME TRECIES NOW

They've all gone mad....completely stark raving bonkers!!!! AND...just to rub my nose in it, they tell me that as I am the P.R.O. for Drumcoura Riding Club that its my responsibility to promote their madness. YES...they have all gone to a Trec competition this weekend....evidently it involves bending poles, reining back, standing in a circle while the rider gets off, jumping, opening gates, loading in a horse box........but I can do all of those things....and faster....you should have seen how fast the Gov. dismounted me at the indoor school just before Xmas........well its not my fault he landed up side down...still his broken arm is on the mend now.

Just look at them.......Bess, Blondy....they even call her the golden horse.....more like a cowboy horse to me, and on the left a grand little cob...don't know his name but he does look smart.

O....then there's Rachel who instructed everyone and scored the competition......she's gas...drove her mule from the top of Ireland to the bottom to collect for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

And there they all are...enjoying their day out as guests at Lakelands Riding Club......while I get left at home...AGAIN.

Still the Gov. and Mam have told me that they are going to a carriage sale soon and will get me a present.......now what could that be? ....can't wait.....

THEY'VE GOT ME DOING THE MUSEUM'S PUBLICITY NOW

Well would you believe it.......the Gov. and Mam have made me an offer I can't refuse. Publicise their museum ......or half food rations.....now a horse has to keep his integrity...but he has to eat....so.......................

Roll up, roll up come to the Museum of the Master Saddler....or visit its new web site http://www.museumofthemastersaddler.com/ I'm told that it has all the latest news, exhibits, books by the Gov. and even his art work. Now I think that deserves an extra helping of course mix and sugar beet, don't you.

ITS PADDY'S DAY...AND I GET LEFT AT HOME !!!

Its 17 March...Paddy's Day....the ponies get groomed...plaited....dressed up in their best harness and get taken to Ballinamore for the parade.....which they win, but I'm not going to mention that...AND what do I get...I'll tell you...I GET LEFT AT HOME. YES I know life isn't fair...but that's no excuse...well not in my book.

Just look at them...there's Mam and Jeff who has helped out at the stables while the Gov. was recovering from a broken arm after he fell off me...do you think that is why I got left at home? Well he is out of hospital now with a load of paper staples up his arm and hip...they chopped a lump of bone off his hip and put it in his arm...sounds a bit odd to me.

Look at St. Patrick...he looks even older then the Gov....AND he is as old as the hills. AND there's also a picture of Bookie the new pony in a beautiful set of farm harness.....AND whats this?.....why its Rambo having a drink of beer with the Gov. outside the pub after the parade....THE NERVE OF IT....he gets best beer AND PRINGLES...and I get wet grass...that's enough....can't take any more...I'm off....if you want to see more Paddy Day pics log on again over the weekend......beer indeed

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING

I feel so bad....and it's ALL MY FAULT!!!!!!!!!
YES the Gov. is going into hospital today to get cut open and have metal plates bolted inside his arm...and all cos of ME. His broken arm hasn't mended so he needs an opp.....only hope he forgives me. He always tells me to look on the sunny side of life...so here's a picture of me and the Gov. being washed by my friend Emer....actually only I got a cold hose wash! It was taken on our Riding Club visit to Castle Leslie last summer...o for those hot summer days. Hope they will come again and...think I'm going to break down....poor old devil...he didn't deserve this...will let you know how he gets on...

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR SOMETHING COMPLETELY STUPID?

Here I am reading this weeks edition of Horse and Hound....what do you mean horses can't read.....corse they can...anyway there in this weeks issue it is reported that a Professor Nutt...don't laugh, I kid you not....and he claims that it is no more dangerous to take the drug ecstasy then to ride horses.......ya really!!!


This Nutt fellow is chairman of the Home Office advisory council on the misuse of drugs. He claims that riding is a "DANGEROUS ADDICTION" and....wait for it.....would recommend control under the Misuse of Drugs Act...even class riding horses as a class A drug.......LAUGH?...I haven't stopped since.

ME a class A drug!!......can you imagine it ...the Gov. being brought before the court charged with being in possession of an illegal substance with the intent of using it to blow his brains........Nutt by name and nutt by nature I say.

