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OK. So these are my New Year's Resolutions:-
1 Write more Updates
2 Take more photographs
3 Put more photographs on website
4 Eat less
(5 Drink less).
Number 5 is in brackets because one mustn't attempt too much in one go!
The Valley came alive on New Year's Eve, with all sorts of brilliant pink wigs, green painted faces, witches hats, and a Frenchman in stripy jumper - yes, it was fancy dress at The Half Moon. Paula and Keith had gathered together a Harry Potter cast, and Tom, Annabel, Jamie (Annabel's boyfriend) and Harri (our Trekking Leader) were revoltingly bilious as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Bryony remained rather more elegant as Betty of the Flintstones. It was a fabulous night, and great fun to see so many people from the Valley getting together - especially as we didn't do so in August when the Show was cancelled. The "Biden crowd" - the Trevelog riders, and big float rivals - helped swell the throng. They are now as much part of the Valley as the permanent residents, and things would not be the same without them. Long may they keep coming!
Any hangovers were dispelled with the traditional New Year's Day swim in the river. Tony Smith led the jumping, resplendent in royal blue long johns. Kris followed in the previous night's Fred Flintstone costume, followed by at least twenty swimmers. There appear to be more and more each year, everyone happy to raise money for charity.
History of "The Swim".
It all started in 1975 when Tony Smith took up a bet to do something a little mad on Christmas Day! A lone swimmer then, the bet raised ?5 for the Royal National Institute for the Blind, chosen because Dai Griffiths from The Grange Trekking had lost his sight.
The idea continued the following year when Rex and Tony took the vicar's bicycle in the river. It took two days before it was retrieved downstream. I hope it wasn't too rusty by then! Gradually more swimmers have joined them, and New Year's Day was deemed to be a better day for everyone, swimmers and spectators alike.
Other bets were put forward - one year someone said they would give ?50 to see the swim. "Good heavens" Rex spluttered "I'ld swim nude for that amount!". Well - you know what he had to do. Another year Neil the Broadley proclaimed that he couldn't possibly swim for under ?100. Never has ?100 been raised so quickly by the Half Moon clientele as on that night, and Neil kept his bargain.
On his 50th birthday Tony decided to hang up his swimming trunks. "Enough is enough", he said. And Christine said he was too old to jump in the river any more! But, as you see, he couldn't stay away from those freezing waters of the Honddu, and he has continued to lead the swim every year since then. On a sad note, the benefitting charity has changed. Bob and Margaret Juggins, who rode regularly with Tony, lost their grandson in an accident, and in respect to the help offered by the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital the collection now goes to them.
All are invited to swim - the more the merrier. After mulled wine on the river bank, some swimmers retire to the Abbey or the Half Moon for hot mince pies and further sustenance.
AND SO IT IS TIME FOR ALL OF US AT LLANTHONY RIDING AND TREKKING TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY 2008.
To make sure I stick to my New Year Resolutions, watch this space for further Updates, and photographs of our New Year activities on our photo page.
Best wishes
Cordelia
Posted: Wednesday 2nd January 2008, 17:11
Part One: AQUARIDE!!!!
For those of you who have visited us towards the end of the season this year you will know that the guides were all getting very excited about the end of season staff trail ride. Well, it took place on 3rd and 4th November, with beautiful weather and the most amazing costumes all based around the theme ?Aqua?. The ride set sail bright and early on Saturday under the supervision of Captain Cressy and Captain Katie (Sponge Bob Square Pants) on Punch and Mercury. To all instructions and directions from the Captains everyone had to respond ?Aye Aye Cap?n!? while taking a compulsory snifter from hip flasks filled with a beverage of choice (sloe gin is a good favourite). Snacks on the ride included a crunchy sea weed and rice concoction which wasn?t quite to everyone?s taste, chocolate money and deep sea jelly monsters which were scrummy.
Crewmates on the voyage were:
? Aqua Scuba (Keith on Magic with snorkel and mask, and airtanks on his back)
? Coral Reef and Sea Horse (Paula and Sparks ? Paula dressed in coral with colourful fishes and Sparks dressed in a seascape sarong!)
? AquaWoman (Polly on Rhiann complete with water pistol, superhero cape and pants over her jods)
? AquaPirate (Steffi on Ginger in stunning pirate costume with chocolate Pieces of Eight on her belt ? a very welcome addition to the list of on board refreshments)
? Jaws (Karen on Morwyn in shark outfit with scary hologram eyes, huge dorsal fin and some very sharp teeth)
? AquaSailor (Harri in white naval uniform and riding the HMS Cookie)
? WaterBaby (Tom on Africa with nappy, dummy and baby hat)
? BarbieGirl (as in the Aqua song ? Annabel all in pink velour, sequins and leg warmers, riding Flame)
? AquaCanoeist (Bryony on Ace with life jacket, waterproof canoe ?skirt? and paddle)
? And finally, the Silver Surfer (Pete on Whiskey with water wings, swimming shorts, goggles and silver riding helmet ? he communicates with his family in Australia via webcam on the ?net, he really is a silver surfer!)
? The Captains? horses were dressed in ?seaweed? (shredded shower curtains) and ?sea-bed scenes? (bath mats), Punch even had flippers attached to his stirrups.
The intrepid sailors dropped anchor at the Dragon Inn at Llangenni where Faye, Jason and Morgan joined everyone for lunch. The faces of passers by and other customers in the pub were a picture when they saw us all in our get ups. Then we were casting off again in the direction of the Crown at Pantygelli where there?s a comfortable bunk barn (no hammocks) and a lovely meal was had in the pub together with a few landlubbers from the farm who didn?t ride. Colin made a short speech to thank everyone for a good season and also marked the completion by Pete of 20 years' trekking in and around the Valley with nearly half of that at Court Farm. What an achievement, well done Cowboy Pete!
The next morning Captain Katie helped crewmates limber up with a Tai?Chi session on deck before breakfast and we were soon setting off again for the voyage home, via the Queen?s Head for lunch.
At the end of the day on Sunday Pete led everyone back up the road to the farm for what may be the last time for a while ? he?s off to get spare parts for his poorly hip sorted out, but we all look forward to seeing him again really soon. The loudest singing of the weekend was reserved for three cheers for Pete and a classic Llanthony Wailers rendition of ?For he?s a jolly good fellow? all the way up the road.
Thanks Captain Cressy and Captain Katie for a wonderful voyage and lots of fun along the way.
Part Two: From Fancy Dress to Evening Glamour???..
The week after the trail ride saw the annual Llanthony Valley & District Show Committee?s fundraising Dinner and Dance, again at the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford, with dancing to Nite Train, an excellent live band who have entertained us before. Although we didn?t actually have a show this year (see the earlier updates about the terrible weather causing cancellation) the fun sheepdog trials, hedging and stone walling competitions and prize draw all still took place. This year for dinner there was a choice of food, not just beef, it was all excellent again. A lot of thought again went into outfits, apart from the men, it?s easy for them wearing the same dinner jacket every year without worries. But for the ladies, well, its always a dilemma ? do I buy something new or start to recycle and reduce my carbon footprint? I decided to recycle by wearing my sequin gown bought in Hay on Wye a couple of years ago but made it different this year with some new accessories (bright pink killer heels, what else?). There were lots of very classy and classic ?little black dresses? personalised with various sparkly shoes, belts and other accessories (Harri ? what a stunning outfit for your first Show Dinner those gold sparkle shoes were VERY glam). Paula had on a very pretty outfit with shades of aqua (again!) and cream and very big hair, Cressy showed off her hourglass figure in a very 1950s style gown. As usual we had the speeches, raffle and auction before the dancing started. Tom again showed his prowess on the dance floor and eventually Court Farm and Trevelog joined forces to gain the admiration of the band who where amazed by the great footwork and sheer exuberance. A great time was had by all once again and it was a great round off to a very good season.
Things go quiet again in the valley now as the horses and guides take some time off to rest and recuperate after a busy summer. Some of the horses, including Gossip, have gone off to Hartbury College in Gloucestershire (part of Bristol University) and will get schooling so it will be interesting to see their progress. I miss her already but I am sure we will team up again next season for some of the time. We will miss all our friends, human and equine over the winter and look forward to the start of riding again in the spring. Hopefully we will have a real summer in 2008, but I am sure we will make the best of it as usual, whatever the weather!
Watch these pages for winter updates and then in the New Year we will publish the date we intend to start riding ? Easter is so early in 2008 we will have to think very carefully about that one!
Wishing you all a very happy festive season and a great New Year!
Love from Karen
and all at Llanthony Riding & Trekking.
Posted: Thursday 15th November 2007, 23:01
Can you quite believe it, this is our last week of riding for the 2007 season. And the best news is.... the weather's meant to stay sunny and bright (although a little crisp, fresh, and therefore chilly). So do ring now and book if you'd like a last ride before we close for the Winter break, we are already filling up and we wouldn't like you to be disappointed.
Other news:
Tom is very busy finalising the organisation of homes for all the horses to go for their winter holidays; some of them are going back to families, farms or stables where they were last year; some of them have new places to go and try; some of them are going to have a full five months of relaxing, eating and playing in the fields either in Sussex or here at Court Farm. If anyone should be interested in a horse for loan, this winter or in the future, then Tom's the person to talk to.
After the season has ended we have our 'end of season staff trail ride' which we're all very much looking forward to, a lovely excuse to spend some time together and with our horses before we too go and spend the winter earning our bread and butter elsewhere. Cressy and Katie (some of you may know us by our horses, Punch and Mercury) have organised the fun ride and have given us the theme 'Aqua', yes it will be fancy dress and yes we will all be looking rather dashing/ridiculous (delete as appropriate) riding round the Black Mountains - Tally Ho.
News from me is that I have moved out of London and back into Wales and am training to work in various outdoor activities including canoeing, climbing, caving, mountain walking, orienteering etc. - happily this involves a large amount of time playing getting my skills up to scratch before taking assessments to quailfy me to take out groups. An altogether different lifestyle from my London one, but equally as enjoyable (if not more so).
Hope to see some of you this week, otherwise it will be next spring.
Bryony
Posted: Tuesday 23rd October 2007, 10:26
Well we didn't have much of a summer after all but we have had lots of fun, even in the rain. Particularly one very soggy day in August at the Longtown Show. A few intrepid horses and riders and lots of spectators made their way from the farm round to Longtown on a very wet morning to join the other keen folks determined to make the show a success. Karen and Pete decided not to bother riding over as they had last year - it was just too wet so went in the car instead. Everyone had a go in the clear round jumping despite the torrential rain, with some winning more than one rosette for the same round! Well done Paula and Sparks who got 3 rosettes for the same round - Clear Round, 2nd Place and Best Effort. Also well done Harri and Cookie with a couple of rosettes, even though the commentator just couldn't get their names right. Thanks to the local WI for their superb refreshments tent with hot drinks and home made cakes - unfortunately the ice cream man didn't do much business, the dog show was cancelled but the Welsh Gymkhana team put on a great display.
To cheer everyone up after the horrible weather Paula and Keith not only had a huge 10th anniversary party but also a mini party for the trekking guides who got to try out their new HOT TUB one Saturday night. Wow what luxury after a hard days' trekking, jump in the hot tub and have a great barbecue. Thanks guys!
We recently said goodbye to Bex who left us for a new job working on a hunting yard for the winter. Thanks for all your hard work Bex over the summer, we will miss you and Holly, and hope to see you again soon.
Congratulations to Cressy who passed her HGV test recently and was able to drive the lorry down to the beach for Tom's birthday ride. Good fun was had by all although the entertainment wasn't the same as last year - Karen wasn't there to get dunked in the sea.
We have a brand new horse who a few of you have already met - young Sullivan is a Percheron cross, very big and bulky at 17 hands and still growing, and a very handsome bay in colour. He's settling in well and has joined a few people already on treks and hacks, but just don't get in the way of those enormous feet, he's already taken Paula's toe nail off and didn't even know he was standing on her. Ouch!
A new guide joined the team the other day - well it wasn't really but nobody recognised a tanned Karen after her 3 weekends off sunning herself in Greek Kos, but they soon rallied round when the yummy Greek sweets were opened.
Not many weeks to go now before the end of the season, lets hope the weather stays dry now until the end of October when the horses will depart for winter homes and everything becomes quiet again, apart from the guides' end of season trail ride in November organised by Cressy and Katie. They still haven't told us the theme yet but we are sure it will be a lot of fun, as always.
Make sure you get booked in quickly if you want to ride before the end of the season, just give us a ring at the farm.
Lots of love
Karen xx
Posted: Wednesday 26th September 2007, 10:17
Well, the weather is much improved. Real blue skies! And Colin has managed to cut some fields for sileage, albeit two months' late!!!
