Thanksgiving has been and gone, and Christmas is nearly less than a week away. The two new boys have unfortunately been held in quarantine due to other horses on the flight not passing some blood work. I hope they get released at the end of this week, as I’m sure they will be pleased to get some turn out and personal attention.
Phillip took a couple of days off to go to the convention, and now we are back in full swing getting horses into work before we head to Aiken. I can't believe we will be competing for the first time of 2011 in less than two months.
It is already nearing Thanksgiving, but it is only now I can say we are officially done competing for 2010 at TPF. Jennie and Kelley returned from California with well deserved smiles on their faces. Ping is now turned out at his owner's farm 10 minutes down the road from True Prospect.
The past week has been a slow one. With all the advanced horses on vacation, this is my chance to work on clipping and trimming up the younger horses in the barn. I am not sure that the yearlings appreciate my attempts at making them look tidier!
Wednesday was an unusual day in the barn. Cosequin representatives and a camera crew were at the barn to shoot a commercial. Phillip had to cross-country school a horse and then do an interview in the barn aisle. A couple of our working students got in on the action having various video shots taken of them.
I am afraid I have some unfortunate news to report. Milo has been withdrawn from Pau due to injury. We have been fortunate enough to catch it early and with TLC and time he will hopefully make a great recovery to come back next year fighting fit.
We are now taking some young horses to the Virgina Horse Trials, and this will finish the season for Phillip and me. Jennie is heading off to Galway Downs with her fantastic horse, Cambalda, on Nov. 1.
By the time you guys read this, you will already know the regrettable news that Kim was unable to jog Paddy. He developed cellulitus, and even though the team worked hard to try and resolve the situation under the FEI Drug rules, it was in Paddy’s best interest not to be presented.
So Monday was a wet one! Horses haven't worn blankets in months and Woodburn is now in three! The water bucket heaters came out from the cobwebs, and horses got hot baths. It reminds me of England, and I prefer it to 100-degree weather.
Woodburn is starting to settle into his work. Phillip had a lesson with Oded yesterday and then took him on a hack down to the arenas. At these world competitions all countries from different disciplines are fighting for various arena times, so it can be very difficult for riders to work their horses when it is ideal for them.
I’m glad to say the horses had a better trip than some of the riders!
After two hours of sleep we left Georgia, and the flies, in a three-trailer caravan with vet Brendan Furlong following close behind.
We arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park around 8.30 a.m. After various security checks the horses were unloaded and in their stalls by 9:15. Dougie Hannum had done the most amazing job of preparing our barn. He repainted all our stalls with flags, banners and trunks galore, so no one can miss the Americans when they pass.
So it is 9 p.m. on Friday night, and I have just finished packing my own clothes, knowing that the alarm is going to go off at midnight.
Max (Corcoran) has kindly lent me her computer to send out this quick update. Unfortunately, pictures will have to wait until the next one, but some will be worth waiting for!
So this time next week, the team riders hope to be settled in Lexington, Ky. I try not to think about that too much.
Every day I just look after the boys to the best of my ability, hoping that I can maintain the bubble wrap for the next few days.
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