Not Wanting To Wake Up This Morning.

[debris4spike]

No, not me, I'm talking about DJ!

As I walked across their field this morning, there were 2 (fat) lumps in the corner. As I approached I called "Hi" ... Conrad picked his head up and lay there watching me contnue to walk, while DJ didn't move. So I called another hello, to DJ this time - Yes, I got a response ... He picked his head up, looked at me, and lay back down again!

He did stand up as I approached and I don't think he was happy that I was laughing at him!

Today, Junior and Toni accompanied DJ and myself to collect Rosie and Ros ... So DJ had, again, the honour of being the only male.

The ride went well. There was lots of traffic, but most of it slowed down, so Rosie's training is going very smoothly. We went down to the Church and then back round - so a couple of steepish hills for Rosie to cope with.

A lovely ride, and it stayed dry. It is cooler today, so not so great for the holiday-makers, but we all appreciated it.

DJ was cool enough by the time we got back that he didn't need sponging down - just let him settle while I emptied the wheel barrow of ####, and then time to feed him.

As I led him back to his field I collected rubber gloves and plastic bags - so that I can pull Ragwort.   It is a back-breaking, but essential job. I had the advantage (!) of help - as DJ and Conrad kept close to me while I pulled up all the plant I could see in their field. For those who don't know much about it, Ragwort is a killer and spreads rapidly - the only thing that can be done is that it must be pulled up and burned. More details can be seen here if you don't know what it looks like. 

Comments

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

Don't envy the weed pulling. We have lots of that ourselves. Grasses brought over from other countries that they thought would be a good crop. Instead they take over and push out better grasses. Have to dig them out because if you leave a bit then they spread. Our house is on what use to be a farm so we have a real job getting rid of the grasses even if the grounds were cleaned before building on them. Add in that it's so hot and humid. Not fun.

[debris4spike]

I am not a keen gardener - and have a small garden, so don't do much. Fortunately Toni's place doesn't have too much Ragwort, so isn't too bad - and they do most of it - But the stables I learnt to ride at, there was loads.

It is backbreaking work - fortunately it wasn't too hot this morning, 'cos that is a killer!

[kalinda001.livejournal.com]

Ragwort...those sound nasty. I can see why they have to be gotten rid of. I guess DJ and Conrad were concerned as well and wanted to make sure you did a good job ;)

[debris4spike]

I personally think DJ was more worried I was stealing the grass as well as the weeds!!

[auntiero.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's horrible! It's a shame it's so pretty. I wonder if it's here in the US. (I don't recall ever seeing it, but I could be wrong.)

[debris4spike]

It is pretty - in England we have it a lot on the verges of motorways (freeways) ... and it certainly brightens up the road. However it spreads so easily, that the equine world hate it.

[norain21.livejournal.com]

For some reason Ragwort makes me think of Harry Potter, hah.
&& aww @ DJ.

[debris4spike]

I am sure that DJ would be a real star at Hogwarts - don't tell him though!!

DJ says Hi.

[norain21.livejournal.com]

aww, haha. tell him hi back for me :)

[ukchrisp.livejournal.com]

Reading this post reminds me of all the times I had to go out and pull up ragwort - the damn stuff gets everywhere doesn't it :(
I had to smile at sleepy DJ, i bet he thought if he layed there quietly you'd give him the day off...lol

[debris4spike]

Well, if you are getting withdrawel signs, I am sure Toni would be only too glad of the help!

Yes, someone has to tell DJ he is too fat to lie down and think he is hiding!

[ukchrisp.livejournal.com]

Hahaha - No way !!Toni can do it by herself...lol

[oldgreymare.livejournal.com]

Yes it's great when they are all curious about what you are doing.
Most of the time Dessie couldn't care less when I am in the paddock, but every now and then he loves to tip the wheelbarrow over. I have asked him to back up to it and save me some time but he never does! Plus he loves to stalk me in the hope I will turn around and play his game of chicken... but I never do so he gives up very quickly. Tis all very amusing what antics they get up too sometimes.

[debris4spike]

They can be so silly - I think DJ's worry was that I was collecteing grass as well as Ragwort, so wanted to make sure he got his first!