Everybody is extremely disappointed that the Llanthony Show had to be cancelled, but the field on which the Show is normally held is still knee high in grass. At least we will have plenty of winter food - we just won't talk about the quality.
Fate would have it that in the 46 years of the running of the event 4 August is the date that it has had to be cancelled both times, once for Foot and Mouth in 2001 and unbelievably Foot and Mouth would again have had its implications this year as well as the weather.
Foot and Mouth is clearly a worry, and is preventing farmers from selling livestock at markets. However, it looks as though it is contained in Surrey. There are no restrictions for holidaymakers here, and riding, walking and camping continue as usual.
Best wishes to all for the rest of the summer. Cordelia
Posted: Wednesday 8th August 2007, 22:38
I think I will leave the good news to the end.
The bad news is that the Llanthony Show has been cancelled. Scheduled for Saturday 4 August, this is only the second time the show has not taken place since it started in 1962. (The first time was in 2001 when Foot and Mouth restrictions in the Valley prevented it from happening.)
Up until now Colin has been very optimistic that "the show would go on", but, if you look at the new website, www.llanthonyshow.co.uk (still very much in its initial stages!), you will see Colin with the Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman looking concerned about the state of the field. Last night they decided that the weather forecast was just not good enough to allow time to cut the field for silage and be dry enough for the show. Very few farmers in the Valley have been able to make hay or silage this year, and, if we were to have several fine days at the beginning of August, it would be hard to expect them to help organize the show instead of cutting their own hay!
But we still have the Sheep Dog Trials and the Hedging and Stonewalling Competitions (held October/November) to look forward to, which are part of the Llanthony Show and always great fun.
Ginger's coloured foal died this morning. She had a poorly tummy and was unfortunately not strong enough to fight the infection.
Our good news is that Rio has foaled. Her filly is tiny and looks just like Lady's foal looked last year, which means that any colour will fade and she will end up mainly white, making us spend hours trying to brush out all the muddy marks!
And finally we are amazed at how many people are braving the rain and are determined to come riding! These mizzly weather conditions, not to mention downpours, seem to encourage a camaraderie amongst our riders, and everyone returns in a sodden condition with huge smiles on their faces! Thank you for coming! This is certainly good news for us.
Best wishes to all
Cordelia
Posted: Monday 23rd July 2007, 22:30
Ginger finally had her foal a few days ago, a very pretty coloured filly. Thinking caps are still on for names for our two foals, but they may not be named until Rio has her foal, due late July. A few more changes to report - Denny has departed for a new home, where he will get lots of work more appropriate for him - he's not really built to be a trekking horse although we know a lot of you loved him and his quirky ways! We are sure he's going to be very happy with his new owners. Harri is now the proud owner of Cookie who is turning out to be a great guide horse under her expert attentions.
Cobalt, Tom's stallion is now starting his work so hopefully there will be some more foals next year, home bred trekking horses seem to do so well as they grow up with it, just look at Troy and Ace!
The weather has been mixed, but unbelievably for a couple of weekends that had very wet forecasts we seemed to get away with very little rain. The valley really does have its own micro-climate, proved just the other day when the trek came back from Longtown. As we sat on top of the ridge it was bright blue sky and sun behind us in England and the valley in front of us was shrouded in the darkest rain cloud I have ever seen. By the time we got down on to the farm it was lovely and sunny again. So don't worry about the Met Office getting it right or wrong, just come along anyway - we ride in all weathers and can provide waterproofs. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!
Thoughts turn now to the Llanthony Show - only a few weeks away, and decisions are to be made about which classes to enter, show jumping, showing under saddle or in hand, gymkhana (go for it Paula and Sparks!). Gossip may enter her first ever trekking class this year - could be interesting! I will be happy if we can just get on and off the showfield in one piece! We are having a year off from the decorated float competition so that we can all take a bit more time to enjoy all the other aspects of the show - livestock, displays of local arts and crafts, the produce tent, and all the related entertainment including the highlight of the day the rodeo. Come along on Saturday 4th August for a great family day out, head for Court Farm and you can't miss the show field!
We look forward to seeing new customers as well as regulars over the next few months, we ride until the end of October, so get booking!
Love from Karen and all at Court Farm.
Posted: Sunday 8th July 2007, 16:02
The news since our last update is varied - the lovely weather finally broke a couple of weeks ago and we got some much needed rain in the valley. The spring grass is now (finally) through with a vengeance and the horses are all bursting with energy from the goodness in it! Lambing is over (thank you to the Vet girls for all your help), there are some more calves to come and we have a new foal already! Our beautiful Shire mare Duchess gave birth a few days ago to a lovely leggy black filly. She has yet to be named but we are working on it! Ginger is due to foal any time now, and Rio is due in a few weeks time. There are also now lots of tiny foals being born to the mountain ponies on the hill, and its a real treat to see them when we are out riding.
Whitsun weekend was eventful with torrential rain and high winds on the Sunday. But that didn't deter our intrepid riders who were queuing up for spare horses when the folks who got cold and wet in the morning decided to call it a day after a very difficult ride. Bank holiday Monday saw the trail of devastation left by the stormy Sunday night with trees down everywhere. My hack was more like a mystery tour as we had to work hard to find new routes to get round the tree trunks strewn across our path!
Hopefully the weather will settle down and warm up a bit now, the horses are seriously considering going back to their winter coats to protect against the cold nights.
We look forward to lots more visitors in the coming weeks, the horses are really fit and well, ready and eager to take you out along with Tom, Harri, Bex and all the regular helpers, so get on the phone or email to get booked in.
Lots of love,
Karen
Posted: Saturday 2nd June 2007, 13:02
Hello to all our regular readers and some new ones too we hope. Sorry that this is a rather long update but there is so much to tell you!
I am sure you all want to know what we have been up to since Tom?s last update ? what a hive of activity the farm has been over the last few weeks.
The guides and helpers all started out with some Pre-Season training and team building activities the weekend before the first rides of the season. We had to complete a treasure hunt in Brecon and then go ten pin bowling before the real hard training started ? in the Half Moon Pub on the Saturday night! The next day we we had our refresher training in hat fitting, walkie talkie charging and operation of the washing machine, at the same time as admiring the fully refurbished staff kitchen and customer toilet area!!!!
The horses started coming back from their winter homes and the farrier was busy too getting shoes on all those that needed them.
So, we were all ready for the hoards of customers the following weekend.
The weather was kind, cold but dry and fine ? perfect for the first adventures up the hills and on to the top. Apart from a very weird moment at the end of the day on the Saturday when we had four seasons in half an hour with rain, sun, hailstones the size of conkers, thunder and lightning! Keith and Magic nearly parted company when it all got a bit too much for the new guide horse in training, but at least they got out there. Gossip and Karen didn?t even meet up as Gossip decided she wasn?t going to be caught and was staying halfway up the hill in her winter quarters. We?ll soon see about that! Harri and Bex our new trekking guides are settling in well, getting used to the routines and the routes, we hope they will be very happy with us and they look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the coming weeks.
No-one fell off at all during the first weekend (well done all you novice riders), we all had fun and even met up with Faye who is now trekking out from Trevelog up the road when she brought her trek to the Queen?s Head for lunch. I for one was certainly a bit aching and sore after 2 days riding, the first I had done since November, but will soon get riding fit again. I can recommend arnica and hot baths with lavender oil for easing the bumps and bruises!
Well what can I say about the Easter weekend? What fabulous weather for the holidays ? lots of eager customers and horses ? even Gossip decided she would come in and submit to having her thick winter coat brushed until it shone as brightly as the sun! All our usual helpers were around ? it was good to see Polly for a couple of days, Tracey and Jessie supplied our lovely Easter baskets full of chocolatey treats ? a real Llanthony tradition now. Even Faye dropped by on Easter Monday, unfortunately rather loudly waking up at 8am some of us who had been given the morning off and were looking forward to a lie in ? a rare treat! No real problems over the busy holiday weekend, everyone had fun, and Murphy won pony of the day award on Sunday when all the horses except him spooked at something, broke their tie up strings and ended up grazing all over the Queen?s car park with broken reins, clip ropes etc. It was all soon sorted out into some sort of order and the afternoon ride wasn?t spoiled.
Lambing has started in earnest and Colin has two eager helpers Hannah and Honami from the Bristol Vet School on work experience, and there are even some new calves in the field. Spring has well and truly sprung in the valley although there are some bleary eyes after the lambing night shifts!
So the season stretches ahead of us, with some more great weather we hope. We look forward to seeing you all over the summer for some fantastic riding and good fun. Get on the phone or the email and book yourselves in. See you all very soon!
Love from Karen.
Posted: Saturday 14th April 2007, 20:13
Hello hello hello.....
Well where do I start.?
Firstly I would like to welcome anyone interested in coming riding at Llanthony Riding and Trekking to our 2007 season, beginning on the 31st march. Lets hope it is a prosperous year for all and most of all FUN.!
We have two new members of staff this year; Harri, whom some of you will know as she has been riding here for over 10 years, although usually only for a week in the summer. And Becky, a lovely friendly girl from Cheshire who will be joining us with her horse, Holly. I expect they will both settle in so quickly and easily it will appear like an extension of the Passmore family.
I have been breaking and schooling horses over the winter and hopefully they will be set to work this year. Rosie should be ready for some hacks this year as she is a very sweet and kind mare but was limited last year by physical development, I hope with extra food and light work she will become an invaluable asset to our herd. Magic has been broken in successfully and Keith is going to be riding him this season as his guide horse to teach him the next lessons in life, I wish both a great partnership.
Duchess and Ginger are looking heavily pregnant now with foals due in May/June while Rio looks normal at the moment but her foal is not due until July. I have accidentally on purpose made another acquisition, "Cobalt" a lovely blue eyed stallion that I hope to use on a few mares this year, even more babies in 2008.!!
The trekking horses have spent the winter all over the country having a much deserved fuss. Brigid and Alice have looked after Murphy and Troy exceptionally well in their community house in Canon Frome, Hereford. Although they had to come home a little early to make room for their new lambs, they have had lots of fun rides with even the little children going for pony rides around the farm. I hear they had a small moment of unease when Murphy heard the hunting horn.! Yeeha.!!
Warrior and Ebony moved from Monmouth to Hereford after eating all of Judith and Abigails grass. Tamsin Clive took them then and rode out with Gina Quan and kids.
Archie, Tara, Whiskey and Cracker have been hunting this winter, galloping around having a great time.
Lady went to a farm just out of Cardiff and sent all winter covered in mud, no sooner had Emma brushed it all off did she roll in a bog.
Fortune has been with Amy Coles, again, what a partnership, how any years now Amy, 3 or 4.?
Bo looked fab when we collected him from Denise and Jenny, a bit too well for a strapping young lad like Bo, I think we will send them an older horse that would appreciate all that TLC.
Charlotte has been looking after Pickle at Jackie Gwillims yard under the skirrid, I popped in to see her recently and she looked great, and she had a cute little friend in her stable too, a dinky chestnut pony. Well done Charlotte, I hear Pickle didn't want to have lessons to begin with but you managed to persuade her.
The rest of the horses either stayed here in the field or went down to Granny's farm in Sussex where they have the run of the south downs, lovely.!
Our guides can't wait to start the season, it has rained so much no one has really done any riding at all, Paula comes round with good intentions then gets put off by the drumming of rain on the roof. We celebrated Karens...umm..21st in style, with a few people and a lot of drinks. I haven't heard much from Pete, but I expect he'll be back to help out as always this year, our trusty cowboy Pete.
OK, I really should stop going on now and let you catch breath.
I thoroughly look forward to seeing our regulars again and meeting all those who haven't been here before.
Best Wishes
Tom
Posted: Wednesday 7th March 2007, 10:55
Snow filled the valley this weekend. 12 inches. It was beautiful; clean, white and freezing cold! We have been ploughing through it in the old Landrover taking hay out to all the horses that are still on the farm. They are all very well and have been enjoying the snow, kicking their heels up and rolling in it like 2 year olds. But today it has all gone.
Tom has been very busy this winter working with his young horses and schooling a new guide horse - and we also now have Duchess, a 3 year old Shire, due to foal in May. The horses all have very thick winter coats, so photos will be added to the gallery page when they look a bit more sleek, they are very woolly and dirty at the moment - I see we are going to have a lot of brushing to do when we start riding in April!
We're beginning to gear up for the new season: Kate has taken a Manageress job in Monmouth so unfortunately will not be coming back to work in the team this year. Two new guides will be joining us. We have had lots of response to our ad - so more news very soon.
Bryony
Posted: Monday 12th February 2007, 08:20
Here is the long awaited report of the Llanthony Valley and District Show's annual Dinner and Dance held on 10th November at the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford.
