We finished the stables today, every shaving out, disinfected lower walls and floors and filled with new shavings. A cost reaching somewhere near two thousand pounds, there is much talk about what it costs to keep a horse in training on a particular forum. It isn't just a case of exercising and feeding them, there is much more that goes into keeping horses fit and healthy than many people appreciate. Horses are very labour intensive and it costs lots of money to do the job properly. I always work on the basis that if anyone asks me what I charge the likelihood is I don't want their horses anyway. I'd rather stack shelves in Tesco than have to cut corners due to financial restraints that will have a negative effect on the horses.
Another horse arrived from the West Country yesterday who is proving a bit difficult, I long reined him this morning in full tack and we'll move along quietly as and when I think he's ready for a bit more of a challenge.
The English weather is now likely to keep me awake at night, I don't want too much rain for Stratford, the ground is currently Good and by race day on Tuesday considering the forecast it will surely be on the Soft side. I think Max Ward is a good ground horse. The rain has come in time for Talent, it would be great for my mate Ralph Beckett if she can win the St Ledger tomorrow.
Sholto got hit on the head by a drain pipe at school this morning. Apparently they were looking at metals for their science lesson. The teacher touched it and down it came hitting him on the head before bouncing off the ground and hitting another lad on the leg. He seems fine and the drain pipe has a dent in it!
