WoooHoo Moon Man!

After all the trials and tribulations that have surrounded the Moon Man, finally his owners have seen the light at the end of the tunnel ...

Last Saturday at Gympie, Moonie ran 3rd of 10 over 1465m. I bet Anthony and Bruce are finally breathing a sigh of relief after all the humps they have had to endure getting Moonie back into shape and finally finding a trainer who knew what he was doing.

Well done Greg! I bet you have made 2 men very happy indeed!

We're Being Watched...

By the resident Magpie families .... they love to sit on top of the electrical poles and watch and then dive on unsuspecting humans and canines (Matilda just loves them and the little pups are certainly learning off their Aunty Matilda all about Magpies!!).

What a beautiful day it was today! Hardly any wind ... and the whole day to wander round and reaquaint myself with the horses. In fact I was feeling so motivated, out came the curry comb to get rid of the winter coats off Gossy, Pip and Joie. Talk about having a great time doing something so simple.

But the weekend seems to go so quickly and soon enough its time to start thinking about the week ahead.

Yesterday the new owner of Shorts came and picked her up and assured us that she would be fussed over and loved. She's staying in Warwick so thats good. But I couldnt help passing a few tears when she left. I remember the day she was born, what a beautiful little foal she was and never caused us a moments grief; always easy to handle and quick to learn and yesterday she walked onto the 2 horse float like a champion, without a problem whatsoever; level headed, always sensible. Yes, we will both miss her. Still, she has a new life and will be looked after well.

I know, I know I shouldnt get so attached, but you cant help it when they give you back the love and friendship you give them.

Bessie Merle has planted herself at my feet at my desk; Pikey is on the otherside of the chair snoring softly after a big day swimming at the dams. The two little ones (hardly an apt description now!) are flat out in the living room with Evan fast asleep after accompanying Pikey on his trips to the dam. Matilda is on her back with all 4 paws in the air in the corridor down to the study...every minute of the weekend is precious isnt it?

WHAT CHEESES ME OFFFFFFF.........

When you send a mare away to a stud farm clean, free of tangles in their manes and tails and certainly with no mud .... and they are returned to you with a notty mane, and covered in mud from head to tail. They should know better.

NOT HAPPY JAN.

Gossy, Pip and their boys

Lily and Katie

Johnny, Vicky & Maz ... Worming Day

Jimmy and Lucy

Jimmy (Private Agenda - Sweet Air)



Lucy (Pure Theatre - Sweet Air)

No, It Couldnt Possibly Work....

"Shoo Snake" ... I found the product at a store in Toowoomba and was instantly fascinated. Does it work? I guess I should find out!

Go Moonie!

What a difference there has been in the Moon Man since he has changed trainer! He looks a million bucks, no longer has sore feet or an anxious tummy and has put on a heap of weight. Woohoo... go the Moon Man!

What We're Listening To At The Farm...

Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Welcome Back ...

To frequent resident at Massie Lodge, Storm!

Storm has just finished off an educational prep with his trainer in Toowoomba - which included having a few jump outs of the barrier.

Heaven...

Would you want to be living anywhere else?

Watch out Tycoon Ruler

Joie's heading your way tomorrow!

What Im Reading ..

If you like Jilly Cooper and her adventures into the Equine Industry (Showjumping, Polo, Racing etc) in England, then you will love this book. About the book:-

In HORSE HEAVEN the universe of horse racing is woven into a marvellous tapestry of joy and love, chicanery, folly, greed and reckless courage. Spanning two years on the circuit, from Kentucky and California to New York and Paris, Jane Smiley's wonderful new novel puts us among trainers and track brats, horse-obsessed girls, nervy jockeys, billionaire breeders and restless track wives.

I have only just started this book and already Iam loving it! (Sorry Evan, please dont feel ignored!)

Forget the Radio

listening to bloody teeny bopper music that puts you to sleep on the way to and from the farm - I have discovered CD Books!

I am currently listening (courtesy of Warwick Library) to Bryce Courtney's book, "Tommo and Hawk" which is the second book in the trilogy of books - "The Potato Factory", "Tommo and Hawk" and thirdly, "Solomon's Song".

What a great book! There are many BC knockers who say his books are "typical" - whatever that means, but this man is so talented. I havent read a BC book that I haven't enjoyed and couldnt put down. Which says alot about the current crop of writers who write serials and stick to a tried and true formula which fall by the wayside probably because they are not hungry enough to want to write fantastic fiction anymore since they made their second million!! Patricia Cornwell and her Skarpetta series is one that comes to mind without having to think too much. I was very disappointed with the last 3 books from that series. It was like she was too tired to make sure all the loose ends were tied up.

I find that hearing a book that is being read by an Actor just makes the book seem to come to life as they find different voices for all the characters and you can tell the difference when its just narrative.

It certainly makes the journey more bearable. Well done Warwick Library for the fantastic selection that is available to all!

Being Harry and Jack

I have to say that it did take some time for the little boys (Jack, pictured above) to get used to their new paddock (the paddock behind the house for those who know Massie Lodge), however, they are now enjoying the space and the pick available to them.

They are like two peas in a pod. You can't hug one without the other coming up and wanting the same.

