Arcadian Duchess finally arrived last Thursday and we’ve spent a tentative 3 days whilst we’ve staged a gradual placement into Pearl & Rebel’s domain.  Duchess is wearing her down though, she’s younger, fitter and is very persistent to be in the group.  Pearl’s only concern is protecting her foal.  Problem is Rebel is curious, he wants to play with the new horse and keeps sneaking off causing her to run herself ragged heading him off in the opposite direction.  The only injuries to report were those sustained early on, a few grazes and the odd cut as Duchess has worked out just how far to run and where Pearl is likely to drop the chase.

Our added bonus for January was finally bringing home the truck and gooseneck.  It’s parked up behind the house with loads of plans to fit it out to suit our needs.  Already we’ve got it’s first run sorted this Wednesday (with a borrowed driver until our licences are complete) taking Pearl and Rebel off to the local vet for her AI visit.  It’s exciting knowing our accommodation and horse transport worries are at an end and we can concentrate on getting the mound of other things ready before May.

Rebel of course amazes us with his growth spurts, this week his rump is another inch higher for sure.  He’s such a quiet little man and nothing so far has fazed him.  Duchess at 2 and a bit years could learn a lot from him regarding respect for our personal space.  We’ll have to send Duchess off for some intense education if we are going to have any hope of managing her at the Gatton show.  She’s a sweet girl but thinks we are all her size so she just doesn’t stop as she rushes over to greet you.  On the lead she rushes through you seemingly forgetting any human attachments and shows genuine surprise when you pull her up yelling.  It’s like woring with a massive puppy.

Rebel’s latest photo with the cat and the dog to set the scene.