country living Dianna’s Diary...


From the farming point of view, the grass has just started to maintain our stock without hay supplementing it. It is one of the latest seasons in twenty years. We went to Strathallan in Perthshire just as I wrote this month’s diary (early June) and there was so much grass our ponies ‘pigged it’ and could not swallow the longer swards!


The uncertainty in Europe continues and whereas it might be thought it does not reflect on agricultural businesses, it certainly does! The value of the euro is so much lower than it was on the ‘setting date’ last year in September that we currently face a 6-7% reduction in our SFP and who can tell how it will fare until that date? It really is time for action from the politicians – too much talking and as far as I can see, nothing has improved for our country in the past four years.


lot of experience in-hand, having won the Royal Highland and being second at The Great Yorkshire as a three year old. Our yearling, who had competed in the All Ireland Broodmare/and Foal Championship in Ireland last year with her dam, won her first solo red rosette on her own. Just to make it a super week- end, Rashiebrae was champion at the NPS Scotland Summer Show and it was the first time she has been shown in ‘senior’ classes. Also, the last gelding son of our grand Bardsey Trinket, Eastlands Black Watch, now owned by Sheila Kissack and ridden by Anna Clowes during Sheila’s enforced absence, won this riding club’s winter dressage series and is now starting doing workers.


We have four foals now and just one to go – Rosie our breed show champion of 2009, who still looks like waiting quite a bit longer. It is a problem when you run the mares with a stallion and I sometimes think a ram harness would be a good idea!


Burniebrae’s foal 5 minutes old


The farm has got a pair of oyster catchers back, and they have reared one chick. We used to have many pairs and like the barn owls, they disappeared in 2011. The barn owls have also returned, but in lesser numbers than before.


The residents of our valley have seen changes. Dave, who had the run-in with a newly calved cow, which has since calved again, has spent much of the year in and out of hospital. He now has had skin graft, and although he cannot drive his beloved ATV, he seems to be on the mend. The Reid family from Glendearg have sold the Eskdale Hotel in the prominent situation in the square at Langholm to concentrate on the farm. It must have been with mixed emotions, as before his unfortunate accident John Reid, was instrumental in taking the hotel over and with such a well known livestock farm, it seemed a great opportunity to diversify.


Love Song, who we sold in the beginning of April, just backed, went out in her first novice ridden class and won it. It was a bit of a surprise, but then she had a


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I have spent time watching at some shows this year owing to tendonitis (I thought only horses got that!) and am surprised at what I have seen. I was interested to read Adam Forster’s column in last month’s Equine magazine on the question of wearing a ‘crash hat’ in the show ring – “I fully understand and support riders who opt for the safer option; it does however beg the question from a judge’s point of view, does this jockey need extra protection as this animal is known to misbehave.” Personally I judged native ponies for thirty five years, recently retired and never thought this, as it is a matter of personal choice. However if a pony came into a novice flat ridden class wearing a neck strap, it immediately was out of contention, because I thought it indicated that the rider feared the worst and was not at all concerned about the safety of other exhibitors, some of which might be children. In short I felt it was not advanced enough in its training to compete. I have since asked other judges present and past, and all agree with my opinion. We think that neck straps are for the leading rein classes perhaps, but native ponies provide their own manes for the ‘hanging on’ if it becomes necessary!!!


I have also seen show ring etiquette completely thrown out of the window. It is always etiquette and good manners to ask permission to leave the ring and there are often reasons to do so, but to just leave the ring when not called in, without having the courtesy of doing a show, with a pony who has not done anything wrong, but was just green, is plain bad sportsmanship and one must question whether they could actually do a show. These younger potential producers must learn that their clients (especially as they are likely to be older) will not tolerate bad manners. In addition


Anna and Eastlands Black Watch


many believe that they must ride in the ‘dressage’ fashion, almost standing up, but on ponies the ‘yoke isn’t right’ – in short they appear far too big to present a pleasant overall picture. Show riding is a great deal different to dressage riding.


I have seen judges officiating who have placed at the top of the line ponies they have shown themselves; ponies being shown under their breeders; colts entered in a class for fillies and geldings. Exhibitors deserve better, especially as it is now such an expensive hobby.


Grumpy Old Woman you will think!


For us, that is why Love Song’s win in her first novice ridden was so pleasing. We had backed her and sold her to a very good amateur rider who has obviously done a marvellous job on her.


We have our annual GOBS (geriatric older breeders’ society) lunch here on Tuesday next – all have been breeding over thirty years. It is always humorous and I look forward to it tremendously. I have learned so much from it, just tips, learnt through advancing years – perhaps we should pass them on! I have yet not decided what they will eat and a massive cook-in must take place tomorrow.


Rashie and Katie at NPS Scotland showing a leg!


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