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Guests (207)
Guest blogger Emma Lindgren: "No red bull in the world would have kept med awake"
Early start today, had my alarm set on 5.30… Me and Sara felt like to zombies when we walked off to the stables to feed the horses! It´s a long week here with four days jumping and late evenings. We could definitely feel it today! Made my stables ready and went back to eat breakfast myself, most important part of it was the coffee! Three was needed before I started to feel a bit more awake.
We had an early class today, already at 9 o´clock Lorenzo was jumping a speedclass (normally not his speciality). Had some time over before I had to make him ready so I took the other two out for a quick handwalk. It always feels better when the horses have been out! Instead Lorenzo had to jump without plaits but he didn`t seem to mind. He did a really good round and ended up fourth, less than a second behind the winner! Sara looked very surprised when we returned to the stables with a red ribbon. And he actually could have won, he lost the control over his long legs after one jump and almost fell down (wouldn´t have been the first time). Without this little incident he would have been faster! But we were really happy with him anyway!
Had some time to kill before the World Cup so Sara and me went to the supermarket and bought some nice lunch to eat in the stable. Then it happened again! Christian came too early! I actually asked him if he was sick or something… But he just said that he´s always on time. Might be true but now he suprised me three times by showing up earlier then planned. Maybe he just wanted to check in on me to see if I´m working also when he´s not there. And this time he catched me eating! No hard feelings, we just changed places and he could sit down in the chair while I made Taloubet ready for riding. Christian was happy when he came back and said that he was feeling really, really good.
Today I had a bit more time to make him ready and everything looked very promising as he also jumped super on the warmup. But, not our day today and already on the fourth fence he made a mistake. As there were not many clears Christian went really fast after that and then he got another fault… I was very dissapointed afterwards and Christian was angry with himself. He said that the horse was perfect today but that he rode too slow to that first oxer he had down. So, no jump off… Instead he could watch his friend Marco Kutcher win his second World Cup for this season. Today he rode Satisfaction who´s in really good form for the moment, he won two classes here. Terri, you don´t have to be worried for ”Satti” anymore, he does come over the fences! Even though it looks like some of them are bigger than him… Well done all of you!
Then it was time for every grooms favorite part of the show; packing… Don´t miss the irony in that sentence! But it has to be done and we all want to go home as fast as possible. I already decided to drive home tomorrow morning, so I had no stress. No Red Bull in the world would have kept me awake through the night! Instead I went back to sleep an extra night on the hotel and then bring the horses safe home the next day!
Best whishes, Emma
Guest blogger Emma Lindgren: Almost.. Better luck tomorrow?
We didn’t exactly fly out of our beds this morning.... The night was way too short. But the horses are always hungry so we set off to give them breakfast before we ate something ourselves. After three well needed coffees we returned to the stables to take the horses out- I took them all three out for a handwalk and they seemed very happy with the relaxed choice of workout.
When I had finished the last horse Christian texted me to say he could start riding Taloubet. Once again much earlier than our original plan! He must have gotten a very uncomfortable bed in his hotel room. But it suited me fine as I now would be finished in time for lunch.
Taloubet had a day off from jumping today so Christian worked him properly to make sure he was listening again after yesterdays race. He was very happy with him and said he felt very good. Let’s hope he keeps up his good form until tomorrow.
Well done didn’t need so much work, she better save her energy for the class. And we decided to only handwalk Lorenzo once again before the GP. Hopefully that keeps him in a good mood.
Well Done jumped the first class, a 1.45 accumulator. Except for a touch on the third last fence that fell, she jumped nice and clear. She was definitely much better today and Christian was happy. She will be a nice horse she just needs some more experience from the bigger classes.
So, time for today’s happening, the Grand Prix. To be honest we didn’t have the highest expectations on Lorenzo, but he surprised us and jumped a super round until the last oxer that fell. The course was big enough and not so many made it to the jump-off so it would have been nice to be without that fault! But that’s the sport and we get a new chance in the World Cup tomorrow.
Congratulations to Kay, Marcus and Plot Blue! A very well deserved win and nice teamwork as always.
