Hi everyone,

The last few weeks have been packing, duck-tape labelling, and making sure I have enough clothes with me. Because…… We are back in the land of palm trees and sunshine, and I couldn’t be happier. This year Stephex Stables has moved into their new stable close to the horse show: “Stephex Stables USA” – and boy, is she beautiful! 

With a total of 40 boxes, many apartments on site and enough arenas to host a horse show (I hope Stephan doesn’t get any ideas), the US-barn is really something special, it feels like home and I’m guessing we will venture over here for many winters to come. Which is completely fine with me!

For now, we only have 10 horses here: 6 for Zoe Conter and 4 for Double D. I’m pretty sure there is a total of 23 coming but that could change as the weeks go on. 

We all work together here, not like in Europe, and for instance, Jacob Lundberg – Zoe's flat rider – is riding Daniel's horses who are in quaratine and I return the favour by going to the ring with Zoe for the national class the other day. 

There are so many things happening here, you kind of forget where you are and what you are doing some days. The mares still have a week left in the quarantine and they are fresh and ready for the German to arrive. Not sure the rest of WEF is happy to have us back after last year, haha! 

Watching the Grand Prix on Saturday night from the VIP (I know, fancy that we are – thanks Zoe Conter, hahaha) was fun and what a win for the Stephex-team from Spencer Smith, so cool to start the season like that. 

I feel like we are getting closer to doing some showing; I mean, I hope so! I think I have one more week and then it’s battle time.  

The Covid-situation has changed so much since we were here last year. I have barely seen anyone wearing a mask; you can tell I’m the crazy European person in the supermarket with my mask doing the grocery shopping. We are still in a global pandemic, or did I miss something? 

For now, it’s all work, no play. Organising our new home base, separating the show stuff to get ready for some show jumping.  

For now that’s all from me: I need to go do some sun bathing! 

Until next time WoSJ...

- Sean -