Do you know how daft I think this is?......I think I will write to the Horse and Hound and give them a horses perspective of this matter....doesn't that Nutt fellow know the difference between a drug for ravers and a good solid cob....I hope you all do.Let me reiterate...the drug ecstasy makes people have an inflated opinion of their capabilities until they fall down and break their bones...whereas riding horses makes people have an inflated opinion of their capabilities until they fall down and bre............yes well, the Gov. goes back to hospital this week and hopes to be out of his plaster cast soon...oopps.

I'M GOING TO BE PART OF IRISH HERITAGE

YES THAT'S RIGHT....I'm going to be part of Irish heritage....well part of Heritage Week at least. Every year there is a European Heritage Week and each year the Gov. and Mam put on a display in their museum....you've got it...they are so old, there the museum pieces...well that's what I think. AND this years exhibition is going to feature ME!!! Well that's what it said in the local paper last week....said I was going to be the star of the show...well it will make a change from those 2 little piglets stealing all the limelight every time.

They are going to dress me up as a farm horse...do you like my new bridle? the Gov. bought it on eBay...then I'm going to have loadsa fancy harness on me so I really look the business....don't know if I'll look as good as this chap in the photo....HOPE SO!!!

So if you are around these parts on the weekend of 29-30 August do call in to have a chat with me and see me in all my finery.

THERE GOING TO TURN ME INTO A WORK HORSE

Here I am enjoying my lazy days turned out at grass while the Gov. 's arm mends and what do I hear?........mutterings of me being dressed up as a working farm horse for the museum's Open Weekend....what a nerve. I mean ME.....a great example of a riding cob...and what do they do to me?....get some rusty old horse machine out of the hedge...paint it up to look like new.......try an old farm collar on me for size...and tell me its all to do with Heritage. Heritage my hoof....look at the harness...they are even going to put BELLS on me...I'll give them Ding Dong........I tell you all this talk of being a farm horse doesn't ring my bell!!!!!!!!

On a more serious note, the Gov. goes to hospital this week for an x ray of his arm that he broke when he fell off me......well he did fall off....honest I didn't drop him. Hope he's going to be OK and not need to be nailed together with shoeing nails. Watch this space.

I'MFEDUP WITH ALL THIS COLD WEATHER

YES...I'm getting totally miffed with this weather.....haven't been out in days....just want to get out and have a good gallop around.

The Gov. went to hospital last week and got his plaster cast cut off...he now has a plastic cage on him....looks very ultra modern...like something out of Star Trek......The Borg......he even came in the stable the other day and told me "resistance is futile"....and that I would be "assimilated"....he has gone completely off his trolley!!!! "Trekie" my hoof.....he's lost it.

AND do you want to hear a joke?....they told him at the hospital that when his broken arm mends it will be crooked.......so there he is with a wonky leg and a bent arm...and he expects me to ride in a straight line.....think I will be like a rowing boat with one paddle...going round in circules...ha...ha...ha

AND FINALLY......to remind me how lovely it is to go out riding in the warm sunshine...here's a pic of me out last summer with my friends.

LOOK WHAT SANTA BROUGHT ME

WOW....Santa did visit me...but poor old Rudolf was too tired to pull the sleigh so he used our little Rambo and his cart to deliver all the presents to the children.....and ME. There he is...and look what he got me.

I didn't think he would give me a present after what I did to the poor old Gov.....BUT here I am in my lovely new turnout rug and hood...its so warm and keeps me nice and dry as I'm clipped out at the moment. I don't live out all the time, just during the day until the Gov. is well enough to ride me again. And look at old Sam the dog...he must be 16 or 17 years old now and totally deaf...he sleeps beside my stable and I' very fond of him.

BUT WHAT IS THIS!!!!!!!!!!

Why its my Mam...yes that's right......."I Saw Mammy Kissing Santa Clause, underneath the mistletoe"........here hang on...there's no mistletoe...she's just giving him a quick squeeze....hope the Gov. doesn't get to hear about this.......still there about the same age...both very ancient.

