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Roeddwn yn ysu i brynnu ceffyl i’r plant ond wnaeth pawb ddweud:
ond wnaeth pawb ddweud: “Wait until they ask..”
ond wrth gwrs wnes i ddim gwarando, roeddwn yn rhy ddi-amynedd. Byddai rhywun yn disgwyl i riant fynd a’i blentyn am wersi marchogaeth mewn Canolfan Marchogaeth. Mi wnes i gymeryd fy mod gyda digon o brofiad i brynnu ceffyl bach i’r plant a dysgu nhw fy hunan. Felly pan droiodd y plentyn hynaf yn 4 oed mi brynom ferlen Mynydd Cymreig (Section A). Roeddwn wedi bod yn edrych am spel, gyda’r gwr yn cwyno tipyn. Wedyn gwelais un addas lleoll a’r wefan Preloved a digwydd bod roeddwn yn adnabod y person. Dau tic yn y bocs.
Doedd hi ddim yn “Mother’s Dream” y term sydd yn cael ei ddefnyddio y dyddiau hyn i ddisgrifio merlen fach perffaith ond mi roedd yna rhywbeth amdani oedd yn fy hatgoffa o fy’n ngheffyl fy hun, felly croesawon Pippin i’r teulu.
Doedd Pippin ddim wedi cael ei handlo ers stalwm a mae ganndi dipyn o ddiffyg hyder. Mae’n cymeryd hir i ddod i arfer gyda person, ond mae’n annwyl tu hwnt. Mae byth yn trio brifo ei marchogwr dwi’n siwr, ond mae nhw erbyn hyn wedi cael ambell i gwymp. Mae’n debyg fel yna mae dysgu.
Mewn ychydig o amser, llwyddais i berswadio y gwr i fuddsoddi mewn Merlyn bach a mi brynnom Shetland cofrestredig wyth oed o’r enw Woody. Roedd yn cymeriad a hanner.
Y syniad oedd byddai fy mab, y plentyn hynaf yn cael Pippin a fy merch yn cael Woody. Y peth mae rhan fwyaf o bobl ddim yn sylweddoli gyda merlod ydi ei fod yn llawer mwy o waith ‘na cheffylau. Yn bennaf am ei fod yn mwy galluog, diredus a maent gennyt agenda nhw hunan! Y ddweud y gwir mae nhw angen dipyn mwy o gofal. Yn mwyaf achos gyd mae nhw rili eisiau wneud ydi bwyta sydd yn arwain at dipyn o broblemau.
Felly mi wnes i dreulio yr haf gyntaf yn trio cadw pwysau nhw lawr, wrth defnyddio ffens trydan i wneud gorlannau llai iddynt. Wrth gwrs doedd hyn ddim yn wneud tro gyda nhw. A rhyw ffordd neu gilydd roeddent yn dengyd ar bob cyfle. Doedd hyd yn oed trydan ddim yn digon i stopio y ddau yma!
Ychydig ar ôl gael Woody, roeddwn i wedi synnu un diwrnod i gweld y mab yn y cae ar ben ei hun ar gefn y Shetland, heb ffrwyn na chyfrwy. Mi sefais yno i weld beth fyddai’n digwydd. Mi sefodd y Shetland yn llonnydd reit am funud cyn gweld ei gyfle i gael ychydig o hwyl. Mi rhedodd am y ffens trydan a plygu lawr digon jyst iddo fo hunan gael mynd o dano ar mab mynd drosto. Wrth gwrs mi gwympodd i ffwrdd. Wedyn roedd yna grio.
Merch vs Ceffylau bach drwg!
Tro arall, tra roeddwn yn feichiog, mi dengodd y ddau o’r cae. Allan â nhw i’r ffordd fawr. Wrth gwrs doeddwn i methu i redeg er trio fy’n nghorau. Roedd y ceir yn gwibio heibio a neb yn stopio i helpu. Mi wnaeth un ddynes arafu ac edrych arnaf fel petai fy mod wedi wneud yr holl peth ar bwrpas! Yn y diwedd troioedd nhw i ffwrdd ar lawr ffordd gefn. Doedd gennai ddim syniad sut oeddwn yn mynd i ddal nhw, ond allan o ninlle ddaeth fy mydgwraig i helpu fi.