As usual everyone was resplendent in their finery and some hardly recognisable after being seen all year in outdoor working clothes (Colin we just aren?t used to seeing you without your cap). Cressy and Katie (S) were very sophisticated in classic black dresses, Annabel glamorous in a strapless green print number, Paula very gothic in black and purple, Sarah in a stunning red halter neck (goes with the blonde hair perfectly). Bryony was in a beautiful wine coloured tiered skirt and very sparkly shoes, Katie Ralph in a fabulous little burgundy dress and Karen in a shimmering russet coloured gown. Of course Tom was, as always, smart yet different ? the white bow tie a perfect touch, all the other men in dinner jackets and bow ties too, all looking like James Bond! (Very topical at the moment.)
The band (the same as last year ? thanks to Douglas) were brilliant again, with a little help from Bryony and friends on stage doing backing vocals for ?Mustang Sally?. The meal and service were very good, speeches very funny from committee members (Oliver that joke was a bit rude but hilarious) and comments about global warming that involved a washing line full of (not so) smalls as a visual aid!
With the crowd baying for encores the band eventually finished at about 1am and were still amazed at the staying power of the dancers. More stamina than soft city folk, I am sure that?s what it is.
Anyway, a wonderful evening was had by all what with prize draws and the raffle (which Paula seemed to keep winning), and everyone went home tired but happy after yet another great Show Dinner.
That?s all for now, things settle down for the winter, but keep an eye on these pages for news of next season in due course.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Llanthony Riding and Trekking to all our friends out there.
Love from Karen.
Posted: Friday 17th November 2006, 22:24
The season has finished, and what an end to the season! The weather was absolutely beautiful - such a change from previous years when it has usually been blowing a gale, or pouring with rain, or trees falling down!
Most of the horses are now in their new homes - we hope the weather continues for a long time so that their temporary owners can enjoy lots of sunny rides.
But what have all the customers done to our guides - I think they have all lost their senses! (The guides, I mean, not the customers!) They have just returned from their own special "trail ride", over the hills to the other side of the Black Mountains dressed up in the most extraordinary gear - hardly correct riding attire. Have a look at our Gallery page after the weekend and I will see if I can organize a photo!
And so I would like to thank all our customers who rode with us this year, and everyone at Llanthony Riding and Trekking send their very best wishes.
Keep an eye on the "Update" page - we have the Llanthony Valley Dinner/Dance this weekend and all the Riding and Trekking Centres in the Valley are strong supporters! I hope I won't have too many riotous incidents to report after next weekend.
In the meantime we hope you all have a lovely Christmas - and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Cordelia
Posted: Tuesday 7th November 2006, 09:16
Well over a month has passed already since the Llanthony Show and Autumn is fast approaching. Since that lovely day in August we have been busy at lots of other shows ? Llanigon, Longtown and Usk with lots of rosettes and happy smiling faces coming home.
It was lovely to see our youngest helper Jessie (remember her poem on a previous update?) back on the road to fitness again after missing out on the fun in August ? she missed the whole of her summer holidays when she was very poorly in hospital. She now has her official green jacket and helped us out with trekking on her birthday weekend at the beginning of September. Thanks for all your help Jessie, we are all so glad you are getting better, and thanks to Jessie?s mum Tracey for providing us with cups of tea, seeing to the yard laundry and doing some hairdressing for us.
Jessie shares her birthday with Tom, who this year arranged a very special birthday treat for him and his friends. On the day of their birthdays the sun was shining and eight horses and riders piled into the lorry and two trailers to drive down to the Pembrey Country Park (just past Llanelli) where they had great fun hacking around a forest with lots of jumps and then ending up at the beach for a gallop through the surf. Dave at the riding centre was a great guide and joined in all the fun. Thanks to Colin, Kris and Paula for driving ? its not easy when fully loaded with horses.
Tom took Shadow of course, accompanied by Cressy on Punch, Katie was on Mercury, Annabel took Saira, Steffi was on Ace as Bryony couldn?t make it, Paula was with her beloved Sparks and Karen rode Murphy. Unfortunately Karen won the prize for falling off that day ? she did it twice, once in the sea! She had a very soggy ride back with Murphy but was still laughing at the end of the day. She even got the first swig of Dave?s hipflask for being the first off! Tom was jealous and jumped off Shadow in the water to get wet too. Everyone has been cleaning salt and sand out of their tack and clothes for days afterwards ? it gets everywhere, but it was well worth it! Thanks for organising a lovely day Tom.
Unfortunately the planned sponsored ride on the 17th Sept has been cancelled by the organisers, a bit disappointing but customers will be pleased to know we are now trekking on 17th September instead. We hope to get involved in other sponsored rides next season to raise money for good causes.
Plenty more going on in the Autumn, what with the Horse of the Year Show coming up soon at the NEC, ?BryonyFest? in October (Bryony?s birthday celebration weekend in the bunkbarn), the guides? trail ride at the end of the season and the Llanthony Show Dinner and Dance in November, so watch this space for more updates on what the guides get up to when off duty.
Once again if you interested in having a trekking horse or pony on loan over the winter please get in touch and have a word with Tom.
We still have bookings available for riding until the end of October, so get on the phone or email and book in while you can. Hopefully the good weather will last a bit longer!
Bye for now
Love Karen.
Posted: Saturday 16th September 2006, 00:20
It was a wonderful day yesterday. The Show I mean - what other important happenings are there on the first Saturday in August each year?
Kate, Karen, Steffi and Pete all entered the Trekking class riding Ebony, Morwyn, Murphy, and Pete rode Freddie, Faye's horse - many of you will remember him, and even ridden him - and he won Second Prize. Well done Faye (and Pete!). Trevelog's Flossie, a lovely Snowflake Appaloosa, deservedly carried off First Prize. There were lots of other classes for horsey people to watch - stallions, foals, hunters, "the pony with the prettiest face" and "best Thelwell look-a-like".
Dogs too in the Dog Show, with such gleaming coats and eager faces - such orderly precision, only to degenerate into chaos in the dog races in the main ring! The Monmouthshire Hunt rode in looking splendid in their red coats, the hounds keeping together tightly as is their wont. The children were all invited into the ring to stroke the hounds, which were so friendly and beautifully soft and silky. Not everything went entirely according to plan. The sheep being rounded up in the Sheep Dog Trials demonstration managed to escape into the horse jumping ring and were finally rounded up by the young riders, their jumping class having been rudely interrupted.
There were races for everyone - the Fell Race for the super fit, all sorts of children's games, three legged races and sack races with extra big farm sacks for FOUR people (a real skill is required here - many just sank to the ground in hysterical laughter).
And, of course, the competition of the day (for us) - the Decorated Floats. Each year we try and outdo one another - the Cwmyoy crowd, Trevelog's Trekking Centre, Fforest Coalpit, and others - such stiff competition, and this year Fforest Coalpit won First Prize and the coveted Rose Bowl (bad luck - you'll have to clean it Fforest Coalpit!) Have a look at our Gallery page in a couple of day's time and I will be certain to put some photos on there. And Jessie, sitting in a London hospital obviously unable to make it this year, we look forward to you joining the float again next year - we are just not as good as your Mum with the sewing machine!
I'm determined to mention so many exciting things at the Show that this Update is going to be very long! Perhaps there should be a short intermission - imagine a delicious sheep's milk ice cream made by Sheppards of Hay-on-Wye - just one of the stalls round the edge of the field. Local produce was being cooked with invitations to eat - organic mutton from Mark Morgan and Birgit, our very own Llanthony Lamb, mouth-watering home made sausages, goats' cheese from Trevelog and vegetables grown by Peppe at the bottom of the Valley. You can buy all this too!
The Rodeo always draws the crowd - riders come from far and wide to participate in this sport, and it was the Cornwall lads who won it this year. The wild ponies may be small, but they can throw you off in the blink of an eye!
And at the end of the day great fun was had by all those left on the field with their ponies and horses in the gymkhana. Jumping, racing, desperately biting the apple out of the bucket of water to leap on their horses and fly round the field to reach the winning post. Yells of encouragement reverberated round the Valley, and guess who won? Annabel on Saira, closely followed by Caroline on Tommy - way ahead of anyone else. A super end to the day for Llanthony Riding and Trekking.
Cordelia
Posted: Sunday 6th August 2006, 19:46
There's lots more news to tell even before the show has taken place!
MORE FOALS! Flame has had her foal, a chestnut filly called Firefly - she's beautiful! Lady's foal is a stunning skewbald (brown and white) filly, really pretty. So we now have four babies on the farm and they all play happily together with their mothers looking on calmly. We will try to get some more pictures on the gallery.
The new horses are coming on well, Rosie, Ginger and Gossip. I have been riding Gossip for a couple of weeks and although very new to being ridden and going trekking she is proving to have the potential to be a great guide horse. She is learning fast and over the next few weeks I hope to be doing more work with her at weekends. We have had some gorgeous weather, a little too hot at times for riding, but regular dips in the river at the end of a day's riding keep the horses cool - they love it, splashing around and having a lovely cool drink. The horses are really fit and looking fantastic now - ready for their busiest time of year the long school holidays.
Everyone is looking forward to the Llanthony Valley and District Show on Saturday 5th August and getting ready for it, deciding which classes to enter and organising costumes and scenery for the decorated float - the theme for our float is a secret so come along and see if you can recognise any of your trekking guides! Sparks and Paula make their debut in the show together this year, plenty of jumping lessons and gymkhana practice on the way in the next couple of weeks. So don't forget to book your rides in plenty of time for the holidays, and join us all for a wonderful day out at the show, there's something for everyone and we look forward to seeing you there.
Love from Karen.
Posted: Wednesday 19th July 2006, 22:28
What a wonderful week last week - school holidays, and brilliant weather. I think everybody must have enjoyed it. Our riders certainly did, and were revelling in the fact that Wales managed to get the weather right at last.
And I mustn't forget even more important news. WE NOW HAVE TWO NEW FOALS. Two colts, born to Tom's mares, Penny and Africa, both with spots of various kinds. I'm going to ask Richard (of Genesis Digital Solutions) to put a couple of photos on our website. And if things go really well, I'll even be able to add photos myself soon!
Tom has now finished university and is breaking in two new horses. They are already being ridden out and don't seem at all worried by farm tractors, beer delivery lorries, low flying aircraft or squawking guinea fowl. I think they will be really lovely horses for our 'hackers' to ride next year. Several horses have been taken to stud - we'll just have to see what happens next year.
Lady, our grey mare that many of you will have ridden is expecting a foal in two weeks. We'll keep you posted!
Very best wishes to all,
Cordelia
Posted: Tuesday 6th June 2006, 12:27
It?s started well, with the book full for the Easter holidays. The weather was kind and lots of customers took to the hills on horseback. The first ?Hack Extra? took place just before Easter, a great success! (See customer comments on Update below.) And there are more planned throughout the season.
Katie our new trekking guide is settling in well with her beautiful horse Minnie (an ex-pacer used to racing) and both are getting used to the gentler pace of life in Llanthony.
Sparks and Paula are turning into a winning team, he?s coming on really well and learning all about opening and closing gates, working the line and hanging back from the others. Those two are in their element when on the mountains, with Paula?s experience and Sparks? natural ability as a hill pony, they can?t go wrong!
Rosie and Ginger the two new mares are progressing well with Tom and Cressy getting them introduced to tack and someone on their backs, working on the lunge and long reins. Two super horses in the making! Splodge and Rocky have now retired, and there are a few more who are looking forward to a quieter life with occasional treks.
Caroline and Steffi came along to help during Easter week, along with Jessie (thanks Jessie and Tracey for those lovely Easter treats!), and together with the regular weekenders (Pete, Paula, Keith and Karen) the team worked hard grooming all those moulting horses. Annabel and Tom are now getting ready for exams (good luck both, especially Tom with your finals). They'll be back soon, and, in the meantime, we hope you will take advantage of this lovely weather and come riding in the mountains - we look forward to seeing you.
Love from Karen.
Posted: Wednesday 26th April 2006, 08:45
Our very first 'Hack Extra' was a great success - and I'm sure Emily won't mind me quoting from her e-mail:-
"Well, what can i say. I went on the hack extra and it was fabulous- thank you, enjoyed every minute although i have some aches and pains now; they are definately worth it! Bo is such a babe, love him to pieces! Thank you again and hope to see you next year! xx"
I'm glad Cressy managed to find her way on the new route, although it probably adds to the spice of the ride if you're not sure where you are going to end up. But there were no wrong turns, and everyone arrived in time for lunch at an excellent pub.
So what more proof do you need of a really good day's hack for the extra fit or the intrepid.
Our next HACK EXTRA is scheduled for SUNDAY 7 MAY.
