Day 20
I'm currently recovering from a flu that has had me down and out all weekend. Because I can't go anywhere, I turned on the New York-bred sale up in Saratoga to see how some of the farm's babies sell this weekend and stuck my laptop on the floor since I've also been having a movie/tv marathon. I looked down to see what hip number they were on and saw Bella intently watching the auction. She found it quite fascinating and stared at the screen for a good 10 minutes, including one attempt at trying to turn the horse in the ring into a toy.
Day 19
I went out to the barn to groom and feed the mares and didn't even have my boots with me. But while grooming Crystal, I got the idea to hop on board. I didn't tack up, just threw a bridle (her) and helmet (me) on and jumped on bareback. I'm so lucky this mare is so kind (most of the time) because she hasn't been ridden since February. I haven't been on a truly broke horse since then so I had to reacquaint myself with how sensitive her cues are but it was wonderful to be back on my "heart horse", even if I'm not planning on making it a regular thing.
Day 18
My favorite "must attend" race day of the year is the Arlington Million and today my press pass arrived for the event. The four stakes races on the card attract some of the best turf horses from around the world so for me it is like being in a candy store. Don't be surprised if you see some photos of the event in this blog in about two weeks because at least one photo is sure to be my "happy photo of the day" from August 16.
“I could be a professional student. I love it. Just go down another road and see what else you can learn” - Leah Gyarmati
It was fitting that as I was planning out this blog today, I ran across the above quote by trainer Lea Gyarmati. If you know me, you know that I'd be the cat killed by curiosity because I am a "need to know" type when it comes to learning. No matter what I'm doing in the racing industry, I want to learn the hows and the whys of why I'm doing it.
That is why the one day a week farm job I've been working has been so fun and informative. I've made it my mission every day I'm there to ask at least one question that will farther my knowledge about why the barn and overall industry does the things it does. I do get a few weird looks when I ask questions with answers that seem pretty simple but there is a method to my madness.
For example, while I know why I use shavings to bed my horses when they are stalled, I wanted to learn the whys of the hay vs. shavings bedding that the farm uses. I noticed that some yearlings had shavings while others had hay for bedding in their stalls and a quick question to CB gave me the answer as to why that is. The farm uses hay bedding for those who don't need to lose weight while those who are built a little heftier and need a little more help to look a little more like a racehorse get the straw bedding because it helps them lose the final few pounds they need to shed. In addition, I also learned that grain builds a horse's top line and hay "builds" the belly (to put it simply), something I've already put into use on my own horses.
Working on the farm has been a dream come true for me both on the learning front and the satisfaction front. It's nice to be doing actual farm work again, even if it is different than the work I did on the family farm growing up. It is also nice to actually feel like I'm doing something productive with the actual animals that I write about. Don't get me wrong, I love writing about racehorses but as a horse person something is always missing when I can't actually spend time working with them. And yes, I have my own horses, but again it is different than handling (future) racehorses so this gives me my "fix".
One thing that I've learned about myself while working on the farm is that I LOVE seeing how the horses develop. I've been working there long enough now that I've seen how the yearlings have changed from when they first enter sales prep to the final weeks when they are more confident in themselves. It is fun knowing that I have had a small hand in that and while it makes them a bit hard to handle at times, it is fun to see how proud of themselves they are after they've spent time on the walker or swimming.
I've always enjoyed watching the development of young horses of all breeds but haven't had a real active hand in it outside of my own youngster so I never knew how much I loved it. I'm hoping to spend some time in the breeding division of a farm (hopefully the same one) this winter to experience that part since Thoroughbred breeding and pedigrees are my passion.
But to be honest, anywhere I go from here is just a cherry on the top. I never really imagined I'd find someone who would give me the opportunity to get the hands-on experience I've wanted ever since I was hired in the Thoroughbred industry, especially with my crazy schedule. To say I'm grateful for the opportunity is the understatement of the century, but there really aren't enough words to express just how lucky I feel.
Until next time,
Mel
Day 17
Every morning (with the exception of Fridays) I drink tea in the morning. One of my favorite things to do is enjoy it while sitting out on my porch catching up on news. I haven't been able to spend time on my porch lately so it was nice to be able to enjoy a pleasant morning that also brought out a rabbit and a few chipmunks and squirrels.
Day 16:
Building this bookcase was the worst part of my day. It broke half way through the building process and I had to steal pieces from another bookcase I was throwing away, hence the upside-down look. But even with the annoyingness of the building the bookshelf itself is the home to some of my favorite books now and more will be added later as I didn't finish unpacking the boxes so it is my "happy" picture of the day.
Day 15: I've been slacking on this the last few days so here are two photos for you.
I showed up to work early today so had a chance to drive around. It was foggy out so I had a chance to get the "Kentucky fog" photo for the first time ever. It's been something I've wanted to do since I got here but haven't had a chance in the past so it was nice to get one finally. Next time, I'll have to try and get one with my good camera.
I only have one more workday before my boy ships out for the next stage of his life so I grabbed a few photos during his grooming session today. I'm sad to see him go but excited to see what he does in the future!
