The dreaded Christmas Newsletter - 2007
What a year 2007 has turned out to be for all at Massie Lodge. Not only did we suffer the dreaded Equine Influenza that certainly brought us all to a screeching halt, but we finally got some dam filling rain after 2 years of drought.
The Equine Influenza outbreak certainly didn’t pick and choose its targets and it seemed to affect everyone who had any sort of interest in the Thoroughbred Industry.
In my mind, this certainly showed the true colours of the high profile personalities who play a large part in this industry – some good and some not so good and some down right ugly. It certainly was not a good time for the Industry with infighting and arguments across the disciplines. Still I guess it takes all types to make up this world that we live in and it certainly was a time for reflection for many people as to whether the would carry on doing what they love.
This rather large bump in the road certainly was a catalyst for us to make a decision; whether this was the industry for us to stay in … however, if you know anyone who has thoroughbreds or has something to do with them, once they get in your blood – that’s it, the choice is all over.
So, coupled with plenty of good rain the second half of the year, plenty of renewed enthusiasm and motivation, both Evan and I move on to 2008 and welcome new and return residents to Massie Lodge - offering them a special place to stay with lots of love and caring.
2007 was a good year for us with our foals with 4 healthy babies born at Massie Lodge – some on time, some not expected and some keeping to their own time schedule – which naturally played havoc for the poor foal watchers who had to make sure that there was someone watching the mares at all times!
Of course our big staff of 2 (yes, Evan and I!), were very glad for the end of that period. Still, we were very blessed with each of the babies born, that they were healthy, had good legs and temperaments to match.
2 fillies and 2 colts later, and finally some decent night’s sleep, we decided to let our mares sit tight and wait for an early cover next year, rather than try and fight the permit section of the DPI!
We are both keen to send Epiphany back to Conatus next year after seeing her colt (Harry). What a stunner!
Our boy Maz continues his holiday in Ballina, resting and recuperating from the tough 6 months he had waiting to get 1 run that was none too shabby for a first attempt. Of course, EI was then to appear and not only did Maz suffer from a bad cut to his eye from a horrendous storm that made its way through Ballina, he also had a bad reaction to both Vaccinations that he had to have.
We knew it was time for him to have some rest and relaxation away from the stable and he has been enjoying himself at Ballina for the past few weeks winding down.
Maz will go back to Phil Quinnell at Ballina after his break and hopefully on to a successful preparation. GO MAZ!
Bessie Merle (Curly Coated Retriever) decided that she wanted to join the pregnant thoroughbred ladies (mind you there was a very stressful 2 week period of time in between when she was in season and once again, sleep seemed to elude both Evan and I!) and gave birth to 2 beautiful pups early in December - a boy called Doc (after a manic call to Monika our vet in the middle of the night as Bess had a difficult birth) and a girl called Ruby.
Both babies have opened their eyes and are starting to wander around their box – interested in what’s going on (rather than just wondering when it’s feed time again!!). So now we have 6 dogs! … But that’s ok as there is plenty of love around for everyone!
So, as 2007 draws to a close and all the disasters from the year are now starting to turn into dim, dark memories, we are now looking forward to 2008. Onwards and Upwards!
To all of our clients, we would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a very safe and happy 2008 that is filled with the continuation of chasing your dreams. Thank you so much for your continued support of us which has been very much appreciated indeed.
To all our friends and relatives who are rolling their eyes and saying that it’s typical that we couldn’t get Christmas Cards out on time and had to result to a dreaded “newsletter” – we wish you all lots of love and happiness and hope that we catch up with you somewhere in 2008! (Maybe we will do cards in time next year!!)
May 2008 be filled with healthy horses (and dogs!) and lots of winners!!
Love from Helen & Evan.
What a year 2007 has turned out to be for all at Massie Lodge. Not only did we suffer the dreaded Equine Influenza that certainly brought us all to a screeching halt, but we finally got some dam filling rain after 2 years of drought.
The Equine Influenza outbreak certainly didn’t pick and choose its targets and it seemed to affect everyone who had any sort of interest in the Thoroughbred Industry.
In my mind, this certainly showed the true colours of the high profile personalities who play a large part in this industry – some good and some not so good and some down right ugly. It certainly was not a good time for the Industry with infighting and arguments across the disciplines. Still I guess it takes all types to make up this world that we live in and it certainly was a time for reflection for many people as to whether the would carry on doing what they love.
This rather large bump in the road certainly was a catalyst for us to make a decision; whether this was the industry for us to stay in … however, if you know anyone who has thoroughbreds or has something to do with them, once they get in your blood – that’s it, the choice is all over.
So, coupled with plenty of good rain the second half of the year, plenty of renewed enthusiasm and motivation, both Evan and I move on to 2008 and welcome new and return residents to Massie Lodge - offering them a special place to stay with lots of love and caring.
2007 was a good year for us with our foals with 4 healthy babies born at Massie Lodge – some on time, some not expected and some keeping to their own time schedule – which naturally played havoc for the poor foal watchers who had to make sure that there was someone watching the mares at all times!
Of course our big staff of 2 (yes, Evan and I!), were very glad for the end of that period. Still, we were very blessed with each of the babies born, that they were healthy, had good legs and temperaments to match.
2 fillies and 2 colts later, and finally some decent night’s sleep, we decided to let our mares sit tight and wait for an early cover next year, rather than try and fight the permit section of the DPI!
We are both keen to send Epiphany back to Conatus next year after seeing her colt (Harry). What a stunner!
Our boy Maz continues his holiday in Ballina, resting and recuperating from the tough 6 months he had waiting to get 1 run that was none too shabby for a first attempt. Of course, EI was then to appear and not only did Maz suffer from a bad cut to his eye from a horrendous storm that made its way through Ballina, he also had a bad reaction to both Vaccinations that he had to have.
We knew it was time for him to have some rest and relaxation away from the stable and he has been enjoying himself at Ballina for the past few weeks winding down.
Maz will go back to Phil Quinnell at Ballina after his break and hopefully on to a successful preparation. GO MAZ!
Bessie Merle (Curly Coated Retriever) decided that she wanted to join the pregnant thoroughbred ladies (mind you there was a very stressful 2 week period of time in between when she was in season and once again, sleep seemed to elude both Evan and I!) and gave birth to 2 beautiful pups early in December - a boy called Doc (after a manic call to Monika our vet in the middle of the night as Bess had a difficult birth) and a girl called Ruby.
Both babies have opened their eyes and are starting to wander around their box – interested in what’s going on (rather than just wondering when it’s feed time again!!). So now we have 6 dogs! … But that’s ok as there is plenty of love around for everyone!
So, as 2007 draws to a close and all the disasters from the year are now starting to turn into dim, dark memories, we are now looking forward to 2008. Onwards and Upwards!
To all of our clients, we would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a very safe and happy 2008 that is filled with the continuation of chasing your dreams. Thank you so much for your continued support of us which has been very much appreciated indeed.
To all our friends and relatives who are rolling their eyes and saying that it’s typical that we couldn’t get Christmas Cards out on time and had to result to a dreaded “newsletter” – we wish you all lots of love and happiness and hope that we catch up with you somewhere in 2008! (Maybe we will do cards in time next year!!)
May 2008 be filled with healthy horses (and dogs!) and lots of winners!!
Love from Helen & Evan.
Evan the reindeer?
Bessie Merle, Reindog, with her pups, Ruby and Doc
The very cute Doc - 3 weeks old today
Pikey with Evan after receiving a promotion from reindog to Santa's helper
Matilda - Santa's helper
Bailey, a most reluctant reindeer
Da Christmas Pikey Man
