The Bradshaw Family

How is everyone? 🥰 I'll try do a forum catch up on threads this afternoon as I have a couple of hours in the office

Has everyone thawed out? It was exceptionally cold here over the last week, but we have thawed out now. The horses were not best impressed as everyone had to stay in due to the hard ground.
Woody has been continuing his rest anyway, so it didn't come as a shock to him. This morning he had another injection of Cartrophen, number 5 of a course of 7, so only a couple more to go. He has a re-scan of that ligament injury on the 19th December (he will be having his annual flu and tet that same day too).

I know I said I wanted a break from competing, but I really am missing it! Thought I could handle going without the riding, training and dressage, but I do miss it a lot. I think Woody does too, he thrives when he has a job to do. But his needs will always come before mine, so I just need to continue with his rehabilitation and see how we get on. It's awful to see him unsound but the vet said he has shown huge improvement over the last few weeks. I'm continuing with his rest and we are fencing off a recovery paddock for him (just a small space so he can't gallop around) so he can have an hour or two of turnout every day. I'm also leaving his magnetic boots on during the day (I know that it is only anecdotal evidence and no study proof to prove the efficacy of magnets; but I definitely don't think his legs get as puffy when he is stood in his stable for long periods if he has them on, so I like to use them). I've also got his physiotherapist doing some laser treatment to promote ligament healing and when he gets the approval from the vet we are going to travel him to the water treadmill for sessions at the rehabilitation centre. As much as he could benefit from swimming, there is no way I would get him in the horse pool - he really doesn't have the temperament for that! haha. Vet has said I can start riding him in walk to build him up, but I need to wait on the small turnout pen being ready first..... as I have to preserve my own life at this point! lol. He has been stabled since mid September.
We have also slightly adjusted his remedial shoeing. He loves to cost me more money - his farrier bill is now £150 every 5 weeks. But he does need the remedial support

It is so strange him not being clipped and competing again this winter - I didn't see the point of putting him through sedation to be clipped when he is not in the same level of work. So he is enjoying being a woolly mammoth at this point!

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He was mid itch when I tried to get this pic .....

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Koda and Peggy are not as bothered by the cold. In fact, Koda was so excited when we did get snow (truly in his element) - I think I put some pics earlier on this thread.
They still love going to the off lead park on weekends. Peggy is continuing to grow. She has her vet check up this Thursday just to make sure everything is well (as part of her puppy plan). She is a character - like her brother, but such a lovely easy going dog. She does get worried by strangers, but is fine once introduced, so this is something we are working on with her, and continuing to build her confidence.

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Dan and I are super busy as always. The semester at work is coming to an end so I'm busy helping our students prep for exams. We had a fantastic guest lecturer last week from Dr Marc Pierrard from UCLAN, who specialises in equine welfare and behaviour; some of the research he has done is fantastic. We have the British Horse Society doing some guest lectures for us this week too. I'm also excited to be joining the World Horse Welfare charity webinar to discuss stereotypical behaviour in horses this week too.

Dan is busy with work as winter is always a tricky time of year! So he continues to battle the weather as I keep everything running in the background. We both have some more time for even more dog adventures on a weekend now that the motorsport season is coming to a close for a couple of months. Though I'm going to get even busier as I'm aiming to launch my new motorsport brand by the end of this year (I think I mentioned my brand on here a while ago, and there has been a lot going on in the background, but we are finally getting toward launch stage now). My web developer/designer is currently getting my website ready and functional, the manufacturers have been in touch to say they are on with product development and my samples are ready soon, and I'm in the process of organising venues and photography for my marketing campaigns. It's so busy, but so exciting! I've wanted to get this brand launched for a long time. Hopefully we will get launched in time for Xmas.



