Mendip Stud

Tour day 5 Gleneagles

2009-10-05T10:20:00.002+01:00

Now that was some experience............

We arrived at the beautiful activities centre a touch before 1.00 having had a quiet morning poodling around the livery yard where we were camped. Arlene and Greme came to visit and brought with them warm Aberdonian smiles and humour. Katie, Hills and Luke made up our breakfast table.

The set up went beautifully and 6.00 soon came around. Eleven hundred or so people were about to descend - and so they did.

It was a great show - Pie doing the private audience. Monty was superb especially with the difficult loader. Copy did his bit like the old pro he is and the Copy Pie duet was loved by all.

We finished at about 11.00 and cleared site returning to the stables at about 12.30 .....tired

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Breakfast with Katie, Luke and Hills was followed by the departure for the long trek South. We stopped twice to let copy have a break - once at Carlisle saying hello to Mandy and wilf and then again four hours later at Birmingham. can't believe how quickly a week can go .........So pleased with Copy he did himself proud over the last seven days .

A tired blogger............

Tour Day 4 - and so to Scotland.....

2009-10-03T06:13:00.003+01:00

we packed up and bade farewell to Wilf and Mandy and set the compass due north and put the foot to the metal.

crossing the boarder just after Gretna the Scottish leg of our adventure began.

We rolled or rather climbed the hill to our new hosts stables and barns at about 2.00 - Ann Hunt and her very friendly crew were there to meet us.

Pie and Copy were exercised.

Katie, Hillary and Luke joined Lou and I in the lorry for canopes and refreshments - they were damned good too !

We taxied in to Auchterarder for a crew get together in the Glendevon hotel.........Linda only rated the sticky toffee pudding a 3 - we'll have to do better.

and so to bed in anticipation for the big day on Saturday.........

Tour Day 3 - opening night.

2009-10-02T07:01:00.005+01:00

Wow .........................now that was something.

An early start. 7.00 for me :) somewhat later for her nibs :(

Hillary, Sue , Simon, Charles, Katie, Linda, Luke, Kelly, Monty, Dan the man to name but a few of the 'core team' and the helpers went through rehearsals. It went just great - Pie and Copy were simply outstanding.

As the day ticked on time just slipped away and the 6.30 members private session arrived. Showtime had begun

I've never been to a Monty show before but I knew that he was a master of his art and craft..........a marketing supremo and horseman extraordinaire. the whole evening wow'd the assembled 600 plus audience.

Copy was inspiring and he and Monty put on a display that made both Lou and I immensely proud and privileged to witness. Pie and Kelly too did the same.......

We ran out of brochures and leaflets within the first hour - amazing.

the interest the evening created in western rinding and the stud was amazing lets hope it follows through into more active members.

Our hosts at Greenlands - Mandy , Wilf and family could not have looked after us better....thanks to you if you are reading this.

better sign off now and get ready to hit the road for bonnie Scotland.

Tour Day 2

2009-10-01T07:07:00.004+01:00

What happened on Wednesday.........

Woke to a blustery , drizzly and none to warm Carlisle........the Northern town not a ladies name ! Copy dined on his sport and stud breakfast.....Lou and I were very healthy - fruit and cereal with a topping of yoghurt - with chocolate digestive bits :)

Copy had a great morning exercise and seems to have settled in really well.

The IH team including Monty and Kelly arrived at about 7.30 just in time for Copy to strut his stuff , Pie too. In fact they had a ball............:)

Dinner at the services - how romantic - met the rest of the show team. headed home and hit he sack - can't believe it's October tomorrow and the first show - it's all arrived so quickly.

On tour Day 1

2009-09-30T13:40:00.004+01:00

The drive to Carlisle ............we left late - wow - no surprise there. Wills handled us beautifully -got us gone without a fight or arguement.

Trixxie - the lorry kindly lent to us by Emma and Cat did us proud...........she purred along getting us to Greenlands EC at about 11.00 p.m.

Ludo and Ruby - canine security team - were brilliant. Slept all the way - btw just noticed that Ludo spelt differently spells LOUD ............freudian there methinks.

We were met at the unearthly hour by Wilf the owner of Greenlands who was charm itself. Copy had a snack and bedded down and so did we.

The rest of the gang arrive tomorrow.

Hola............

2009-09-13T07:51:00.002+01:00

A greeting and wide eyed smile to you all from Plama.

Sarah has been waxing lrically about how Laura and Lady went yesterday. Jane had her first session with Ruben. Faye, Tibby and Daisy all got on famously.

A saying or two

St Peter’s Square - I know he is.

and

Tolkien is hobbit forming.

Then the sign

At the dry cleaners:
"We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand."

On a shopping mall marquee:
"Archery Tournament -- Ears pierced"

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

We don't have to pass gas to amuse ourselves.

