Category Archives: Riding

Introducing a sister blog …….

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2021 by Stella C

Remember the equine delinquent that used to keep me on my toes and whose exploits formed the backbone of this blog? My handsome boy, Pom, turned 20 in January, and whilst he’s never lost his bad-boy swagger, he has been … Continue reading →

Posted in animal training, animals, equitation, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Nature, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

I blame Anna …..

Posted on Sunday, February 5, 2017 by Stella C

It’s all Anna Blake’s fault, this post and so much more ……. There’s no blogger or horse author I know of who has published such consistently insightful, readable writing on the equine/human relationship. I blame her for making me and … Continue reading →

Posted in Ageing/Aging, animal training, animals, Horses, Living in France, Riding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

A New Year Message from Pom ….

Posted on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 by Stella C

“It’s a little known fact that we horses are great believers in New Year Resolutions.  Or at least Reflections. Let’s face it.  We can realistically expect to celebrate far fewer New Years than you, our human counterparts. So instead of … Continue reading →

Posted in equitation, Horses, Musings, New Year, Riding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Posted on Friday, August 22, 2014 by Stella C

My husband complains that there are four of us in this marriage, and that he is usually last in line for my attention. He’s not at all impressed when I put forward the argument that the British cavalry became the … Continue reading →

Posted in equitation, Horses, Musings, Riding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Dusting off the Past

Posted on Friday, July 11, 2014 by Stella C

It had to be done. Nearly thirty years’ worth of old furniture, boxes of books and clothes, tea chests full of glasses and crockery I hadn’t seen since we moved from London, rugs, building materials, ladders, scaffolding, gates, seven pairs … Continue reading →

Posted in Ageing/Aging, equitation, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

A Pleasure, A Niggle and A Funny Incident

Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2014 by Stella C

The Pleasure I had the pleasure of watching a dressage competition, not too far from here, last weekend. In only its second year, word had obviously spread that the previous year’s organisation and welcome had been a success. And this … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Dressage, equitation, Gratuities, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Tipping, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Horsemanship, Health & Ageing; A Cavalière on the Cusp

Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2014 by Stella C

Recently we went to dinner with a great friend to meet the new man in her life.  Her three children helped to make the meal and the conversation round the table was lively and easygoing.  The talk turned to Finn’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Ageing/Aging, equitation, Gardening, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Fresh New Year, Fresh New Horse

Posted on Saturday, January 4, 2014 by Stella C

It’s not hard to guess if and where my sweet-itchy horse is itching. As soon as he sees me he will either plonk that part of himself directly in front of me or point to it with his nose.  Though … Continue reading →

Posted in equitation, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Rural Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Laughable Futility of Making Plans

Posted on Saturday, December 21, 2013 by Stella C

And why cock-eyed optimism keeps us making more…. Back in the bad old days, when life was “nasty, brutish and short” for both man and beast and denizens of the Western world paid a great deal more attention to the Bible (since … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, equitation, Horses, Living in France, Musings, Riding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Stick or Treat?

Posted on Thursday, October 31, 2013 by Stella C

Stick? Or Treat? ……. Excuse the simplistic title, but I couldn’t resist the Hallowe’en pun! How often have you heard, “Don’t give horses treats, it’ll make them bite”? I’m not a complete anarchist, but I don’t like rules without reasons. … Continue reading →

Posted in equitation, Horses, Riding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments