Day 88 Monday
So the realisation was made on the weekend that we were almost out of lucerne, at least we didn't have to go all the way to Richmond. Lucy and I left the farm in the bakkie towing the trailer to the other side of Graaff-Reinet to pick up as many lucerne bales as possible. The bakkie was stacked high and also the trailer, so it was a sedate drive back as we did not want to loose any.
Our lucerne trip was followed by us going to town. My parcels from the parents had finally arrived. Mum had posted me out the "essentials" for my survival e.g. Oxo cubes, Dolly Mixtures, Jammy Dodgers (although I'm not a particular fan), malt loaf and some more t-shirts. I'm getting quite a big wardrobe collection now and I have no idea how exactly I'm going to get this all back to Britain.
With the morning spent in driving to and fro this left me the afternoon to get some riding in. So first horse to ride: Obelix. His usual character was back, I knew the good behaviour spell was too good to be true. An hour of schooling well spent in the heat of the African sun, with a little bit of learning to jump incorporated. Fallen down Tequilla trees are useful for trotting poles and jumps. He also closed the gate without trying to run back to the yard or rear to avoid closing the gate. Finally we're getting somewhere!
Second horse to ride: Platinum. Another hour spent schooling a youngster. My leg muscles are really going to hurt tomorrow!
Day 89 Tuesday
Another hot and sunny day! Lucy and I rode Ibis and Matrix out to check on the stock that had previously moved camps. Numbers of horses and cattle to be counted and all given a check over to make sure they are healthy. Sounds easy but its surprising how the time just ticks by while your going through the camp trying to find all the horses which are supposed to be there.
Back at the farm and I had the chance to ride Mercury before lunch. Another horse to school and I could really feel the muscles in my legs working. Serpentines, leg yielding, turns on the forehand all being attempted. At least Mercury is not as stubborn as Obelix, although his attention does wander to what could possibly be lurking behind a bush waiting to pounce on him.
That afternoon, I chose to teach one of the grooms to ride on Liberty the trusty "pocket rocket". Firstly teaching in the round pen before heading for a short walk out into the first camp. No problems except for the moment when I did not hear him say he was going into trot and I was trying to sprint to keep up worrying whether he was actually in control. But all was well and Mandla was in control of Liberty.That's the first time I've been able to run (sort of) since injuring my ankle.
Next horse to ride was to be Orient, Bob's stallion. I'm sure he's grown since I last rode him, doesn't feel quite like a pony anymore. Just a light walk/jog out enjoying my time in sunshine.
So I'm now not looking so pasty white, just rather red. Note to self: must apply more sun cream!!