Globe Trotting: I have arrived!

True happiness!

Well hello there Old Sports! I know, I know. I'm terrible. I haven't update my blog in ages. But you know, when you're a horse relying on an internet connection from your owner, it's fairly important that your owner lives in the same country as you. Alas, that has not been the case for 5 months. (5 months? If felt like 5 years!)

Spode left in August and I took a holiday from my blog (not a holiday I chose for myself, but still, a holiday is a holiday I suppose).

So let's start from the beginning. Spode came and kissed me goodbye and said she promised to be back at Christmas time and reunite us as soon as possible. I'll be honest, Old Sports, it kind of felt like I was once again mirroring Fitzgerald's Gatsby when he and Daisy become separated. Ah the never-ending connections with The Great Gatsby. Spode would be proud.

It wasn't very long before I started to get bored though, I'll admit. Luckily Spode's family and friends kept me occupied during the long wait to return to being Spode's bestie. (Beastie?)

Hmm, so maybe a little bit more exercise than I'd hoped.

One of the best things about Spode's absence was the endless sympathy treats I received from other boarders and friends. I really played up my loneliness as well, so it's no surprise that my belly expanded quite a bit over the last several months. That was a good thing really though as I lost a fair bit of weight when I began my quarantine process.

My life was much the same until mid-December when suddenly I was whisked away from all of my buddies over at Fox Hollow and taken to a quarantine stable called Ashland. The place was lovely, the people were lovely, my distant neighbouring stallions were lovely, but boy was it boring. I greatly underestimated how much I appreciate the company of other equines! I was so happy to see another horse after all that time! It made getting on the airplane easier--I pretty much said I would go anywhere there was another horse. Desperate times, old sports.

Anyway, Christmas was also a big change because Spode came back for a brief spell. Along with a new person I had never met (except over FaceTime at the barn): Oliver. Apparently this person was one of the reasons I was making this move in the first place. Hmm, not sure about him yet. He's not a very horse savvy person and I did make a statement one day in an attempt to tell him that Spode's all mine. Spode says I need to share though. She also would really like us to get along. I suppose I'll make an effort... if he gives me treats maybe.

So... treats Oli?

Guess I will have to share after all. 

I survived the rest of my quarantine without Spode and then began my journey on Saturday morning with a trip to Toronto airport. Being the seasoned traveller that I am, this was actually my second time in Toronto so I settled in to enjoy spying out the window at the world passing by, oblivious to my upcoming adventure.

Transferring from one box to another at the airport. Story of the next 4 days I was soon to find out.

We sat at the airport for much longer than expected because of a plane issue, but then we were finally on our way to Amsterdam. I had a thoroughbred gelding as my companion and we both just relaxed and ate happily for the whole journey.

Once in Amsterdam on Sunday, we were off to a stable to rest before beginning out journey to the UK. They drove us up to France and then we took the Eurotunnel train. A very strange experience but as usual I took it all well. Why? Because I'm Gatsby.

Next stop, the UK!  We arrived in Dover and then went straight to St. Albans (er, well, after a long stay at customs!).

Arriving in style! 

I was so happy to see Spode and know that I'd reached my final destination. I hadn't been outside since Friday! I was bursting!
Before I could begin my run, I had to stay with Spode and wait for the yard manager. She just held me while I grazed (Yes! GRAZE! They have grass in this country!!! Mind Blown!). Just like she never left.

My new digs look pretty nice. Spode says we can go exploring once I'm settled in and relaxed again. Lots and lots of quiet hacking to look forward to!

Flowers are springing up already here!

That's not a Canada Goose!

I now live on an estate. I think I've officially moved into East Egg! (My place is most definitely a West Egg place though!)

Once I was allowed in the field, I had a blast. I ran and ran and rolled and whinnied, and ran some more. I am so happy to be free again, old sports! That felt like an age!

I have a feeling I will be running for quite some time!

I'm out with 4 other horses, 2 of which are very young and happy to have another playmate. I'll tell you more about my adventures later as right now I need to go for a run again. That's enough typing for one day!

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay.