Shabracke

Mrs MY and Hansi (temporary name) came over very early before I had fully tanked up with coffee to ride out with Angie on Sultan. I would have missed the event had there not been a knock on the window and an order to get outside and keep an eye on our second horse Rosie who was getting very worked up about being left at home. Although normally very lazy laid back, she can get quite worked up on occasions and a fence is not much of an obstacle for her.

So despite the lack of caffeine, I pottered around outside and by loud non-stop whinnying, took a look at the borrowed car, checking and filling up oil and water. No handbook, no registration papers so still no idea what model it is. Radio doesn't work properly, I think an aerial fault and despite changing the screw-on aerial and taking the radio out to check the connections at the back, couldn't find the problem. Will have to get help.

The weather the last few days has been fantastic in our area but at high altitude. We have been suffering from "Hochnebel" - high fog. I honestly don't remember if that expression is ever used in England. It's fog but at high altitude and often happens in this part of the world (Danube Basin) in autumn during settled weather. No wind to blow it away and the sun not quite strong enough to burn it off. Up in the mountains, one is above it and has though spectacular views of cloud covered valleys.

Luckily when the girls got back, the sun had finally managed it and on request took some photos to show off MrsMY's new Shabrack style saddle pad. Unlike the traditional English numnah which is shaped exactly to fit the English style saddle, the Shabrack is extended and often seen at ceremonial events/cavalry and may show a coat of arms etc. and in older times was often triangular at the end.

MrsMY's is studded with glittering stones. I should have suggested she had the horse's proper Arabic name embroidered on it too so that I can remember it.

After last weeks initial first meeting and ride, the girls were expecting that the two geldings could get quite worked up but as it turned out they got on really well together as boys do when no females around. In the photo though you can see Sultan was less interested in the photo session than checking his partner was still there sometimes boys do like to have a female partner around.

Angie didn't go to visit her father today as her sister Sigi went and at least until Sunday, it's likely she will be on daily duty  - Sigi is away for a long weekend and the other sister is away on holiday. Updates on his condition didn't come until late and I know little, Angie disappearing to bed to phone with Sigi for at least two hours if not much longer. All I saw on a quick WhatsApp was that he was likely to be moved to a normal ward on Thursday. Guess that has to be good news even if there is family concern as to whether he is fit enough.