Friday morning it was 14F when I took the dogs out for a quick run in the snow and slush before heading to the airport. Friday evening a balmy 76F welcomed me to West Palm Beach. Let the weekend in the "Winter Horse Capital of the World" begin!
Saturday I had signed up for a workshop with Colonel Teisserenc, Ecuyer-en-chef de Cadre noir in Saumur. First hurdle to overcome: Finding the place. My GPS was completely overwhelmed, and no wonder, the Equestrian Community of White Fences comprises about 400 acres well guarded by various gates that can only be opened with special codes. Neither "Open Sesame", nor "F..you" did the trick. So I cruised around, looking for a human to ask for directions. No luck, I was on my own. German stubbornness kicked in and I found the target.
It was interesting to see Colonel Teisserenc teach various levels of students and horses. He was very kind and patient with both horses and riders. I took copious notes I will need to decipher. Clearly, shoulder-ins and haunches-ins were the go-to exercises. Colonel Teisserenc also stressed the importance of rewarding the horse with both hands and clearly release.
Saturday I was invited to visit Jan's and Amy's brand spanking new facility and watch Judy's lesson. WOW! is about what comes to mind. State of the art design plus great attention to detail in the stables and riding arena. Quintesse, Judy's young mare, looked fabulous. For me, the beautiful setting was only marred by a lack of turnout, but the large stalls and open windows on both sides of the stalls seemed to keep the horses happy.
Judy and I had fun in the afternoon going on the "Lion Safari Tour", it is a zoo without cages, the animals are loose, the people are in cars. One huge ostrich took a fancy to Judy and I worried about the safety of my rental car ("Should I have purchased extra insurance against ostrich damage??").
I also got to visit the equestrian equivalent of "Margaritaville*", a more economical approach of winter boarding. It looked like a Hodge Podge of different stabling versions with turnout. I guess Remy and I would be candidates for Margaritaville if we ever were to spend time in Florida.
Almost got to meet Mickey on the way back: We were barely at cruising altitude when we heard a loud noise and then the plane lost a bit of altitude. Sure enough, the pilot came on and informed us calmly that the compressor of one engine failed. We landed safely in Orlando, and were told not to worry about the fire trucks escorting the plane "they want to make sure the engine is not in fire". Good call! Mickey Mouse did not greet us, but there is no denying I was in Disney-country. Six hours in the nice Delta Sky Lounge and I was finally en route to Detroit, where the sun seemingly never shines in January and February, but where JP and the critters were happy to see me.
While I played in the sun Remy played in the snow and mud with Chambord. He had five days off - so getting on this afternoon should be quite interesting. I wonder what happens if I gently whisper "Let's go to Margaritaville!" in his ear??
*Jimmy Buffet song: Named for the cocktail Margarita, with lyrics reflecting a laid-back lifestyle in a tropical climate, "Margaritaville" has come to define Buffett's music and career.
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