Horses

Tussle of the Titans

If you are a regular reader here, you will already know that two of the major ‘characters’ in the Granite Glen story are not huge in physical size, but gigantors in personality. And you might also realise that Mr Incredible and I hope – despite the towering determination and stubborness of each of these two little dynamos – that they might make a terrific team someday.
Well, yesterday, that dream was tested out rather severely.
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It was the final pony club rally day of the year.
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Hello Violet – our almost-five-year-old going on thirty-five-year-old daughter.
And hello Rob Roy – our six-year-old roly-poly, super-smart ‘sheeky’ Shetland.

Violet has been led on her little chestnut pony for a while now – she’d love to be off and riding on her own but has not mastered him yet. Yesterday, FINALLY she been getting mentally on top of her stubborn little steed. Rob Roy is a great little fellow, as long as he understands that HE is not the boss. And if he thinks there is the REMOTEST chance that he MIGHT be boss, he’s a naughty little beggar. He stretches his fat little neck down as if to eat (his favourite position) and then grabs the bit and ambles in whatever direction takes his fancy (generally NOT the one his rider want to go in, and often wherever he last spied something edible).
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The two were going great guns despite his shenanigans – Violet had the technique of GRABBING one rein hard and hauling on it to pull him around and then flapping her little legs until he gave in and ambled reluctantly back to the correct position. There was lots of encouragment from her Dad, cheers from her instructor, and clapping and “good girl”‘s from the sideline peanut gallery (me) as she had little win after little win on him. Her confidence grew by the minute (even as her little hands were getting raw from the effort of hauling him back into place – considering she is just 15kg and he is about ten times that!).

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Here she is guiding him over a small jump – not bad for a four-year-old.

Soon after the series of photos above was shot, Rob Roy tried his technique again.
He lowered his furry red head, grabbed the bit and snaked off towards the gate. Violet was pretty tired and her cousin was already at the entrace to the arena (some 50 metres away) and she let him go. We called to her to try harder and then Dash and Lacey tried to intervene and walk back to the group with her. Rob Roy sensed he was about to get into serious trouble and took off – the more Dash tried to help, the more darty and unresponsive he became, and the more Violet’s cries for help escalated. As we all climbed into the arena to help her, he took off. She yelled, slid off the side and crashed into the gravel.
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Pandemonium reigned.
Violet was in tears, Mr Incredible was furious at the pony, and Rob Roy was very, very nervous. As well he should be. For his troubles, he got to have a rider MUCH closer to his own weight and FAR stronger. He was put firmly back in his place. Violet soon calmed down (she’s a tough little cookie) and climbed back on, but remained on the lead for the rest of the session. Her back was grazed and red, and the confidence she had gained was fairly frayed around the edges.
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Nonetheless, after a sleep in the truck on the drive home, she woke refreshed. While still sore, she was upbeat about her day, and we focussed on how great her riding had been.
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One thing that DID manage to really put a smile back on her dial was THIS little fellow. A poddy.

It’s a little bull calf whose Mum died a couple of days ago (she was pretty old) and who will now depend on us to raise it. (Kids are ecstatic, their Mother not quite so enthusiastic). Another mouth to feed. Great.
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Ah… but it’ll be worth it, methinks.
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The (unnamed) calf is not keen to suck from a bottle yet, but was happy enough to slobber and tug on Violet’s floral shirt (much to her amusement). All injuries to body and pride were forgotten as she tried to get some formula milk into the little bovine. (He actually seemed keener on grain, but we are persevering).
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But the dimples were back and her dreams were sweet last night.
A typical day in the emotional rollercoaster that is a kid’s life in the bush.
A big day for a little girl.

13 Comments

  • jeanie

    Oh you, Violet!!!! That Rob Roy has met his match – I am sure next time he won't be quite so bouncy.

    Oh, and what is the name of this poddy? Remember Bubby and Charlie? They are the only two whose names I remember – but then, you were the main poddy wrangler…

  • Jayne

    Those Shetlands really have a built-in attitude to make up for them having ducks disease (bum too close to the ground.
    Well done, Violet 😉

  • sassytrash

    As a former "cowgirl" who didn't get to raise her boys in the country….I love reading your blog and always think how blessed your children are to be raised in the bush..as challenging as it sounds at times. Thank you so much for sharing your world!!

  • Debby

    Oh, Miss Violet! What a lesson she's learned today…when you fall down, you get up.

    And I have to say, being a photographer, you should be thrilled about the poddy. Judging by the smiles in this first series of pictures, you will have many a photo op in the near future.

  • Mikey

    They are the cutest little pair! I LOVE IT!! I love the little tapaderos (that's what we call them here) on the Aussie stirrups to keep their feet from running thru. I had no idea they had those!!
    Glad she wasn't hurt in her fall. Naughty pony!!! But a calf makes it all better 🙂 Beautiful!

  • Anonymous

    Growing up in the bush or on the farm IS one big day after another and another and another… then you have to leave to tend the world. but, by then your alloy is set and your limbs are strong. -Bill

  • Mom L

    What a trooper! Give Violet a hug for me! I've ridden horses, but not until I was a teenager. I can't imagine being 4 and getting up on even Rob Roy!

    And a Yank question for you – where does the name "poddy" originate?

    Nancy in Iowa

  • AKPonyGirl

    Shetlands can be tougher to handle. Two suggestions: grazing reins, and gloves. Or try a set of reins made from yacht braid – softer to the hand.

    Good for Violet for persevering. You have given her the tools she will need to succeed on and off the farm.

  • Wendy

    Go Violet go! Atta girl you can outsmart that smart little Rob Roy! Great photos BB – love that look of determination on her face.
    The poddy is just too cute – aren't they just so soft and cuddly. Once again, some great snaps.

  • Mary Paddock

    Wow. Violet is made of stout stuff. If she can master that little alpha-pony, she can master anything. She's getting one of the most important lessons in life–never give up. I love the picture of her with the Piddy (cool word).

    I had an Appaloosa as a teen; she was a lovely horse with a soft mouth and a willing soul. On the other hand, my brother had a Shetland that lacked Rob Roy's charms. A horrible little animal who bit, kicked, and dumped him more times than I want to think about.

  • Junebug

    Ah, I remember my pony days – a Shetland named Peaches. She was as barn sour as they come but once you got her away from the barn, she was a pretty good little pony. I can still remember the feeling of triumph the day I got her to leave the barn without my Mom having to lead her away. And that was more than 30 years ago!

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