Diary of a Broodmare .... Cont

Theres a storm across the valley,
clouds are rollin in
The afternoon is heavy on your shoulders
Theres a truck out on the four lane a mile or more away
The whinin of his wheels just makes it colder

Shes an hour away from ridin on your prayers up in the sky
And ten days on the road are barely gone
Theres a fire softly burnin, suppers on the stove
But its the light in your eyes that makes her warm

Hey its good to be back home again
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend
Yes n hey, its good to be back home again


Im home. The anticipation of seeing home and all my friends - Mamy - is just overwhelming. I promise Ill be nice to her and make sure that she is comfortable in her fat state. I wont hassle her for her hay. Ill let her drink from the waterbowl first. Ill even smile and be concerned when she whinges about how fat she is; how hot she is; how her feet ache; about the flies.

The truck doors open and there is the master "Hey Piffle!" (Why does he insist on calling me that?) and then Iam led off the track into our paddock.

Where is she? I wonder. I walk down to the first water bowl and have a few sips.... Yum that's nectar of the Gods. I get so involved with the sweetness of the water that I stick my nose in it and splash the water all over my face .... Beautiful! I get carried away at the water bowl and get my hoof into it and splash it all over my body .... "AAAAh". The master comes a running yelling something at me ... Im sure its a welcome:

"Piffle get your bloody hoof out of the water you stupid ...... I just cleaned the bowl!"

"Awwww" I say. He is so happy to have me home.

I wander further up the paddock to find my friend.

"Mamy? Mamy? Im home!"

Mamy's head comes out from the stable and looks at me.

"Oh how nice of you to come home! My feet are aching, my back is killing me and this kid is sitting on my bladder!"

I walk up to her and smile my nicest smile. I have missed her (I think).

She walks out of the stable and puts her ears back and bites me on the neck.

"Ouch!" I say.

She has missed me.

I walk away from her and stand at my bowl.

"Hey, is it nearly time for dinner?" I ask.

Welcome Back Moon Man

Moon Man (aka Moonlight Run) is back with us at Massie Lodge after a preparation where he gave his all.

Moonie's owners have decided to retire him from racing and both Evan and I are in the process of finding him a new career and some new owners that will love him just as much as his current ones.

Its always the hardest decision to move a horse on and as much as it pulls at your heart strings and the attachment that you have made, you have to think of the horse and what's best for them.

Moonie is only 5 years young - doesnt have any vices (doesnt drink or smoke!) and has so much more to offer. And apart from that, Moonie is a wonderful boy who loves a cuddle and a nose scratch!

Yes, its a hard decision to move a horse on.

It's Rodeo Week

in Warwick. Where is the rain? It always rains on Rodeo Week. AAAArgh! I guess you can depend on anything anymore?

Life continues to be flat out around Massie Lodge with us being in the middle of the Breeding Season at the farm. Evan never has a moment to himself during the day what with working the yearlings each day, looking after the other residents and also organising the mares that are going away for a visit with their respective man friends.

Not only looking after the horses, he has also been very busy with blogging on the Professional Analytical Selection Services blog with the Spring Carnival happening, doing the daily race updates on the PASS website and not forgetting keeping the Gallopers website going. There never seems enough time in the day to actually sit down and be still.

Speedy Cash found another owner last week and has been retired from racing. At 17hh he was certainly a big boy, however, he has now found another occupation and will be competing in the equestrian area.

Maz and Lucy are now the best of friends and can be seen grazing and picking together. They also like to go down to the big dam and take a leisurely swim together, followed by a roll in the dirt. What a life! We are still undecided what to do with Lucy...

Jimmy is in work with Fred Wieland up in Cairns and has started his big adventure.

Joie was scanned and pg'd last week by Monika and will be heading back to CMF to visit Tycoon Ruler next week. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome this time.

Pip is due for her 14 day scan next Thursday. All fingers and toes are duly crossed. Although after reading her journal it seems that she has enjoyed her visit to Conatus! She is such a smart mare to be able to blog from a Blackberry!! lol

I breathe a heavy sigh of relief to walk in the front door each night. Evan sits on the front verandah and waits for me with the dogs. One of our favourite things to do is to sit on the back verandah and either have a drink or have dinner and just listen to the sound of the late evening - mares softly calling out to their foals in the distance, cows calling out to each other and not a car or machine to be heard! Its just pure music for the soul.