I'M SO ASHAMED OF MYSELF

YES...I'm ashamed of myself...I'm very, very sorry.......I didn't mean to do it...I really didn't.
Last week at the Riding Club evening I got rather excited and gave an almighty skip to the right...and the Gov came off me on the left......there he was on the floor of the riding arena in a heap and I just galloped around....sorry...sorry.....sorry.
He could not get up as he had the bone sticking out his arm....and I did it. The ambulance even came into the indoor arena and he got carried away on a stretcher......taken to hospital...and stayed the night to have his broken arm reset.
Now they are talking about sending me to the glue factory where they send useless old horses......I'm so frightened!!!!!!!!! The Gov. came in the stables today and showed me his arm in plaster...he has to have it on for at least 6 weeks...even longer if they decide to cut him open and use 6inch nails to hammer the bones together...do you think he will ever forgive me?.....I love these stables......I don't want to go to the factory. Mam said that the Gov. was only saying that to frighten me...WELL...HE DID!!!!!!!!!!!
AND its Christmas tomorrow.....will Santa still come and visit me?...do I deserve a present?....I'm all worried and confused.

SANTA'S COMING...WHAT DO I WANT?

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! SANTA'S COMING TO TOWN.........that's what Mam and the Gov. told me today...........and as I have been a good boy all year (cos I have...the odd bit doesn't count)...I get to choose what he will bring me.

Now where shall I start.......food...yes that's a good start....a whole big bag of carrots........loads , and I mean LOADS, of extra strong XXX Mints......a nice new turnout rug with a neck cover for when I get to play in the fields.....and a years subscription of my favorite magazine...no not Horse and Hound.....the nice glossy "Fab Fillies"...all those lovely young horses frolicking in the fields...Ahhhhhhhh.

Don't think it will all fit into my sock....Santa will have to leave the gifts beside the stable door...its got my name on it so he won't get confused as he's getting on a bit now.

Everyone in the stable is getting excited about Santa coming....just look at those 2 little farts of ponies all dressed up in their "Sheepie" rugs and tinsel.....what exciting times...just hope he comes...you don't think he will forget do you?

MEET OUR STABLE CAT, FLUFFY KNICKERS

Let me introduce you to my favorite cat...Fluffy Knickers...yes,
that's really her name...even the vet calls her that. The Gov. and Mam have 4 cats...but she's the best. She came to us after some crule person abandoned her along our lane......and as you can guess, they took her in....they'r a bit soft like that.
She lives with me in our stable and when she is not sitting on my stable wall she goes to sleep in the Museum next door on my lovely 1896 Beaufort cart.
Now I would never hurt her.....well yes, I will try to give the Gov. and Mam a quick bite...a sloppy kiss actually....and yes I do nip those two little midget ponies...well its my job to keep them in order and show them who's the boss.......BUT I would never dream of biting Fluffy Knics.
All stables should have a cat...I still miss Suzie...she used to jump on my back and go to sleep.

I'M A HORSE...NOT A COW!!!

These are some photos showing you just what a pretty part of Ireland I live in.......winding country lanes, gently sloping hills, lakes....all very idyllic, except for..........fast cars and inconsiderate drivers.

So the other day the Gov. came up with a good idea (unusual for him).........to ask the council if they could put up signs warning motorists of HORSES AHEAD and to SLOW DOWN along the road where we usually get taken for our exercise. Now that seems sensible to me don't you agree?.......Yes the Gov. asked an official from Cavan County Council if this could be done.

His answer was NO! ....there was no way that the council would entertain such an idea....AND WHY?........he explained that horses being ridden on the road was the same as cows straying on the road.......if there is any accident the motorist just sues the owner of the animal..........WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT???????? The idea is to prevent accidents....not to line the pockets of solicitors (oops, sorry if you are one) as they throw writs about.
SO THAT'S IT.....this council regards us majestic creatures in the same way as they do an ugly old cow....the nerve of it!!!!! but that's Cavan County Council for you....I think we deserve better.

I'VE BEEN ELECTED P.R.O. OF DRUMCOURA RIDING CLUB!!

