Very cold today and the ground was frozen so we used the uphill gallop as the big grass field wouldn't have been safe. I have ordered extra rugs for all the horses as bad weather is predicted for the rest of the week and keeping the horses warm becomes rather a challenge and of the utmost importance. We have learned from the mistake we made three years ago when it was bitterly cold and we didn't have enough rugs on them and couldn't understand why we had so many problems with tying up and poor performances on the track.We subsequently found out that it is all about keeping them warm so that their metabolism is balanced and not giving them too much of a challenge for their immune system to cope with.
We were a bit short staffed again today and it was rather a struggle as I have tweaked my back and the horses are getting fitter and more difficult to hold. Having said that they feel so well that it is an absolute pleasure to be riding them, even in this weather and with a bad back!
We have entered big Harry (Out of Range) for Larkhill on Saturday. We will only run him if the ground is genuinely good and not too quick.
Doug has made some new schooling fences which have just been put in place and look HUGE. If we don't get a frost we will be schooling over them tomorrow.....