What is it with the weather – driving to our second show in Orlando, the rain was mixed with snow and we are not talking about PA – instead this is between SC and FL !
It was so cold at the show, that I warmed the boys up with both a quarter sheet and a cooler – have I mentioned yet, how much I HATE being cold ?? Well, both Raison d’Etre and Oyente’ feel the same , so we did provoke some funny comments from our friends Alex Robertson, fellow GP rider and Robert Higgins, FEI TD.
 |
photo credit: Erica Larson |
Well, after being warmed up in the manner of true champions, Raison d’Etre won his Inter. 2 by almost 7 % (even though his rider could not count either the two or one tempis – duh !!) and Mr. Oyente’ Superstar (his new name) got a 61.2 in his 3. GP EVER – hello, can you say happy horse/rider/owners ??
Driving home we unfortunately ran into about 200.000 visitors on their way to Daytona 500 – it took 2 ½ hours to drive 20 miles ……………….!
This was followed by a highly unpleasant encounter with a Florida Agriculture Officer who was obviously having a bad day and I happen to come along just in time to catch his wrath. About 8 hourse later I finally arrived home only to find my beloved dog Klaus dead on front of the barn – believe me, I was ready to beem off this planet for a while . Instead I unloaded my horses in the freezing darkness and dug yet another dog grave.
Back to the good news – Miss Laffalot, my wonderful petite TB mare is due within the next 2-3 weeks with her first foal by Foxcry Nicodemus.
My good friend Robin Brueckmann will be here with her two horses for a few days of intense training, as well as working on her freestyle with Raison d’Etre. Their first qualifying show towards making the US World Equestrian Game Para Team will be March Magic in Williamston, NC – can’t wait. Ralee and Robin are perfect together – both long legged and elegant.
Well, until we talk again – do hug your two and four legged family members !
Hugs - Elly
"Stay focused and don't get caught up in the myths."- Gary Steven