YES THAT'S RIGHT.....I've been elected as the Public Relation Officer of our Riding Club.....I got proposed at the AGM this week....YES me elected to office!!!!!!.....although as I'm so busy I am going to ask the Gov for some help. What will I have to do I hear you ask.......well its now my job to tell as many people as possible just what a great bunch of horses we are......YES.... OK our riders aren't bad either. So here is a selection of photos of what we did during the past year.......a weekend to Castle Leslie....riding on the beach....Elvis revisited...Xmas party...what a happy group we are.

Do you know I think I'm going to get used to doing this....me in a place of office...just think what I could do higher up....in government even....the'r are some real duffers in the Irish government.....I'm sure I could do better.

The government wanted to save some money, so what did they do?....take away old people's medical cards (for those of you not living in Ireland, they stoped free medical as a right to all people over 70....YES really...) AND save on teachers by increasing class sizes to 50 kids...there told you there were some duffers out there.

SO what would I do to put things to rights?.........well for the oldies I would give reduced cost of riding lessons to ALL pensioners.......and introduce riding lessons into the school curriculum.....there told you I could make a difference........YES come the next election you know what to do.........VOTE FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So if you would like to join our happy band of members phone Mam on 086 8775791 as she is the Sec. (I think the Gov. calls her Moira )

I'M NOT GOING TO BE A COWBOY

I'm so sad....I'm not going to get the chance to be a cowboy this week....no barrel racing....no big hats...no yippie hio's....no big jangly spurs...actually that's just as well as I saw the Gov. sharpen them up to use on me!!!!!! NO, the cowboys are not coming here from the Wild West.......well from Sligo and Donegal actually....but that's pretty wild at times. Evidently they had something else on....maby next spring as I was looking forward to doing my chasing after Indians bit.

BUT whose that I see in the picture above...he seems familiar with his Sheriffs badge on....yes it's whatshisname...you know the guy who became the President of the USA in his retirement.......no not Bush ......he was a different type of cowboy....yes you know him...why its Ronnie Regan riding away from Sligo...I hear its bad there some Saturday nights.

Guess what......it snowed here last week...not enough for a snowball fight...but it was snow. These are 2 photos of the snow last year ...doesn't the garden look lovely.....and just look at that daft dog Sam.

Must go now....I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas....actually I prefer 'Granny got run over by a Reindeer'.

I'VE GOT A NEW GIRLFRIEND...I'M GOING TO BE A TOYBOY!!

I told you so....something was going on at our stables with the Gov. hammering and sawing all the time.

YES I was right....we have a new addition to the stables...she is called Solero...and she's beautiful...my new girlfriend. AND as she is a few years older then me , I suppose that makes me a toyboy.....fun isn't it!!!! They say that blonds have more fun.......just wait till I get my hooves on her!!

She came from Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre in Kildare and she even came with ANOTHER pony. Evidently Mam rode her several years ago and had always wanted to own her...and here she is in her new home.

The photo on the right is her being ridden for the last time at Calliaghstown by her groom Ciara who popped her over a few jumps before she left.....now see is mine...all mine...my very own Blondie.

So here we all are happy in our stables....me...Bess and Blondie.

Did I say that there is another new arrival in the stables?....well I'll tell you about that later in the week.......as for now......well I must go as I have a special date with this beautiful blond.

I'M GETTING A FUNNY FEELING

Haven't got out the stable much this week as its rained hard all week....o well it is Ireland..the Emerald Isle....Cavan Lakelands...more like the Land of the Bog recently!!!! Did get out to the Riding Club night at Drumcoura though ....its great there...indoor school...loads jumps...then Mam and the Gov. go off to the bar. Here are some pics of the Cowboy decor in the Saloon Bar...makes you want to saddle up.....get your best woman by your side...and head off into the West singing A Four Legged Friend ........actually that what that daft sod the Gov. does!!HA HA HA!!!

NOW THEN........funny things are going on in my stable recently........the Gov. has been busy with his saw and drill and hammer and nails....in fact he is up and down his ladder like a yo-yo.....whats he doing? He cut the hay shed door in half yesterday....it now looks like a stable door....BUT we don't need another stable......UNLESS.......do you think that it could be for another h.....NO can't be..........or could it?????????

