Memories of Malta - dedicated to my two heroes!

Malta. Memories.

Memories of my first plane ride aged just 5, to land in Luqa Aiport holding my Mamma and Grandads hand. Greeted by the stoney buildings, in awe of a land far away from home.

Memories of returning every year from then, building sand castles on Golden Bay beach, taking photos covered in sun cream, ice lolly juice and sand stuck to my knobbly knees. Looking up in awe of the cliffs and one day riding one of the most beautiful horses Ive seen from Golden Bay Riding, trotting along the edge, looking down to waves crashing against rocks sat as still as can be. Soaking in the beauty of an island unknown to many but oh so familiar to me, whilst on horseback.

Memories of learning to use a video camera with Grandad at my side, at the time that was almost as big as my head whilst stood outside Mellieha Church, blinded by the blazing sun beating down upon the gravestones that lie tucked away waiting to be discovered.

Memories of my Mamma and Granddad introducing me to Our Lady of Mellieha and lighting a candle down almost too many steps to count, for the loved ones we've lost but always remember, especially when here, on land so peaceful.

Memories of taking a yellow bus down the windy roads, to end up in Buggiba. Buying gifts galore for family back home. Tea Towels, keyrings, souvenirs with the word 'Malta' inscribed.

Memories of growing up to appreciate the beauty this land beholds and each year appreciating it that bit more.

Memories of watching glass blowing and ornaments being made, standing by the roaring fires about to cook hand made sculptures carefully crafted by creative hands of the maltese cultures.

Memories of new friends made on Golden Bay beach, running in the cool but welcoming sea, jumping waves and giggling with delight as a splash cools pink, sunburnt legs.

Memories of falling to sleep in the sun and being woken to Granddad and Mamma shouting "you're going to burn!"and smiling with delight at my first 'grown up tan'.

Memories of trips out to the Marine Park to stroke a Dolphin and watch Sea Lions put on a display so enchanting.

Memories of hours spent in Popeye Village, laughing as Mamma and Grandad looked on whilst I squealed in delight at driving a boat and seeing a place so magnificent where films were made.

Memories of good times spent with Granddad and Grandma brought to an abrupt halt in May 2004. The year that saw three become two. Forever thankful for the place that allowed us to create so many photographs, videos, memories and being able to remember laughs once shared.

Memories of the first time going back as a two, this time taken by Dad and not Grandad. How landing on the runway felt, without the man that was my best friend sat next to me smiling with delight at coming back. The emptiness so loud.

Memories of feeling resentment that he couldn't share this one last time with us, but learning to hold onto the love he had for this place and carrying that on for him.

Memories of crossing over to Gozo on the ferry from Paradise Bay, watching the waves create patterns and sending the ferry up and down. Remembering the sound of cars driving off the ramp, onto a new Island ready for discovering.

Memories of swimming in the Blue Lagoon and looking through the Azure Window in awe of how a place can be so beautiful yet still so undiscovered.

Memories of not visiting for the first time one year and realising you hadn't missed or yearned for a place before.

Memories of walking hand-in-hand with my first love on Paradise Bay beach, thinking life was complete.

Memories of getting lost in time in the fairytale City, Mdina. Walking back in time in the medieval hilltop town.

Memories of walking through the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter with Dad, in silence. Listening to water droplets fall from the caves that hold more history and secrets.

Memories of waking up to find Mamma with sunburnt lips from too much sun the day before.

Memories of driving through the streets of the Island that holds so many secret treasures in a Jeep, with dad driving  and Mamma bouncing around in the back.

Memories of flying from America back to the place I love, alone.

Memories of lying on the beach at Paradise Bay, having ran away from life back home.

Memories of sitting in the speed boat from Paradise Bay to Comino, nursing a broken heart.

Memories of spending 10 days alone, on an Island that had soon become home.

Memories of finding myself.

Memories of love, laughter, relationships and bitter sweet moments spent both with people I love and alone.

Memories of Malta.

For more information visit the Air Malta website.