Hope everyone on here is well? I'm really sad I couldn't make the Potteries charity event to catch up with everyone; we had an open day at the college/uni and I had to work :( I do hope there will be more events so I can catch up with everyone


Look forward to hearing how everyone is doing

Nic x
 
Loving the gorgeous photos of all your bubs 💙❤️
Hopefully you’ll get a nice relaxing down time at Christmas, you are always sooooooo busy 😁

I am now volunteering at Maria’s Animal Sanctuary one day a week looking after all the rabbits and guinea pigs ☺️ hard work but really enjoying it
 
Bill & Ted said:
Loving the gorgeous photos of all your bubs 💙❤️
Hopefully you’ll get a nice relaxing down time at Christmas, you are always sooooooo busy 😁

I am now volunteering at Maria’s Animal Sanctuary one day a week looking after all the rabbits and guinea pigs ☺️ hard work but really enjoying it
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Oh that's fantastic news! How lovely that you are volunteering for them. I bet their little, gorgeous faces make all the hard work worth it! 🥰 🥰
 
Always a joy to hear from you and see pictures.
Life is settling down now.
We finally finished all the work on the house - next year we tackle the garden.
We had snow and ice which has turned to rain but it is a few degrees warmer.
Moses and Miriam are a very happy pair but they’re still not fond of humans.
We’re off to Vienna this weekend with @Betsy & her OH to spend time with @Viennese Furbabies and enjoy the Christmas Markets.

Maybe in the spring or summer you can venture across the Pennines on the M62 to come and visit
 
It’s great to see your photos and the furry children
I’m so pleased all is going well and Woody is getting better
Your devotion to him and Koda and Peggy and your work and your business is amazing
Looking forward to seeing your new business taking off 🥰
 
Nice to hear everything is going well for you all, Busy bee as always!
Woody looks great! I’m really missing riding too, it’s really rubbish that I have 4 horses and don’t get to ride. I don’t think Lucy will ever be riding fit again after her hock injury. I desperately want to finish breaking Binki in but sold his saddle last year to pay bills. I could start Cappa up again but just don’t have the motivation which is my main problem. Plus it’s very hard with a 5 month old baby!

The animal welfare conference you posted about at the beginning of the month sounded interesting, and very important issues being discussed. The horse industry definitely needs major improvement!
 
Hannah_xx said:
Nice to hear everything is going well for you all, Busy bee as always!
Woody looks great! I’m really missing riding too, it’s really rubbish that I have 4 horses and don’t get to ride. I don’t think Lucy will ever be riding fit again after her hock injury. I desperately want to finish breaking Binki in but sold his saddle last year to pay bills. I could start Cappa up again but just don’t have the motivation which is my main problem. Plus it’s very hard with a 5 month old baby!

The animal welfare conference you posted about at the beginning of the month sounded interesting, and very important issues being discussed. The horse industry definitely needs major improvement!
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😔 sorry to hear you’re having to retire Lucy too. We are never guaranteed time with them, and I think the fact that we have them and they are happy is what matters most! I’m sure you’ll get in the saddle again, when the time is right! Your little boy is gorgeous and the fact he had his first sit on your first pony is priceless 🥰

The horse industry does require improvement. Some of things we are seeing in public, really makes us question what goes on behind closed doors 😔 Just because the industry is “set in its ways”, doesn’t mean it can continue that way.
 
Merab said:
Always a joy to hear from you and see pictures.
Life is settling down now.
We finally finished all the work on the house - next year we tackle the garden.
We had snow and ice which has turned to rain but it is a few degrees warmer.
Moses and Miriam are a very happy pair but they’re still not fond of humans.
We’re off to Vienna this weekend with @Betsy & her OH to spend time with @Viennese Furbabies and enjoy the Christmas Markets.

Maybe in the spring or summer you can venture across the Pennines on the M62 to come and visit
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So pleased everything is settling down for you now 🥰

Glad the piggies are well, and I bet you’re excited for Vienna! I’m very jealous! 😂

Definitely will plan a trip to see you in spring!
 
Merab said:
Always a joy to hear from you and see pictures.
Life is settling down now.
We finally finished all the work on the house - next year we tackle the garden.
We had snow and ice which has turned to rain but it is a few degrees warmer.
Moses and Miriam are a very happy pair but they’re still not fond of humans.
We’re off to Vienna this weekend with @Betsy & her OH to spend time with @Viennese Furbabies and enjoy the Christmas Markets.

Maybe in the spring or summer you can venture across the Pennines on the M62 to come and visit
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Have a wonderful time with @Viennese Furbabies both of you and say hello from me too x
 
Morning all,

How is everyone? Is everyone set for Christmas? I can believe how quickly it has crept up! I have the dreaded Christmas gift wrapping to do.... 🎅

Things are good here. Business is busy (can't really complain about that.....). The brand will be launching in January as we had a slight delay with suppliers. We have some studio and racetrack shots to get in January ready to send over to my website developer. Students have finished for their Christmas break which gives me a bit of catch up and marking time this week before I finish on Weds.