Cordelia
Posted: Sunday 23rd April 2006, 15:25
Hi, it's Faye, just managing to write an Update before the season begins.
As you know from recent Updates I'm now the proud mother of a beautiful baby boy - Morgan. He was born on 10 December weighing 8lb 5oz. 15 weeks later he now weighs 18lbs - no problems gaining weight - just like Mum! I've just started him on some hard food and funnily enough his favourite is pureed apple - so not so different from horses after all.
Talking of horses, mine are all fine. Joey's enjoying life with Barry in Chepstow. Plenty of food, multiple rugs and leisurely rides in the surrounding countryside. Heaven, after carrying mother up the mountains most days, looking after trekkers and keeping his fellow workmates in good order.
Freddie's fine - he spent the winter resting, eating hay and growing an incredibly thick coat and long tail. But not for long. He's about to undergo some intense scissor therapy, then be turned into a gathering pony for Jason. I'm not sure who will be in control of who, but I think there'll be some incredibly fit sheep on the Sugar Loaf by the end of the summer!
Bailey, my big horse, is making the most of the next couple of weeks because as soon as Tom gets time to come and get on him for me (as I'm too woosy - he hasn't been sat on for 10 months) then he's in for a shock. I'll be riding him whenever possible - that's if I can get on him. He's 18.2hh and I've gained a few extra pounds.
I'ld like to take this opportunity to wish Kate all the best for the rapidly approaching season which starts THIS SATURDAY, 1 APRIL. I've only met Kate briefly, but she seems lovely, and I'm sure she'll get on great. Kate:- the horses are no problem, but just a few words of warning about the humans.
Cressy and Katie - "The Blue Pair". Will need promoting to a "Green Pair". This won't be difficult. It comes naturally on Sunday mornings (keep plenty of Alka Seltzers in the staff room).
Bryony - Well, Bryony's not too bad, apart from having a spotty horse!
Tom - What can I say Kate? I'm sure you'll make an excellent birthing partner for Tom when his foals all arrive in the spring - Tom's great!
Annabel - Don't let Annabel fool you into saying that she can't groom horses in the mornings because of her dust allergy - the face masks are on the top shelf in the tack room!
Finally there are the Weekenders - Paula, Keith, Pete, Karen and Bob. All fantastic and a great help - especially for rumbling tummies, supplying biscuits and doughnuts at regular intervals throughout the weekend.
Well, Kate, I'm sure that everyone will join me in wishing you all the best for the season, and I hope you have as much fun as I did!
Llanthony Riding and Trekking customers - The Passmore family and all the helpers have been fantastic over the past few years and I've thoroughly enjoyed working with them. DON'T PANIC! I'll never be far away throughout the summer, maybe even doing the odd half-day trek or hack. I'm sure Morgan will be around on the yard now and then, learning all the tricks of the trade and keeping his eye on things.
All the best!
Get booking those hacks, treks and trail rides asap.
Love
FAYE, JASON and MORGAN
Posted: Thursday 30th March 2006, 10:47
Hello and greetings to one and all.
We have had an unusually busy spell this winter advertising and interviewing for new staff, preparing for the coming season and we are all at opposite ends of the country!!!
Faye and Morgan are doing really well, despite almost calling the vet for a bout of colic! Faye came round to join in with the Birthday celebrations last weekend, it was a birthday bash for Cressy, Faye, Paula, Karen and Amanda all in one go. Faye has loaned her trusty black steed, Joey, to Barry and I?m sure it will be a great partnership. She has also agreed to come and help out occasionally (Baby permitting) so we have not lost her expertise.!!
Paula has spent the winter getting to know Sparks and bar a few hiccups both are progressing into potential winners. She has even started to buy him personalised tack so I think he will be staying a while.
Finding someone to come and help with the trekking this season has proved an interesting task, we have met many lovely people and have decided to employ 2 girls to work together. Melissa and Katie are great fun and we look forward to a successful 2006.
Cressy and I also couldn?t resist going to have a look at a couple of youngsters a friend of ours had recommended, and yes you guessed it, they came home with us..!! They are 2 half bred fillies that should prove a huge asset to our herd. They were bought with an idea in mind, we have decided to offer more rides to experienced riders as well as the rides we operate for people who have never sat on a horse before. We are organising a few dates for trail rides, that will be offered to a small group of experienced riders only and run by Cressy and her friend Katie. We are also going to try and run some EXTRA hacks that cover a greater distance with more speed, this again is available to small groups of experienced riders and allows us to use routes previously not used due to taking too long.
We are not just concentrating on our more experienced customers, we have brain stormed ideas to work with the National Park and local farmers enabling us to clear some new routes for us to try out in the summer.
Melissa and Katie are going to have their work cut out for them in the run up to the start of the season, 1st April, collecting horses from their winter homes and ensuring horses and tack are ready to start work. Cressy and I will also be busy as the 2 new fillies are not trained yet and need some attention. Bryony and Annabel will not be getting out of it easily either as it will take a while for Melissa and Katie to fully understand the way we work, so all hands on deck for the start of the season.
I know Karen is itching to start riding again and, knowing him, Pete will not be far away on the first weekend.
A few more things to get ready, a few saddles to be mended, new numnahs to buy and headcollers to wash and we shall be ready..!!
Hope to see you all very soon, I can?t wait for Easter??. Tom ?x-
Posted: Thursday 9th February 2006, 20:02
It's all right - we didn't all drown at the New Year Swim - we just aren't very focused on writing updates in this quiet (and cold) time.
The New Year fancy dress party was a great success as usual, with Paula winning 1st prize as a Geisha girl. We then had 15 swimmers on New Year's Day, with about 120 spectators - great fun.
It is only 6 weeks now until we start shoeing the horses and getting ready for the season to atart on 1 April.
Colin
Posted: Sunday 29th January 2006, 14:19
We are currently advertising for 2 guides for next season. If anyone knows of suitable candidates who would fit in with us all here in Llanthony, even if just for one season, then get them to look at the "jobs" tab.
I'll get someone else to do the next update soon, with news of Faye and Morgan, and, of course, the Half Moon fancy dress party and the New Year Swim!
Thanks for your support in 2005, and very best wishes for 2006.
Colin
Posted: Friday 30th December 2005, 15:30
A baby boy was born last night - Morgan - 8lb 5oz - and mother and baby are doing well. We wish Faye all the best with motherhood - we think it will suit her excellently.
We are looking forward to a future with little feet mingling with big hooves, not to mention a new rodeo rider for the Llanthony Show.
Well done, Faye. And, of course, Jason.
Posted: Sunday 11th December 2005, 23:29
Things are fairly quiet on the farm right now. Most of the horses are away enjoying their winter breaks, either out in the hunting field or just hacking out with friends. But it hasn?t been this way all the time since we said goodbye to you all at the end of October??.
The guides had a fun (but not relaxing) weekend after trekking ended with a two day trail ride organised by Cressy and Katie. This was a ?dry? run (see later for a weather report!) for what may turn out to be longer hacks and trail rides for customers next year ? we will have to wait and see so watch this space.
Anyway, the weekend guides had all sorts of treats lined up by Cressy and Katie, who styled the ride like an airline trip, including complimentary in flight refreshments (G&T?s and peanuts were provided) and lots of entertainment. Everyone had to wear fancy dress and a few strange looks were received from the unsuspecting members of the public out for a walk or a drive on the way to the Castle at Pengennford where there is a very comfy bunkbarn and lots of very good hospitality from Heather the landlady and her family.
The weather was unkind, with the intrepid riders battling against wind, fog and rain and arriving at their stopover on Saturday night in the dark and the wet. The horses came first though, with a bucket of food for supper and a grateful pat on the nose from the exhausted trail riders. Good fun was had by all, and Paula won the prize for best fancy dress with her ?bunnygirl? outfit consisting of a pair of rabbit ears (well she is Paula BURROWS!) and a fluffy tail. Other outfits included Buffy (Katie) and the vampire (Cressy), Keith was a Jockey, Pete was, well, Cowboy Pete (what else) and Karen was WPC Bruton complete with a whistle! Bryony wore her hula skirt but had to ditch the lovely blonde wig as it was too hot under her riding hat.
They arrived safely back at the yard the next day with muddy faces and empty hip flasks, tired but happy, as were the horses who did marvellously on such a long ride.
Then of course the next weekend it was the annual Dinner & Dance organised by the Llanthony Show Committee, again held at the 3 Counties Hotel in Hereford. It was hard to recognise people you normally see in outdoor farming and country/riding wear. It was mostly dinner jackets and evening gowns with everyone making a special effort to look their best ? a wonderful excuse to dress up! Colin and Cordelia dominated the dance floor, which was never empty the whole evening thanks to a very good band from London. Thanks to Doug for booking them, we all hope they will be back next year.
It was lovely to see Kathryn our former gamekeeper again, very svelte all in black with a splash of colour. Paula was stunning in green silk, Karen was all sparkly in sequins, Bryony those red shoes were to DIE FOR!!! Tom very Smart but Casual, Cressy with very sparkly new shoes and Annabel and Katie showing off their lovely slim figures - in fact everyone looked great! A wonderful evening was had by all with good food, good music and good company.
So things go quiet again now in the run up to Christmas, and I in particular will take the opportunity to have a good rest and relax before next season. I said goodbye to Splodge my favourite pony on the yard a couple of weeks ago as he went off to his winter home, and if he is a very good boy he may get to retire there ? a sad moment for me but a happy one for him.
Wishing all our customers and friends a very happy Christmas and a great New Year!
We will put more information here about the start of next season in due course.
Lots of love from
Karen
Posted: Tuesday 29th November 2005, 11:31
Hello,
I can?t believe it?s the end of the season, and what a season it?s been too!
- Faye?s fantastic announcement
- Paula?s search for her perfect horse and friend
- The new faces among our helpers, Caroline, Stephie, Sophie and Alex, and among our horses, Cracker, Denny, Troy
- Launch of Llanthony Court Stud, still in ideas stages, but has seen the presence of our Appaloosa stallion, Blue Moon owned by Tony Smith; the arrival of two new babies Bramble and L?aani, and a few foals expected during the 2006 season.
- The great expertise our fab weekenders portrayed with the increased responsibility of running the yard after I disappeared back to uni
Faye is well and very close now to her due date, end of November, we are all thoroughly looking forward to welcoming little Faye, I?m sure he/she will be a little angel and allow mum to still come round and ride a bit with us next year.
Sparks is behaving himself and is settling in well, Paula has been able to ride him on a few treks and he is really proving his metal. He was quite timid when he arrived and not sure of things, but Paula has worked hard and together they are beginning to achieve the starts of what could be a great partnership. Well Done Paula, and Good Luck through the winter, we are looking forward to next year to see the pair of you in action!
As you have seen this year there have been a few new faces around the yard, and I hope you agree with me in saying they did very well to fit into our routine in a friendly and professional manner. A huge thank you to Caroline, Stephie, Sophie and Alex. (Also to Jessie Carter our guide in training who has helped out from time to time throughout the season and her mum Tracie who keeps us supplied with cups of tea when she is around!)
New ideas have been underway, (much to Dads dismay), to launch Llanthony Court Stud, well to be honest it may just be me getting a bit carried away! We are looking after a lovely kind Appaloosa stallion who has his mother?s laid back easy nature, (He is Lady?s son), and his father?s breathtaking looks. After the success of our two little 2005 babies we have had a few more mares covered this year. This year?s mums, Penny and Flame are back in foal, Penny to our stallion Blue Moon, and Flame to a rather exciting competition stallion called Just-T. Africa, my little mare and another of Penny?s daughters, is in foal to a spotted German competition stallion. We also have a few trekking mares that have been running with stallions, Lady is back in foal to Luke, the father of Blue Moon and Ace. Morwyn, Toots, Fortune and Rio have also been covered but the vet has yet to confirm if they are pregnant. Fortune and Rio went to our stallion, while Morwyn and Toots visited an outside stallion who is very big and hairy. Fingers crossed for some beauties next year!
We have found some loving homes for our hard working horses over the winter months when we stop riding, a variety of different occupations best suited to the individual horses? needs. We wish all those families the best of luck and hope you have a lot of fun this winter.
Finally I?d like to add a huge ?thanks? to Paula, Karen, Pete and Keith, Cressy and Katie for taking control after I ran off back to uni, (eek.. final year!!). Any additional news I?ll hand over to them as I have been away from the excitement for 6 weeks now.
Hope everyone had a great year and we look forward to see what next season brings.
Bestest Wishes
Tom
And now for Paula?s bit:
Well, for all those who know Tom, going back to university and handing over the running of the yard to the weekend guides was a major headache for him. However, with a weekly email or phone call update from me to let him know how fantastic it has been he has been quite relaxed over the whole thing ? the phone calls did last almost an hour!