The above photo was taken early evening last week. How often do you get the chance to witness something like that or even to take a photo like the one above? Not very often. What was that line of that silly song back in the 70s.... "Dont you ever let a chance go by ..."

Life is good.

Diary of a Broodmare ... Cont.

Dear Pip

I am doing my best to not miss you ... best thing I can do is eat.

I hope you enjoyed your roll in the hay. You'll pay for it, mark my words.

Love Gossy (aka Mamy)

The (not so little anymore) babies

Harry (By Conatus out of Epiphany). We're just wild about Harry! He certainly is in the mould of dear old dad but has the sweetness in him from his mum.

Jack (By Conatus out of Local News). He is such a sweet boy! Jack lost some weight during a tummy illness but is putting it back on now.

Miss Daisy (By Portland Player out of Madely Miss). Finally we are building a relationship with Miss Daisy. Lets hope that she can run like her mother and father. Maddie won 8 races and Portland Player was a Group winner. She certainly was a troubled baby with a huge chip on her shoulder. However, time and the effort that Evan has put into her to build trust and respect has certainly paid off... I think separating Daisy and Trix has been the best thing for both fillies.

Butter wouldnt melt.... hah!

Trixie (By Portland Player out of Joie de Victoire). We're still getting the winter coat out of all of the youngsters with daily brushing - mind you it wasnt just any coat, it was a thick Warwick coat.

Miss Trixie

Diary of a Broodmare ....

Hoof Date: Sunday 26th October, 2008.

On the road again -
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is eating haywith my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again

Its 8.45am and breakfast is done. The big blue car flashes past again. Mona has seen the pretty boy and has been star struck and has stars in her eyes. Crownie is due to see the Black Boy tomorrow and is dreaming of things to come. And Me? I am dreaming of dinner.

I had a very exciting day yesterday where I was the luckiest of all the girls here to go through the crush again. Cant someone tell the man that he really needs to warm the scanner before it goes northward bound?

I heard him say "ovulated", so that means I guess I can go home to Mamy. I miss my Mamy, she is my bestest friend (even if she is bossy in her heffalump state). I havent seen the Missus over the last 2 days - she has deserted me in my lonely state.

*sigh* 14 days to wait.

I am ready to go home NOW. "Hello?" I shout "Can someone call me a taxi?"


On the road again

Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is eating hay with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' boys that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again

Diary of a Broodmare .... Cont

Hoof Date: 24th October, 2008.


Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again

Went down to Santa Fe
Where Renoir pain´ts the walls
Described you clearly
But the sky began to fall

Am I ever going to see your face again
Am I ever going to see your face again

Without you near meI got no place to go

Wait at the water trough
Maybe you might show

Am I ever going to see your face again
Am I ever going to see your face again


The morning after the night before. *Sigh* I stand at the gate of my yard and wonder if I can hear him. No. Instead I wait for the feed buggy to come by. *Sigh*

Finally my life is better with plenty of feed before me. Mona wonders what the hell is going on with me... I tell her "Honey unless you've been there, you aint never seen anything like it". She looks at me with confusion - typical young fily straight off the track, no idea about the important things in life!

The missus pulls up in her car - what is it with her? Is she following me? She comes over and wants to say hello but Iam very busy and focussed on the task at hand - eating.

Crownie comes over to see if I have any left overs - yeah right. A new mare came in this morning, tiny little mare she is ... she keeps saying "My name is Diamond" .. Alright already I say.

One of the young girls comes and puts a halter on me... "Are we visiting him again?" I say. No answer (why wont they answer me?). We walk nearly the same way as we did that beautiful evening. Oh hang on, down to the crush area where they are waiting for me.

"Uh oh!!!"

"Yeeeeooowwww! Cant you at least warm your hand or the scanner?" I say.

"Ill see her tomorrow" The man in the overalls says.

"Does this mean I get another visit to Connie?" I ask while fluttering my eye lashes and looking particularly sultry for a mare of my vintage

Im back in my yard. Mona and Crownie are gossiping about the new girl. She's pacing up and down. I check my bowl in case it has grown some pellets.

*Sigh*

Diary of a Broodmare ... Cont

Hoof Date: Wednesday 22nd October, 2008.

