Yeah, Fiona looking all sweet and quiet. She’s really a terror here around the farm sometimes: recently chasing the guinea hens and turkeys Joe Watkins keeps here. The guinea hens are funny though–they’re not scared of her when she barks at them and tries to chase them, they just stand their ground and look at her like she’s nuts. Then, of course, I had to chase her down so she’d leave them alone; she knew I was mad at her and just headed back to the barn to hang out there and stay out of trouble. I think she was mad at me from Sunday, when she had to stay at the house most of the day cause the show was going on all day here and I was helping out.
More details from the unrecognized trial here at Longwood on Sunday. It was a very busy day, but a successful one for Longwood and it’s owners. I helped out all day: running around with Joe Watkins and helping finish up the XC course, and then running around with Betsy to get other things organized. Then I did some XC jump judging, helped at the start box, and also helped at the finish timer. Betsy and Joe threw a big dinner and party that night for all the competitors: lots of good food and a good time.
Monday the boys just went on their usual Monday hack after their Sunday off. Thomas was here at Longwood XC schooling with his new owner, Conor. They were having a lesson with Phillip Dutton. The group had a couple of advanced horses in it. Thomas’ was doing everything those advanced horses were doing. He looked great! I was proud of him. I’ll miss how fun he is to run XC! Monday night I went with some friends to my favorite little Mexican restaurant at the back of a little Hispanic market: Pepe’s! Good stuff.
Today Whistler did flat work and I rode both Deke and Finn in XC schools with Leslie. They were both great: Finny was particularly awesome. I am so happy with how he’s come back after his illness and all the time off last year. I’m excited for this coming weekend: both Whistler and Finny will head to Rocking Horse for their first trial. Deacon’s first run will be in a couple of weeks, but the other guys will have fun running this weekend.
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