On a rather  blustery  cold Sunday we decided to start Mannog Zips Candy Man's (aka FRED) education.  Too cold for a bath so a good grooming, a bit of shampoo on some green bits and off to a small local show just 15 minutes down the road.  Loaded fine (only his second time), travelled great on his own (his first time) and arrived safe and sound to a Welsh hillside field .

Rather bemused , got scared by a Welsh Springer puppy and the loud speaker system but very good.  Won the first class - Best Condition - not difficult if only one in!!  Then entered the youngstock all breeds class.   As you would expect in North Wales everything was Welsh A to D - Fred stood out somewhat - the only "Foreign Breed" on the field.  Bit perturbed by some of THEIR antics but he behaved himself and came 6th - which was not last !

Very keen to get back into the safety of the box, travelled home happily munching on his haynet and went back to tell his pals all about it.  Good start to what we hope will be a long and successful show career .

Pictures copyright/courtesy of RainhillPhoto. Merseyside.

Paul of Lancashire has kindly sent me up to date pics of 6 yr old part bred gelding Mannog Just In Time (Robert).  Robert has found a truly wonderful long term home and enjoys nothing better than chilling out,  being friends with everyone and hacking out .  Schooling has been slow and gentle and last year I managed to persuade Paul and Maureen to bring him to the 2010 Northern APHC show - where he was Reserve Part bred Champion. (New box had to be purchased for this).  This year Robert  has been to a few local shows - winning one class and being commended on his wonderful manners.  Hopefully Paul and Maureen will allow him to come out to a few more parties where he can meet his full brother Mannog Rock DJ (2010 National Part Bred Champion).

And why "Just In Time" ?- flight cancellation in Italy meant frantic rescheduling, even more frantic telephone conversations however we arrived four hours before he foaled - much to the relief of our house sitters and "just in time".  (Mannog Moonriver x Moonlight Serenade - by August Harrier x Dales).

All the best Paul and Maureen - enjoy your hacks, your shows and have fun.