Dog microchipping...it's now compulsory

In case you've been hiding under a stone for the last year or so or haven't heard, dog microchipping is now becoming compulsory as of the 6th April.

The first I heard about it was when I went to take Teddy for his final injections last year. The vet said we had two options; either microchip him now or at some point before 6th April 2016. Having never chosen to microchip our previous dogs we were a little apprehensive but decided to get it done there and then so it was out the way.

From 6th April, all dogs in the UK over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and registered on an authorised database. Its hoped that in introducing this regulation, it will help to tackle irresponsible dog ownership.

One of the intentions of the legislation is that dogs coming from puppy farms and other unregulated animal breeding will also be traceable under the law.

Often, you hear of dogs being stolen and it is hoped that microchipping will help in ownership disputes and quicken the process of reuniting dogs with their real owners.

All dog owners must ensure their dog is fitted with a microchip - the size of a grain of rice - before this date. The microchips will contain a range of data including; contact details of the current keeper, a description of the dog, and unique ID numbers.

Unfortunately in this case, there is no exemptions for older dogs, however there are two occasions where the regulations have exceptions:

- Should the vet think that microchipping would adversely affect the dogs health, an exemption certificate can be issued.
- Certified working dogs with docked tails do not have to be chipped until they are 12 weeks old, in line with the existing legislation.

Generally, microchipping costs around £15-£40 when carried out by a vet, however someone that has been on an approved training course can also carry out the microchipping - but please ensure they have the relevant qualifications.

If a dog is found not to have a microchip or any details on his existing chip is incorrect, you will be given 21 days to comply with a legal notice before receiving a £500 fine. Beyond this time, authorities will have the power to seize a dog and chip it at the owners expense.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with this new legislation and think it will help to combat irresponsible dog ownership, or do you think it's just a waste of time and money? 

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It was in her darkest hour, she set about to conquer her biggest fears...

For a while, I based this blog on nothing but product and competition reviews, including some travel thrown into the mix and the occasional book review. However, the post I published way back in January gauged so much reaction that I realised sometimes it's good to talk and every once in a while, it's good to share your experiences because somewhere out there is others going through the same thing.

My post about struggling with Ziggy's spooking and the constant battle I was having with him gauged so much reaction that I received a couple of message - one of which was through my Facebook page. As it happens, there was someone living an almost parallel life to mine and Ziggy's when it came to our daily hurdles. The messages were all received with appreciation and it was so nice to know that sometimes when you feel at your most alone, you're really not.

Which is the thought behind this post, however hard it's going to be to write.

A short while ago, something in my life ended that I really thought had no problems. Without delving deeper into a topic that i'd rather not go into.... I was the happiest i'd been in a while and was enjoying splitting time between two places, meeting new people, experiencing new things and so on. But, things happen for a reason and here we are. Often, i've found that a lot of things don't make sense and someone wise told me that in a few years or maybe even months, it will make sense and the reason will become clear, but for now it won't and thats maybe okay.

Which, one night bought me to think of the quote "It was in her darkest hour, she set about to conquer her biggest fears" and it made me think of all that scared me, all that I avoided for a simpler life and all that I put off because I worried about the outcome.

So, one morning, a few weeks after I'd conquered the fear of driving my horsebox, I set about to go and compete for the first time solo. For years I'd relied on someone to drive me, the same person to read my tests and someone just to be there.

The sad fact is that, in life people come and go, people move on and the ones I'd always relied on to be there to read my tests, tell me if we looked good or help me with my bridle number had to now lead their own lives. It was time to let them go and allow them to find the happiness, that they deserved - I couldn't expect them to join me for the 6am starts and long days much longer.

It was time to learn to do this alone.

I'd always relied on a caller for my tests, despite usually knowing them or being able to learn them within just a few minutes. Why? Because it was the safe option and no caller threw me right out of my comfort zone. I'd always liked having eyes on the ground when warming up and for no real reason really, simply just because.

When I set about my first solo day, I couldn't help but miss having a friend sat next to me to laugh with, or to ask help from. Warming up, I looked around and took in the scenes of others seeking help from partners, friends, instructors and so on.

The most poignant moment came to me just as I was finishing my test. As I rode down the centreline for the final time, halted at X and turned to exit the arena my automatic reaction was to look up and seek someone I knew in the crowd. Someone that would be waiting for us to exit the arena with a smile, to tell us the good and bad bits of our test. Looking under the peek of my hat, for that split second I looked and I searched the seating area for a friend or someone carrying my coat and waiting to share with me just how that test felt and say the two words that everyone seeks after a competition - "Well Done" - but it never came.

In that same moment, I looked down and ahead and as I reached down to pat the one that had made all this possible I realised something. I realised that in that very moment when I'd felt most alone, I wasn't. Then within walking a few steps, I spotted a friend and later on another good friend called to see how I'd gotten on.

So, some days it may seem like it, but I guess we're never really going solo.

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First day of spring....

The end of dark mornings and nights, muddy fields and clipping every 6 weeks is in sight. It's that close you can almost smell the evening hacks out with friends after work, beach rides, sun tan lotion for pink noses and the 4am starts for the competition season. 

Spring is here!

...and so, I thought I'd give you ten top tips for ensuring you and your horse have a fun spring and summer! 