THIS COWBOY STUFF IS GETTING SERIOUS

Now here I am lying down in my stable enjoying a hard earned rest......and all I get from the Gov. is how WE are going to be cowboys in a few weeks time. Whats this WE business? The Gov. is going to be the one dressing up....not me!!! He has even gone out and bought a Gene Autry CD....you know, he's the singing cowboy....the Gov. has even started singing Back in the Saddle Again to me when out hacking.......I'm getting a little worried about him recently.
He came into the stable the other day to take a photo of me with a daft cowboy hat on and a red scarf to go around my neck.....the nerve of it. NO WAY was I going to demean myself in that way.

Then he offered me a mint if I would pose for him.....Hoof It I told him....thinks he can buy me for an odd mint. Then he offered me double rations for a week to pose.....well lets not be too hasty about these things you know.....its not completely wrong to do a little dressing up from time to time....it could be worse.......I heard it said that the Gov. once dressed up as Barney.....rearly...no kidding. BUT if he thinks I would demean myself to dress up as a pink dinasawr....HA....NO WAY.....but as a cowboy.....mmmmmmmm...maby.

I'VE GOT A NEW FRIEND

There I was getting ready for my evening meal when....a new friend arrived. Out of the blue he came ........goodness knows from where...he just walked into the yard. That's a photo of him....he is a miniature pony...and a stallion!!!!...but a very quiet and sweet natured chap.

The Gov. and Mam put him in the field as no one knew where he had come from...its a bit like that in this part of Ireland....ponies do tend to wander around. Not knowing anything about him they called him Duddly...as in Cuddly Duddly....now let no one say I'm fat...he was huge!!

Next day, after a lot of phoning around his owner came to collect him....then another....and another...just how many lost stallions are there walking around these lanes? Anyway he is gone now....but I have a funny feeling he will return as Arney would say.

Went to the Riding Club evening this week ...and guess what I did?....barrel racing....never done it before....never knew what it was...but its fun.

AND in a few weeks time I'm going to be a cowboy...well the Gov. is actually. YES I'm going to do all those things that proper cowboy horses do and have all the gear.....you know big hats, checked shirts, kinky boots, big sharp jangley spurs....no I think we will forget those!!!

First though I have to go round the barrels a bit faster.....just watch me...to be continued.....

THE TULLYVELLA BEAST

After all the excitement of the last three weekends, driving, sea side and hunting, this weekend I get a short rest.....but to keep me on my toes I get ridden most days....hacking out around the local countryside. That's Bess and me in our field...just look at those hills!!!! NOT HOWEVER AS THEY MAY SEEM...........as somewhere in those hills there lies the Tullyvella Beast. According to ancient Celtic legends there was this monster with a long tail who came down from the North of Ireland causing havoc and mayhem as he passed through the villages....creepy isn't it? The story goes...no I'm not making it up....that when he got to our area he felt sleepy and crawled under a huge stone and had a nap......and there he remained to this day ready to emerge once more and continue his terrifying journey.......told you it was creepy!!!!





Now the Gov. likes to do a bit of drawing and painting and he drew this picture of the beast...some call him CROM or Crom the Terrible.......no the monster not the Gov.
Well what do you think...do you believe that there are monsters out there?........do they look like this?.......and am I likely to come across him when I'm out being ridden or driven?.......or is this all a load of makey up nonsense to boost the Irish tourist trade?
All I know is that I do get a sort of funny feeling when I go past the large hills near my stable......plus of course the fact that I do like to tell scary stories....and it is Halloween soon......AHHHHHHHHHH
(If you want to see more of the Gov.'s artwork then visit his new web site http://www.artizanstudio.com/ .......there I've given him a plug ........now he owes me the mints he promised me)

