I Knew Better---

Never a dull moment. Even though I knew better, on Saturday, I attended the yearly Un. of CT. horse auction. My son was planning on going down to the university on Friday to visit friends, and then attend the auction. I was suppose to do some work for the Barre Riding and Driving Club, but that was cancelled. I took this as a "sign" to attend the auction. When my husband found out that Mark and I would be going, he decided to go to "keep us in line". There were 27 horses and 1 mule in the auction. Most of the horses were those that were no longer being used by the university. Seven of the horses were from the CT Dept of Ag (these were rescued and rehabbed-2 were for adoption), and 3 Haflingers were there on consignment. Seven of the university horses did not sell, even with a minimum bid of $500. Notable no sales were 2 registered Morgan mares, age 4, drive, and started under saddle. Both were ridden into the ring, and were very well behaved; also a registered 2 yr old Pasofino, started in harness, very sweet and quiet. Notable Dept of Ag. no sales, even with a minimum $300 bid, were a gorgeous 11 yr. old registered QH stallion,16.1 hands tall. I have never seen such a well behaved stallion; also a 3 yr. old Appendix QH gelding, took the bit, stands, ties, loads, clips, bathes and great with vet and farrier. If I had the time and energy to finish training a horse, I would have bought one of the QHs. Yes, I would definately geld the stallion. There are enough unwanted horses in the U.S.!!! In my opinion, the best buy was an 8 yr old registered Haflinger, plows, drives in single and double harness, shown in halter,lots of show experience, calm in the woods and on the road, tie, clip,load and shoe, no vices. This beautiful gelding was "stolen" for $900!
My son had his heart set on one of the 7 polo horses being sold. He had ridden and played her numerous times while attending UConn. He was so nervous when it was time to bid, that after the final bid, he didn't realize that the winning bid had been his for $800. We hadn't brought the trailer, figuring it would deter our horse buying. So much for that idea! I think the safest thing to do next year is to avoid the UConn auction like a plague!!!

The Polo Demo

Lots of excitement this week. On Thursday, my son Mark and his friend Jeff, put on a polo demonstration. Initially, it was to be a presentation for the Barre Riding and Driving Club, but Worcestershire Pony Club heard about it, and wanted to attend. Mark worked all week getting the riding ring in top shape. He cleaned his tack, made up a schedule, and even had someone preparing food. Jeff was suppose to arrive, from CT, by 6PM. The demo started at 6:30, and we were trying to stick to a strict schedule due to the outdoor lighting situation--the sun! Needless to say, Jeff didn't arrive until 6:30, so there were a few tense minutes. We had about 25 people in attendance. Mark started-off talking about the type of horse and tack used. He told a little history of polo, and explained some of the rules of the game, and how the game is played. Then he and Jeff mounted-up and showed the different mallet shots, and played a "mock" chukker, as best as can be done with 2 riders. Tequila and Alcott get lots of credit for putting up with such "nonsense". There was lots of interest, questions, and even a couple of inquiries about polo lessons. All in all, a very successful evening. Of course, Mark has now decided he wants to give beginner polo lesons! Guess its time to up our insurance----again!

Happy Easter

Man vs. Mud

Its only April 9th and I have had it with all the mud! I called a friend that does "dirt moving" and had him come over to take a look at the mucky situation. Bob took one look at the paddock and said "We didn't clean this up last Fall, did we? Then he added "I'm putting you on my calender now, for next Nov." Bob started moving and removing muck, and worked on it for a day. He had another job to go to, so will be back on Saturday. He has a bit more to remove, then will add gravel, and top that with some kind of sand and clay mix. The horses noticed the difference immediately. I don't have to "make them" go into the paddock in the morning. They also are moving around the entire paddock instead of just the area on the hill that was dry. Unfortunately, it was too late for one of Eva's front shoes. It became a victim of "The Sucking Mud"--and she just had her shoes put on last week!

Tis the Season

April in Central Massachusetts. The days are longer, sun is brighter, birds are starting to make nests, crocus are blooming, and theres MUD and HORSE HAIR EVERYWHERE! We've pulled out the tall rubber boots and sweatshirts. The mud always seems deepest by the gate, so the horses hesitate each morning before entering the paddock! Even horses don't seem to like mud, at least not walking in it. They seem to have no problem with rolling in the gooey stuff! The worst offender is Alcott, and he's white. I try to keep a sheet on him, but remove it on the warmer days. Of course, the first thing he does after the sheet is removed is to roll! I wonder if shedding hair is itchy? The mud they roll in, has horse hair stuck in it, and would probably make good horsehair plaster. Speaking of hair--I own every type of shedding tool. This year I even bought one of those Slick n'Easy grooming blocks. It a nifty gadget, but after using it on one horse, I had to "sharpen" the edges, which is really a pain in the b###. My favorite shedding tool is a shedding blade. I've been using this tool for as long as I can remember. The original ones had leather handles, thats how old I am! Well, not to worry, Mud and Hair Season will soon end. Just in time for Black Fly Season!!

Polo Alphabet

Argentina: a country were babies are born with polo mallets in their hands. Barn Sour: Something that happens to grooms near the end of the season. Colic: stomach pains in players resulting from pre-game nerves. Divot: a turf-like object the ball finds the moment you start to swing. El Dorado: a club in California or the car you sell when you start buying horses. Fence: boards nailed to posts for horses to eat. Gallop: a gait your horse willingly performs only on the way back to the barn. Head-Shy: paranoia of porta-potties. Injury: if you haven't had at least 4 broken bones you are not playing hard enough. Jerseys: shirts with numbers that are hard to see from the sidelines. Knee Guards: something to wear for polo or if you owe the mob money. Lame: an accusation directed towards the umpires. Manure Spreader: a low goal player who talks a bigger game than he plays. Near Side: the opposite of "O"(to right). Off Side: the opposite of "N"(to left). Pony: most seem to be named "Whoa Damm It". Quarter Cracks: snide remarks about players who ride Quarter Horses. Reins: liquid which pours from the sky right around game time. Stall: something players seem to do before trophy presentation. Tack Room: a place to store things tht you may never find again. Umpire: a mounted official with perfect vision from 100 yards away.
Vet-Out: the message you get when you call him in an emergency. Withers: the reason men don't like to ride bareback. X: the mark your horse can never stop on. Yell: something you can't do toward the umpire. Zoo: a place for animals. In this case, 8 with four legs and 8 with 2 legs.

Help Wanted

Person to groom and exercise 4 polo horses, 2-4 times a week,for 4-5 months. Will involve Sat. and/or Sun. during the polo season. Must be 18 years old or older, non-smoking and dependable. References required.
This is a first for me. My son is now working full-time (finally) and won't be able to keep the horses in condition, so we are looking to hire help. I've increased our insurance level, and gotten workmans comp. So far we've had one applicant. A student from a nearby equestrian program. Does anyone reading this have any suggestions, or advice? If not, stay tune. I'm sure this will be an interesting journey.