If we forget to shave, no one has to know.

:)

2009-09-12T01:21:00.000+01:00

Morning T :)

Austrian visitors

2009-09-10T07:41:00.004+01:00

We have some vistors from Austria today - looking forward to seeing them.

Good luck Tora with the dentist today.

Shed loads to do before the weekend and so little time to do it all.

Good to see Robert, Gill, Bex , Ray, Hannah, Ren , Mandy and crew ............missed Cat. :(

A saying or two

Warm baths do not cure insomnia. A bottle of Muscadet and a large Jack Daniels cures insomnia..

and

24 hours in a day. 24 cans in a tray of beer. Coincidence?

Then the sign

In a Paris hotel elevator:

"Please leave your values at the front desk."

Advertisement at a gas station, between San Francisco and Los Angeles on
Interstate 5:

"Kids with gas eat free!"

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

It’s all very well trying to “talk it through.” But its tricky when most men would rather scrub the kitchen floor during a test match than discuss anything emotional.

bin day

2009-09-09T08:19:00.003+01:00

They always get here at bout 7.00 a.m. make a noise wake the B'n'Bers and then drive off as if they are in a formula 23 GP .......rant over - rubbish gone and day started.

Tora returned to the nest with a painful toothache/infection/abscess - get well soon T

Ziggy went great for Sarah.

Heather Moffet visited and rode Copy - she had a ball - see her comment on the Intelligent Horsmanship DG (discussion Group)

Gill you are awesome - you know why - respect.

Lou - I love ya.

Had great fun with my Mum, brother , his family , old friends from Austria Ruth, Helly and their family - looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

Topping nearly done - lawns cut.

A saying or two

I didn’t lose my marbles, I gave them away.

and

Nothing succeeds like a parrot.

Then the sign

Note at the bottom of the menu of a German restaurant:
"After the main course we suggest that you sample the tart of the house"

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

What word describes the practice of being married to only one man at a time. Mono-something. Ah … Monotony.

“Women might be able to fake orgasms, but men can fake whole relationships.” (Sharon Stone).

a little ditty to set the week off

2009-09-07T09:32:00.000+01:00

The Australian Poetry Competition had come down to two finalists, a
university graduate and an old aboriginal.

They were given a word, then allowed two minutes to study the word and come up with a poem that contained the word.

The word they were given was ' TIMBUKTU '

First to recite his poem was the university graduate.
He stepped up to the microphone and said:

Slowly across the desert sand
Trekked a lonely caravan
Men on camels two by two
Destination - Timbuktu

There was rapturous applause.

No way could the old aboriginal top that, they thought..

The old aboriginal calmly made his way to the microphone and recited:

Me and Tim a huntin' went
Met three whores in a pop up tent
They were three, and we was two
So I bucked one, and Timbuktu

The aboriginal won.

Proper blog to follow :)

Away for a day or two

2009-08-28T08:23:00.002+01:00

Hi fellow bloggers - we are away for a day or two . Celia and Sibohan are looking after the yard ..........

full report and quotes to follow.

Hope you all have a good weekend.

John :)

the day off that wasn't

2009-08-25T08:29:00.004+01:00

Hmmmmm......well what's new :)

Ren took Hannah for a hoon on the Mendips - Tora was taken by Hannah for a hoon on the Mendips - Tora took her two four-leggeds for a hoon on the Mendips - John and Lou took in the view :)

Bex and Ray came to visit.

Splash and Mo have returned to soundness - thanks John H and Nigel

Getting ready for the show at the weekend.

Ian and Stephanie arrived for their experience day.

Had a hilarious lunch with Tora and Hannah and Alfie's parents - Lou had a desert starter followed by a desert finish - well part of mine anyway - thanks for the invite guys.

A saying or two

Avenge yourself. Live long enough to be a problem to your kids

and

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most

Then the sign

In a Czechoslovakian tourist agency:
"Take one of our horse-driven city tours - we guarantee no miscarriages."

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

If a man says he’ll phone, HE MUST DO SO OR BURN IN THE PUTRID FIERY HELL OF SATAN’S ARSE

Sunday , Sunday........

2009-08-24T09:42:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to Ellie ...............you rode really well and I know impressed Dad with what you achieved - Nina too. Well done.

Ren and Hannah had a great time on the hill - made up for Saturday which was less happy.

Lou had a great time with Maggie and Sam - they seemed to laugh the whole day through and thoroughly enjoyed their experience day.

Two of the foals are now weaned and two more ready to go.
Day off today :)

A saying or two

“Instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house.” (Rod Stewart).

and

“Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is.” (Barbara Bush).

Then the sign

Outside a Hong Kong tailor shop:
"Ladies may have a fit upstairs."

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

We can talk to the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.