I finished up the last things in the stable before I went to eat a really nice dinner together with my family. On the way back I passed by the stables to night-check the horses. Two out of three were already sleeping so I decided to go back to the hotel and do the same! Important day tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for us, and let’s hope Taloubet has a good day again.
By the way; Really nice idea from the stable crew here to walk around an the stables in the evening with coffee for us grooms! A small effort for them but it means so much for us! I wish more shows could take after that..
Best wishes
Emma
Guest blogger Emma Lindgren: We won the class! (and a nice trick; “How to get on a horse without a saddle”)
Today was a really good day if we don’t count the last class! Evening classes doesn’t seem to be our thing this weekend.
Sara had to be really early in the stable so she fed my horses breakfast and I could stay half an hour later in the bed. The nights get very short on the indoor shows so every extra minute of sleep is worth a lot!
Did the morning routine in the stable, same as always; cleaned the boxes, rolled the bandages and changed the water. Then I took Taloubet to the lunging place again and today he was even more relaxed. Most of all he wanted to lie down and roll! At home he’s allowed to do that but on the show he has to stay clean so he gave me a very disappointed look.
The other two I just took for a handwalk. Lorenzo was not jumping today so Christian only wanted to ride some flatwork with him. Don’t ask me what happened but Christian actually showed up half an hour earlier and two horses instead of one. Like I said, a good day today!
I even had time to go and eat lunch with my parents and sister so that was really nice! At 6 pm was today’s big class, the WC-qualifier and Taloubet was jumping. It was dressage the whole afternoon which meant that we were not allowed to ride on the warm-up. Dressage horses tend to be a bit nervous around jumping horses…
Just in time when they were finished Christian started to ride and brought him back to me 45 minutes before the class started. Completely white of sweat! Definitely NOT a dream scenario for us grooms! I had no choice but to bring him to the showerplace and pray that he would dry up in time for the class. So, back in the box for peeing and some speed plaiting. Ready in time and off to the warm up to find Christian. It was a speed class and by the time we had to jump Michael Whitaker was in the lead and he’s not famous for riding with the brakes on! The course was perfect for Taloubet with many turns and he took Michael’s time with over one second. None of the riders who followed managed to beat the time, so we won the class! Fast back to the stable and make Lorenzo ready for the prize giving! Taloubet is only allowed to do it on Sunday’s as he can get a bit nervous from all the screaming and cheering. But Lorenzo looked very proud and happy in the spotlight.
At 21.20 Well Done was jumping. Already after walking the course Christian said that it was a pretty big class for her. She’s not used to jump the same classes like superstars such as Plot Blue and Cornet Obolensky. She had three poles down and then Christian decided to retire. Hopefully she learned something and tomorrow she will jump a smaller class so she’s not losing her confidence.
Back in the stable after the class Angelica showed us a nice trick “How to get on a horse without a saddle”. Christian didn’t want to be worse and surprised as all by doing a very athletic jump on from the wrong side. I really wish I would have had my camera with me! After a good laugh we went back to the hotel and straight to bed. Me and Sara decided that we were too old for going to the bar. Or we’re working too much… Probably a combination!
Best wishes
Emma
Guest blogger Emma Lindgren: We don´t have to talk about the last class...
After a good night sleep I was feeling surprisingly fresh this morning when the alarm went off! We decided to first go and feed the horses and then go back for breakfast. It´s definitely worth to stand up half an hour earlier just to have time for that! Then back to the stables and some morning exercise for the horses. Taloubet is always the first one to come out and I took him for a bit longing. Normally I do that every morning on the show, it makes him more relaxed, just hand walk is not enough for him. I did the same with the other two as well and they all looked fresh and happy.
Our first class started at 12.00, a 1,40 and Taloubet was first to go. Christians plan was to come and ride him a bit before the class but there was not time enough as he only arrived here this morning. So instead he started to ride him a bit earlier. He jumped really good on the warm up and continued to do so in the ring. He was just a bit hot but Christian was pleased with him anyway, good training round before the big classes. He got 5 (!) time faults which in the end placed him as nr 10 in the class, only two riders went clear.