1) De-hair - Get rid of that dull winter fluff by spending some extra time grooming your horse. I've heard great things about the FURminator® for removing those pesky winter coats but have never used it. Let me know if you have!

2) Get fit - We're all guilty of it; but if you've spent a little too many hours on the couch this winter then get back out there and get fit! Join a running or swimming club, or even your local riding club and get back into the swing of things! 

If you're looking for something new to do - take a look at the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club! 

3) Go makeover mad - Give your horse a makeover. Clip his bridle path, fetlocks, muzzle and anything else that's a bit fuzzy or overgrown from the winter months!

4) Head to the New Forest - Nothing can compare to long evening walks, surrounded by horses and the countryside. The New Forest has plenty of pet-friendly hotels so why not book yourself a weekend break with your pooch?

5) Have a tack room tidy out - Do those well-worn winter rugs need throwing away or reproofing? Is there any  old tack hiding out in your tack room that you haven't used in a while? You never know, in sorting through your stuff you might just find things you don't need anymore that you can sell. That old bridle you no longer use might just pay for a days XC schooling with your horse. 

6) Plan your diary - The show schedules are coming out thick and fast now. Take a break one evening from work, sit down with a glass of wine (if you're over 18!) and get your competition diary sorted. There's nothing like being organised!

7) Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date - There's nothing more heartbreaking than arriving at a competition and realising you aren't eligible to compete because your vaccinations aren't up-to-date. Make sure you're organised! 

8) Stock up - Remember that time last year when you left an aroma of fly-repellent wherever you walked? It's that time again! Head to your local tack shop and stock up on fly repellents, sun tan lotion for pink noses and any other spring and summer supplies you might need! 

9) Go to the beach - It sounds cliche, but everyones got to do it at least once their life. Box up and take your horse to the beach. Most horses enjoy a paddle in the sea and nothing beats going for a gallop in the sand. 

10) Meet up with friends - Organise a girly day at the races or Burghley and Badminton. With the horsey event calendar bursting with things to do, there's no excuse for not sitting down with your friends and enjoying a Pimms or two whilst you watch some horse and riders strut their stuff!

There's plenty to do this spring - get in touch if you've got some other great ideas! 

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I'm back...and becoming a Young Farmer

You may have noticed the last time I posted was some time ago now. After my last post where I admitted there seemed to be a problem with mine and Ziggy's partnership, I decided to take a break from blogging and try to cut some of the stress out in my life. I was trying to juggle work, relationships, the horses, competing and then on top of that blogging. It all just got too much and quite honestly I was absolutely exhausted. However, I'm back, feeling refreshed and ready to roll!

In my time away I decided I wanted to do something away from the horses and away from my everyday life of work, blogging and generally everything that piles the pressure and stress on. I find it really difficult to socialise and meet new people because of the rural area we live in. Friday night drinks after work with colleagues aren't easy when you all live in excess of an hour away from one another and so on, then my weekends are generally taken up competing or doing some horse-related activity so shopping with friends on a Saturday isn't always an option neither.

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All ready for the YFC ball!

I moved to rural Lincolnshire when I was 14, away from friends I'd known all my life and everything that had always been the norm. For the following few years socialising was fine as I was in school and before I knew it went off to university to follow my dreams of becoming a Journalist. Away for 3/4 years, I never 'needed' friends back home and the thought that one day my closest friends would live miles away never dawned on me.

However soon enough, university finished, I moved back home and a couple of years later my relationship broke down and I found myself wondering how to pass time and how I would meet new friends out of work.

After mentioning all of the above to someone at work, she recommended joining Young Farmers as a way to meet new like-minded people, socialise that bit more and generally have some fun - in the hope to also help me forget the stress of the last few months.

Genuinely, joining Young Farmers is one of the best decisions I've made this year.

In just 6 months I've made several new friends, met tonnes of new people, been to Blackpool for the weekend, put myself forward for several club roles such as press officer and more! Additionally I was delighted when I gained the role of press officer for the county and am as keen as ever to get involved. Within 2 months of becoming a member I won the Hunter judging at the 2016 rally and also took part in varying other activities over the weekend.

However, the opportunities with Young Farmers doesn't stop there! There's travel opportunities, exchange opportunities, chances to get out there whilst doing something you love, learning new skills and talents - all whilst having fun! The opportunities really are endless!

Young Farmers has not only given me the chance to meet new people, but it's helped to build my confidence at a time when I really needed it as well.

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Led by young people, for young people, Young Farmers is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK dedicated to young people who have a love for agriculture and rural life. Aimed at members aged 10-26, Young Farmers offers a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with local communities, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and basically enjoy a dynamic social life.

With over 25,000 members and 644 clubs, the National Federation of Young Farmer's Clubs (NFYFC) is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK.

Since joining I've been made to feel nothing but welcome and have had some excellent evenings out at the club ball, bowling, cake decorating and more; including lots of other dates in the diary already penciled in for the rest of the year.

If you're thinking of joining Young Farmers or would like more information, take a look at their website - it's got all you need to know on there.

Most importantly, remember - You don't need to be involved in farming to be a Young Farmer; providing you're someone who appreciates the countryside and enjoys rural life then you'll fit right in!

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