GREAT DAY HUNTING....LOADSA JUMPS ...& A BEER

WOW!!!....what a great time we had last Sunday. I got to go out hunting for the first time....not furry foxes, this was a drag hunt. It was run by the South Leitrim Harriers at Haydon's Equestrian Centre and was the first of the season. I jumped 30-40 fences and cleared them all...great fun.....mind you, after the first 15 the Gov. stopped and offered his hip flask to other riders for a swig......told me it was him being sociable. HAH......it was so he could get his breath back....he was knackered.....I think he is getting too old for all of this. BUT ME...I was fine...but then I am in my PRIME. Bess and Mam came too...that's a pic of us chatting before we went off...she has been lots of times so gave he some advice....such as don't dump your rider or else you only get half rations for a week. WHAT!!!!.... cut down on my food?After we got back in one piece the Gov. gave me a rather nice surprise...a bottle of beer...yes that's him giving me a Budweiser...maby he is not so bad after all.

So the Gov. and myself have come to an arrangement.....I promise not to drop him at a fence on purpose...his stupid fault if he mis times a jump.....and he promises me extra feed and a bottle of beer after each hunt.

O I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE...O I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEA

I do love the seaside....all those golden sands....sunny skys....crashing waves...and the chance to dump the Gov. in the water. Didn't manage it this time.....must try harder next time at the beach. The Gov. and Mam take me and Bess regularly to Murvagh Beach in Co. Donegal and last Sunday they packed a picnic and the 2 Jack Russels and off we went. Now at this time of the year it can start to get a git cold when riding in the sea...but not too cold yet...EXCEPT when the cold water first hits your willie....AHHHHHHH...its OK after that.

What a happy lot we are...that's me and the Gov. on the left, my friend Annette on Silver in the middle and Mam on Bess on the right......OH and that's Tom on foot behind us....I like him...think I'll let him ride me one day. AND.....you will never guess what they did after the ride.....they put their coseys on and went for a swim themselves....said they found it bracing. I'm very sorry that I don't have any photos of them shivering in their coseys.....now THAT would be a good laugh......Ha Ha Ha.
Am really looking forward to this Sunday as the Gov. is taking me drag hunting for the first time....now ther's a great chance to have a good gallop...jump a few fences...and drop the Gov......read on next week!!!!!!!!!

START 'EM YOUNG I SAY

Start 'em young and how you mean to go on, that's what I say. AND just look at this.....its Nigel the Gov.'s son with baby Jack introducing him to a fellow cob.......now how sensible can you get? The horse is called Squire and he is a real cob.....not one of those skinny, twiggy ponies or thoroughbreds......YES a proper horse. He owns Nigel and Sharron.......no....not the other way around....people were put on this earth to look after horses and groom them.......and feed them. I like Sharron....she's my kind of person....I even let her drive me when she came to see me last year....YES, I think they look a very happy family, but before Jack is strong enough to ride a proper horse like us I think he needs a small lead rein pony to learn to ride...maby when he comes to visit me he can ride one of the little farts that live in the next stable. Looking forward to seeing you Jack.........oh YES ....and Nigel and Sharron.

WHAT A GREAT DAY OUT WITH MY FRIENDS

Had a really great weekend as some of my friends came to see me and the Gov. drove me around the beautiful lanes near where I live. My Mam drove her jeep in front to warn any cars that it was a driving horse outing. Ther's a pic the Gov. took as he was driving and during the day Chris, Annette and their lads Tom and Conor all took turns to sit up top and drive me. The Gov. and Mam were so proud of me that I had introduced 4 people to carriage driving.

During the drive we stopped to allow us to rest while the drivers had white wine spritzers and sandwiches................the nerve of it.............not a carrot or sugar lump in sight!!!

Then when we got back to our nice warm stables, guess what the did to all of us?................gave us a cold hosing to wash all the sweat off..............AHHHH

Here's my favourite pic of the day with Chris driving me for the first time with the Gov. beside him. He has ridden me at Riding Club evenings...but never driven me. Wasn't I well behaved!!!!! just wait till the Gov. gets on me next time...ha ha ha.