Next class straight after, another 1,40 and Well Done was jumping. She did really good for being her first international start and jumped clear. Then we had a few hours break before the next class that started 20.30. Finished off the two horses that jumped and took Taloubet for a hand walk. After dinner I slowly started to make Lorenzo ready for the class. He was nr 36 to go so I had plenty of time! We don´t have to talk too much about the result in this class….It was just one of those rounds that won´t make it in to the history books! Maybe it was too late for Lorenzo and he just wanted to go and sleep. I don´t know but he gets a day off tomorrow and hopefully he´s more motivated on Saturday for the GP.
Tomorrow Taloubet jumps the big class and Well Done in the evening. Let´s hope we have more luck then!
Guest blogger Emma Lindgren: Preparations and good friends
My preparations for the show started Monday when I chipped the horses ans packed the lorry. On Tuesday I had a long sleep in the morning because with a whole night’s driving ahead it’s definitely needed! Came to the stable after lunch and fixed the last things before making the horses ready for the trip.
At 17.00 I drove out the gates, all according to the plan! With me on the trip this time is Taloubet Z, a 12 year old stallion who’s number 1 in our stable and a true superstar (and he knows it!). It’s hard to find a nicer horse than Taloubet, he only gets really hot when you put a fence in front of him. He will jump the World Cup this weekend and hopefully he will be in a good mood and like it in Sweden just as much as I do.
As second horse I have Lorenzo, a 15 year old gelding who’s been with Christian for nine years now. He’s basically been on every show in the world and jumped every class and every fence possible. These days it’s all about keeping him happy and motivated, there’s not much more you can learn him..
My third horse is a nice nine year old called Well Done. It’s the first time we’re taking her to a show so it will be interesting finding out how she is. She probably never saw something like the arena in Gothenburg which is very beautiful, but also a little bit spooky for the horses.
After 13 hours we arrived at the show. We had a good trip with no errors along the road. Luckily for me I had two girls with me from home so they could help me unload all the stuff and fill the boxes with shavings. Here in Gothenburg the stable crew is very helpful so within 15 minutes the lorry was empty and clean.
The horses seemed very happy to come out, have a roll in the fresh shavings and then get breakfast. For me this turned out to be a real luxury day. Normally after driving the whole night the day feels very long when you have to ride and also do the vet check. But now with my extra grooms we had time to eat breakfast at the hotel and get a good start of the day. At least two coffees later we went back to the stable to get the horses out.
AT 10.00 the arena was open for riding so we decided to take them all in there and let them have a look. They all behaved very well and were not too tired after the trip. Taloubet has energy enough for ten horses and it’s all about keeping him calm and relaxed which is not always so easy on the show with a lot of horses around, but today he was good.
Then lunch break for everybody, pellets and carrots for the horses, and McDonalds for us. After lunch we practiced some nice team work and brought the horses together to the vet check. I have definitely never done a vet check that fast before. We left the horses to chill out in their boxes with some afternoon hay. I went to the supermarket to do some shopping for myself. There’s nothing like Swedish candy!
The show here is really one of the highlights of the year for all us Swedish grooms - just like the highlight of the day for my horses is dinner time. No chance they make me forget that. Finished up the last things in the stable and walked over to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. I’m sharing rooms with my good friend Sara who’s working for Malin Baryard so we had some gossip to go through before we finally could sleep. Have to be fit tomorrow as the show starts and Christian arrives.
Best wishes
Emma
Guest blogger Terri Fitton; Good day for Team DZ Bank!
In Bordeaux the trucks are parked in the same hall as the stables so this morning when I left the truck it was a surprise to look out of the hall to see the 'outside world' covered in snow! During the morning this caused many discussions about driving home, not that any of us really need an excuse to chat. Began by feeding doing boxes and taking off bandages all very relaxed then headed for breakfast. During breakfast Marco rang and asked if there was any chance to still longe, so then had to head back and start to do some proper work!
Marco then came to ride Cash ready for the gp. Quatell was drawn early in the accumulator so made her ready whilst Marco was riding and then when he came back I took cash to finish off and he headed off with Quatell. In the collecting ring Quatell was jumping awesome and was not to strong today, maybe jumping 2.10 on Friday has made her think more about the fences! Unfortunately in the ring she just touched the joker behind and it fell but she's getting better and better all the time :)
Then it was Sattis turn to be exercised, he wasn't jumping today so nice relaxing day for him. Finished the other two off before the gp and did some packing so was very organized for once! Made cash ready for the gp and then started to walk him before Marco got on. Today was much better than yesterday but unluckily still had one down. There was only 6 clears though so we ended up in prizes still. All three riders from our stables was in prizes for the gp so was a good day for Team DZ Bank!
