Denmark: June 2013

Well, I survived my first show in Europe! In fact, all the horses were great considering they are so young. On Saturday I rode in the FEI 5 year old class, and on Sunday I showed two 4 year olds. I was so impressed with the quality of the horses at the show... so I took a lot of short clips with my phone and put them together. All the horses in this video are 4, 5 or 6 year olds (and none of them are me riding). Hope it works! I was blown away with how many young horses were at the show. There were 39 horses in my FEI 5 year old class and almost that many in the other young horse classes. I was also surprised when I got my ride time and it was 8:54pm! Luckily, it stays light so late here so it didn't feel like night time (until the 2 hour drive home). I am actually showing again tomorrow, so I am off to bed early. Very exciting! I will post in more detail about the shows soon.

Young horses from show. Including Andreas Helgstrand, Sune Hansen, and many from Blue Hors.

Artsy shot, pretty browband!

Downtown Silkeborg

American 50's Diner...

Horse show!

Horse show lunch. Note the salt.

I rode at 8:54 pm!

Dino checking out the show grounds.

On our way!

First European show.

When I look at all the photos I've taken, I realize I haven't blogged in a while! I guess that is a good thing, as time is flying by and I'm still having a lot of fun! Everything continues to go smoothly. Last week was very busy as both Kathryn and Morten were away. I rode more than I've ever ridden in my life... no better way to spend a working day. After riding 12 horses, my abs and thighs were very tired and I crashed after work on more than one occasion! I must admit, I am enjoying riding the young horses more than I anticipated. I don't have a lot of experience riding 3 and 4 year olds, but that is changing! I am currently riding two 4 year old geldings who are good natured and eager to learn. I also ride two five year olds who both feel trained beyond their years. Riding these youngsters is a change for me, but I am learning a lot and they have turned out to be fun and rewarding.

Within the last week, two foals were born on the farm. It was very exciting because I got to see my first birth! My room is closest to the foaling stalls, so I got to be in charge of the birth alarm. I have never seen anything like it. It is a surcingle that detects when the mare lies down flat on her side. There are different settings, so the alarm either goes off after the first or third time she goes down. Both births went smoothly and quickly. I remember how great it is to have babies around! Thankfully the weather has been warm and beautiful, and they are already going outside for half a day. I will post more pictures with the next blog entry.

My other newfound enjoyment is cooking. I have been experimenting in the kitchen, and I was going to include a photo of last night's dinner but decided it was too embarrassing. The taste was decent, however the color and texture were questionable. of course, I couldn't start with easy things I know how to make like pasta, potatoes or chicken... I had to jump straight into the curries and meat sauces. Luckily, as with riding, practice makes perfect... and I have been practicing!