Horsing around

Bettina and Mikhiel, a couple in the church, have 3 horses: 2 percherons (Mandla and Troy) and a riding pony (Weeky - Weekend Warrior!). When I heard this my ears pricked up and when Demi was going to go for a ride I asked if I could come along. As a kid I went for riding lessons but I haven’t been on a horse for a good couple years and it seemed like a good a time as any to get back on a horse! And so it began!

The first day Demi and I each had a turn on Weeky, and since then I have been hooked! Weeky is the one I ride the most, he is well trained and has some umph! I did also have a chance to ride Troy who looks nice and big but is soo slow and just plod.. plod.. plods around and cannot be coaxed, cajoled or kicked to go any faster than a walk. Mandla is the biggest (and strongest) of the three and I have yet to ride him, but we’ll see how that goes, I’m happy riding Weeky!

Bettina and Mikhiel have Mandla and Troy with the aim that they will be able to pull a carriage, and an ossewa! And so in recent days Vaughn has come to train Mandla and Troy, as well as Bettina, in how to be carthorses, and a cart driver! It has been amazing to watch Vaughn work with these big boys and get them listening and moving when and where he wants them. It is a simple (so it seems) system. A strap goes over the back and is tightened over the belly with a girth, long ropes are put through a loop in the strap and connects to the bit on the bridle, one on each side. So you have really long reins and you direct the horse from behind, not on top. Simple enough? Vaughn makes it seem so! But it is somewhat a lot more complex! But the boys are looking good and I’m enjoying riding Weeky around and watching them work!

So you get an idea size wise.. Left to right is Mandla, Weeky and Troy.

Demi on Weeky with Bettina walking beside.

Beautiful boy!

Mandla waiting for the command to walk on from Vaughn.

Troy plod plod plodding along.

Back up..