I am thrilled that Pip is going back to Conatus (he has had another winner in NSW at Wyong over 1600m recently) as Harry (pictured below) and Jackie Lee are both delights to have around. (Hmm.. however, a filly would be good Pip if you are taking orders!).

All the news coming out of the trainers, breakers and pretrainer's is very encouraging about the Conatus's and the youngsters that I have seen at the farm are exceptional types, who are intelligent and want to work - to please.

Hear that boys? Intelligent, willing to please ... lol

Happiness Is..

Being home on the weekend and not having to be anywhere. Being able to wander the paddocks with the canines in tow and being able to take in the beauty of the paddocks stretching out before me.

I know, I have walked the paddocks many, many times but I never seem to stop thinking just how lucky we are to have a little slice of heaven that is ours.

Like all people, I grisel and groan when the weather is inclement and I have to be out in it. I whinge about driving to Toowoomba each day. But really, where else would you be?

After the last lot of unexpected rain in September, once again we have gone from brown to a beautfiul green colour. Its like magic that happens overnight.

Comings and Goings.

As mentioned previously, Short Pants is back with us while we try to find her a new career.

Too Fast Too Good (Johnny) is back with us having a spell after a good preparation.

Viscount Filly, Lexie is back with us for a spell and is having a love afftair with both Maz and Johnny. The three of them are inseparable and very happy together.

Joie is off to Clear Mountain Fairview this week to see Tycoon Ruler for some hot sex! (lol)

Dirtiere (Dirty Girl) is still at Egmont with Over.

Maddey (Madely Miss) has been put with Gossy and Pip as we are trying to get the 3 girls a unit before Pip goes off to see Conatus at Plaintree Farm. The most important thing is for Maddey and Goss to become friends - which is easier said than done as she and Pip are inseparable. We're going to try and make Pip's time away as short as possible so that both ladies dont fret for each other too much.

Lucy and Wee Jimmy have become firm friends down the back paddock. Short Pants will go down with them when she fully lets down.

Trix and Daisy are going through an ugly stage (not bad ugly but more a "work in progress" ugly, lol) ... up at the back, losing their winter coats and deciding that they are teenagers and can be fickly with their feeds. Hmmm.

Lily and Katie are enjoying their paddock on their own and like the company of Maz and Johnny next door. Lily spied Harry this morning and was calling to him, however, luckily he's still too young to take much notice of a pretty lady!

The Birds

It is with much sadness that I have to report that Nigel No-Leg passed away last week. Which presented me with a huge conundrum what to do with his long time mate, Missy. I couldnt leave her on her own and it was going to be risky to introduce a new male to her.

After much consulting with a good local Peach Face Parrot breeder, I decided to find her a young male.

Enter Lawrence.

Lawrence is another green/red parrot (the same as Nigel except he has both legs!) and has been trying to win the favour of matriarch Missy. Larry is still alive with both legs and I spotted them this morning on the same perch so I figure they must be doing ok.

I have to be truthful I have no idea about birds!!

The Humans

What can I say about the breeding season (which really should be named the "Silly Season) that hasnt been said before? We're flat out at the farm and I am usually about to turn into a zombie by the time I hit the driveway of an afternoon, still, I cant tell you how re-energised I feel when I see Evan sitting on the verandah with the puppies waiting for me.

I must apologise to those who I have neglected of an evening ... I seem to shut down after dinner and the most important thing on my mind is sitting down on the lounge, forgetting all thoughts about the day that has just happened and certainly not worrying about the day coming.

I guess thats why the weekends are so important and valuable to us. It's time to get back to being ourselves and enjoying our lives. Having time to breath freely; to laugh and enjoy everything around us.

So, in that vein of thought, I will bid you adieu and go and spend some time with the canines, with Evan and of course my beautiful equines. I'll try and post more often ... (hmm it looks like it might rain today?)

Helen :)

Short Pants

is back at Massie Lodge after having a try at racing and is looking for a new career as a pleasure horse, broodmare (she is by Irish Royal out of Turkish Trousers so has a nice pedigree) or a stock horse.

It was so nice to see her after so much time and she certainly hadnt lost any of her sweetness. It brought back to me the beautiful memory of the morning she was born here at Massie Lodge.

Not every horse will be Phar Lap, but she certainly has more to give in her life. Any interest? Just contact either Evan or myself.

Mud Therapy ...

a la Epiphany style. Why is that horses are attracted to mud with such passion? Mind you, she stil needs to do the other side to get the full benefits of it's therapy.... AAAArgh!

When Harry Met Lily..

"Hey Harry!"

"Are you talking to me?"

"Hi, Im Lily ... It's the breeding season you know... want to come over for a cup of coffee?

"Um, nope gotta get back to my mate, Jackie Lee."

(I think the conversation would be a bit different if Harry was a bit older!)

Happy Birthday Evan!

Love from Helen and .....

Vicky, Sweetie, Joie, Maddey, Gossy, Pip, Trix, Daisy, Lucy, Jimmy, Harry Connie Jnr., Jackie Lee, Katie, Lily, Joannie, Nottie, Southern, Maz, Johnny, Bessie Merle, Matilda, Pikey-man, Ruby, Doc and the birds!