I’m back! Safe to say it’s almost the end of the indoor season and my bank account will be happy as I don’t need to buy shares in Nespresso coffee anymore to keep going. I feel like the days never end, and I’m not getting any younger – ha-ha…

But with that I must say that the horses have been great throughout the winter season so I couldn’t be more proud … Tired, but proud. 

This weekend is a little important. “Last year’s winner” and “contender for 2 out of 4 Grand Slams” – no pressure Tobago, Daniel and Sean, we got this. 

The weekend started off with remembering how to drive the truck again after four weeks at home (Daniel being in Wellington means I had a little down time at home for a few weeks). I thought I was in my car when I went to put the truck into reverse, and it was in fact the wind screen wipers that I had turned on full speed and I was super confused. Took a minute but then it was like driving a bike, and off we went to The Dutch Masters. The horses are happy to be back at the show and are all super fresh. Let’s hope luck is on our side this week (no pressure Tobago). 

Unpacking in pouring rain is never fun, always puts a dampening on your day – see what I did there. Luckily, we are inside for the weekend and don’t really have to go outside, just to the truck parking but thankfully I brought my scooter. That’s the thing with the indoor shows; you don’t really remember what the outside looks like and the days run into each other so checking the time often helps to know what’s going on in the day – and boom it’s midnight!

The atmosphere on these shows is high; the crowds are super and cheering everyone on – always a full house at every indoor so that’s fun. Be it Lyon, Gothenburg or Amsterdam, everyone is out in full force… It’s nice, seeing that the last two winters I was in America and it was Covid-times before that so I enjoy the new normal! 

This week in Den Bosch we have Tobago Z aka Prince Charming, Bingo Ste Hermelle and Mr. Jones. Cool little squad, and ready to take home some ribbons I hope. Today (Saturday as I write) is what some would say is an easy day; no jumping until 9pm! That’s past my bedtime these days, since I have been home groom for four weeks – going to need some coffee to stay awake. Horses all out in the sunshine for some fresh air this morning and I had an easy afternoon catching up on some social media and writing an essay over here. 

Night-time jumping is always something I enjoy…. Not…. I like sleep too much; I will sleep like a baby on my day off on Monday, that’s for sure. Luck was not on our side tonight, but that’s the sport; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

With that being said it’s now 11pm and this kid needs his beauty sleep to be ready for a new day. Good luck to the people who are still in the prize giving! See you all bright and early tomorrow:-)

Until next time,

Sean