United States Eventing Association

Two Horses, Two Three-Days: Part 2

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to give a quick update before I leave for Aiken. With snow on the ground, I decided now was a good time to get some work done on my computer.

For the past few years, I’ve only been able to go south for one to two weeks at a time. Being the primary caretaker for my barn in Maryland, it’s hard to leave for any extended period of time … but I’ve been able to make it through, thanks to my indoor arena and some creativity.

This year, however, I’ll be heading down to Aiken for the month of February. Our barn is secured and now I’m just trying to figure out how to get all the horses there. I’m trying to avoid making multiple trips, but to transport nine horses and enough hay for all of them, I foresee myself spending a lot of time in my truck at the beginning and end of February. Thankfully, I have good company in the form of Savannah, my loyal little Jack Russell. Savannah isn’t a huge fan of the cold weather (see photo for evidence), so I’m hoping that she enjoys her time in Aiken as well.

Like most horse professionals, my life involves a lot of lists. There’s the work schedule for all the horses, the feed chart, the turnout chart, and so on and so forth. The only empty dry erase board in my barn is now occupied by my packing list for Aiken. There is also a binder that is collecting all the paperwork (Coggins, health certificates, etc.) for each horse. I’ve even filled out entries for my first horse trials of 2012. Both Mr. Indiscretion ("Trip") and Miss Texas will be doing Sporting Days on February 4th. Trip will have a warm-up event at Preliminary, and Texas will tackle Training. Then, Trip will bump back up to Intermediate at Pine Top at the end of February, and Texas will bump back up to Preliminary at Sporting Days at the beginning of March.

Lucky for me, a bunch of my students have decided to join me for part of the trip, while most of their horses will be staying for the whole month. My best friend and sometimes-student Sabrina Morris will be joining me and stepping in as my assistant trainer and barn manager for the whole trip. My other students will be coming down for anywhere from a weekend to two weeks at a time. I know they’re all looking forward to some time in the sun and sand, and it will be fun for Sabrina and me to have some company. Additionally, my dressage trainer Beth Barritt has decided to come down at least once during the month. My jumping trainer Stephen Bradley will be based at nearby Full Gallop Farm in Aiken while I’m down there, so I’ll be heading over there on a regular basis for lessons.

Until next time,

Katie