Health and Live Shows - Why our bodies destroy what we love...

Urgh my knees...

It is a phrase we all say so often, our backs our knackered, our knees are knackered and that three hour drive? Well that nearly killed us.

For some it is old age, for some chronic (or not chronic) health problems that slowly eat away at what we love.

When I had to give up riding horses it nearly destroyed me. But when I reached the point where I was in so much pain I would be crying on a horse, where the muscle weakness in my hands meant some days I couldn't hold the reins, I knew I had little choice.

I hardly expected that just a few years later those same problems would be destroying my ability to even show model horses.

But it is a horrible fact that many of us end up living with and do so almost silently.

For me live shows have become almost like torture. A few years ago, I'd get home, unpack the car, clean out the pigs, make dinner and watch TV.

Now I come home and go straight to bed. I will then sleep for around 24 hours+ if I can, before having around 2 days of non-activity. The pain and exhaustion is just unbearable. When I finish a days showing, I can barely stand, I often have to take very strong pain killers when home just to make life bearable.

But I'm not the only one. So why do we do it?

Well because we love it. We love the shows, the people, the fun days out. Of course we all have to manage it. For me it means making sure I have someone with me to help driving and not doing long distances. It means trying to make myself slow down a bit (not good at this) or having shows where I don't judge because I know it could mean I'm unable to drive home.

So keep showing my little potatoes...and don't worry if you need a time out :) We all love you and we all understand x

Meet Nina

I'm pretty sure I forgot to share little Nina with you guys!

Nina was bought at auction along with her mum (who is in need of TLC) and a Beswick Shire (who is up for sale on Chestnut Ridge).

She was the main reason I wanted the lot, isn't she just a cutey?

Her full name is CRS Nina Flowers

Breyer Delivery Due Next Week - Who is Coming?

We have a huge delivery due next week and well...I thought I would share with you guys who is coming in stock, there are some exciting new arrivals coming in!

Some of these guys are up for pre-order at www.chestnutridge.co.uk if you want to get your order in early :)

So here it is...

The rather long list of who will be back in stock (or new in stock) next week:

Winners Circle Accessory Set - Western


Turnout Set


This set is a personal favourite of mine. I just love the fact that it comes with a horse ball! I've promised the models I will buy them one, wonder whether the horse ball will provide a distraction for Crackers?

Liverpool Jump


This jump is a limited edition for this year only. It is a really great looking jump and perfect for performance set ups. Breyer jumps can also be repainted so you could get several and create your own unique course!

Cross Country Jump


Another limited edition jump. This one is for cross country.

BRACE YOURSELVES!

Butterscotch!!!!


S'MORES!!!!!


Guess what I'll be trying to dig out first when the delivery comes in? I've already pre-ordered myself a set of these cuties, because who wouldn't want them???

Deluxe Stable Set


Cutting Horse and Calf


English Riding Accessory Set


Totilas


GG Valentine & Heartbreaker


Brookside Pink Magnum


Dog House Play Set


SBH Pheonix


Sweet Pea


Scooter


Winners Circle Set - English


Nylon Halters - Hot Colours


Traditional "Dually" Truck


Traditional Two Horse Trailer


Brand new design for 2016 they are now a really cool white and blue colour. This truck and trailer set are really worth having, even if they do take up quite a lot of space!

Wood Stable


Blanket & Shipping Boots - Red


Blanket & Shipping Boots - Blue


Blanket & Shipping Boots - Hot Pink


Decorate Your Horse


Another product that I am really excited about! I just adore the Breyer craft kits and this one looks like it is going to be so much fun!

Littlebits Beanies


Finally back in stock! We'll have another box of these naughty little blighters to torment us with their mischief.

Laura - Vet


Brenda - Show Jumper


Megan - Dressage Rider


Stablemate Singles


Visiting Vet


Chelsea - Show Jumper


Abigail - English Rider


Classic Tack & Blanket Sets


Horse Cruiser


Another redesign for 2016 the pretty awesome Classic horse cruiser is now a really nice Teal colour. Great for transporting your Classics or to just sit on the pony room floor pushing around like a child (not that I do this of course *cough*)

Classic Singles


All of them will be back in stock - chose this girl to represent the group :)

Ella - Colour Change


HE'S HERE!!!!

IT'S SCRIBBLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I literally cannot scream enough about this. SCRIBBLES IS COMING!!!!

Wood Corral


So there we go....what a long list! There are some really good products on there including some of the new Breyer 2016 releases. We'll keep you updated and let you know when these little cuties are with us :)

Patience my little potatoes....patience...

Dugan

Check out this amazing Collector's Club SR!

As I never get picked for these I doubt I'll picked for this cutey, but you never know, one can but hope!

Time to Get Eventing

Our second show of the year is now open and ready for entries.

Three day event postal shows are a great way to get involved with the model horse hobby with minimum effort!

Entries include free entries as well as paid for entries (where you can win prizes), and all you have to do is fill in a form!

To get involved either join the Facebook group (below) or email: competitions@chestnutridge.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1455797798017024/

Big Girls Don't Cry

I've been busy this evening! Wanted to get this little cutey finished as well, I started her in October I think? So glad I finally finished!

She is a little Stablemate G2 Scratching foal to a nice leopard spot appaloosa.

I've listed her for sale at £12.50, a good price for such a cute little foaly!

http://www.chestnutridge.co.uk/big-girls-dont-cry-35455-p.asp

Anyway....pictures!

Big City Life

The donkeycorn or unidonk or whatever she is is finally complete!

The inspiration for the colour was taken from gymnastic costumes. They have such beautiful patterns and so many sparkles! They are just beautiful and perfect inspiration for gorgeous customs.

The horn is one of our own resin horns.

The model is a Schleich donkey foal.

If you really love her then you could have the chance to own her! It is rare to see me offer one of my decorator customs up for general sale, so she really is something special. Here is a link to her eBay auction: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/361502372356?

And here she is, the gorgeous Big City Life