Guess what: I was driving again today, except I had some people watching me high up in the gallery!
We did the same things we did the other day, but I was a little bit nervous and I’m not sure it was as good as last time.
But I heard the staff say they were really pleased with me as it was my first ‘public appearance’. I think that means I will get a chance to do this again; I hope so as I did enjoy myself, and I’m sure all superstars get an attack of the collywobbles sometimes!
PS – managed to get a couple of pictures and I look pretty good – what do you think?
I’ve just finished a busy but fun week with a group of children & their parents. The weather was great, so we were able to do stuff outside too, which I love.
Let me know what you think of my photos; pilgrim@calvert-trust.org.uk!
Hi there folks, it’s me once again – Mr short & sweet!
Isn’t Pixie great – she knows just about everything there is to know (I think) and in case you hadn’t guessed….the shadow she talked about is me!
I’ve been very busy so far this week,not only have I done my agility but I’ve also done some driving! First I was long reined (that’s like being driven but without the carriage) then I did the same thing again, but with a bit of weight as well (but still no carriage!).
Finally I was put into my carriage and once I was warmed up I had a bit of fun driving round a tricky course of cones. I did some really neat turns and felt like I went very fast; they should make a proper competition like this for horses and carriages.
I do love driving!!!!!
Hello everyone, it’s me, Pixie, taking another turn on young Pilgrim’s blog.
Last time I mentioned my role as an ‘Ambassador for Horse Behaviour’ at the Calvert Trust Exmoor.I use this title as I am the most experienced at communicating with other horses, just like we do in the wild.
You might wonder how I gained this knowledge: I spent the first 3 years of my life living naturally with a herd on Exmoor, and believe me you learnt very quickly to understand what other horses were saying and who was in charge! I’ve since used these skills to establish my position in any herd I join – it probably won’t surprise you to know that I usually have the last word at the stables. I have heard the staff here call it Girl Power – not quite sure what that means, but it sounds good!
It is for this reason that I am often called upon to join a few of the others in one of the arenas. We are let loose so that the guests get to see how we behave towards each other and communicate. I won’t say much more, except I often have a shadow on these occasions – guess who!?!
Hi there, it’s me again - Mr short & sweet!!! (I like that!). Wasn’t Pixie good as it was the very first time she’s been near a computer? She promised to do the blog again and Pixie always keeps a promise.
Time for a news flash: I know who Bob is!
Or should I say what he is? Anyway, I was working in the yard when I went past his stable and the door was open. It turns out that Bob isn’t a small horse at all!!!
Bob (it must be a nickname) is a red barrel; he sits on a frame & has got a saddle on the top!
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| Bob in his stable! |
I now see why ‘Bob’ is able to help our guests, as they can have a go at getting in the saddle before trying with one of us! What a brilliant idea!
Hello everyone, my name is Pixie; I am an Exmoor pony and have worked at the Calvert Trust for 11 years.
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| Pixie |
Pilgrim asked me to write a piece for his blog – at first I said no, but he gave me one of his ‘looks’ and I relented. It works every time and he knows it, the cheeky monkey!
My job at the Calvert Trust is to help the smaller people among our guests – I stand 13.2 hands and can carry up to 8 stone. Being a mature lady I no longer pull the carriage – I leave that to the younger ones such as Hendrix and Maxwell.
However I might be called upon to do my duty at Christmas time as I have the honour of taking Father Christmas in a carriage to the Centre. It’s a very responsible job, I and wonder if the younger ones will be ready for it. I might just have to have a word if the call comes.
Another important role I have is showing people how we horses communicate with each other. Most people think it’s all about neighing, but it’s so much more than that! I will tell you a little more next time – Pilgrim has said that we should keep the blog ‘short & sweet’.
Was he talking about the blog or himself? To be honest, knowing Pilgrim it could be either!
Just a quick hello from me this time - I’m going to help Pixie write her blog this week so mustn’t be long, but I must tell you this;
I’ve heard the staff talking about Bob & how he will help our guests get on a horse ‘cause he’s nice & small!!!
What about me! I’m small & I would be very easy to get on…
...I know I’m a bit too small to ride but I don’t mind having a go!
He’s in the stable next to Duke, but I’ve not seen him. I will have to find out a bit more about this; will keep you posted!
I’ve been working with a group of smaller people today – for most of them I was the first pony they have been ‘up close & personal’ with! Even though I’m the smallest at the Calvert Trust stables, I can imagine even I could look a bit scary if you’ve not met a real pony before.
Once they said hello & had a go at leading me on the yard,with some help, everyone was ready to walk with me round my agility course. They each did brilliantly & lots of photos were taken to show their friends & family when they got home. I must be one of the most photographed ponies in the South West……maybe in the world!!
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Good news! I asked Pixie if she would write something for the blog & she said yes - mind you I’ve got to give her a bit of help! So watch this space!