Does he love me, I wanna know
How can I tell if he loves me so
(Is it in his eyes)
No, you'll be deceived
(Is it in his sighs)
No, he'll make believe
(Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop)
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is - oh yeah)
(Oh, is it in his face)
No, that's just his charms
(In his warm embrace)
No, that's just his arms
(Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop)
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
Oh, hug him and squeeze him tight,
find out what you wanna know
If it's love, if it really is,
it's there in his kiss
(How 'bout the way he acts)
No, that's not the way
You're not listenin' to all I say
(Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop)
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
Oh, it's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
(solo)
Oh, hug him and squeeze him tight,
find out what you wanna know
If it's love, if it really is,
it's there in his kiss
(How 'bout the way he acts)
No, that's not the way
You're not listenin' to all I say
(Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop)
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)


Man O Man O Man O Man ... Honey, I gotta tell you it aint in his kiss!

"Excuse Me" ... I say to the young girl who is escorting me back to my yard .... "Are you sure I dont need another go?"

In The Car...

Im listening to The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. I loved The Horse Whisperer and was keen to read more of Nicholas Evans. This is a little more mainstream than Rhubarb (Craig Silvey) but my attention was captured from Disk 1.

Click Here to find out more about The Smoke Jumper.

Beverley Hills Chihouhua

Ok, I admit it. I went to see this movie on the weekend. It was corny but it was funny and it was nice to sit and not think about anything serious for an hour and 30!

Rhubarb ... Part II

I finished listening to the Audio book today on the way home from the farm.

What an amazing book... so complex yet somehow it all comes together in the end.

One thing I did like about the book were the stories about the characters that were entwined around the plot.

I have to say that Warren the Guide Dog and Ewan the Hermit Crab were very entertaining.

Diary of a Broodmare ... Cont.

Hoof Date: Monday 20th October, 2008.

Leaving on a Horse Transport

All my bags are packed
Im ready to go
Im standin here outside your gate
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin
Its early morn
The transports waitin
Hes blowin his horn
Already Im so lonesomeI could die

So neigh at me and smile for me
Tell me that youll wait for me
Neigh to me like youll never let me go cause
Im leavin on a transport
Dont know when Ill be back again
Oh Mamy, I hate to go.

(Proper words for Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver)

Im writing this courtesy of Mona's Blackbury. Its amazing the technology isnt it? The nice young man from Higgins drops me off. I miss Mamy. I told her I wouldnt be gone long... being pregnant she cried when I left. Hormones!

We're standing in the Quarantine Yards at the farm. All us ladies, all different shapes and sizes. Some of us fat (hmmm) and some skinny - all here for the same purpose. Mona's here to visit to visit the pretty boy. Crownie over in the next yard has come for an interlude with the black boy. Me, I am waiting to see Conatus.

Its not the first time I have met this young man... I seem to remember him tickling my fancy the year before last ... and young Harry being the result of that. *Sigh* What a guy.

I stand and call out to the girls on the bikes.... "Scuse me? Um, am I being fed soon?" "Hello?" Ah, here she comes ... "What's for breakfast today?" I ask ... "Stop being so pushy Pip" She answers.... I shrug because a girl has to know what's for breakfast!

I get a collar and a name tag.... "Its ok, I know who Iam" I say .... "Oh do you think I could have a pretty blue one instead of this orange one?"

It must be mare day ... The big blue car flashes by... I can hear all the girls being run in from all over the farm; doors and gates crashing and banging. Archie's Babe did her nana in the crush .... dearie there is no sense fighting the inevitable is there? Im standing at the far end of my yard and I can see and hear all the other ladies... "Hello....??? Hello???" No answer. I go and stand with Mona and wait.

One of the young girls comes and gets me... "Where are we going?" I ask ... No answer.

Once again its in through the crush. Uh oh... there goes the hand up my fany again.... "Yipes That's cold!" I tell the young girl but she ignores my pleas - a girl doesnt have much dignity left after going this process. Out we go through the other end of the crush and its back to the to the yards...

Gossip is rife back at the yards. Mona complaining that her follicle wasnt big enough... Crownie whingeing that she doesnt have any ... I turn around and I hear my name being called... "Pippy!" ... Its the missus ...what's she doing here? Maybe she is going through the crush as well? I pretend to ignore my name...after all she's the one who put me here!

