So what has Hendrik been up to the past week?

Of course Hendrik was part of all the family activities over Christmas and New Year, but he had some extra things up his sleeve as well. I haven't got pics of his "after party" with his horsey friends (that is the party ....after the "Boeresport" - see previous post) , but these pics will give some idea of his week....

Frans and Thelwyn gave him a Endurance Ride crash helmet for Christmas and Frans offered that Hendrik ride his pride stallion, Raviv. Frans recently had an elbow operation and will not be able to do endurance riding this year.

Hendrik on Raviv, Frans's Arabian stallion and Thelwyn on her white Arabian mare, Rebecca, keeping a safe distance. They hope to ride the national Fauresmith endurance ride again this year. Hendrik was nr 15 of the Juniors the year he rode Fauresmith.... but that was quite a long time ago and he has not had the time to do it again. Thelwyn has had her share of successes and misfortunes at Fauresmith. This year? Time will tell. (To qualify for Fauresmith you have to ride at least 3 x 80 km pre-rides. It costs a lot of money and a lot of time and physical effort to get there)

Hendrik and a friend practising for the three leg race at the New Year boeresport. They did quite well! Hendrik also surprised us with his egg throwing ability - he and his partner got to 25 metres between them when the egg broke.

Volley ball in the swimming pool. The swimming pool at Goodland is shallow right through, making it an excellent place to play ball games. (There is also a dam at Goodland where we practics long distance swimming and believe me, that is a very deep dam!)

Changed sides

A man can't play all the time: he's got to work too! Thanks for mowing the lawn Hendrik!