He's Ablazing......

Whilst not the newest addittion to the collection, it seemed more apropriate that he should get first mention!! Meet Blaze!!

After writting "horse" on my Birthday and Christmas lists for years as a child, to no avail, I finally gave up!!

But after winning a red balloon days voucher in mid 2005 and getting some horse riding lessons, it became apparent that I'd never really given up on that wish after all!!

So a year later, when we heard there was a horse for sale at the trail riding place where we had been having lessons, we had to have a look!! and a ride.... and ... a think... and another look... and... a horse!!!!

Blaze had been a trial riding horse for about six/seven years, but gets sore where his girth (the strap that holds the saddle on - for all the non-horsey people!!) rubs, and couldn't be ridden all day every day, nor left with a cheap saddle/girth on all day - which isn't too good for business!!

So Blaze came home with us.... well, he's not in our backyard (Ciska and Archer said they wouldn't share the kennel!!) but agisted up at Ourimbah (NSW North Coast).

Renee (horse riding instructor - turned friend - aka horse expert on tap!! Thanks matey!!) has her horses at the property where the pics have been taken below, which is where I take Blaze to ride, to borrow her arena and jumps (once again... Thanks!!) and to get some space from all the people agisting where Blaze is (thankfully - it's only a short walk along the road, between the two properties) and to have the occasional lesson on him.




Ready to go.... Blaze all tacked up...

From his humble beginnings Blaze has came along massively. He was lazy as when we first got him, but through the work we've put in, he's now quite a forward moving horse, and is starting to jump little jumps really well!! We're so happy with him!!




It was quite windy the day we took the photos, below is his wind swept pose for the camera!!




After the ride.... He's a bit sweaty - but you get the idea!! He's still pretty fat - but looks in heaps better condition than when we first pulled him off the truck!! At 14'3 he's not a tall boy, but definitely heavy. With a bit more work - those of you that are interested will hopefully be able to come out for a ride on him soon!!





We're hoping one day he may do a small jump competition at which stage he'll need a show name... current faves "He's Ablazing", "Raising Blazes", "All Ablaze", "Ablazing Maze" and "Heavens Ablaze".

Would love to hear any suggestions.... aside from "Glue", "Pal", "Dog Meat", "Clag".... I believe they're all taken!!