ITS TRUE......ELVIS LIVES

I told you that I had hear a rumour.......well its true....Elvis is alive and played in Enniskillen last week.
AND GUESS WHAT? our Riding Club went along to see him....even had their picture taken with him. Doesn't he look well.....I suspect it all down to botox.
But just look at our Riding Club members........what a rum looking bunch.
Now tell me if I've got it wrong, BUT, I thought that the purpose of a Riding Club was to organise club nights when I would be taken out to frolic with my friends, jump a few jumps, put the odd buck in when our riders least expected them....then to be taken home to our nice warm stables with lots of food. Now I've discussed this with my other four legged friends and they all agree with me.....so whats this then. Let them loose for a night and what do they do.......go and see the King while we have to wait for our late night hay.......its disgusting!!!
Mind you I have my doubts about him.........as thea's a guy who works down the chip shop swears h'is Elvis...........................

GREAT WEEKEND.......AND I HEARD A RUMOUR

Had a great weekend as members of the Leitrim Pony Club came to our village to see me....yes theres me on the left of the above picture as I took them out for a ride around the countryside. I love going through the woods and I think my little friends did as well. Mam took charge of one ride while I took the FAST ride and cantered along the lanes.

Being the good sort of horse that I am, I called in at the village shop with my little followers and got sweets for everyone.....then back to the horseboxes for a picnic.

After that the Gov. and Mam gave them a tour of the museum...well they are old relics themselves...so its sort of right that they should.

And afterwards I heard an odd rumour.....something about Elvis being alive and well and being in Ireland.........NO NEVER.....DON'T BELIEVE IT.........NONSENCE....prove it I said.

Anyway its off to a Long Distance Ride at a lovely National Trust park tomorrow ....so look out for more pics later this week.....and as for Elvis.........HA!!......DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF IT.

DO YOU LIKE MY NEW SHOES?

Every six weeks or so I get to have a new set of shoes, although sometimes I just get the old ones nailed back on. NO...it dosn't hurt even though the farrier uses sharp nails to fix them on....but before they are fitted he trims my feet shorter so I wont trip up. I like my farrier, he's called Brian O'Brian and fits studs in my shoes...just like Rooney and Ronaldo have in their football boots...but a bit smaller. This is great as it gives me better grip on the road especially when I'm driving. The dogs love eating the dead bits of me that Brian trims off......there's old Sam nibbling away beside all the shoeing tools. Poor od Sam...he's at least 16 years old....totally deaf now...came in the yard 14 years ago as a stray and never left...they'r good that way the Gov. and Mam ....thay take in unwanted animals if thay arive. Not me...they bought me!!!
Looking forward to this weekend as the Leitrim Pony Club are all coming to see me and bringing their ponies with them...and I get to lead them on a nice fast ride around the village...the Gov. say's its got to be a steady ride .......BUT I feel so excited I might forget.

O NO!.........ITS THE HOLIDAY PHOTOS !!!!!

It's that time of the year again when you get inflicted with other peoples holiday pics. Us horses have to suffer too you know....today the Gov. and Mam came in the stable so excited and showed me how they had spent their time in a hot sunny land far away from the rain of Ireland...the nerve of it!!!
There's the Gov. sitting on some daft creature and looking as though he is enjoying it...just look at the face on the camel...horrible.
AND guess what he brought home as a souvenir? a muzzle from that beast...says its for their museum...it had better be. I don't do muzzles......I don't bite...I give kisses...I give big kisses....I even give big sloppy wet kisses....BUT I DON'T BIT.

JUST WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

I get sent away to the local riding school where it rains most of the time, and what do the Gov. and Mam do?...........fly off on their hols , enjoy 100 degree sun and play around with this weird looking horse!

No wonder they are at arms length....the ugly brute looks grumpy and ready to bite.....think he needs that muzzle.

ARRG!!!!! ugly creature

THEY SPEND HOURS CLEANING THE OLD BRASSWORK

ANCIENT RELICS ON DISPLAY

WOW Mam and the Gov. have been busy today. Evidently this coming week is European Heritage Week when people like to visit interesting places and view old relics.....guess what?
YES!! you are right.......people are coming here to our museum to view some decrypted old relics...my Mam and the Gov. ....NO SERIOUSLY!!!!!
Bless em.....they actually think that people want to see all those bits of brass, leather and driving vehicles which they have been busy cleaning for days. BUT they have worked hard so I must be a bit kind to them....I know....I will include a picture of some of the fancy brasswork on the farm collar...that should please them.....I might even get extra FOOD.

