Today was a fun day. We got done early at the barns so that we could sit around the fireplace, eat stuff and watch the Eventing Prix on Livestream. I always get terribly nervous when Selena is competing. I have been known to put my head in a bag… The only ‘big’ thing I ever watched her ride in without feeling physically ill was the Olympics in Hong Kong. For some reason I was just fine. She had dreamt of being in the Olympics since she had been seven. Perhaps I was relaxed in the knowledge she had achieved a dream, but for whatever the reason, that is the only time I have not been a basket case.
So I look forward all week to being able to watch online and then when her time comes I can barely peek through my fingers. But this time all went well and I actually quite enjoyed the second round. It was nice to see so many really lovely Canadian horses. Holly Jack-Smither’s horse has really muscled up and looks very impressive. I also thought that Pavarotti’s first round was one of the nicest of the day. Boy he really flicks his back end up over the fences. The horse that won was an awesome jumper and really could make it’s living in the stadium ring. Well done Lauren Kieffer.
Woody looked fabulous. I was hoping he might get the ‘Grooms Award’ as he just sparkled and looked really well in himself. I think he has more muscle on him than I have ever seen him carry. I was thrilled with his fourth place finish and Selena, Jessica, Colleen and Lisa-Marie’s third place team finish. It’s always nice to make the ribbons. Most of all I was pleased with the way Woody jumped. He was a very good boy.
The photos are Woody with his two favourite slaves. Anne Marie Duarte, his loving and long suffering caregiver and Selena, his partner in crime.
