Royalty Arrived!

That's right, the day before Jayse left, Comet the Wonder Horse arrived. He brought along with him human companions, Becky Holder and her protoge, Aubrey Dunkerton. Fleshing out the rest of the trailer was Becky's horse Ollie, Tom Holder's horse Rocky and Aubrey's, soon to go intermediate mount, Teddy. I was graced with their presence for a week while they prepared for, completed and recovered from a horse trial at the Florida Horse Park at the prelim level. Becky rode Ollie and Teddy in the show. They had a very productive first outing for this season. They stayed until the ground in Georgia had thawed and then headed north to continue preparing for this years' eventing show season.



Becky said they hadn't been able to prepare much for this show due to the frozen ground in Georgia. So, the day after they arrived, we loaded up and went to 'Bruce's farm' to run them through the water and pop a few fences before the show. Horses arrived tacked up and ready to go. I leaned up against the fence with camera in hand. A man came up to me and started chatting. We spoke about the horse Becky was riding. It was Ollie, the man asked about his stats and was very complementary about his way of going. We moved on to farming and soil characteristics. After a great converstation I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. He replied, "I'm Bruce Davidson." I said, "That makes sense, it is your farm." Just another brush with equestrian fame!



So, guess who else was at the show?? Yea, me! But, also Karen and David O'Connor, Buck Davidson, Jen and Jon Holling, Robin Walker, Missy Ransehausen and many more eventing headliners. It was 75% professionals there schooling their clients' horses to start out the season. It was freezing cold at the show. We had lows of 17 degrees, I know that's nothing to you Minnesotans, but, it's cold to Floridians. The show office waived formal attire, they informed all show participants to put on whatever they have to keep themselves warm.



Becky was kind enough to work with Tiz and I on our flying changes every day she was available. It was great to work with a rider of her caliber that 'gets' thoroughbreds particular temperments. It was all very helpful and although I'm not sure how thrilled Tiz is about her input, I am delighted with the direction we are going. I'll include 'down-time' pictures from a burrito ram at my farmlet with Becky, Aubrey, Rob Thiry, Wim Foekema, Roy Williams (farrier), Scrappy Holder, Moose and, no me, I'm manning the camera! But, I'm one of the gang, really I am, just 'cause I'm not in the picture doesn't mean I'm not an integral part of the fun.