Saturday Rules OK

2009-08-22T09:28:00.002+01:00

Ellie had her second and third lessons today and did brilliantly.

Area 3 members need to let us know if they are interested in being part of the team at the National championships.

Malcolm and Elaine made their monthly visit - Mal did so well on Zip - good to see them both and to have the chicken and chips Lou cooked for our tea - damned good it were.

Ellie was exhausted after her first full day but according to teach - Sarah had a great day.

Fingers crossed for Ilan in Kreuth tonight.

Bex had a great lesson again – always good to see her here and John and Vanda too.

A saying or two

Examinations - nature’s laxatives.

and

My mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely.

and

“Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place.” (Billy Crystal).

Then the sign

On the door of a Moscow hotel room:
"If this is your first visit to the USSR, you are welcome to it."

Outside a country shop:
"We buy junk and sell antiques."

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

Sex should not be rushed unless Eastenders is about to start.

POETS day musings

2009-08-21T05:20:00.000+01:00

Good luck to Peggy Sharon with her new and imminent litter.

Cat and, soon to be dentist, Sarah came to visit with Lord Rowan and Lady Ellie in tow. Good to meet Sarah after hearing so much about her from Cat.

Sarah is back in the house - (big brother devotees will know what I mean)

Ellie has come to stay and play till Sunday - she'll either love It or hate by then - methinks the former will apply. Had great time with Beth , Nina and Ellie last night - sorry you couldn't make it John

Sarah H brought over her two and a lil pony for some exercise - all seemed to have fun. Ziggy met his match in the round pen with two Sarah's on his case.

Charlotte has an in with a puncture repair man - good looker (even if I say so) and can sure fix a tyre or two - good on you Charlotte.

Tora rode Dylan for the first time since May - he looked great , calm and fun. Good plan Tora seems to have worked :)

Plans for next Area 3 show to be announced tomorrow.

Good luck to England in the Ashes - would so like to see them win but after today's performance think it is unlikely.

A saying or two

“Ah, yes, divorce. From the Latin word meaning to rip out a man’s genitals through his wallet.” (Robin Williams).

and

“And God said, ‘Let there be Satan, so people don’t blame everything on me. And let there be lawyers, so people don’t blame everything on Satan.” (George Burns).

Then the signs

In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
"Drop your trousers here for best results."

In an Acapulco hotel:
"The manager has personally passed all the water served here."

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

Cellulite and stretch marks are very sexy, feminine things that should be worshipped.

During sex a woman may eat or read so that she, too, can gain some sort of pleasure.

Wednesday's blog on Thursday morning.

2009-08-20T06:23:00.005+01:00

OK - it's a poor excuse but I'm back a day later than intended :)

We got the hay in - and it is beautiful - lush even. Thanks to Danny and the team.

So what's the news:

Well since my last broadcast we had a terrific show. I have had a shave. The lawn has been cut. Ludo looks like a cotton wool ball - au buffant . Sarah has settled and lessons are filling up fast. Lou has become a great teacher. Mandy had an experience .....and enjoyed it ! Hannah and Ren are practising patience - well at least Ren is :) Tora is almost fully fit and always keeps the yard moral up with biscuits and 'coffee boss ? ' Ploy enjoyed her white wine. Dave and Judy got married. Wills and I cleared the barn, Sarah has put Ziggy on a diet. Cat and Emma are on top form and frequent visitors.......and loads loads more.

Good luck to Angelo and Sue and all the other Brits at Europeans.

Tibby, Lady, ladybug, Ruben and Barbie are all doing treat guns under Sarah's training. We'll soon have a football team at this rate.

Prue,Eleni and Mike are coming over regularly to use the school as is Sally - it's great to see them and the facilities being used.

__________________________________

On a sad note Simon Baden lost his Mum after a long and brave fight with cancer.....our thought are with you and yours at this difficult time.

Sad news for Jo too as she lost her dog on August the 14th - thinking of you Jo.

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If you are still with me - thanks for letting me know the blog has been missed - sign on and add comments - I need them to keep me thinking it has a purpose and is being read. and...........don't say I'll do it later - do it now and then we can really have some banter :)

Some ditties by popular demand.

Sayings of the day

I don’t cook. I can’t be good in every room in the house!

“My girlfriend always laughs during sex - no matter what she’s reading.” (Steve Jobs - founder of Apple Computers).

and the signs

In the window of an Oregon store:
"Why go elsewhere and be cheated when you can come here?"

In an East African newspaper:
"A new swimming pool is rapidly taking shape since the contractors
have thrown in the bulk of their workers."

and a new section or is that sexion.

WOMEN’S RULES OF SEX

Foreplay does not mean 5 pints of lager, taking your kit off and putting your chips down.

The sun shone and the ribbons fluttered.