The horses have all been really well behaved for us, not too much mickey taking, the hardest part has been keeping up to date with the washing ? too much mud and gunk and the poor new washing machine has had a hard time of it. It has now gone on strike, but at least there is a whole winter for it to rest, a bit like us ? ooh for a weekend lie in!
I have a winter of schooling and fun rides planned for Sparks who is fabulous, fantastic, ace ooh I?m 12 again let?s play! I?m so excited, I just can?t hide it etc etc. He has been working as a guide horse for the last couple of weeks with me and is proving to be just the best ? look out for us next year.
Watch out for a further update next month when we can tell you all about our ?off-duty? fun and what we get up to in the winter months.
Have a great winter, a very merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!
From Paula and all at Court Farm and Llanthony Riding & Trekking
Posted: Tuesday 8th November 2005, 00:00
Well, things have been changing since the Llanthony Show and there are a few bits of news to tell you about.
Faye and Jason have now moved from ?52 Cow View? above the yard to a lovely cottage at the reservoir in the next valley and are busily getting things ready for the birth of their baby in November. Both Faye and baby are doing very well and we wish all three of them the very best for the future.
We must say a big thanks to Caroline who worked for five weeks over the summer helping with the trekking and also to Alex who has been helping out for the last few weeks before going back to Uni in Durham this week.
Tom, who has been very busy during the summer with the trekking has now gone back to his studies at Leeds Uni, and Annabel is also back at Bristol.
Because of this we can now only ride at weekends until the end of the season (the last day?s trekking is Sunday 30th October) so get booked in if you are hoping to visit before then. Paula, Karen and Pete, our willing weekend guides will be looking forward to taking you out before they and the horses get a well earned rest over the winter months.
There is one exception to the weekends only riding and that is for the week of 24th October (half term for many) when Cressy will be taking hacks out. So if you are an experienced rider (hacking is a fast ride with plenty of cantering over a longer distance) then do contact us as soon as you can to book in for riding during that week.
Most of our horses have been found homes for their winter holidays now, but we do have some still to be placed. Therefore if you are interested in looking after a horse or pony until about Easter next year please get in touch with us. Horses come with tack and a full set of shoes. You are responsible for any vet or farrier bills whilst the horse or pony is with you, and we expect them to have reasonable shoes on when they come back to us. Colin and Tom are organising the placements and will be able to tell you much more if you call.
Of the few horses staying on the farm this winter is an exciting new addition to the Llanthony family ? Paula has bought a new horse and is making excellent progress already. Sparks is a 7year old, 15 hand bay cob type gelding, very pretty and very sweet natured. He knows the mountains and just needs to get to know about pony trekking. Paula has been schooling him already and he is a clever and willing student. Thanks to Tom for helping and advising!
A couple of weeks ago Paula, Karen, Tom and Colin took part in a 15 mile sponsored ride and raised between them over ?200 for the British Heart Foundation. This was an event organised by the British Horse Society and was well attended. Colin rode his own pony Bo, Tom rode Shadow, Paula was on Ace and Karen rode Joey. All of them thoroughly enjoyed the day and want to say a big thanks to everyone who sponsored them. It is hoped the event will be repeated next year.
We look forward to seeing you before the end of season, don?t forget, let us know if you are interested in having, and have suitable accommodation for a horse or pony over the winter.
Karen
Posted: Friday 30th September 2005, 08:06
It?s most surreal being just a ?weekender? in Llanthony now. I try to get back once or twice a month to ride my Ace and Tommy and help out with the trekking.
I moved to London in February, I?m living in Battersea with Katie ? who keeps her horse, Mercury, at Court Farm. After a brief stint ?temping? just finding work here and there I was lucky to find myself a job at Standard Chartered Bank, an overseas Bank with it?s Head Quarters right in the heart of ?The City of London?. So it?s the highlife for me now ? skirts, suits and high heels all the way, and I?m absolutely Loving It!
Life in Llanthony goes on without me (only just), and is very busy with the summer holidays in full swing and lots of people coming to ride. All the horses and ponies are well; Denny has recovered having had a few stitches in his chest; Cracker, the most recent addition to the bunch, is learning the ropes quickly; and for his first season Troy is doing wonderfully. My Tommy is enjoying a life of partial retirement because my 5 year old Ace has been trained up and has become my chief guide horse number 2. Tommy has set some hard tracks to follow.
It was, of course, the Llanthony Show on the 6th of August ? which was again a great day. It started off with a little drizzle but by the afternoon the sun came out and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Events of the day started with Caroline riding Barney in the under 14h Trekking Class and winning ? very well done to them both ? a great team of young and old. Caroline went on the take Barney in some of the jumping classes and again doing well. Annabel took Saira to do some jumping also, and did good sight better then last year (when Saira tried to run out of the jumping ring!). The over 14h Trekking Class saw Tom and Monty take 3rd place and Karen parading Rocky, only to be beaten by Lou on Tramp and Cathy on Floss (both Trevelog), well done to them.
THE MOST EXCITING NEWS OF THE DAY, Llanthony Riding and Trekking and friends came FIRST in the decorated Float competition. A lot of hard work was put in by all, but an extra special ?pat on the back? should go to Keith, Kris and Bob for hammering, and nailing, and rigging, and sawing, and drilling, and transforming a boring flat trailer into a MAGNIFICENT Pirate ship. The Black Shadow (Paula came up with the name in honour of Tom?s horse Shadow) she was called, oo ar me hearties!
Mentions should of course go to Tracy for sewing that beautiful Mermaid?s tail and other embroideries such as Skull and Crossbone bandanas and the Jolly Roger, also to Annabel and the Numpties (Charlie and Holly) for painting. Add the finishing touches of Captain Michael, First Mate Rachel Burrows, Jessie, Tracy, Annabel, Pete (+ ?Pieces of 8? sitting on his shoulder), Bob, Karen ? ooo arr great garter, Paula ? with her modest (!) basque, Tom and Bryony and Ta Daa one truly award winning, amazingly spectaular, best on the field, WE ARE THE WINNERS, Llanthony Riding and Trekking float! Not that we aren?t at all modest about it ? we have beaten back those scurvy sea dogs Cwmyoy at long last.
So what other news ?
Faye?s doing great, making plans with Jason to move over to the next valley to prepare for the baby, which is due November. We wish them loads of luck, and hope they?ll come back to visit us often. It has been most strange this summer not having Faye on the yard working with us.
Amanda and George have taken over the Half Moon Pub across the field from Tony Smith and are putting plenty of elbow grease into sprucing the place up a little.
Other faces you may see around this summer ? Jamie, who?s riding in between his shifts in the Abbey; Sophie, who used to trek with us years ago and has now come to do some work; Caroline, young and keen and learning quickly; Alice, Rebecca, Katie and of course Cressy have all been working hard to give riders an enjoyable experience.
All - in - all it?s a fun and friendly place to be, so if you haven?t already been this year hurry and book in before the holidays are over. Who needs the sun or overseas to have a great time? We don?t! (well perhaps a little sun?s nice in Wales!)
Bryony
Posted: Saturday 27th August 2005, 14:18
It's no good! Tom is doing all sorts of different things at the moment, and hasn't told everyone about his new foals! So Mum will have to do it.
They were both born within an hour or so of each other last month - Bramble is a black and white colt born to Penny, and Flame's baby is a filly called Lady Krayaani (because her father is an Arab called Krayaan Dilmun). They are, of course, absolutely beautiful, and I'll try to get to grips with photo technology and put them on the website. Or - you could come riding here and see them for yourselves.
A short while ago Jessie came riding with us (again) and wrote a poem about Llanthony. This was when the weather was cold and wet - can you remember when it was cold and wet? It's so hot here it's difficult to realize that Llanthony manages to clock up 60 inches of rain a year! This will remind you.
LLANTHONY
by Jessie
Clip clop, clip clop,
They trot down the road.
Clip clop, clip clop,
Munch on the grass freshly mowed.
Dressed all in green
With Faye as their boss,
Trotting here and there,
The horses don't ever get cross.
Old and young,
They will take them all,
On a horse big, small or just right,
But, don't worry, you'll never fall.
'Hack' or a 'trek', what will you do?
Quite experienced, do a 'hack',
Total beginner, do a 'trek'.
Whatever you do, DO bring your mac!
Jessie will be here again for the Llanthony Show. (As I hope you will be.) I must get her to write some more for us.
Love to all our readers
'Mum', alias Cordelia
Posted: Monday 11th July 2005, 22:32
Hiya, (said with a northern twang)..!!
The season began in earnest this year as Easter spung early; Faye decided to clip the horses' chests out as the sudden work burden with huge woolly coats could prove difficult for our little darlings.! We were pretty fully booked for the entire Easter break, FANTASTIK,,,,even the horses seemed to relish the riding, getting back out into the hills and earning a nice hearty meal after a good day's work.
Poor Whiskey was kicked after the first day's trekking and after a visit from the vet was put out with the newborn lambs, and the extremely heavily pregnant Penny, to mend. Thankfully with a month's rest he has come sound again, but excessive eating and no work has done few favours for his waist-line..!!!
Penny is INCREDIBLE. She looks like she is going to produce 50 big healthy babies, everyone ogles at the shear size of her and the foal is not due until June 1st. She is looking so well with a nice shiny coat and tries to run around with the youngsters but her tummy keeps getting in the way.. Role on June? How exciting..!! Not forgetting that not only is she to become a mum again this year for the fourth time, but she is also going to become a grandma, as Flame is due to foal on June 14th.
With Sunny, Nutmeg, Suzi and Major all retired the new horses are having to prove themselves worthy of carrying the Llanthony name. Troy has been a huge success, at only 4 years of age he is showing experience belying his youth, he is ridden mainly by guides at this stage but does go hacking occationally because he is sooo good. Denny was off to a good start showing serious potential in the schooling ring and genuine attitude to work, however he bruised his foot after only 2 weeks and had to have a couple of weeks off, but is now back in work as a guide horse weekends.
Cracker had to make up lost ground because he didn?t settle quietly into our tie-up line, biting the horses on either side, naughty boy.!!! But a firm hand and some hard work has proved the making of a top class horse. He has worked extremely hard over the Easter break, hacking out every day for several weeks. Due to his beautiful paces and comfortable, kind riding style he will also be a huge asset.
Unfortunately not all has been sugar coated for us at the start of 2005, poor Paula has got to yet again be on the look out for a new horse, Bobby just didn?t take to pony trekking and, well, has to go..!! Don?t worry Paula we will find the best horse in the world, specially for you..!!
Anywhoodiddley, I really should stop waffling on, we all look forward to seeing everyone out and about the hillsides of Llanthony sometime in the near future..!!!! (hint hint)? I finish uni in about 4 weeks for a nice long summer,, yeay..!!! Faye is organising the yard at home making all the horses look beautiful, waiting to take you riding..!
See you all soon,
Bestest Wishes
Tom
Posted: Monday 25th April 2005, 19:19
Hi, it's Faye.
I'm finally back on the payroll, so I thought I should write an update!
Trekking starts on Good Friday, 25 March, so make sure you all get booked in. Our horses are now ready to start a new season and are keen to see you.
WE may have had a lazy winter, but Tara, Whiskey, Morwyn and Murphy have been having fun in the Herefordshire countryside with Steven and family, hunting regularly, clipped out, stabled, rugged up and eating Steven out of house and home.
Archie and Fury have also been spoilt rotten with Lex and family enjoying pleasure hacks and the odd day's hunting. Well done boys!
Fortune, Sunny and Lady have been on vacation as pampered pets in lovely homes. Thanks Amy, Jenny and Stephanie.
Nutmeg went on loan to Kate and her daughters who spoil and love her so much that she will be living with them permanently for a quieter life teaching the girls to ride.
All your other favourites have been relaxing in our fields and are equally as keen to get back to work!
EXCITING NEWS:- There are four new faces joining the yard this season.
Cracker - A big, flashy traditional Chestnut Cob, bought a few months ago.
Troy - Morwyn's four-year old son. Broken last summer. Proving to follow in his mother's footsteps.
Denny - Another four-year old that came to Court Farm last year and we hope he will be carrying clients later in the year.
Bobby - Finally Paula has found a replacement for Buster. Arriving on St Patrick's day is apt as he's an import from Ireland. Let's hope he finds our mountains as easy as the hunting fields in Ireland!
NOW FOR YOUR TWO-LEGGED FRIENDS:-
I've been having a fairly relaxing winter helping on local farms, taking my crazy spaniel, Bracken, out with our pheasant shoot, washing chicken sheds and anything else that brings in the odd pennies.
Paula's been desperately looking for and falling off prospective guide horses in between skiing in America. Karen's been spending time at home with hubby, visiting us on the odd weekend and doing what she loves best - shopping!
