Cultural Differences

Happy half term!

Miraculously, the weather has suddenly turned wonderful just in time for the school holiday!

Here is a conversation I overheard between Spode and her new barn manager:

S: "Which halter do you want me to use?"

"What?"

"Which halter is Lucky's?"

"What?"

"... Um. Ah, which headcollar?"

"Oh! The purple one."

Spode is having a little trouble adjusting to the ever so subtle differences in language here. So am I to be honest. In fact, I shouldn't even say "barn manager." It's yard manager in this country. And Spode always says she's at the barn, when in fact she's at the stables. And my blanket? Well it's now my rug. And there's straw in the stall where she grooms me rather than shavings. I definitely thought it was just a stall full of hay when I first went in. What a disappointment!

Why did you trick me? 

I mean, I sleep in hay anyway. Might as well have a bed that I can sleep in and eat, no?

Spode has been spending lots and lots of time up here since it's the holiday. I'm ever so slowly getting fit again, though we're taking it slow because Spode was very unimpressed with my manners on the ground. Apparently I need to go back to school (teachers probably always say that though, as I pointed out. Then she gave me a detention). 

The problem is, language isn't the only cultural difference here. I'm finding it a little difficult to adjust to other things as well. Example a, hedges. I hate them. They're terrifying! Massive plants that I can't see through but I can hear horses and other animals behind them. I don't like them one bit, and England seems to have an obsession with them. 

Always keep one ear on the hedge, that's my motto!

This has led to some issues between me and Spode. Namely that I bolted three times when she led me to the hedge and even the shelter near it. Spode wasn't impressed. But then, neither was I. I got over it eventually, but I'm still very wary which is making hacking next to impossible at the moment. Spode has started taking me for walks to get me used to them, though we did have a little hack today.

Can we go back before we get to the hedges on both sides please?

They're up there. I know they are.

That's better, lots of open space!

And I'm done. Stop with the photos, I want to go home!

I suppose I'll get used to it eventually. Same with these stables they have here. Apparently the only stables I know are called "American style" here. Instead, what's more common here are courtyard stables that open to the air. Which is quite nice! I get tacked up in one and i like being able to look out and breathe freshness in. 

I am already used to one big difference though: year round grass! Yes, I'm living almost entirely on grass alone in February! My wildest dreams have come true!

Delicious stuff!

Even in the muddy field I was in before there was grass to eat! 

Alas, I hear that I'll be having slightly less grass in future as Spode has told me that I'll be moving at the end of next month to a yard closer to her house. And unfortunately I'll have to stay in a stable at night during the mud season (November to April/May, so I'm told). These will be my new digs:

A nice big stall in the new stable block to the left. 

Spode is sad to move me and I'm not thrilled to hear that I'll be in at night, but needs must. I suppose it will be fine once I get used to it. For now, I'll enjoy the full time grass while I still can. And as I learned today, Spode and I both enjoy sleeping in the sun.

It's 14 degrees and I have a coat meant for -30. It's a recipe for sleepiness!

Spode on the other hand just spent 2 hours mucking out my field, so that's also a recipe for sleepiness!

So all in all I'm having a lovely time getting used to the new country and all the differences in horse keeping. Another example, the lack of cross ties.

Guess I'll just have to hold myself to be brushed then...

And I'm happily getting used to having Spode feed me again and look after me. Just like old times! Proof that anywhere you have family is home.

Please, Spode, can I have some more?

They even have "snow" here!

So that's all for now, Old Sports. Until later.

Jay. 

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. 

What do you mean you've had to delay my flight!?

Why haven't I been updating my blog, old sports? Well I've been busy packing for England of course! Packed up all my things, started reading Horse & Hound magazine, started practicing my sexy English accent to impress all the mares... you know, the usual things one does when one is soon to become an international horse. 

Does the grain taste different over there? Can I have some fish and chips, minus the fish? 

And then Spode dropped the dreaded news on me that my flight would have to be delayed.

Wait, what did you just say to me?!

Yes, Spode is rather heartbroken about it, as am I, but I'm not going to be able to come in October. I probably won't get to come until January/February because she needs more time to make sure everything is stable (no pun intended! Nah, who am I kidding--puns are ALWAYS intended!) job wise and that she has a suitable place for me to live.

I'm not talking to you anymore Spode. 

No, to be honest I'm starting to come to terms with the reality that Spode and I will have to be separated for a while. I can't decide who's going to take that harder. Spode and I haven't gone more than 2 and a half weeks with each other since she got me more than 3 years ago.

I don't know what I'll do without her... aside from grow out my beard and hoof curtains obviously. 

k

Seriously, she has a problem with shaving... no stubble allowed! It's not very manly! 

Spode will be back in Canada at Christmas time and will get me ready to go over then. Her mum and friends will be up to visit me, but for the most part I'll be getting the season off. I'll miss the treats. Spode and I are trying hard not to dwell on the fact that she's soon departing though. We only have 21 days left before she goes, so we've been making the most of them. 

Except annoyingly it's been so crazy hot that we haven't actually been able to do that much. Many, many showers though! 

Today we had a big adventure though! There was a fun day hosted at our farm today and Spode and I tried our hand at the games. It was a long day but I enjoyed it. We started out by going on a trail ride. I was a bit confused seeing strange horses on my turf, but I soon got used to it. 

Spode decided to deck me out in my literary gear. The green light team. I really need to get "Gatsby believed in the green light" embroidered somewhere though, so I can educate the masses on the brilliance of Fitzgerald. 

If only my green bridle still fit me! 

Spode took me through the cowboy obstacle course and it was rather terrifying but I was okay with it once Spode gave me some time and I was able to get a good look at everything.

Car wash tackled!! I did it! Spode is over the moon with me. Should have seen the pile of treats I got at the end of the day!

Spode and I had a lot of fun with the games. We played horse soccer, which I rocked at, hoop toss, relay races, carrot on a stick, egg and spoon (but vegan, which pleased Spode!), golden chalice, and more!

Watching and learning.

Let's face it, I'm not a horse built for speed and tight turns, but I tried my best and Spode is as happy with me a if I had just gotten first place at a dressage show. 

A happy Spode makes for a happy me, because food!

The only down side of the day was that it was incredibly long, but I stuck it out and tried my hardest at everything. It was a perfect day. I just wasn't a huge fan of these 2 Belgian horses because they were bigger than me, and I just can't handle horses bigger than me. I had to use some intimidation tactics playing soccer with them! 

Best. feeling. ever.

Days like today are definitely what makes Spode's move rather heartbreaking. I'll be counting down until Christmas. Ah well, we'll be together again and we'll both survive the time apart. It's just a weird feeling! 

Anyway, now that I've unpacked all my things (but hey, I'll still be working on my English accent--or do you think the mares over there would prefer a good old Canadian boy?) I suppose I'll update this blog a little more. It's been too hot to write! 

Until later, old sports.

Jay.