Snapshots as we ride back from the gallops.
This morning the scenery was absolutely stunning, although the ground was treacherous getting to the gallops, the views made up for it.
We have had a very busy week-end, with Christmas celebrations starting early. There was a party in the village on Saturday, and then a lunchtime party on Sunday. We have really got to pace ourselves if we want to survive until Christmas!
Frog ran a very disappointing race again yesterday and we have all been scratching our heads trying to work out what her problem is. We have had professional jockeys on her back at home who all say what a great horse she is, she works all over horses that are rated over 1oo, she came second first time out in a good maiden race and now she can't even get home in a two mile bumper. We had her bloods taken this morning and the vet has just phoned to say that she is "critically dehydrated* and that she should be on a drip. He has given us his mobile number in case she starts to colic as he has never known a horse not to colic in the same situation. At this stage she seems fine but even though we have given her warm water and plenty of electrolytes she just doesn't like drinking. He wants to come in first thing to take blood again as she is 'unique' not to be on death's door(!?) I'm a little sceptical as I think it is more than that, I also think she would have been more tired after her race if it was that alone but she wasn't at all. She just seemed to flounder in the ground (soft all weather) and whereas she normally has a lovely floaty action she was disunited and not stretching out at all. Probably a combination of not liking the ground, being dehydrated and possibly needing a tongue tie as she was clearly breathing through her mouth during the race.
All the other horses are managing to either get to the gallops or go on the walker. The two new recruit, Oaka and Shade are settling in really well, but slightly horrified at having to go up the gallops as I think they have had rather an easy life up until now. Once they have got rid of their 'puppy fat' it will all seem much easier.