In loving memory of Grandad (2004) and Mamma (March 1927 - January 2017)

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Sporting Hares - putting preppy into country

Back in 2011, a young university graduate spotted a gap in the market. He felt the British countryside bumpkins had no sunglasses that represented their lifestyles, and so Sporting Hares was born.

Handcrafted, unique, personal, eye-catching and made to the highest quality, the KINGS by Sporting Hares are one of the best sunglasses designs on the market.

With the ability to create your perfect pair, just how you like them, KINGS are a must-have accessory for any country bumpkin wanting to make a statement whilst out in the field walking the dog or at a sporting event.

With handmade certified wooden frames, polarised maximum protection lenses, spring-loaded arms for a superior fit and a comfort bridge, there's nothing not to love about these stylish sunglasses. Even more they come hand packed in their own Sporting Hares box accompanied with a Sporting Hares case and lens cloth perfect for treating your KINGS like royalty.

You can't deny country folk aren't becoming more interested in fashion and what looks good in the shooting field or at an equestrian event. The guys behind Sporting Hares have recognised this with their preppy and seriously country clothing and accessories. Just because we spend most of our time outdoors, why can't we look good too?

We all know country bumpkins love nothing more than putting on their tweed and heading out with the dogs, horses or shotgun and again this was something the brains behind the company recognised. The option of having denim, oak or even authentic Harris tweed on the arms of your glasses means you can have your tweed fix whatever the weather!

When I was looking for a pair of sunglasses to take away with me the most important thing was that they were both sturdy but attractive. I hate the glasses on the market that make you look like you're about to audition for the latest part in the Bugs movie and I'm not a fan of buying sunglasses with a hefty price tag on - especially when I wear them around the horses!

Stumbling across the KINGS range from Sporting Hares was one of the best things I could've done and quickly purchased a pair of the Dark Oak. Mine have travelled all the way across America on a ranch holiday, spent a week in Malta on a beach holiday as well attended varying sporting events such as Burghley and still they're going strong.

Wherever I go, people always ask where my sunglasses are from and how they can obtain a pair and I'm happy to send them over to the Sporting Hares website so more and more can support the British brands out there.

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Dodson and Horrell launch winter mash perfect for immune system support

A few weeks back I was contacted by leading equine feed manufacturers, Dodson & Horrell about testing and reviewing their latest innovative product; Winter Health Mash.

The aim of the mash is to provide a warming herbal feed that supports the immune system and digestive function over the winter months.

Having owned horses for years now, I'm no stranger to the onset of winter and longer periods of time spent in stables, colder weather and more often leads to our four-legged friends loosing their appetite.  Additionally, with two veterans I'm always on the look out for a feed that can help support their immune system during a challenging time such as winter.

With added carrots, peas and herbs this brand new winter mash is ideal to get even the fussiest of horses to eat as well as an ideal way to disguise supplements and medicines if required. A source of oat and molasses free calories with 7.5% oil content, this palatable feed will also keep your horses coat shining throughout those dull winter months.

Additionally, with added effective levels of echinacea to support the immune system, this mash is ideal for ensuring your horse stays as healthy as possible during winter months when there is no goodness in the grass and more time is spent indoors.

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell added:

"We are confident that our new Winter Health Mash is going to be popular product as it is specifically designed to support the equine immune and digestive systems over the winter period, as well as offering horses and ponies a nutritional and valuable addition to their diet. It is a fitting new product to add to our range of quality and highly nutritious feeds."

PRODUCT REVIEW COMING*

For more information on the Winter Health Mash, please visit the Dodson and Horrell website on: www.dodsonandhorrell.com or alternatively speak to one of the friendly and experienced nutritional advisors through the Nutritional Helpline - 0845 345 2627


Directions for use:

Soak the Winter Health Mash with hot (or cold) water for 10 minutes before feeding and not only will  this warm the horse from the inside but it is also perfect to help increase fluid intake at mealtimes and keeping your horse hydrated.

Not a complete feed, this and the same advice applies as when feeding chaff or beet pulp to a horse or pony.

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