2009-08-08T05:54:00.002+01:00

Our first day of competition got underway - terrific weather and a great turnout.

pictures and information available later today on the main website.

Come along and join in

What a great start.............

2009-08-06T00:13:00.002+01:00

The 3rd Western Week is underway.

The Daily Rail the weeks daily news rag wil be published on the website tomorrow.

Congatulations to 'mam'.

Looking forward to tomorrow and some more sun please :)

thoughts:

'Always drink upstream from the herd.'

'Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got'

and the sign - well two of them :)

In a City restaurant:
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND WEEKENDS

Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand:
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE ON YOUR OWN ASS?

Western Week underway.

2009-08-05T07:04:00.000+01:00

Western Week gets underway today.

We hope as many of our members and friends will visiti over the week as can make it.

John Beer barn is open all evenings - Lou's food on offer too.

Join us onThursday night for Sarah Simmons groundwork demonstration - a must if you can get here - free to all. Friday night is BBQ night with live band (the irish gang :) ) tickets available from the office. 01934 751258 -(leave a message and we'll get back to you ) Saturday - dog agility demo and 'have a go' evening followed by the Pub quiz.

And then of course there's the show ! Friday Saturday and Sunday.

Hope to see some of you over the week.

All the best - John and Lou

Now this is worth a read.........

2009-08-04T10:35:00.001+01:00

A mother passing by her son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed
was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, she
saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow.
It was addressed, 'Mum' With the worst premonition, she opened the
envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.

'Dear, Mum.
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing to you. I had to
elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene
with Dad and you.
I've been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I
knew you would not approve of her, because of all her piercing's,
tattoos, her tight Motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much
older than I am.
But it's not only the passion, Mum. She's pregnant.
Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the
woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter.
We share a dream of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really
hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with
the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.
In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS,
so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!!
Don't worry Mum, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself.
Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit, so you can get to know your
many grandchildren.

Love, your son, Nicholas.

"P.S. Mum, none of the above is true. I'm over at Jason's house.
I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than
the school report that's on my desk"
I love you!
Call when it is safe for me to come home.
Thanks in Advance

the fencepost tortoise

2009-07-30T21:44:00.001+01:00

While stitching up the hand of a 75 year old Somerset farmer, who cut it on
a gate while watching horses charging about , the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually, the topic got around to Gordon Brown, his appointment as Prime Minister and his delusion that he commanded the armed forces.

"Well, you know," drawled the old farmer, "this Brown fella is what they
call a fencepost tortoise."

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a fencepost
tortoise was.

The old farmer said, "When you're driving along a country road and you
come across a fence post with a tortoise balanced on top, that's called
a fencepost tortoise."

The old farmer saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued
to explain:

"You know he didn't get up there by himself, he definitely doesn't belong
up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just
have to wonder what kind of idiot put him up there in the first place."

Thursday - Chilli comes home :)

2009-07-30T11:14:00.002+01:00

Sarah is bringing back ring-bearer extraordinaire Chilli later today.
Jenny and Georgie are arriving form the heart of the West Country - well Cornwall anyway. Show entries are coming in.

Hannah's Ren is definitely back :)

A hogged Riker looks awesome.

Puppies are running riot

Thought for the day

'Every path has a few puddles.'

and the sign

Hotel, Zurich:
BECAUSE OF THE IMPROPRIETY OF ENTERTAINING GUESTS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX IN THE BEDROOM, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LOBBY BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Bin day............

2009-07-29T03:41:00.002+01:00

Wednesday - Bin day and farrier day and rainy day apparently.

Tuesday - Hazel - vet student has settled in very well - the two armed Tora was on fine form - Hannah was power dressed and looked good on it. It was Lou and my 7th anniversary. Chris from Canada sounded chippa. Ren seemed fine - JC a little less three -legged.

big day today with horses in and out for Nigel.

thought for the day

'The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every morning'.

and the sign

Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations:
GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN BED.

2009-07-28T06:36:00.002+01:00

Good news form Canada that Boyd Leslie is on the mend.

Good luck to Cat and Emma today on their Alpaca training day. To Wills on his strimming and mountain climbing quest. To Tora on her 'I've now got use of both arms - officially day'. To Ren on a quick recovery.

Busy day at the Stud today with lots of comings and goings............

Enjoyable evening spent last night digesting curry - learning about the latest alternative approaches to swine flu cures - peg breaking and ruffling about - you had to be there.

More to report later.

Thought for the day:

'Always drink upstream from the herd.'

And the sign.

Doctors office, Rome:
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.

And then it was Monday

2009-07-27T07:28:00.004+01:00

The weekend flew by........

And it's day off day.

But for the lovers of thoughts and sings here are a couple to keep you going.

'Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.'

and

In a cemetery:
PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS FROM ANY BUT THEIR OWN GRAVES.