Pete's found that retirement has given him even more time to spend doing what he loves most. He's been taking hacks out at his local stables in the Midlands. I think they are trying to poach him - NO CHANCE!
Bob's still a familar face in the valley, meeting his friends for a relaxing pint in the Abbey at weekends.
Cressy and Katie have been playing hard riding most weekends, usually to the nearest pub!
Bryony has finally left Llanthony for the bright lights of London - can the city cope?
Tom and Annabel are both working hard at university - SO THEY SAY!
Let's hope that the coming season will be as fun as the last few.
See you all soon.
FAYE
Posted: Friday 18th March 2005, 00:30
Happy New Year from Llanthony (well, Birmingham actually).
The end of the season feels like a long time ago now - but fun was had by all on the last weekend of riding - including me and Bryony ending up covered in mud after our last hack of the season! I am still cleaning it out of my boots and coat! We said goodbye to many of the horses and ponies for the winter as they departed for their winter holiday homes. Many are hunting and all are being pampered and generally spoiled rotten with luxuries they don't get in the summer months. After that the guides and workers from the farm all got together in the bunkbarn for a weekend of good food, good company and lots of fun. The ice skating plan failed (much to Faye's relief) as there was a big rugby match on next door to the rink, however instead we tried Go-karting - excellent fun and very competitive. Then ten pin bowling where Colin showed us a hidden talent with a bowling ball - a mis-spent youth? Maybe! Party games in the bunkbarn and late nights were a must - thanks to Colin and Cordelia for the use of the barn and for joining in with so much enthusiasm whilst being very busy getting ready for the shooting season.
The following week another fun evening ensued with the annual Llanthony Valley and District Show Dinner and Dance. A good meal and good wine at the County Hotel in Hereford were followed by speeches and then entertainment from a live band that got everyone dancing. Everyone looked very smart, the men were dashing in their dinner jackets (Pete you looked fab!) and the ladies were elegant in their beautiful gowns (wow Paula that was a stunning dress!). The final ride of the year took place on the Sunday after the Dinner & Dance with the guides and remaining horses having a last blast through the forestry and a competition to see who could get the muddiest! (Me and Bry had already practised this one and managed to "get" most of the others.)
Paula hasn't found a new horse yet, she is waiting to find the right one, hopefully there will be a new face to introduce to all the ponies at the start of the new season.
We look forward to welcoming you all at Easter for another great season with Llanthony Riding and Trekking, so don't forget to book early.
Love from Karen (stuck in Birmingham with no riding).
Posted: Friday 7th January 2005, 18:19
Hello, greetings to one and all.
I am (supposedly) busy up here in Leeds working hard towards my degree. But I keep finding myself eating roast Hereford beef with.....get this....yorkshire pudding....he he he. DELICIOUS. I just can't help myself. In my degree I am learning all about cattle feed and nutrition so I thought I would just investigate how one tastes as food..mmmm yummy.....
I am going to a proud Daddy in June twice over, no I haven't got some poor northern lass pregnant. Penny was scanned in foal to a handsome Gypsy Vanner stallion called "Splash" so fingers crossed for a smart healthy foal at the beginning of June. And Flame, the lucky lady, went to visit a stunning Asil Arabian stallion from the island kingdom of Bahrain, he is a striking chestnut standing at 16hh. (I hope she enjoyed it more then my poor wallet).!! Take a look on www.pi-arabians.freeserve.co.uk. Fortune was running with Blue Moon, a kind, spotted stallion, for a little while in the summer but to no avail. We may try again in the coming summer but I think it may be her decision in the end.
The summer was also a very hard time for me as I realised my first child was ready to fly the nest. Flash was too little for me to do him justice, as you will know he was a sweet LITTLE pony. Caroline rode him for me for a few weeks and even took him to a couple of shows, where he did very well. Even won a rossette or two. I found a suitable home for him in Oxfordshire where he will be extremely well loved and get to do all the things he can't wait to do. Sophie, his new owner, has a few years of pony club left and plans to get to the top with Flash doing mounted games. He has already won his first championship..!!! Well done Sophie.! See his new home at www.turvillevalleystud.co.uk. All the good fun things he is now doing helps me at times when I miss him, I have even been caught crying once or twice. A special Thank you to Caroline for all her help with Flash over the summer. I hope you are coming back next year because I'll need some help with Africa. I would also like to take this moment to think of Paula, who had to sell her horse "Buster" over the summer as well. He is now at a top home doing dressage...!! get him and his posh socks..! Lets all hope by the next update Paula will have found another stunning horse to ride, but this time one that doesn't have high asperations of ballet dancing...!!!!!
As usual I couldn't help myself and I went and bought another horse, "Summer". She is a big black Hanovarian X Welsh Cob yearling filly. I can tell she will be a stunner in a couple of years. Hopefully she will be a great horse for me to try out new disciplines in future, dressage, showjumping...Denny is coming along well, I have ridden him a little and he will probably be used as my guide horse next year, along with Shadow, because he is a little more spritely than some of the other horses. He can be forgiven for the moment because he is still a baby, and if he turns out fantastic, as I am positive he will, he can ride the mountains alongside our other fab horses in the trekking line up. Troy has been broken in and, although he needs a lot more work, is proving to be just as good as his mother, our first class horse, Morwyn. Saira's filly, Aroha, is growing very big and strong, she really is beautiful. I am going home this weekend to visit all my lovely, dirty, hairy horses who are getting themselves prepared for winter. Not much time left to ride this year, the last day is Sunday 31st October, pick up the phone quick.....01873 890359.
Bry is at home doing a computer course and playing hockey for Abergavenny ladies hockey team. Faye and our great team are working hard, only a short time to go.. then all those saddles and bridles and numnahs to clean before the winter... Good luck Faye..!!
Bestest wishes to everyone hope to see you soon.... TOM
Posted: Thursday 21st October 2004, 23:51
The trekking year is drawing to a close rapidly now, you only have until the last weekend in October to book up for your last treks and hacks of the 2004 season. We could still have some good weather, but do come prepared with waterproofs and wellies if you can!
The ponies now have their thick winter coats protecting them on the cold nights and many have their winter accommodation all booked and sorted! Several are going away on loan again, some back to last year?s winter homes, so if you are interested in having one of our horses or ponies on loan, with tack, please contact us as soon as possible. Transport can be arranged if necessary.
It has been a very good year, with lots of new and not so new faces joining us for fantastic rides in and around the valley. The ponies worked hard over the summer months and are now looking forward to a rest, as are Faye and all the other guides, except for Tom and Annabel who are working hard at University in Leeds and Bristol.
Karen
Posted: Wednesday 13th October 2004, 19:10
10 days have passed and we still haven't told you about the highlight of the year - THE LLANTHONY SHOW - held Saturday 7 August in amazingly brilliant weather!
Bo and Barney came 3rd and 4th in the Trekking Pony class, with riders Bryony and Charlie. Freddie, rider Tom, did well in the Trekking Horse class, and Punch, Mercury and Rocky took a clean sweep of 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the new Guide Horse class with Cressy, Katie and Karen putting them through their paces.
NEW for this year was the Soap Box Derby. Don't think that that's an old orange box with pram wheels attached and a bit of string! Oh no! There was much engineering skill involved with each design, and stong competition as they hurtled down the slope of our Bugle Field ending with handbrake turns in the ring.
All the sports, children's games and dog races were splendidly chaotic as usual; the fell runners did really well in the blistering heat, and the highlight of the day was the fierce and close competition in the decorated floats class. Harry Potter's 'Hogwarts' float and John Biden's 'lot' with 'Grease' were vying with the Llanthony Riding and Trekking's 'Travelling Circus' for the judge's approval. Hogwarts' flying broomsticks were just superb, Steve McClusky's greasy DA hair do was a sight to behold and, Sue, we dare you to wear those Olivia Newton John trousers trekking with Trevelog! The 'Circus' had wild animals with trainer, a trapeze artist, juggler, dog trainer, high wire cyclist, strong woman, Charlie the live cannon ball, cartwheeling clowns and Karen the Ringmaster keeping them all in order. And you thought that all we do here is riding! In the end we won 2nd prize with the Harry Potter crew winning (again) - but watch out for next year, the Cwmyoy crowd's winning streak will come to an end!!!
The day drew to a close with some excellent riders in the rodeo and fun in the gymkhana - we were all cheering loudly for Tom on Shadow and Caroline on Flash. And thanks to those excellent riders from the Jackson family who gave everyone a run for their money.
To all of you who came along - thanks for your support. To those of you who didn't - try and make it next year. Always the first Saturday in August.
Posted: Tuesday 17th August 2004, 12:06
Well it's the summer holidays once again. The Passmore crowd are all home, Annabel back from travelling 'down under', she has plenty of exciting and interesting stories from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Tom and Bryony are back from University, and with them a new friend, Sarah. Sarah was found doing Zoology with Bryony and is fitting in very well learning all the routes, routines and most difficultly the difference between all those coloured horses. Good Luck Sarah!
All the horses are looking and feeling really well and are ready for the holidays, lets hope this summer will be as fun and busy as last year.
Fortune, Penny and Flame have been to see a Stallion so all fingers are crossed there'll be a few foals running around this time next year. This year we do have one little bay filly 'Aroha', mummy 'Saira' (Annabels mare) is very proud.
Already we are seeing so many of you that come back every year, it really makes our job worth the while and tonnes of fun to be meeting new people as well as seeing old familiar faces every day, we'll look forwards to seeing many more.
We are also all getting ready for the Llanthony show, this year Saturday the 7th of August, there are plans of some horses being entered in the 'Trekking Pony Class', Faye wants to take Murphy and there will no doubt be a few more. Tom will be doing some jumping with Shadow, as will Cressy and Katie with Punch and Mercury.
We are planning a Llanthony Riding and Trekking Decorated Float this year, after doing so well last year coming second with our 'Women of the Wild West', we have set our sights on beating the Cwmyoy Crowd and come first this year. Watch this space? We cannot, unfortunatly, disclose the information as to what it will be this year.. BUT.. I can tell you that we will have Keith, Paula, Karen, Pete, Bob and many more friends looking quite a spectacle so you must not miss it.
We have a new horse, a chestnut, 3 year old gelding called Denny. Tom will be his sole guardian and owner until next year when we can see if he will be happy to join in with all the other trekking horses and ponies.
For now let's all hope the weather will get brighter, (mainly so that Bryony and Sarahs tans will be better then Emmas when she gets back from Mexico).
See you all soon we hope.
Bryony
Posted: Sunday 18th July 2004, 20:55
A really good week has just passed - half-term holidays - lots of good weather and lots of happy people. It was great fun, but it's taken all this week to recover!
Not that we've been sitting down doing nothing! The scouts rode this week, and finished off with a barbecue in the field, and we've had other group evening rides too.
Don't forget our evening rides!!! We need six of you - more than that, and the organizer goes free. We only do this until the middle of July, so don't miss the opportunity; make an evening of it and finish with a drink in the Abbey.
The LLANTHONY SHOW is looming. SATURDAY 7 AUGUST. The schedules are out - so give us a ring if you would like us to send you one - 01873 890359. Or, better still, phone the secretary, Jane Tooley, on 01873 890551. There are some new cake classes for the men to enter, and I hope you are all feeding your marrows with that special ingredient to make them the biggest and best for the first Saturday in August. Much thought is being given to the decorated floats, and youngsters (and those that think they are still young) are honing their muscles ready for the rodeo.
Best wishes to all. Cordelia.
Posted: Friday 11th June 2004, 22:43
The new trekking season has started well, with a steady flow of customers for the first two weeks and then a big crowd of eager people wanting to ride last weekend (Easter) and all this week! Every horse and pony was used over the weekend and we all enjoyed taking them and you out on to the hills.
The ponies are all now getting really fit and are enjoying their work. We welcomed two new horses onto the yard recently - Rocky and Doodle who are staying with us on loan and are settling in well. We have a new guide for the summer - Polly will helping Faye on weekdays when the volunteer guides are earning enough money at work elsewhere to come to valley each weekend! We also sadly said goodbye to our faithful "2nd in line" pony Donna who finally decided it was time to join her friends in horse heaven. She went peacefully which is all we can ask after the many years of devoted service she has given to us all. So many of us either learned to ride on her or got our confidence back by getting on her, she deserves a well earned rest! Thank you Donna.
Our new guide in training, Jessie, helped us a great deal at Easter and even kept us fed with lots of Easter goodies and we look forward to seeing her again in the next holidays. Tom and Bryony will be returning to university in the next few days and we all look forward to seeing them again too in thenext holidays. Faye and her band of happy helpers will be there in themeantime to look after you all. It has been great to welcome many of the regulars back to the yard in the new season, and we look forward to meeting many more new friends over the next few months. Don't forget to book in advance especially for the holiday periods to avoid the disappointment of turning up when all the horses are booked out.
