Changing of the Guards

My work schedule changed for this week, so I had Monday off from work. I had planned to sleep, read, and play with the horses. I got an unexpected phone call from Mark. We talked a bit and decided it was time for Tequila and DB to go back to Shallowbrook. Vacation was over for Tequila, and it was time to find out if DB would be able to play polo again. In addition to these 2 mares, C'est Bon was going to also go along for the ride. Mark needs a beginner lesson horse, and wants to see how she works out. Trick and Eva would come back with me to MA, to get some rest & relaxation before the summer polo season.Mark was concerned that I would have to catch, wrap legs, load and trailer 3 horses, but I assurred him I could handle the job. If you have been reading my blogs, you know that things around here never go as planned.I won't go into details, but it was a LONG time between hanging up the phone, and driving out of the driveway. We safely arrived in CT. I helped Mark with a few things, horses were unloaded, they met Mudslide, and everyone seemed happy. Trick and Eva were loaded, and safely returned home. So, I didn't get any extra sleep, didn't read my book, but did get to play with horses, and visit with my son. Wow, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Outside My Window

Its the end of February 2010. We had rain and snow all week. It seems like everyone has had enough of this weather, and is getting Spring fever. I try not to get too hopeful, as this is New England. About this time of year I start to think about, and get excited about, the upcoming riding season. My desk/computer is next to a window that looks out at our riding ring, and it is such a tease, calling me to get on a horse and ride! I day-dream about upcoming horse shows, trail rides, gymkhanas, polo matches, and just being outside all day "playing with horses". Every year I tell myself that this will be the year that I ride more often, and try something new. This year I have decided to try playing polo.Last weekend Tom and I participated in the Sweethearts Tournament at Shallowbrook. There were 8 teams of 4. It was very low-key, only walk/trot. Our teammates had never ridden until the night before the game. We didn't make it into the finals, but had a blast. After the game was a fabulous dinner, and awards. We will definately sign-up for next years tournament. Maybe, by then I'll be able to hit the ball!!

Guess What you are Doing---

You're wearing long underwear, flannel lined jeans, tee-shirt, turtleneck, sweatshirt, down vest, wool socks, your warmest boots, gloves and a hat. If you guessed watching a polo game in January, in New England, you are correct. Tom and I went to watch the final game of an arena polo tournament being held at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center. Fortunately, we always cheer for both sides. If we had to pick sides it would have been a slight dilemma, as Mark and Jenn were on opposing teams. The game was very exciting. The scores went back and forth by 1 point, with the final score being 11 to 10. Marks team made the final goal. All the horses played very well. It was the first time I had seen Eva, Tequila, and Trick since their move to Shallowbrook. They looked great, and Eva especially, was outstanding. We look forward to more polo matches this winter. Will have to be sure that the long underwear and wool socks are handy!

Am I Bored Yet?

Things have started to quiet down here. I am actually down to 3 horses and little Sage.Mark has brought Eva, Tequilla and Trick to Shallowbrook Equestrian Center in CT, where he is working. I'm sure they are not thrilled, as they will have to work this winter, playing arena polo. Zanita has gone to DaCory Farm in Saratoga Springs, NY, until April. My sister,Emma, who owns the farm was here for Thanksgiving, and was so impressed with Zanita, she offered to work with her over the winter. Divine is on the road to recovery. Her stitches came out today. It will still be about 5 more months before we know if she will be sound enough to play polo. We are hoping for the best. Its nice to have some "down" time. There are arena polo games at Shallowbrook, and UConn over the winter. What a treat it will be, to be able to actually sit and watch a game, and not have to act as a groom!

Seasons End

All good things must come to pass. Except for Arena Polo, the polo season is over in New England. Mark is now managing the polo program at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center in CT. Tequilla has moved-out, and soon Trick and Eva will also leave. This will leave Divine and Alcott for polo. Alcott, at age 27, will only be used for lessons from now-on. Tab is doing a lot of trail riding with Zanita, who is turning out to be a fabulous trail horse. Jen, when she is home on weekends from college, rides Zanita. They definitely have a bond between them! Alcott, C'est Bon and Sage, are just hanging-out getting fat and lazy. In addtion to daily chores, there are many things to get done before winter. Rainsheets and winter blankets have been taken out of storage, tack and equipment inventoried, water heaters found, fencing checked, and storm windows put up in the barn. Its still busy around the farm, but quieter. Maybe we will eventually have some "down time" and can curl-up and read a good book--probably a book about horses!!!