Mae gennyf llawer mwy o straeon am Woody, roedd yn gymeriad go iawn. Mi fydd gennym ni fel teulu atgofion am byth amdano. Yn anffodus mi wnes i dderbyn galwad ffôn ar gychwyn yr haf, ‘does dim un perchennog eisiau i dderbyn. Cafodd Woody i ddarganfod yn y cae y bore hwnnw mewn cyflwyr gwael. Digwydd bod mi roedd yr milfeddyg yn dod y ddiwrnod hwnnw a chafodd i weld yn fuan wedyn. Fuom yn edrych ar ôl am y ddeuddydd nesaf ond aeth bethau o ddrwg i waeth. Erbyn y diwedd roedd mewn gryn dipyn o boen ac yn dioddef o Colic erchyll. Roedd dim i wneud a mi gollodd ei frwydr.
Anodd iawn oedd egluro i’r plant roedd Woody nawr mewn byd arall, ble allwn byth ei weld eto. Mae o wedi bod yn golled mawr i fi mwy na neb. Mi wnes i byth meddwl byddwn yn methu ef gymaint. Er ei fod yn llond llaw roedd pob amser yn rhoi gwên ar fy wyneb.
Mae Pippin pellach dal ar deiat (yn tydi ni gyd!) Mi wnes i yrru hi yn diweddar at rywun i hyfforddi hi a trio gwella ei hunan hyder, ond wnaeth hyn ddim troi allan yn dda iawn. Mae’n debyg ei fod ddim yn rhy awyddus i wneud gwaith go iawn. Dim ond yn cael i arwain gyda ni oedd hi, tra roedd y plant yn ei farchogaeth. Unwaith mi wnaeth rhywun profiadol ceisio i reidio hi, mi benderfynodd i lluchio nhw i ffwrdd. Daeth i adref o dan gwmwl o gywilydd.
Dros yr haf dangosodd y plant ddim llawer o ddiddordeb mewn ceffylau. Dwi’n ofni fod holl helyntion Pippin a Woody wedi ei ddychryn. Ond ar ôl penblwydd fy merch yn pedair ym mis Awst roedd yn digon hen i fynd i gael gwersi go iawn mewn Ganolfan Marchogaeth. Mae i weld yn mwynhau ac yn gwrando yn gwell i rywun diarth. Edrych yn nôl yn nawr, deallaf ei fod byddai siwr o fod yn gwell pe bai ni wedi aros i’r plant tyfu cyn iddynt cael ceffylau a mynd am wersi fel pawb arall. Ar ôl ddweud hynny byddwn ddim yn newid am y byd rhai o brofiadon gyda’r ddau yma. Profiadon sydd yn wneud plentyndod, ond hefyd profiad sydd yn wneud Marchog neu Marchoges y dyfodol.
Cofiwch cysylltu gyda phrofiadon chi. Marchoges x
How do you buy a New Horse? Where to look
Good Question. Though maybe the question should be, how do you buy the right horse?
There are so many methods to search now..
Regular methods to buying a new horse include:
Adverts by private individuals – these will often be on websites such as Horsemart or maybe print publications like Horse and Hound
Facebook groups e.g. Horses and Ponies for Sale in Wales
Auction – I’m guessing a breed auction is preferable or am I being snobbish?? One argument in favour of auctions is that horses are sold under warranty. You wouldn’t get this if you bought a horse privately.
A Reputable Dealer – the best ones have up to date websites and are good business people. The reputation rests on the sale of the last horse, so it’s in their best interest to have happy clients.
A Charity – who take abandoned and neglected horses for rehoming Blue Cross, World Horse Welfare, RSPCA.
Rehoming, Loaning, Sharing – Many people don’t actually wish to sell their horse. Now there are more options to keep a horse Homes4Horses, RightHorseRightHome
Word of Mouth – I guess if you’re really active in the horse world e.g. you hunt or in the Pony Club, then maybe someone knows someone that’s selling a suitable horse.
My present horse,  the love of my horsey life has been with me for nearly 20 years. I bought her, or rather my Father did as a 4 year old. She was sold to us, on behalf of the owner by the man that had backed her. She wasn’t always amazing, she used to nap when I first got her, but she was only young – and it’s always worth a try isn’t it.
The other horse that I owned for many years, a gelding named Duke who I bought from a newspaper advert (you don’t see much of that anymore) and I also knew the vendors. It also just so happened that my Mother won a bit of money on the lottery and decided to give to me to buy a horse. He was with me for many years before passing away peacefully in the field. Other horses I have bred them myself, but I haven’t kept those ones as we didn’t gel, ironically.