Karen
Posted: Monday 19th April 2004, 21:46
Our new riding season starts tomorrow - SATURDAY 27 MARCH.
We hope to see you soon!
Posted: Friday 26th March 2004, 21:24
It's been very quiet here on the yard with all the horses either out in the fields, or enjoying some fun on their winter camps. So there is nothing to report from Llanthony Riding and Trekking ??? so we thought we would have a peek at Fred and Monty's diary. They have been spending the winter just south of Abergavenny with Azra and Jo.
Extract from Freddy's diary:-
Well, what can I say, Azra turned up two weeks ago with a new friend. Her name was Leslie, I've seen her before and she certainly smelt familiar. She brought me sugar cubes, so she gets a Brownie point. I had a quiet word with Monty, "take it easy with this one, I know she has more sugar; if we play our cards right we'll be laughing all the way to the dentist".
So off we went on another adventure. I say adventure but they turn out to be more like magical mystery tours. Anyway up the mountain we went. Half way around our trek there were some rather strange noises (the clay pigeon regiment) and just when we thought it was safe for a nice Sunday stroll..................boom......bang..........., that was it for Monty - off he took. Sugar Cube lady had a few choice words for the pigeon brigade, none of which I can repeat, something about Figgie and baskets I think, as she took off with Monty. Gave me a bit of a fright too, it seemed to send me into some kind of uncontrolled bucking bronco fit. Azra earned herself a Cowgirl medal because I couldn't shift her!
Back at the yard Monty was subjected to an hour in the Pony Parlour with Sugar Cube lady meticulously grooming every hair on his body............."that'll not last" I thought to myself. I was right, and as soon as Monty passed the gate to our field, down he went in a nice big, thick, gooey patch of mud, and wasn't he pleased with himself. Ahhhhhh mud!
The next week it was Azra and Fat Bum (Jo) and they decided to try a bit of swopsey; I drew the short straw and got Fat Bum. So off we went again up the mountain - bit windy and a bit cold and wet but no grumbles from either myself or Monty .................. until ............ we reached the top, and this great big, green scary monster (Azra's Coat) started flapping around my head. I swear it was trying to kill me. There was only one thing for it.....fight back ? so with a buck, side step and a jump, off I took. Fat Bum flew through the air and over the back of me.. Lucky for her she landed on her fat rear and strangely appeared to bounce a few times before finally settling in some ferns. I had a feeling there would be no sugar beet for us today!
We have both affectionately been renamed after our little escapade. I am now known as something sounding like Basket, and Monty, who barged down a fence and went for a little wander earlier in the week, has earned himself the name Houdini.
So all is well, honest - we have new shoes, six new friends in our field and more hay than you can shake a stick at. So until the next time, take care.
Love Basket and Houdini.
Posted: Thursday 11th March 2004, 15:19
What?s this ? a part timer contributing to an update? Well, everyone else is getting in on the act so as it?s holiday time why not? (I?m at work really but don?t tell anyone.) We may be only part time but ?Cowboy Pete?, ?Spotty Bum Paula?, ?I?ll fix it Bob? and (not so) ?Slimline Karen? are all missing the trekking enormously!
Those of us who don?t live in the valley start to go a little stir crazy by 1st January although Pete and I are managing to get the occasional hack out locally in Warwickshire ? but it?s just not the same, it?s all flat up here in the Midlands ? no mountains to climb! Paula is having lessons from Faye over the winter on Buster and is helping with Bailey, Faye?s lovely handsome youngster, a gelding with potential! Tom is right though, it?s nice to be taken out for a hack by someone else, even though I usually end up in my rightful place at the back of the ride shutting gates!
It was great to hear Tom?s update on his progress at Leeds Uni (dressage - did I read that right?), together with how all the ponies are doing, but I?m getting worried about Splodge who didn?t get a mention. Knowing him he will be eating his head off somewhere nice and not thinking about me at all. I may have to put Splodge on the Atkins diet if he?s too fat (only joking) as he is such a good ?doer?.
Pete and I are really looking forward to the start of next season, now less than three months away, can you all wait that long? I?m not sure we can. Get on the ?phone to the farm and start booking in ? the ponies will be raring to get back to work after a lazy winter being pampered with buckets of food and rugs and even stables ? sheer luxury for them. The guides will be raring to get back to work too after a boring winter with not much riding, and we (well, me in particular) will have some weight to lose too as well as the ponies after all those mince pies. Atkins diet again for me too ? no jaffa cakes or jammy dodgers on a Saturday morning, so all the more for everyone else.
Here?s hoping you all had a great Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all at the farm and all our customers and friends, past, present and future!
See you all soon
Love from Karen.
Posted: Wednesday 31st December 2003, 13:42
Hello All,
I know, I know, it has been so long since I last spoke to you, but I've
been a busy boy. Well getting to know the nightlife here in Leeds. For those
of you who don't know, I started uni in September up in Leeds studying
Animal Science. It is all going well, not too much work but enough to stop
me getting bored. I have also joined Leeds uni riding club, where I have
been having dressage lessons and going out hacking some weekends as an
opportunity to unwind. It's a nice change to be taken riding by someone else
and just sitting back and enjoying myself.
Bryony and I drove down to Wales a few weeks ago for the Llanthony show
dinner and dance which was a huge success, everybody wearing DJs and ball
dresses instead of muddy boots and jods is quite a sight to behold. Paula
and Karen looked stunning in a black and red floaty dress and a crisp cream
suit respectively and Pete was seen bopping away on the dance floor. Bob and Di's dancing was so energetic it made me feel quite out of breath just
watching them. All in all it was a great night with good food, good music
and even better wine.!!
The yard has come to a stand still with the pony trekking season over for
another year, our last week (I hear from all the way up north) was fantastic
with good weather during half term leading to a good full weeks pony
trekking. Faye had the fun job of tidying up on her own with all of us away in various areas around the place,(Newcastle, Leeds and COSTA RICA!!).
Most of our horses have been found top class homes for the winter months,
where, no doubt, they will be spoilt rotten and loved to bits.
- WHISKEY has gone to Monmouth with Melissa Stewart who has been hunting
already and sent us some snap shots of his dashing new look, he has
certainly been to the hairdressers and I wouldn't be surprised if he's had a
manicure also.
- PENNY & PICKLE have gone to Ledbury with Molly and Rose, two horse mad
girls whom I'm sure the ponies will love as much as they are loved. As I am sure most of you know Penny is my pony and I would not let her go anywhere but the best home.
- ARCHIE & MORWYN have gone to Hereford to spend the winter at the Catley's
hunting yard, where Morwyn went last year and returned to her best season
ever, and to become our most valuable trekking pony.!!
- TARA is staying with Amy Coles in Bristol. Although I did not meet Amy, Annabel
has assured me that Tara will have the loving home she needs for the winter.
- FURY has gone to visit Alison Jones in Caldicot, where he will receive more personal attention then we can offer him here during the next few, cold months.
- SUNNY I believe is just south of Abergavenny with Jenny Cockett a very experienced lady
and I am positive our Sunny Jim is in the best hands.
- BLUE has been taken by Sylvia Campion up to her home in Worcestershire, again to receive a more personnal touch.
- FREDDIE & MONTY the terrible twosome have gone to spend a fab few months
with another terrible twosome Azra and Jo, I only hope they don't get up to
too much mischief.
- FORTUNE is not to far away in Pengenfordd, where she will have a nice quiet winter with Lizzie Groves and a bit extra TLC.
- LADY has gone to Hereford to spend the winter looking after a young girl, Francesca, and to take her out riding with her mum, Louise David. Knowing how much Lady loves being pampered and smothered with affection I'm sure she will adore Francesca.
- MURPHY, JOEY and BUSTER are not too far away under the watchful
eye of Faye and Barry, they will be kept with shoes and ready to be ridden
by Faye, Barry, Paula, Pete and Karen.
- BARNEY has gone home to Andy(his owner) for the winter and we are hoping to have the
lovely chappie back for next year.
- DONNA has found a new home for good, she is not far away down at the
Darren with the Cox family. She has been a fantastic member of the Llanthony Riding and Trekking family but sadly she isn't getting any younger and finds the work a bit too hard. We wish her all the luck in the world with her new home, I know she will be as good with the Cox's as she has been with us.
- All the rest of the ponies will spend the winter on the farm or not far
having a restful few months, Chance and Apollo will be watched closely by
Dad because they are now at an age where they don't like the cold. Saira
will have a peaceful time with Annabel out of the country and hopefully next
year she will grace us with a little baby Saira. Tommy, Shadow, Punch and
Murcury are going to be ridden over the Christmas hols when we all finally
grace Llanthony with our presence.
Well, I suppose I should really go and do some work, after all that's
what I'm in uni to do..??? Any questions, queries, comments don't hesitate to get in touch, I shall be home next week to answer as many as poss. I intend to visit as many of the horses as possible, personally over the hols so I can update you all on how they are doing.
OK another apology in order I wrote this last week and sent it home for my lovely parents to put onto the internet and low and behold I come home to find it still remains in the form I left it. So I am going to post it up now I promise. I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year with lots of festive cheers.
Bestest Wishes TOM
Posted: Tuesday 16th December 2003, 20:54
Llanthony has now settled into the winter season. There are some walkers on the hills, but not many. The weather is still kind and our self catering and bunkbarn visitors are enjoying restful weekends up here, and finding that they have the place prettymuch to themselves.
The horses that are on loan seem to be enjoying lots of attention and exciting new things to do, like hunting, jumping, schooling, or just riding out in new places. Those that are still here have grown thick coats and are living on the higher dryer fields on the farm. (See website picture 'our horses in winter')
It is the time of year for indoor jobs. Kris is doing carpentry work, repairing the buildings and making things in his workshop. Faye has been painting. Cordelia and I are starting to redo the kitchen in the bunkbarn, and making several other improvements in there.
Cressy is enjoying her Maths teaching position in Hereford, Bryony is in her last year at Newcastle and realizing she needs to start looking for jobs, Tom must be enjoying Leeds because he has stopped 'phoning home, and Annabel sends occasional undecipheral emails or letters from freezing cloud forests and hot turtle beaches in Central America.
Colin
Posted: Saturday 6th December 2003, 10:25
HELLO It's Faye doing the 'Update' as most of my workers have gone and left me. We bid farewell to Phil who left us at the end of August to return to uni. Thanks Phil for all your help through the summer and of course for your refereeing of the disputes between myself and the Passmore siblings!
Bryony and Emma have both returned to uni in Newcastle (beware Geordie lads, the man-eaters are back in town). Good luck this year girls!
Tom finally left this weekend to uni in Leeds (whoopeee!), sadly leaving behind his 5 ponies and 2 cows. How's he ever going to find himself a girlfriend with all that excess baggage! He He.
Annabel leaves on 1 October to start her gap year with Raleigh International in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, moving on around the world in the New Year. Good luck Annabel!
Finally a huge well done to Cressida who has just started her new job teaching maths at Kingstone School. Congratulations Cressie!
So this just leaves myself and my fantastic weekend workers which include Cowboy Pete, Slimline Karen, Spottybum Paula, I'll Fix It Bob and Posh Teabag Woman Alice.
Well, the weather has been great so far this season, but we could now do with some rain as the grass is starting to suffer and the dust is getting unbearable. The horses are all in fantastic shape after the very hectic summer holidays. I think even Splodge and Fortune have shed a few pounds climbing the mountains in that sweltering heat. The regular hacking horses, Whiskey, Morwyn, Murphy, Monty, Pickle, Blue, Barney and, of course, Freddie, have all been on top form this season. Our most regular hackers, Azra, Jo and Barry haven't been too bad either!
Some of our horses have been very lucky and found themselves wooing the hearts of some of our riders, so much so that they've agreed to have them on loan through the winter months. I expect they will all get spoilt rotten!
Anyone interested in having one of our trusty steeds on loan through the winter, please do give us a call and we will do all we can to find you a suitable mount. Horses will be available from the beginning of November, and need to be back here a week before trekking begins in the Spring. Preferably I would like them to be kept within a 30-40 mile radius of Llanthony, so that it would be possible for me to "pop in" now and again to visit my reliable workforce!
Anyway, I'm sure you've heard enough from me. Get on the phone quickly and book in for lots of trekking and hacking, as there's only 6 weeks left till the end of the season!
A big thanks to all of our customers so far this season. You've all been fantastic.
Bye for now. Love Faye, and all at Llanthony Riding and Trekking.
Posted: Monday 22nd September 2003, 21:18
Hello! It's Dad back doing the updates. Sorry for the long gap, but my well intended youngsters have spent all their time outside, and not managed to sit in front of the computer for long enough to write anything!
