Longhope Diary

Babies everywhere!  We have a cute little foal belonging to Armstrong Equine born on Friday night (rather speedily!) and we have five calves so far, more due over coming month/s.
  
Finally the Armstrong Equine yard has flowers….pink ones and lots of them.  The pond landscaping is next, for this I need advice. Luke (our apprentice) & I had a ‘most embarrassing moment’.  I was demonstrating how to spread bull rush seed along the pond bank (with a bull rush coated in seed).  I danced around to show how to spread the seed far and wide (think sugar plum fairy!) Luke grabbed one and danced about too.  We looked up to see the local contractor walking towards us grinning.  You know when you try to explain weird behaviour and it just sounds daft…..it was one of those moments.  I’m Ok, it’s my farm, but poor Luke is at the start of his farming career….maybe?

Livery yard full up with such lovely people, barbecue planned soon.  Horse rugs are on and off more times than election promises. This overnight rain is great, just what we needed. 

The apple blossom looks beautiful; in fact the whole farm looks beautiful.  The woods are carpeted with bluebells.  I have asked Mike for a mower for my birthday…..when did I become middle aged?  

The cream teas are going down well in the holiday cottage.  I laid out a tea for six and then only the grandparents turned up on Friday, the rest of the family to follow later. Lesson learnt, always check! 

Ross Motor Sports Club will be coming to the farm for a day on May 24th. Cream teas for sale, and anybody is welcome, not just motor heads.  

The new arena surface is approved by our livery clients and Armstrong Equine.  Our new venture of arena construction is proving popular.  We have joined forces with Roy (understands drainage and levels) Pemberton and Richard (world’s best fencer) Clayson.   We couldn't ask for better people to work with.
  
We have a lovely family in the cottage. Parents from Devon, son and family from Nottingham, I love the fact we seem to attract big family groups.  We will be taking shooting parties during the winter months alongside our other  guests.