The Pet Blogger Challenge 2016

Today I found out about The Pet Blogger Challenge and I thought I'd give it a go. Thanks to Collie222 for leaving a comment on my previous post that made me wonder what this "Pet Blogger Challenge" was, and thanks in turn to The Daily Pip for mentioning me in their Challenge post. Without further ado...

1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone who is visiting for the first time, please give a quick description of the subject of your blog.

I have been blogging, dear help me, for almost six years. I began to form an interest in websites and photography, and after a few false starts, I made this blog in March 2010.

My blog is mainly photographs of the dogs and the sheep that live here on Greenhill Farm - that was, until Blue Belle the pony arrived in June last year. Between her and Suckie, they have begun a stealth takeover...

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?

2015 was the year I got back into the groove of blogging. Like anything, sometimes your interest can flag a little. I never abandoned the blog, but I didn't post quite as much. In 2015 I seemed to go a bit mad.

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)

The Walk Isn't Over..., for one of the most stunning sunsets I have seen in a long time. It was a wonderful evening.

4. A common theme from last year’s challenge was that many of us wanted to increase the size of our audiences. Whether or not we intend to monetize our blogs, it seems we’d all like to reach more people. It feels good to know that we’re connecting with others, sharing a laugh or supporting a cause, and it’s motivating to see those numbers grow! What is one thing you’ve done in the past year that has brought more traffic to your blog?

One thing that was beneficial for my blog was to join Haynet, a blogging network for the "equine and country life world". I've found some great blogs through that, and I was even shortlisted for their Blogger of the Year 2015.

5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular? (Please include a link.)

A Sticky Post has a whopping 228 views to date. I think this is because the title (a pun on how the post was about the dogs helping with cutting sticks for winter) makes people think it's some sort of announcement? Or something. I don't know.

6. What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader? (Please include a link.)

I can't pick one! I suppose, since this about 2015, I should choose one I started reading this year. Dachshund Nola is just a wonderful blog. The photography is stunning, the dogs adorable, and there's an emotional depth to many posts. Well worth a look.

Other blogs I love are: The Daily Pip, My Shetland, and Punkin's Patch. I feel bad for not making a list, so just have a look under Brilliant Blogs in the sidebar for every brilliant blog that I follow.

7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?

I rely on my camera! My photos are all stored on Flickr these days, as I found it more user-friendly than Photobucket. Writing, I've always enjoyed anyway, but I try to let my photos do the talking. As for social media, to me "Find us on Facebook" is one of the most irritating sentences. Maybe because it is everywhere and I see it all the time. I know a presence on social media would be good for extra traffic, I steadfastly refuse to join in.

8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?

Set yourself some rules. I have several rules for my blog that have built up over the years:

- No "text speak".
- No swearing.
- Maximum of one post per day.
- Every post must contain at least one photo.
- Keep the labelling system coherent.
- Text and photos are centered within the posts.

Following these rules keeps my blog neat and tidy, and in turn keeps me happy.

9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?

My vision for my blog this year is to keep going, basically. I would also like to try a few new things photography-wise - no idea what they are yet, but the year is young. And if I pick up a few more fans in the process, I would welcome them wholeheartedly.

10. You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there one blogging challenge you’d like help with, or one aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?

I can't think of anything at the moment... oh dear - what a waste of an opportunity!

The Pet Blogger Challenge 2016 Blog Hop hosted by:
Go Pet Friendly Blog

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Progress with the Farrier

The first time the farrier came, a few months ago, Blue Belle flinched at even the slightest touch from him. If he tried to touch her legs, she'd rear, or lunge, or try to bite him. By the time her hooves were trimmed, both humans and pony were exhausted - droplets of sweat were running off Blue Belle's tummy. It was horrible. I was upset that my pony was so terrified.

The second time the farrier came, Suckie was with us. As we waited in the yard for him to arrive, we walked around and I stoked her back. Blue Belle allowed the farrier to lift her legs. There was still some flinching, and she was clearly still nervous - I stayed at her head, stroked her neck just under her mane and told her how good she was being. She lunged once, but my theory is that she lost her balance - when the same leg was lifted again, I was on her other side and she was leaning on me rather than the farrier.

After her hooves were trimmed, I gave Blue Belle a hug and told her she was a very good little pony.

I'm so proud of her and the progress we've made so far.

Good girl, Blue Belle.

Wordless Wednesday #58 ::: Follow Me

Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop hosted by:

BlogPaws

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The Farmers Weekly Photography Competition Results

I had a wonderful surprise on the weekend before Christmas when I opened the Farmers Weekly magazine and found I'd made it to the final eight in their annual photographic competition. I was - and still am - very pleased about it.

This is the photo of my dad that - amazingly - was the Winner of the People category. Dad still says it was because of his good looks.

I took this one in April, and it features in this post: About Fluke-ing Time.

On glorious paper and ink:

With this written underneath:

Ruth [...] got this picture of her dad injecting hoggets for liver fluke [...]. She wanted a "sheep's eye-view" so waited until he was in the centre of the frame before taking the photo.

This is the photo of Jess that came Highly Commended in the Pets category, just missing out on the final eight:

I took it way back in February, one Sunday evening just outside the lambing shed. I took lots of photos that afternoon, and the rest are in this post: Primary Colours.

Here it is in the magazine:

Along with this text:

Another great shot by Ruth [...] (she also scooped top spot in the "People" category). This is Jess, a young border collie "silhouetted against the sunset, as she keeps the tractor's seat warm." The dirty windows add a real sense of farmyard authenticity to the scene.

With my photo of Dad in the final eight, I was in with a chance to win £250. Alas, it was not to be, and the winner of winners was a lovely black and white photo of a bull. I'm still thrilled with how far I got out of over 2,000 entries, though. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Black & White Sunday #16 ::: The Space

Black & White Sunday Blog Hop hosted by:

Dachshund Nola  |  Sugar the Golden Retriever

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Lovestruck

As soon as I let Blue Belle off the leadrope, she galloped off down the hill and out of sight.

The sheep scattered away from the charging pony and gathered into a clump.

I could hear Blue Belle whinnying. I walked towards the noise, and finally she came into view.

She was running along the wall, up the hill and down the hill, back and forth, whinnying all the while.

And now and again, a voice replied to her. Then all became clear: she was having a conversation with the stallion next door. Blue Belle was so excited, she payed me no attention at all. She showed no signs of slowing down, either, so I saw an opportunity to take some half-decent photographs of Blue Belle in action.

Up the hill again...

By this time the curious sheep had stopped to watch the strange Not Sheep, but as soon as she got too close they scarpered again. Blue Belle ran on, oblivious to her audience. She was only concerned with the pony over the wall.

She was finally beginning to tire.

So she stopped, and yelled at him again.

When he didn't reply, she trotted up and down a few times.

When she did at last stop, the sheep came to investigate.

The sheep investigated me too...

Blue Belle, by now a bit warm and sweaty from all that exertion, started to roll.

The sheep were not far away.

I caught her and began to walk her towards the gate. The sheep were still adorably and hilariously curious.

Blue Belle didn't mind the attention one bit. Her sweaty back was still itchy, so she rolled some more. She even managed to unclip herself, so I had to catch her again.

Blue Belle looked a bit disheveled after the morning's activities.

I only caught a glimpse of a chestnut leg as Blue Belle was running, but I looked over the wall the following morning and there he was, the object of Blue Belle's affections...