Now were on the long road headed home after finally getting out of the show ground. This was very difficult for us with the big truck and trailer and we had to completely take down 15metres of fencing so we could get around the corner! Sorry Bordeaux!
Best wishes
Terri
Guest blogger Terri Fitton; Nice start, but hope GP will be better tomorrow!
Today started nice and relaxed after last nights very late finish. Once the horses were fed, boxes done and bandages rolled it was time for breakfast. The food for the grooms is right by the stables here which is very nice. Hand walking outside this morning was very fresh but was nice to be in the sunshine by the lake. There was quite a few people out rowing which Cash thought very strange, there braver than me in their small boats in the ice water!
Marco came to ride Satti and Quatell before the first class and both were good. Quickly plaited and made Satti ready for his class, a 1.45m speed. Satti jumped beautifuly again and finished 4th so there was lots of apples waiting for him at the stables! Its so nice to see how happy and confident he is in his jumping at the moment. Marco then directly rode Cash whilst I headed for lunch! Before we had time to finish Marco rode past but there was no stress as he put him away and even took the bandages off, very good!
The world cup didn't start till 8.30 and Cash was late to go so at 6pm when everything else in the stable was done I headed back to the truck for a little snooze as last nights sleep time was so short. Back to the stables for 7.30 to begin with Cash, magnetic blanket, grooming and then make ready for the ring. At the warm up there was a group of about 5 of us waiting for our riders to jump, and so obviously there was much gossiping and giggling, this all had to end though when we headed in to start jumping, its so inconvenient that we have to work at times! Ha ha Cash was jumping great in the warm up but in the ring had 3down, just wasn't our day today. Back to the stables to shower, ice and then groom him, hopefully the grand prix will be better tomorrow. :)
Best wishes Terri
Guest blogger Terri Fitton; Lots of presents today!!
This morning was very quiet and productive. No rider till lunch time so I first longed Quatell a little and then rode Cash and Satti in the main arena, where I think they had forgot to turn on the heating! All stables done and horses exercised for 10am so then it was breakfast time for me and Katta and off to the shops, just what girls love to do. Not as exciting as clothes shopping for ourselves but we needed new stirrups so headed for Freejump. Once there we were both given new jackets, we were both happy with this but then we were told we could get new boots and chaps so then the fun began of trying on and deciding colours. We are both looking forward to our purple boots arriving!
After lunch Marco arrived sporting his own pair of new boots and chaps, he must like shopping to. The first class was at 2.45pm, in this Cash jumped as training for the world cup tomorrow. 1 down but jumped good so hopefully all set for tomorrow. After Cash was washed I plaited both Satti and Quatell as their classes were going to be close together. Satti was late to go at 7pm in the speed class and jumped round beautifully to finish 3rd, he didn't even look like the handbrake had been taken off and is jumping better and better all the time :). As Satti can't do prize givings, there was a slight panic as to what to do as I needed to make Quatell ready quickly for her class, luckily Marco was able to borrow a horse from Christian (thank you Emma) Then quick back to the stable with Satti, lots of apples for jumping super and a quick shower before Quatell was made ready for the ring in record time!
Quatell was jumping the High Jump tonight. She has won two 6bars now but I was unsure what she would make of one single tall vertical as she can be very strong, even for Marco! But she jumped super and cleared 4 rounds amazingly and just faulted in the 5th round but it was good enough for equal 2nd.
Then back to the stables at 11.30pm to two horses to finish and a mountain of tack to clean, where had my nice quiet morning gone! Some entertainment was provided at the stables by a couple of jolly people who had been sampling the free wine at dinner, unfortunately for me there was no chance of dinner with my crazy afternoon. Whilst finishing everything up more presents arrived from our placings in the classes, 2 trophies, books, wine and clothes vouchers! I'm really liking this show with all the presents! So off to get some sleep now before its time to do it all again!
Best wishes
Terri