Update.

Sorry for the long absence for blogging, but I have been working on the NEW Hillside website. The new website is a little more simple, but I am hoping it will be more user friendly for people using smaller devices to search the web, and easier for me to update. I am still looking for photos to use, so if you have any you would like to share, email them to me at info@hillsidestable.ca

Let me know if you have trouble with the website, or have any suggestions. It is still a work in progress as I wanted to see how it would look "live" before putting on the finishing touches.

This new site will also be host to the blog (link on left side).

Also wanted to note that we will be having the Hillside Christmas party on Sunday December 14th, at 1pm. As usual it will be a potluck, with people encouraged to bring whatever they want. Hillside will provide cutlery, plates and beverages. It will also include a gift exchange thingy...where you pick a number and then pick a wrapped gift or pick something someone already unwrapped....you know what I am talking about right? $30 limit, does not have to be horse related, and friends/family can be involved. More details will be posted in the barn! Friends of Hillside welcome!

Karen

Kitten D Mitten and "Toothless" Spock (and a mouse...he was not eaten)

No...you aren't seeing things...

If you see what looks like a new Kitten, you aren't seeing things. In honour of Halloween month, we have adopted a new black kitty. His name is Spock and he is ADORABLE. He is currently spending most of his time in the house, but I think he is destined to share his time with the barn. He loves attention...and food...so keep any edibles safely out of his reach if you don't want them taken!

Spock was first seen by Janine when she was out back riding Duncan. Spock was following her and meowing. We assumed it was the neighbour's kitty. Then he followed Jessie and Amigo back to the barn...and he has been here ever since.  Originally he was staying with our neighbours, but once we brought him in to our house to hold on to him before his vet visit it became apparent that he belongs as a house cat (he loves youtube). He is now neutered and vaccinated, but still trying to fit in with the existing kitties. I had originally planned to find him a home, but I think he is here to stay.

Karen

Enjoying the last days of summer.

Such a lovely September so far! To enjoy it, and to have a maiden voyage for the new trailer, Laureen (Shawn), Janine (Duncan), Margie (Friday) and I (Izzy) took off to the Blackfoot nature reserve for some trail riding!

Our intrepid team covered 12 km, with Duncan in the lead for most of the ride (yes, we were all shocked). Izzy was a prancing, foaming mess for the first 30 minutes or so, but then was a pretty decent mount...as long as she wasn't out in front (OMG a LOG). Friday thought it was a timed event, and Shawn seemed to be happy to be included.

The weekend!

Had a great time on the weekend! What lovely weather for horse stuff: On Saturday, Rob and I went to the Delaney Vet Services open house. I really enjoyed watching the Mounted Troops do their musical ride...in particular I liked the "tent pegging" at the end! If I wasn't sure I would stab myself or the horse with the lance/sword while mounting or dismounting I would love to try it! It seems Rob and I both got door prizes too...ironically we both got the same prize: hay cubes! I am sure the horses won't complain though.

On Sunday I spent the day judging an Open show for the Colchester Ag Society. Great weather, albeit a little windy and my hat kept wanting to blow off. Thanks to Sara for coming last minute to be ring master and scribe for the western dressage. Lots of riders at the show: over 70! Made for some chaotic moments, but overall went very well and they always seem to run a smooth show.

This week in lessons we will likely be inside as the sun is setting so early. I still need to come up with a lesson plan though! I miss being outside already...

Karen

Delaney open house this Saturday!

Reminder that the Delaney Vet Services has an open house this Saturday from noon until 4 pm.

Schedule of events:

Delaney Veterinary Services Ltd.

If you are planning on attending our annual open house this Saturday, here is a schedule of events to help you plan what time to come. With door prize draws throughout the day and Taco in a bag as our feature food again because it was such a hit last year.

12:00 -Open house start time
12:30 -Myoplast information sessi...on by Boehringer
1:00 -1st Door prize draw
1:00 -Wagon rides by long riders begin (ends at 3:00)
1:30 -Equine insurance talk by Greg Knox of Taylor Made Insurance
2:00 - 2nd Door prize draw
2:00 Strathcona Mounted Troops musical ride
2:30 -Horse Legality talk by Lawyer Carol Robinson
3:00 -3rd Door prize draw
3:00 -Prascend & Cushings disease info session by Boehringer
3:30 -Mounted shooting demonstration
4:00 -Final door prize draw

 

Karen

MLM Horse show!

 

Thank you Rob for taking pictures! It was a weekend of firsts for Team Hillside! Dani and Friday had their first show experience, as did Margie and Roberta! All three horses came home with ribbons including a first for Shawn and Roberta! It was a great show, with more entries than I expected. The weather was lovely, and as usual, the group at Mapleleaf Meadows made sure we had a good experience.

 

Friday settled down pretty quickly, although he was a little extra springy for Margie's first two classes. The ribbon presentation was traumatic too! By their later classes he seemed more relaxed and was happy to nap by the edge of the ring.

 

Dani was scandalized by the ponies, and thought the little black and white pinto was an abomination that needed close watch. I am sure that is the most horses she has ever seen in one place!

 

Shawn seemed thrilled to be on display and was much perkier and responsive than his usual self.

 

It was lots of fun and a good experience all around. Thanks also to Janine for coming to cheer us on, and Laureen for bringing Shawn.

 

Karen