Sam came in and rode out 4 quiet lots this morning. I have just had my schooling fences re-stuffed. The BHA insist that you have 1 plain fence and 1 open ditch. This is fine as we have 2 plain and 1 ditch. They also insist that the fences are to a certain height. I telephoned the BHA to find out what height they wanted them, after being put through to 4 different people finally the 5th person was able to tell me that they should be 4ft 3 inches. Any horseman will tell you that this is far too high for schooling over and it's another example of the total lack of understanding the people who make the rules have of National Hunt racing. As it happens, Charlie has no chasers so they will be cut to a size that is suitable for schooling over. Whilst the fence builders were here they also re-wrapped all the poles in my loose school. Previously I had them wrapped in sponge. The weather and the horses have managed to destroy that, we have now opted for carpet underlay which is covered in old curtain sides off lorries. They are far more satisfactory and I was pleased that the couple of horses we loose schooled this morning didn't take a 2nd look.
Connaught Square is fine after his run and he will start back tomorrow, he isn't the type of horse to benefit from more than 1 day off. He loves his work and I am sure he'll be full of himself tomorrow morning.
We had the mist sprayer out for the weekly disinfecting of the barn and outside stables today. All the horses are in good health and let's hope we can keep it that way.
