Well, we are well and truly in the holiday season now and the kids and I even managed to enjoy a much needed short break away at the beginning of August, straight after our Shire Horse Open Day. We had an amazing turnout of horses in the show ring which was fantastic for both the exhibitors and the public to see and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
We are bang in the middle of the showing season as well, which has meant many trips to local shows with our horses and a few a bit further afield. Locally we’ve enjoyed Alrewas (near Burton on Trent), Ashover, Ashbourne as well as our own at the farm and a few, a bit further away – Heckington (Lincolnshire) and even all the way to the New Forest! I’m delighted to say that after all the work, washing, shoeing, plaiting and practicing, we finally managed to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show at our local Ashbourne Show, where we won Supreme Champion with Cowerslane Isabella.
August also sees the three year anniversary of us loosing my beloved husband and Dad, Steve. We enjoyed reminiscing and looking through some wonderful old photos and in the evening we ventured out with my sister in law where I tried Open Water swimming for the first time. I think Steve would have approved!
Back at the farm, we have now weaned our lambs and we are looking at bringing in a few new ewes for next years lambing. The ewes get to breath a sigh of relief whilst we focus on getting them in really good condition ready for tupping in November. We’ve also been busy getting rid of the weeds around our new hedge plants to allow them to grow a bit wider and taller and I’m pleased to report that most of the hedges that we coppiced are now showing good growth.
In the Farm Shop, we are seeing a few changes with both Chris, our Butchery Manager and Kelvin, our Head Chef leaving us to take up new positions elsewhere and we wish them every success in the future. Justin Frost, who was our Butchery Manager a few years ago has rejoined us and will lead the Butchery team and I’m busy recruiting for a new Head Chef at the moment. We are also very busy preparing for Christmas, so look out for more details of our offer and events coming very soon.
One of the areas that has been working well for us recently are our afternoon events in the cafe and I’m pleased to confirm that we have several more planned, so look out for more information on social media or the website, We are also trying out Archery for the first time in mid September, so if you’ve never had a go before, here’s your chance!!
Kay x
