Yesterday we had young Phil and young Will in - both aspiring jockeys, snapping at the heels of Peter and Toby. They did a bit of schooling in the menage with Doug as 'chief instructor' and both boys did really well. It's not easy riding in the school and we were really pleased with how they, and the horses went. Will rode Goody and Cloud and Phil rode Ponty and Flash.
Lucy got carted today on big Harry around the round gallop - She's a bit of an adrenaline junkie and when she eventually pulled up she had a grin on her from ear to ear. We were worried it might have frightened her but not a bit of it! The horses are all beginning to feel really well now that the extra food they are getting is beginning to kick in - Budge nearly had Phil off as he had a few happy broncs and Murphy was really keen. We have been doing mainly trotting work to try and build up their core strength and will start slow canter work next week.
Tomorrow the chiropractor (Ian Pringle) is coming in to 'panel beat' all the Irish horses plus some of the others that had niggles last season. They will than have a massage. Oh to be a horse....