On the look out to buy
Therefore, now with my beloved mare ageing, I am started to look for a new friend. So where to begin. Well I’ve started with the usual online Facebook selling groups in the area, I look regularly on the selling websites e.g. Horsemart and I’ve contacted a dealer. However, the option that I’m most unsure about is buying a horse from an auction. I applied for a catalogue last week for the renowned Autumn Welsh Cob Sale  at Builth Wells. I have been to the sale before, but it was many years ago and I didn’t buy a horse. It’s the ideal place if you are looking for a young Welsh horse and you have the capability and confidence to bring the horse on at home. I’m just not sure that’s me.
So far, I haven’t actually made that brave step of going to see a horse. I’m waiting for the one. I’ve come close, but it seems the horse in question was everybody else’s “The One” too, so I was in a queue. Somewhere near the back.
My plan is to keep looking out, to be open minded, be willing to compromise and some time soon, definitely maybe Go for it! Please let me know how I should be going about this quest and how you came by your equine partner on Facebook page and Twitter – Marchoges.
Hwyl am y tro, Marchoges x
First 10 of the Amazing 40 Horsey Things to Do
Posted on September 30, 2017 by Marchoges Posted in The Big 40 — No Comments ↓
The First 10 of the Amazing 40 Horsey Things to Do is here. It will probably take some time to get through to the whole 40 but don’t worry, because there will be plenty of time for readers to offer their suggestions. Just remember that I am cash and time poor, but ideas and enthusiasm rich!
The following 10 are not in any particular priority order. Some of them are probably not wildly ambitious, but I hope they are all doable and will ease me in gently. I will do them when possible, during the next year. Exciting!
1. Start Searching for a New Friend..
Looking to the horizon
I mean horse friend here of course. Whilst my beautiful mare is still going strong in many respects, she is ageing and would like to rest more. Therefore the searching begins to find that new friend. Oh, where to begin?
2. Fun at a Ride for a Great Charity
This is a big one, because not only is it in the first 10 Amazing things its 10 years since I first did it. In 2008 I organised a Fun Ride for the Wales Air Ambulance. Next year I hope to replicate the event and the organising starts now. I hope to organise some add-ons to maximise the fundraising. Refreshments, obviously; Equine Car Boot Sale? Raffle? Horse bouncy castle? (no, only kidding).
3. Giddy-up, Whoa, Giddy-up, Whoa – Multi-Stop Trail Ride..
At home we have people staying with us who ride across Wales. However I want to do something different, in this country we call Cymru. Start in Porthaethwy (Menai Bridge) ride home, over a few mountains on the way? Think up about visiting 40 Amazing Welsh landmarks? I’m yet to hit on just the right idea.
4. Strike a Horsey Pose!
I’m going to do a Photo Shoot featuring my horses and I. Probably to get my money’s worth I will have a few shots done of my family too, if they behave themselves. Never work with children and animals.
5. Get a Head, Get a Headcam
It seems everyone has these now and even though I don’t wish to appear as a sheep, there’s enough of those here already, I do see their merit. I then will be able to share my horsey adventures with you all more.
6. Saturday Night at the Movies…
The plan is to watch at least 4 amazing horsey films a month.  I’m thinking of seeking out the lesser known horse films. Big task I hear you say, well I bought a Amazon Firestick not long ago and having been busy adding horse films to the watch list. Hopefully it will be a subject of my future posts. So stand back people.
7. Drama, Suspense – 4 Page Turners
I think many people have books by there bed as some kind of to do list, currently I have Tim Pears “The Horseman” (I must read it). My plan is to read 4 equine related a month or books that help me to complete my 40 amazing horsey things to do – recommendations please.
8. Tightening those Abs
Improving your core is really big at the minute in the world of riding. I have a giant exercise ball in my that has been under risk of deflation for some time. I went on a one day rider biomechanics assessment earlier this year and to be begin with I kept up the prescribed exercises, but I felt I was’t doing them right and neck hurt so I gave up slightly. Then I bought an exercise DVD, but then the DVD player broke. Feeble excuses. Now I really need to get back to it.
9. Follow me Friends..
I have to admit that I’ve never been a huge fan of sharing everyday life. However this is different of course, because this is everyday horse-life. Therefore I’ve decided to set myself some targets, so help me out. How about gaining 40 “Followers and Friends” on each social media platform, Facebook, Twitter and the lovely Instagram.
Last of the First 10..
10. New Events for me
Number ten of the 40 Amazing Horsey things to do to attend (I mean watch – not take part in,steady on there!) 4 Major Equine Events, starting with Olympia in December! Years ago I used to go to watch Badminton Horse Trails, because I was studying in college near there, but these days when you’ve got babysitters to organise everywhere feels so far.
