hiya im cass im 36 yrs old live in Cardiff.Wales with my Husband Simon and our Pets...I love horse Riding {at my local Stables}Dogs esp Minuture Schnauzers{Big Sister to 2 of them.

Were comming out 2 NZ on 3rd Feb {cant wait} 2 North island}for 18 days on our Honeymoon,and staying with family in Tauranga...{Long story}get in touch and i will tell you..
im planning on going Riding wen out here sooooo cant wait...
spk 2 me soon please Luv Cass.xxx

Hi Laura,
the mare-and-stallion-thing was a big flop. That boy doesn't know his job. He's ever so rude and the mare hates him. They tried natural breading but it's not possible because he scares that mare to death. Antje send him home and she's going to give the mare another try with a different stallion early next year. Mare is going to stay with us until then. I haven't got anything to do at the moment. Antje is more than busy with stupid things like building a big swimming-pool (for humans of course) and she can't bring up the time to ride every day. I admit I'm a bit of a rowdy when I'm not being moved daily so I can understand she prefers to leave me out to graze with my friend Garfield. He's not being ridden anymore. 22 years old and bad joints. So Antje decided it was time for him to retire. I don't think he likes it very much. He lookes pretty bored. I don't mind having a long break. I'm not too keen on work anyway and as long as the food is alright, I don't miss anything. Wheather here in Germany is anything else then summerly as well. It's much to cold for August, one day it's raining cats and dog, next day sunshine and then rain again. Or storm. Trees are changing colour already and we all feel like winter is coming as well. I just hope we're going to have a nice autumn so I can stay out as long as possible. Looking forward to reading from you. Take care

Wow, thanks for all that advice and info, it's so helpful to hear from someone who's actually there. My husband has a job starting on 3 Sept, and I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet...will keep you updated!! Who knows we could be neighbours in a couple of years time. Thanks again...oh and love all your pets.

Take care

Kelly

Kia ora Laura - my husband and I are moving to the land of the long white cloud at the end of August, we just fell in love with the place...we're based in Auckland initially but want to live in Otago in a couple of years time. Your life sounds great...I am feeling quite scared but very excited. You said that you took your cat with you...was just wondering which shipping company you used, we have had Air Pets Oceanic in Heathrow recommended to us...they seem alot more expensive then other shipping companies, but I don't care how much it costs aslong as my dog gets there in one piece. Also, I'm interested in getting a horse when I get out there, is it much the same as in the UK, with regards to vetting and livery etc...Look forward to hearing from you, Kelly.

Hi Laura,
You are so lucky - New Zealand has been a place I have always wanted to vist - Next year I am coming over with a friend. We are planning a month long holiday. We were originally planning to come Feb/Mar 2008 but circumstances have forced us to put off til November instead.
You have some wonderful pets - I do envy you.
I have always been a country girl and love the idea of wide - open spaces. Living in Somerset I enjoy the Somerset Levels but we do have the Quantock Hills close by which this time of year is an amazing place to walk. The new seasons foals are gorgeous. I only have the one pet - Jess, she's a Parson Russell Terrier [terror]. She is my best mate and I love her to bits. She loves to get as dirty and mucky as she can, loves to walk on the beach, loves to chase her ball or if on the hills tries to chase the dear if given a chance and she causes as much havoc as she can. I wouldn't be without her for the world.
Hope to see some more pictures and some more blogs about life in NZ.
Til the next time - take car
Lu x

Hi Laura
Just read your blog, you have some beautiful pets, and of course live in a beautiful country, i've always wanted to visit NZ, but as yet never had the chance. I live in Suffolk in UK, which has some lovely countryside just on the doorstep. I noticed that you have had golden retrievers, i have 2 at the moment, Cassie who is 17 months and Maddie who is 12 weeks. Growing up we have had various dogs, yorkshire terrier, whippet X, and akita x GSD, but none have come close to my goldies, they are amazing dogs, they adore my daughter who is 9, all of her friends and anyone else who happens to come to the house (not really guard dog material) but i love them all the same. We also have a cat called Brandi, who is getting on a bit now, shes 11, but the dogs keep her on her toes!!!
Well it would be nice to hear from you, and I'll try to get some photos on here as soon as i can.
Nikki

Hi Laura
thanks for your message.
Your horses sound great. I am in Livingston, so not far from glasgow.
Sounds like you live in a lovely place, can't blame you for going there. Still, I (bizarrely) quite like our climate, don't mind the rain and the cold as long as I am dressed for it. I don't think I would move from here, too much hassle to transport the horses and dog lol. Wee Minty has laminitis at the moment. I am really upset about it, I have had him 4 years and have always been very careful with him,i knew he was prone to it but he has never had it with us. There are 4 at our yard with it just now. i am getting him a grazing mask for going back out and i will bring him in half the time. He is on 4 weeks box rest, we have only just over a week left, hopefully. Vet is back tomorrow to check on him so heres hoping.
speak soon
take care
Siobhan x

New Zealand looks amazing...I'm suddenly inspired by your letter and feel like I want to move half way round the world to a place with than scenery and where I could own a horse....

Cassie