The Llanthony show has been and gone. It was a tremendous success as usual. Lots of horses and our usual rodeo, cattle and sheep classes back for the first time since Foot and Mouth, childrens sports, dog show, produce tent, and everything else. All making for a most enjoyable day. ( For your diary's, the first Sat. in August every year)
We have really had the most perfect year for weather, so far! It has been ideal for all our visitors, for walking, riding or just sitting in the Abbey with a drink. It has also been good for farming, with just enough rain to keep the grass green.
My Hereford cows look good in the fields with all their calves. I am also about to start direct selling the meat. Hereford beef is reputed to be the most flavoured, certainly on a par with Scotch Angus. If anyone is interested please email. (see contact us)
Posted: Sunday 14th September 2003, 15:26
Friday 18th July
I am just sitting down eating a packet of maltesers with Phil stood over my shoulder laughing in my ear, she seems to have gone a little cuckoo. News News What News..!!
Well, I have had a fantastic last few days with a group from Wiltshire, lovely lovely people (left me a tip) you can come again..!!
HI, Vicky, Alice, Georgia, Daisy, Charlotte, Max, Jess and (Little) Georgia.. I hope you enjoyed the rides as much as I did, (despite the chaos).
The horses are all well, getting fitter, some have even lost that "Llanthony pony belly" that is so famous within our ranks..!! Only Donna is left getting fatter, no change there then.
Pony of the week award goes to "PENNY" because she has been faultless this week.
Not to mention her fantastic partnership with a certain 10 yr old girl?(Daisy)
Those of you who know me will understand that of course there is no bias..!!
The rest of the farm is ticking over, I'm sure Dad would have more to say on this subject, but I just stick to horses.
- Pheasant chicks arriving
- Last cows to calve
- Sheep not doing anything??..ya di da I'm boring myself..
So to round off my update, The weather. Would you believe it we pray for rain and when it comes we want sun.
Posted: Friday 18th July 2003, 22:55
Today is Africa's 1st birthday and we celebrated with a sugarbeet cake.!! Africa (in case you were wondering) is Penny's 3rd foal, the yards youngest member and a strong contender for the cheekiest pony title.
This years newest recruits are proving to be FANTASTIC.!!
Monty, another coloured horse, is taking a little while to fit into the yard routine and the trekking lifestyle due to his, how would you say "Spirit". But is showing great potential as a fun, reliable horse.
Archie and Tara, our giants, have settled quickly and quietly into their new career. Had it not been for their immense size they could have arrived unnoticed. Archie's laid back character has enabled him to make many friends within the herd and even the most nervous rider. Tara is a more forward going horse and is already proving popular amongst hackers.
Mystery and Tonka have found great new homes as childrens ponies, where they will be cherished and have some FAB times.!!
Apollo has spent the last few months living the life of Reily, and is now looking forward to the summer, as the old man has the job of looking after our young riders. AND keeping the young horses in line.
The rest of the Motley Crew are all behaving themselves.....yah di da di da.. I won't bore you with the details.
WE HAVE A NEW MEMBER OF STAFF, (I hope she knows what she has let herself in for). Phil will be working for us over the summer, her sanity could waver..!!
The farm is running smoothly and our new cows seem to be "sprogging" here there and everywhere..!!
Dad is intending to steal Phil to help on the farm...I DON'T THINK SO..!!!
Okey Dokey hope nobody has been utterly bored to death. Well done for getting this far..!!!
Please don't correct our spelling it would take too long to read..!!
CHEERIO, bye bye, Auf Eidersain, OR-RE-VOIR Tom and Phil xx
Posted: Wednesday 2nd July 2003, 22:56
The weather has been wonderful for the holiday week, and warm enough for the children in the campsite to swim in the river.
Horseriding will be fairly quiet now midweek until mid July, so ideal for a peaceful ride if anyone has time off in the week, or an evening ride with a group of friends and finish with a drink in the Abbey.
We will be making hay and silage this month and shearing the sheep. The cows are still calving, so a lot of young animals in the fields.
Posted: Sunday 1st June 2003, 15:23
We have had the most wonderful spring, good March, dry April which was perfect for lambing, and now May is warm and showery which is good grass growing weather for the farm anim,als, and pleasant riding as long as you've got a coat!
On the farm:- The new Hereford cattle herd is calving and the fields are full of lambs
Riding and Trekking:- We have two new horses. Mid week riding is quiet but weekends buisy.
Posted: Sunday 11th May 2003, 11:04
WHAT NEWS?? All has been busy for us at Llanthony the past few weeks, the season kicked off to a great start by Faye and Bryony getting their 'Ride Leader' qualifications and Tom and Annabel the 'Assistant Ride Leader'. We spent a week in North Wales, at Rhiwiau Riding Centre, polishing our knowledge and getting examined at the end of it all. I'm happy to announce that the examiners were both fully confident that we were able personelle and (here I quote the examiners words) "bubbly" characters.
This certification actually qualifies, (although the titles don't imply it,) Tom and Annabel to 'Lead a ride' and Faye and Bryony to 'Manage a yard'. Now you can all be safe in the knowledge that we really do know what we're doing! But of course, we all knew that anyway didn't we!
Freshly into the new season we have been up and roaming the mountains again for two weeks now, and the weather has been fantastic, who'd have thought it, Wales has had great weather in April!!! The horses all look great for it, although shedding their winter coats, all over us, like crazy. We could do with a few showers to brighten up the grass to that spring green and Hi Ho Silver, well Hi Ho Freddie more likely. Freddie, Fayes cheeky chappy trusty steed, has been promoted to 'chief guide horse' and while he thinks he's King of the Hill now he's in for some hard work. This Easter things are looking up for a good holiday, Roll Up, Roll Up, Book now for Easter fun trekking up the Black Mountains, or just send your kids and go to the pub for the afternoon! Why not, it is the holidays after all.
You just can't miss the Llanthony Riding and Trekking guides this year for, not only are we more qualified then ever, but we have new uniform. You'll know what I mean when you see them, bearing in mind that our trekking colours are bottle green, I'll have to try to get a picture on the web to quell your curiosity.
It's good to see Pete, Karen, Paula, Keith and Bob back in the valley again after a seemingly AGES long winter of no riding. And of course we just can't keep our regular regulars Azra, Jo, Mark, Lucy, Barry, Elaine, Amanda etc. away.
Remember our evening rides are starting after the holiday is over, beginning of May time, so pleasant evenings can be spent after work 'winding down' if the idea takes your fancy.
We, everyone at Llanthony Riding and Trekking, hope to see you soon.
Bryony
Posted: Sunday 13th April 2003, 20:27
I'm sorry that there have been no updates since the new year swim, but there has been very little to say! (In fact it has been lovely and peaceful, and we have had Llanthony all to ourselves)
We will be shoeing the horses on March 27th and 28th ready to start riding on the 29th.The first week of April Faye Bryony Tom and Annabel are all going to be on a course to take further `British Equestrian Tourism' qualifications, so we will only be able to take a few riders until Sat. April 5th. We shall then be open every day until the end of October.
We have two new horses, and two youngsters to bring in this year.
On the farm the new pedigree Hereford herd of cows has started calving, and we hope to be supplying to traditional and organic outlets for this high quality beef.
We are looking foward to seeing you all here this season.
Colin
Posted: Wednesday 12th March 2003, 19:28
We have just seen in the New Year in typical Llanthony fashion with the swim in the river at lunchtime today. It was very mild and there was an awful lot of water in the river, but we had 16 swimmers including Faye, Kris and Annabel. Last night both The Half Moon and The Abbey Hotel had their New Year's Eve parties - The Half Moon fancy dress was won by Cressy!
Although it is still 3 months before the start of the new riding season, we are already getting several bookings for the first 2 weeks in April. We look forward to seeing you all, and wish you all a very happy New Year.
Posted: Wednesday 1st January 2003, 23:13
The Riding and Trekking season has finished. It was a very wet weekend and everyone got soaked,!! We start again on the 29th of March 2003, where we are already beginning to fill up.
Another year gone and all the horses are relishing the time off after a very busy season. A few are going off to homes for the next couple of months for extra TLC, while the rest are turned out for a well earned rest.
We are now cleaning all the tack and tiding up the yard to give us more time at the start of next season for bringing in new horses, "Bo Diddle" our home bred gelding has been broken in and is being trained to start in March.
Thank you to all those who came riding everyone has been a pleasure to take out and we look forward to seeing everyone again plus new faces next season...!!!
Posted: Wednesday 6th November 2002, 18:47
Two weeks of the trekking season left, and despite the terrible weather forcasts we are getting several bookings for the half term weeks. The original forcast for tomorrow made everyone cancel, and now apparently it is not going to be so bad, so they have been rebooking! The moral of this story is that you must book your ride, ignore the forcast and bring a good coat and a change of clothes.
Posted: Saturday 19th October 2002, 20:08
It is getting cooler now as the season nears the end. We are offering the horses for loan this winter, and several have already got homes to go. If anyone would like one please contact us. Some are suitable for hunting, but most go to people who would like a horse of their own, but want to have one on loan first to see how they manage. These Cobs are easy to keep, and generally live outside.
We all went to the Horse of the Year show yesterday. It was great fun watching Crickhowell Pony Club who had reached the pony Club Games finals
Posted: Friday 11th October 2002, 07:54
The good weather is still with us, and we are taking riders most days. It is beautiful on the hills, ideal outdoor conditions. Weekends still have some room for riders, but are quite full with regulars concious that we stop for the season on Sunday 3rd November.
The sheep farmers in the hills here have had the best autumn for many years. The weather has been good, but more importantly, sheep prices have been much better. We are nearly back to the prices we got 10 years ago!
Posted: Wednesday 2nd October 2002, 08:06
The Countryside March was well supported yesterday with a coach from Llanthony, and our banner was `Keep Llanthony Farming'. 46 of us passed through the checkpoint at 346,000 with many more behind us. It was a most extraordinary experience to be part of such a collosal event, and terribly sad that it had to happen. Country people feel completely sidelined in what otherwise seems such a prosperous and comfortable nation. Country sports are what bring country people together and this is why they march under those banners, but the real pessimism is about the future of their farms and rural businesses
Posted: Monday 23rd September 2002, 07:33
The weather is wonderful and suits us all, riders, walkers, and farmers. how often can we say that?! Faye, Tom and Alice are still busy all week with riders, although it is not as hectic as the summer.
My coach for the march on sunday is filling up. We hope that it makes an impression. I think that our concern is legislation made in Westminster that is impractical in the context of animals and the countryside, all of which is living in the free state as nature intended, as opposed to factories and towns which are possible to control and direct. Legislation is made by people who don't understand the dynamics of this living countryside, and all too often makes matters worse even though well intended.
Colin
Posted: Wednesday 18th September 2002, 07:40
After a fantastic summer holiday, things have quietened down here in Llanthony. The horses are at peak fitness but I'm sure will be secretly glad of a few more days 'chilling' in the field. We are now however getting more and more riders coming so we all get our play time on faster hacks as well as relaxing on quieter treks. Although the nights are closing in, lets hope that the weather stays good for riding so that we can still enjoy the rest of the season.
Posted: Friday 6th September 2002, 21:36
It's buisy here in Llanthony, and there are a lot of familiar faces. Good to see everybody coming back at last and we can finally put last years closure behind us.
September will soon be here, a lovely time of year, so see if you can pay us a visit.
We are planning our coach for the Countryside March on Sept 22nd. Not really to support hunting in particular, but the countryside way of life in general.
Posted: Sunday 25th August 2002, 15:07
The Llanthony Show was a great success, and we won first prize with our float!
Trekking is buisy, bookings are usually for about four days ahead if you are interested in coming.
We may have a vacancy in the Bunkbarn for the Bank Holiday, because one of our regulars is finding it difficult to get a group together, so email us if you are interested.
Posted: Wednesday 14th August 2002, 18:19
Sheepshearing and haymaking is finished at last and we are all buisy builbing a float for the Llanthony show next Sat. 3rd Aug. It is a great day out for everybody, so do come if you can.
Horseriding and trekking bookings are coming in fast now, so it looks as though we should have a good summer.
Posted: Sunday 28th July 2002, 19:24
Self catering vacancy
Fri 23rd Aug. to Fri 30th Aug. Bank Holiday week. Due to cancellation.
Posted: Sunday 21st July 2002, 09:20
Well, we've had some wonderful weather at last. The whole of this vally has a smell of cut grass and hay, but we do need a few more days to finish. My sheepshearers havn't been yet, they are still trying to catch up.
Mid week trekking bookings are still a bit thin, although holidaymakers don't usually book more than a few days ahead. Anybody reading this and thinkin