So there you have it
Some random suggestions, but I guess they’re personal to me. It’s a starting block. I’m really looking forward to these challenges. Let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you on newequineadventures@marchoges.co.uk, or search Marchoges on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
It’s raining here at the minute but I hope its sunny with you. Marchoges x
Tagged with: 40, Horsey Things to Do, Riding, wales
Aneurin Jones (1930 – 2017) Welsh Artist
Posted on September 28, 2017 by Marchoges Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓
Sadwrn Barlys III – Barley Saturday III
Aneurin Jones (1930 – 2017) Welsh Artist is quoted as saying “The world of my childhood was also a world of horses, when everyone farmed with horses and travelled on horseback”. (The Life and work of artist Aneurin Jones, 2014)
Aneurin Jones was a Welsh rural scenic artist that sadly passed away this week. Horses were the subject of many of his paintings including Working Horses, Welsh Cob show stallions, feral Welsh Mountain Ponies and horses at the Fair.
The admiration Aneurin Jones had for the horse is plain to see. In the painting Barley Saturday, the horse is made the focus as he is proudly paraded through streets of a Welsh town. The animal would have been a Working Horse and this would have probably been his day off, a chance to wear his best brasses and show off to the adoring crowd. The sun shines on the centre of the painting casting shadows on the ground, the blue hue giving a calming feel to the paint giving a calmness befitting of a noble Heavy Horse.
Aneurin’s Welsh Cob paintings show the partnership between strutting stallions and strong armed handlers. In the painting Tyswysog (Welsh for Prince) the handler is trying to contain the energy of the virile stallion. Mirroroing each other’s prowess. Sketched quickly to capture the moment.
Ffair geffylau . Horse fair
In sharp contrast in the Horse Fair paintings the partnership is broken between man and horse. Aneurin has the buyers at the Fair huddled together in negotiation and close contact debate on the worth of the horse. The men are painted in dull workmen like colours but the bay horse shines brightly from the glare of the distant sun.
The Welsh Mountain Pony played a very important part in Aneurin Jones’ upbringing, as he was brought up near the Black Mountain were the ponies lived, he loved grey ponies “I am convinced that a white horse has mystical qualities”. (The Life and work of artist Aneurin Jones, 2014) In the painting to the left the ponies are bunched together, furtive, he captures  their slight apprehension. It is obvious that he has studied them watching the way they interact and their individual characteristics. The pony on the far left with the black forelock stands and stares at the artist questionally. Under the shadow of the hill beyond.
Aneurin Jones’ art focuses on individuals, be they horses or men. He captures their characters, their personalities and how this relates to the environment they live in. The colours Aneurin used reflect the Welsh climate and landscape. They are a true reflection of Welsh rural life and with his death we lose a great, insightful, era defining artist.
Please see this page’s link to view some of his horse paintings, which one do you like? Do you have any Aneurin Jones paintings? Please let me know what you think. If time allows I will translate the above post to Welsh soon.
Diolch am ddarllen, Marchoges x
Tagged with: Aneurin Jones, Art, equestrian, horse, Welsh
Fun in the sun at Powys Castle
Posted on September 22, 2017 by Marchoges Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓
Fun Ride in the Sun at Powys Castle by Marchoges
The Fun Ride was an unique opportunity to ride on the land of  Powys Castle, Welshpool, a National Trust property.  The Fun Ride was in support of the Montgomeryshire Royal Welsh Fundraising Committee. Even the sun had got the memo and finally came out to shine on proceedings.
Poster for the Fun Ride at Powys Castle
The amount of getting out and about we do these days in limited. Sunday was an exception, I had penciled in the Fun Ride onto the calendar sometime ago. It wasn’t only me that thought this was a wonderful idea, but an estimated 260 other riders thought that riding around Powys Castle would be a great experience.
Back at the trailer park
One of my concerns, was that all the horses would be big and posh. It turned out that there were plenty of ordinary joes there. They came in old chugging horseboxes, scruffy trailers (like mine) or stock trailers. It all made for a great atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
The Fun Ride route was probably one of the most memorable  because of the spectacular views over Montgomeryshire. There was no gates instead open countryside with a variety of landscape including woods, parkland and grazing with no livestock. The route was beautifully laid out and well marshaled. I set out riding by myself initially with Husband on foot, but he decided to take the shorter route – with hindsight is what I should have done.
