Squirrels Stables - 5th Birthday Party

Home

Welcome to Squirrels Stables

Price List

Our Ponies

5th Birthday Party

30th October 2011

Having discouraged people from driving to our party as we were not sure where we would put them, there was little rainfall in October and so we were able to park the cars in our fields. The actual day was a little dull with a few spots of rain but it was really warm for the time of year and we were able to ride in shirt sleeves.

It took Kelly four hours to plait up all the ponies, mostly with both mane and tail plaits and didn't they look a picture? Jo came along to prepare Lyric as she was very disappointed not to be able to ride (cracked ribs and not from horses.) Straw bales were put out for seating, the menage was harrowed and cakes were baked. At last we were ready, just in time for the first arrivals.

All the staff turned out to help and were given detailed instructions as to their duties. The afternoon started with a Grand Parade of all 7 ponies and two horses.

This turned out to be a really good move when the horses and the larger ponies were spooked by having a large crowd watching them from an unusual aspect. They started to settle and all turned in for the line up.

Display Team One was led by Bethan along with Sofie, Emma and Lydia. They rode really nicely and started the afternoon off with an accomplished display. The turns across the school were perfectly together and the crossing over X didn't cause any collisions.

Waiting for their turn to ride, team members play with Jack.

Display Team Two split into two groups to perform a Drill Ride. One group was led by Lucy and followed by Holly and Lauren, the second group led by Nicole with Amelia following. Another great performance with some really intelligent riding to keep the ponies together.

Display Team Three also split into two for a drill ride. The display incorporated a little jump and riding as pairs with Tom (15.3hh) paired with Midget (11.3hh)! Zaggle was still on her toes and didn't really like being watched by the crowd so there was a last minute change of order with Keira stepping up to lead one group followed by Vicky and Alex, and Amie leading the other group followed by Tilly and Sian. This could have completely upset the riders but their mature attitude and accomplished riding kept them on track to turn out a polished display - here they are in practice.

Well Done to all the riders.

The displays finished with one from the instructors. Owen, Katy, Sam and Dawn performed an intricate drill ride. Dawn rode Megan to prove to the children that actually she can keep up with the likes of Lyric, Bob and Zaggle and doesn't have to be the 'slow pony at the back.'

Tea and cakes were served, speeches made and thanks offered and photos taken. We really enjoyed our Squirrels Stables Birthday Party and we hope you did too.

We did take a video of the afternoon but unfortunately the camera was on the wrong setting and so it has come out very light. We may still decide to post it on the web and will let you know if we do. In the meantime if anyone else has photos or videos, we would love to see them.

Thank You! More photos below:

Sam and Zaggle

Owen and Lyric

Rider Line Up