Woody has his next scan for his ligament injury this Thursday. I do hope it is a good result 🤞 This rehab has not been easy. I'm still struggling to find the right set up for him, he still doesn't have any turn out yet so has been mostly box rested and hand walked (though the walking is getting much trickier now that he is stabled so much..... flying a rather large, orange kite is probably the best description I can come up with :))). I keep looking back at our competition videos and photos. He obviously means much more to me than competition, but it would be nice if we can eventually get back to going out and having fun.

Koda and Peggy are great. I'm sure they will be excited when they see what Santa has brought for them this year... They must have both made the 'Nice' list! Poor Peggy has just come in to season (her first one). She seems to be coping; no changes in behaviour or appetite (nothing would affect Peggy's appetite.......... :))). Just means she is wearing her doggy diapers around the house and can't go socialise with her buddies for a few weeks. I thought Koda may have hounded her a bit more, but he has shown little interest.. bless him! 🙈 She will be having her surgery in the new year for spaying. I'm dreading that for her, and the recovery, but it is the best option for her long term health. Plus we have no intentions of breeding from her, she's a very nervous character anyway (wouldn't want to pass that on to her young). She is fine once she has said hello to people, but can be very wary of people she doesn't know. Koda is not like that at all (he loves everyone), so we are thinking it could just be a genetic disposition (as interestingly, her sister is the exact same). Plus there are far far too many unwanted dogs out there, so no extra breeding here!

Here they are, enjoying some recent wintery adventures (as you can see, Peggy is growing up fast):

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Our garden centre still has the 'no dogs allowed if they touch the ground' rule..... 🙈:)):)) So here they both are whilst we made the annual Christmas tree run. Peggy was confused about the tree being inside the house at first, but hasn't bothered with it since!

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We tried a different off lead park recently, but it was too muddy with the winter wet weather. Koda cannot stand mud, or water, or getting dirty in any form.... So he spent most of his time off the ground avoiding the mud! Peggy on the other hand.... is part-bred Hippo

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At the farm they decided they wanted to be 'van-twins'. We took a couple of the smaller work vans, rather than the big truck to stock up on some shavings and horse feed for the next few weeks

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I am lucky to have such lovely kids

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Anyway, I'll try pop on here as much as I can before Christmas. I'm in the office more this week (there's another story - completely gutted our house out and had a rearrange and re-decorate, so I have a lovely new home office to work from - when I can...). Things will probably be hectic over the Christmas period so I wanted to wish everyone a lovely Christmas and New Year now, in case I don't get chance later on

Look forward (as always) to hear how everyone is getting on) x
 
Bradshaw Piggies said:
Morning all,

How is everyone? Is everyone set for Christmas? I can believe how quickly it has crept up! I have the dreaded Christmas gift wrapping to do.... 🎅

Things are good here. Business is busy (can't really complain about that.....). The brand will be launching in January as we had a slight delay with suppliers. We have some studio and racetrack shots to get in January ready to send over to my website developer. Students have finished for their Christmas break which gives me a bit of catch up and marking time this week before I finish on Weds.

Woody has his next scan for his ligament injury this Thursday. I do hope it is a good result 🤞 This rehab has not been easy. I'm still struggling to find the right set up for him, he still doesn't have any turn out yet so has been mostly box rested and hand walked (though the walking is getting much trickier now that he is stabled so much..... flying a rather large, orange kite is probably the best description I can come up with :))). I keep looking back at our competition videos and photos. He obviously means much more to me than competition, but it would be nice if we can eventually get back to going out and having fun.