Peaceful de-tour back to base
We plodded our way a long and I was very grateful to one lady that let us shadow her.  However after the first half of the ride poor horsey got very hot and bothered and our lack of our preparation really stood out. We decided to retire gracefully and took a short cut back to the trailer.
A Good Day Out
I was a little deflated as there so many inviting parts to the ride that were crying out to be cantered.  There were also optional jumps for the brave and plenty of opportunities for a good trot, but you have to put your horse first. This has of course raised lots of questions about my wonderful horse, does she want to be carted off to these places, I’m pretty sure she’d prefer to be stood at home grazing, do I think of her now as being semi-retired? Should I get another horse so I can do these things?
It will take great thought and only time will tell, but your comments would be greatly appreciated also. http://marchoges.co.uk/contact-us
Diolch am ddarllen, yntan tro nesaf, Marchoges x
Tagged with: Fun Ride, Marchoges, Powys Castle, Sun
40 Amazing Horsey Things to do When You’re 40!
Posted on September 10, 2017 by Marchoges Posted in Uncategorized — No Comments ↓
1977 – I was there…
Well just sneaking in towards the end of that great year. Red Rum had won the Grand National for the third time, the only horse ever to have done so and it was the first year that a female jockey took part. Both Charlie Chaplin and Elvis Presley sadly passed away, Elvis incidentally at one stage owned many horses on his ranch.
I arrived into the world with hair to suit the times that stuck up like the best of the punk rockers, into an ordinary family with absolute no connection to horses. In fact I was never really aware of horses, I do have a vague recollection of being sat on a hunter when I was very small and feeding carrots to a dark bay in the village. I also remember reading the The Silver Brumby novels (which is now described as a modern classic on Waterstones website), but apart from that it wasn’t until I was a teenager my interest in horses grew.
The change probably came from living on a farm, I think I thought it was kind of compulsory to have a pony, quite a few disasters with various unsuitable ponies and horses were to follow. I soon realised that I needed more knowledge and information on these unpredictable, noble, beautiful beasts so following many hours staring at a prospectus for a equestrian college in the school library, on leaving school I set off for pastures new to learn more about horses.
In between then and now, there have been many horses, numerous adventures and amazing memories. However I now reach a crossroads, the intended career in the equine world never really materialised, but it’s something I have never been able to fully let go of, so with my 40th year rapidly approaching I’m deliberating on whether to still try and pursue that elusive vocation or to keep it as a lifestyle shall we say, either way I have a lot of ideas whirring in my head of things I will like to achieve in the following year.
I’ve tossed around ideas and suggestions, flung them from side to side and come up with I think with a worthy challenge, to complete 40 amazing horsey experiences to celebrate my 40 years on planet earth.
So far they will possibly involve me studying for further horsey qualifcations, a long distance trial ride with a 40 theme (40 notable landmarks, hills, pubs even?? – that sounds like a really good idea just now!), some rides for charity as well, attempting to do some new equestrian sports, visiting and spectating at new horsey events (starting with my first trip to Olympia to celebrate a certain Birthday!! – so excited), reading and reviewing horsey books and films and generally immersing myself even further to the world of equine.
Here come the trickly bit many of these things I would love to achieve with my beloved mare, (known here as Khatresha) who has been my ally for nearly 20 years, but of course she is now getting on a bit and the big question is – how much more does she really want to do. Could I afford, have the time for another horse? I certainly could never replace her. I also have a young family to consider (who do have a pony of their own) so there is going to be a lot of time negotiation and organising; it’ll be fun to say the least.
Come enjoy the ride!
Therefore I hope you enjoy coming along with me for the ride, your suggestions of 40 wonderful things to do will be greatly appreciated it, you can let me know you’re thoughts by contacting me by email Marchoges Facebook Page, Twitter Marchoges Page and join in with my general love of all things equine. I will keep you up to date on here, with my lovely new name Marchoges, my posts will mostly be in English but occasionally I will delve into the langauge of my Homeland of Cymru/Wales, in any language I hope you find my stories entertaining. For now, Diolch am ddarllen a phob hwyl / thanks for reading and best wishes, Marchoges x.
Tagged with: 1977, 40, adventures, amazing, cymru, equestrian, equine, horse, pony, things to do, wales
Roeddwn yn ysu i brynnu ceffyl i’r plant ond wnaeth pawb ddweud:
How do you buy a New Horse? Where to look
First 10 of the Amazing 40 Horsey Things to Do
Aneurin Jones (1930 – 2017) Welsh Artist
Fun in the sun at Powys Castle
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