Well - like the rest of the country the snow has really hit Longham Farm. This is a view taken on the 7th January 2010 from the stables.

In truth it has been a 'character building time' as it has been so snowy and icy that we cannot get the horses out beyond their stable and a trip to the horse walker. In addition we have not had water in the yard so we have had to fill the tanks up via the farm house.

However, the horses are warm and happy if not a little bit 'on their toes' as they long to get out and have a stretch. Sadly, it would seem we are forecast more snow this week ie 12th/13th January. As Dave would say "Happy Days".

Our 'love bugs' Emma Gravett and Sam Plumbe who got engaged last year while on a riding holiday with us are 3 weeks away from getting married.

Our 'star' horses George and Ryan are making a guest appearance at their wedding in Norfolk on the Saturday 26th September.

They will be at the church when the newly weds exit and will carry them to the reception.

As a slight pre-amble Emma and Sam visited Longham Farm recently ie the weekend of (5/9) and galloped on the beach. Above is a 'mad' picture of the two of them on Ryan and Ski Seal.

We have named it 'love bugs' practicing for the 'Grand National'!

We will keep you posted as to how the happy day goes.

Spring has arrived at Longham Farm and bookings are going well. The months of May and June are very booked up.

Our new horse Benson has had to have 'box rest' due to a visitor sadly riding too close to him and striking into his back leg. We hope to have him back in work by mid May. All the other horses are looking well and very happy. Due to this lovely Spring weather we have them turned out now and they are enjoying the sun on their backs.

George and Zeberdee were featured in The Field magazine in March so they are gloating in their celebratory fame.

Snow!

We have had two big dumps of snow at Longham. These pictures give you and idea of the severity of the snow, but also of the fun we have had!

2009 has got off to a very cold start at Longham Farm which has meant frozen water in the yard and limited exercising of the horses due to the icy conditions. We are thankful for the horse walker which has enabled us to keep the horses ‘ticking over’. The weather change and thaw is a welcome friend and has brought with it the sound of the telephone ringing with guests booking for the start of our season – April/May. In fact May is already virtually fully booked and June is looking busy too.

We have a few horse changes in the yard with the addition of two new horses – Punchey a dark bay 16hh thoroughbred and Bert a 16.2hh chestnut warm blood. We are working with both of these horses to get them to be fit and ready for the Off Piste season.

Naughty Boy has gone to a nearby yard and Mary has been sold to a very nice man near Chard. Whilst we were sorry to sell them we are secure in the knowledge that they have both gone to very good homes.

George has wintered well and as you can see from this photo he is as cheeky as ever.