I,M BORED, BORED, BORED

All I,ve heard this morning is "didn't the museum look good on the telly last night" and "wow! wasn't Bess looking smart" and " those 2 little piglets of ponies looked great".I'll tell you something...What about me...I didn't get a mention...or my picture on the box. The nerve of it...I'm disgusted.
AND to make matters worse the Gov. and Mam asked me to include the web address of the TV so people who missed it can watch. The web address is www.rte.ie/news/nationwide or to get a direct link click onto www.rte.ie/news/2008/0818/nationwide_av.html?2411598,null,228 BUT why anyone should want to watch it is daft to me.
Instead they should be looking at this picture of me with the Gov. up top enjoying a glass of wine on a rideout......now thats more sensible, isn't it.

HAIRCUT TIME

Now although I am a part bred work horse, sounds much better then cart horse, the Gov. keeps me trimmed up as a Riding Cob. That means that my mane is clipped off and all those long hairy feathers on my legs go too. Even my tail is trimmed in thickness and kept not too long. Makes me look rather special, there are hairy cobs everywhere BUT Show Riding Cobs, we're something rather special.

The clippers don't hurt...just tickle a little especially around my ears. I get a trim every month ...if not I start to look like a Mohawk Indian.

Oh! by the way The Gov. and Mam are on Irish TV tonight...they have not said anything else to me for the last 2 days...I'm getting boarded about it all.

Out for the day with some of the Drumcoura and Erne Lakeland Riding Club members. You don't recognise me? I'm the hansom devil third from right with the white blaze and Mam and Bess are on the extreme right. Isn't the view just wonderful.

Every week I get to go to the local riding club. Mam is the secretary and she takes her horse, Bess , as well. The other week our Riding Club, Drumcoura, invited the Erne Lakeland Riding Club to join us on a pleasure rideout from my stables. What great fun!!!! although I got nothing to eat while I watched them drinking white wine spritzers along the route. Still I got to gallop along the tracks with my friends.

Blogger wont let me upload the picture ...or is it my hoofs are too big for the keyboard...will try latter.

DON'T I LOOK THE BUSINESS

Now I normally get driven in an all metal exercise cart BUT on high days and holidays I get to pull this beauty. It was built in Scotland in 1896, that's just before the Gov. was born, and goes like a dream....a bit heavy I know, BUT for a strong guy like me and in his prime...no problem. BUT you ort to see the Gov. trying to get in it...laugh....his knees are past their best.
Next month the Gov. and Mam are inviting other carriage drivers to join us in a pleasure drive along the country roads...non of that racing stuff. Will post pictures at a later date.

Here's me with the pair of wigdets and my Mam.

Hey look!! I've got a forlock between my ears, I normally have a No. 1 haircut.

STABLE LIFE WITH MY FRIENDS

Now some may think it a lonely life out in a field by day, when not raining, and in my nice comfy stable at night BUT I do have friends. On one side of me there is Bess, part thoroughbred and snooty with it. I'll show you a picture of her another day.
The other side of my stable are 2 small ponies, Rocky and Ranbo, quite qute rearly, BT not as impressive as me!I think that the correct name for them is miniature BUT I've heard them called lots of other names. Like piglets, wigets, little farts and even migits....is that politically correct these days?

I like this pic of me, the Gov took is at Castle Leslie...before I droped him on the tree trunk!!

YES, you've guessed right...I'm a horse and through my blog I will tell you about my life here in sunny Ireland...no tell a lie, its pi***** outside at the moment and I hav'nt been out my stable all day.
Where do I start? My posh name on my passport, yes horses do now have passports now, is Mr. Tibbs BUT my friends call me Tibbsy. Not that was what the Gov called me when he fell off me on the cross country course at Castle Leslie recently!!!!!!!

WELCOME TO MY STABLE

Now I guess that you will think it rather unusuall that this blog is written by a horse living in a stable BUT not as odd as I my Gov and my Marm living across the yard in their funny house with stairs to clamber up.