Koda and Peggy are great. I'm sure they will be excited when they see what Santa has brought for them this year... They must have both made the 'Nice' list! Poor Peggy has just come in to season (her first one). She seems to be coping; no changes in behaviour or appetite (nothing would affect Peggy's appetite.......... :))). Just means she is wearing her doggy diapers around the house and can't go socialise with her buddies for a few weeks. I thought Koda may have hounded her a bit more, but he has shown little interest.. bless him! 🙈 She will be having her surgery in the new year for spaying. I'm dreading that for her, and the recovery, but it is the best option for her long term health. Plus we have no intentions of breeding from her, she's a very nervous character anyway (wouldn't want to pass that on to her young). She is fine once she has said hello to people, but can be very wary of people she doesn't know. Koda is not like that at all (he loves everyone), so we are thinking it could just be a genetic disposition (as interestingly, her sister is the exact same). Plus there are far far too many unwanted dogs out there, so no extra breeding here!

Here they are, enjoying some recent wintery adventures (as you can see, Peggy is growing up fast):

View attachment 261724View attachment 261725


Our garden centre still has the 'no dogs allowed if they touch the ground' rule..... 🙈:)):)) So here they both are whilst we made the annual Christmas tree run. Peggy was confused about the tree being inside the house at first, but hasn't bothered with it since!

View attachment 261726View attachment 261727View attachment 261728


We tried a different off lead park recently, but it was too muddy with the winter wet weather. Koda cannot stand mud, or water, or getting dirty in any form.... So he spent most of his time off the ground avoiding the mud! Peggy on the other hand.... is part-bred Hippo

View attachment 261729View attachment 261730


At the farm they decided they wanted to be 'van-twins'. We took a couple of the smaller work vans, rather than the big truck to stock up on some shavings and horse feed for the next few weeks

View attachment 261731

I am lucky to have such lovely kids

View attachment 261732


Anyway, I'll try pop on here as much as I can before Christmas. I'm in the office more this week (there's another story - completely gutted our house out and had a rearrange and re-decorate, so I have a lovely new home office to work from - when I can...). Things will probably be hectic over the Christmas period so I wanted to wish everyone a lovely Christmas and New Year now, in case I don't get chance later on

Look forward (as always) to hear how everyone is getting on) x
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Happy Christmas 🎄 🎁
 
Lovely as always to hear your news and see the photos.
Hope you will get some time just to relax over Christmas.
Hope Woody’s scan is good.
We’re planning a quiet Christmas this year.
It’s the first time in over 30 years I won’t be working silly hours right up until Christmas Day lunchtime so we’re going to enjoy the peace.
Have a lovely Christmas, both of you, and the animals
 
Merab said:
Lovely as always to hear your news and see the photos.
Hope you will get some time just to relax over Christmas.
Hope Woody’s scan is good.
We’re planning a quiet Christmas this year.
It’s the first time in over 30 years I won’t be working silly hours right up until Christmas Day lunchtime so we’re going to enjoy the peace.
Have a lovely Christmas, both of you, and the animals
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Embrace the change that retirement has given you. You deserve it. The month of December used to be completely hectic for you! Relax and enjoy.
 
Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas!
Hope Woody’s scan goes well 🤞
We are off up north visiting friends and family on Wednesday. Home Sunday then the big rush to get organised on Monday and Tuesday 😆 I don’t know why I decided to visit everyone so late this year, cutting it all a bit fine
 
Roselina said:
Lovely to see the family and read your news ! I hope you will have time to rest and relax with Woody,Koda,Peggy and Dan 🥰 over the Christmas time
Sending love and a Merry Christmas to you all 🎄
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Thank you! Merry Christmas to you all too 🥰 Hope everyone is well and you also enjoy a relaxing Christmas
 
Merab said:
Lovely as always to hear your news and see the photos.
Hope you will get some time just to relax over Christmas.
Hope Woody’s scan is good.
We’re planning a quiet Christmas this year.
It’s the first time in over 30 years I won’t be working silly hours right up until Christmas Day lunchtime so we’re going to enjoy the peace.
Have a lovely Christmas, both of you, and the animals
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Thank you!
I'm so pleased you get to have a relaxing time this year!
Merry Christmas to you all 🎄🥰
 
Bill & Ted said:
Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas!
Hope Woody’s scan goes well 🤞
We are off up north visiting friends and family on Wednesday. Home Sunday then the big rush to get organised on Monday and Tuesday 😆 I don’t know why I decided to visit everyone so late this year, cutting it all a bit fine
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Thank you!
Hope you have a lovely time up here!
Merry Christmas to you all 🎄🥰
 
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