Is this Deja Vu?

Hello old sports!

Another long break between blog posts, but since my retirement, I thought I was entitled to as much time off as I'd like. It's my right, isn't it? Not so it seems according to Spode.

What have I been up to? Eating, mostly. Sure, we go on walks and I have a strict grooming routine, but other than that I don't get up to a whole lot with my days. It's been glorious. And I thought I was pretty much settled like this for the rest of my life. But Spode likes to surprise me. Well done, I'm surprised!

To be fair, I've known something is up for a while. The vet has kept coming out for various things in the past month and I've seen Spode going carefully through all my things.

Tell me what's going on or I'll eat all your hair!

But I was very shocked when a horsebox pulled up yesterday and Spode informed me I was starting my journey back home to Canada. So shocked in fact that when she handed my lead rope over to Oli while she went to greet the shipper and discuss my paperwork, I saw my opportunity and ran. I know, I know. It was a bit mean of me ti take advantage of Oli like that. I just couldn't resist. And I'll admit, old sports, I did feel very cheeky when I saw the look of surprise on Spode's face to see me galloping away across the field, my lead rope flying in the wind.

I decided I would just let Spode make the long walk across the field and get me after that. And once she explained I was going home I just walked straight onto the horsebox as usual. Everyone laughed afterward, so job done and no hard feelings I guess.

It was pretty heartbreaking for both of us saying goodbye though. I'm not sure exactly when I'll see Spode again. September 29th at the earliest. I hope it's that day or very shortly after!

We both cried as we looked at each other getting further and further away once I started driving

Once loaded onto the small horsebox, I travelled to the coast and rested in a stable for the evening while I waited for the big trip to Europe to start. Very late at night, I was loaded onto this monster of a truck with 9 other horses.

Gatsby sized transport!

I was last up so I could have the most fresh air and to be the first dropped off. We were off to the ferry around midnight. I'm a tired boy now!

Lighted by the moon! I'm off! 

It was a clear and calm night so the ferry was easy peasy and I arrive at the Amstel Horse Hotel in the Netherlands early the next morning. 

Now, I remember this place! I stayed at this hotel after arriving at Amsterdam's airport when I arrived here from Canada. Deja Vu! 

Wait a second...

I know this place!

Everyone is being very nice to me here and they've been sending photos of me to Spode to put her at ease. I just hope I don't have to wait here too long for my quarantine as I want to get back home and rest now! 

This looks like a nice enough place to sleep. I also get to go outside into a paddock every day. 

And Spode asked them to put me on diet. But the joke's on her! I'll just eat all this straw! 

That's all for now, old sports.  Until Canada,

Jay.