"Guess what Pip.... tomorrow afternoon ... you and the big boy ..."

Saints preserve me ... where's Mamy when I need her?

Diary of a Broodmare

Friday 17th October, 2008.

Dear Diary.

Iam 17, I have too many children to think about and rumour has it that us girls are about to be reinitiated into the "buns in oven" club - again.

I stand at the edge of my paddock and look over the fence at the other ladies with their foals ... I cant see one happy mother; what I can see on their face is that their one moment of bliss 11 months ago has caught up with them. Wow, has it caught up with them big time!

My friend who I shall call Mamy (as she doesnt wish to be recognised) stands with me. She is fat, she has quite a load on board. Her feet are killing her, her back is sore and she doesnt seem to get a moment's peace with jnr. who is moving around, kicking her in the stomach. She looks at me and sighs. I smile back at her to keep her happy.

I knew something was amiss when the missus came and moved us up the top paddock this morning and when the blue car drove into the driveway I knew that the Doc had come for us... I stood there and had visions of being put in the crush, her arm up my fanny. Not happy.

No long hot summer days idling around the house paddock picking at random long sweet grass and chasing the dogs. My missus has a plan for me. "Yipes"!

I certainly tried to make it difficult for the missus when she tried to catch me. I kept the front up for all of 5 minutes but I knew that she knew it was just that. A front.

I gave up. I knew the sooner this was over the sooner dinner would be arriving - all that fresh hay .... my mare cubes (a la naturelle) ... a comfit of Lucerne Chaff, Oaten Chaff with a dry roasted barley foam .... *sigh* I dribble at the thought of it. I am a sucker for my dinner.

Into the crush I go ... my life flashes before me .. some vets have big thick arms, some are thinner ... the mister at the front trying to make me feel better because I knew that at any minute that I would be feeling a young girl's nightmare ...


"AAAAAAAAArgh" "Yeeeeoooooow" I hate that first go ....

I can hear them talking at the back of me ... "blah blah blah.... blah, blah blah...needle"

"Needle?" I think.

"Ah", I breath out a sigh of relief as her arm leaves my body. "Gee that was easy..." I say to the Mister. "All over now? Time for dinner?"

Oh, God.... whats that .... oh no not the scanner ..... "Yeeeeeooooooooow"

It doesnt get any easier girls. Looks like im going to lose my girlish figure and get fat... *sigh* I just hope that he's rich and handsome and got a sense of humour!

She gives me a needle (I hate needles) and Its all over in a few minutes and I am back with Mamy ... "How far away is dinner?" She asks.. I shake my head not knowing and stand up straight by my bowl in readiness. I whinny as the missus walks by with a bucket full of goodies that I can just taste already. "Ok, ok it wont be long" she says.

"Im ready when you are" I say with a smile.

I look at Mamy, she is frowning and she resembles a heffalump. I look over the way and see my last son prancing and dancing around with Mamy's boy. They have become good mates. "Enjoy your nuts while you still have them kid... your days are numbered" I laugh and turn to Mamy ... "Kids!" I say

I sigh. I accept my destiny. I guess being pregnant isnt such a bad thing around here.

The Spring Carnival is Just About in Swing..

With the Spring Carnival about to start, what better time to log into Evan's blog, " Professional Analytical Selections Service." It has a round up of the big racing weekend ahead... better go and have a look!

CLICK HERE!

Things That Make Me Go GGGGGGRRRRRRRRR...

We were very kindly warned 2 weeks ago that there would be another scheduled maintenance outage today (from 9am to 2pm). Both Evan and I had changed our lives around it so that the horses wouldnt go without water etc etc.

At 4.45am this morning Evan wakes me up to tell me that the power is off! My second thought (after my first thought of ... that first cup of tea that I wont be having) was that maybe Ergon Energy got the time wrong? Or maybe they were working on New Zealand time? Or perhaps the little man who threw the switch off got a little bit excited and threw it off by mistake?

No. Not on your life. After reaching for my mobile I dial Speed Dial No. 2 (well, it seems that we keep in constant contact during summer!) I hear that there are emergency problems in the Yangan and Warwick area and they have no idea when it might be restored.

Two hours idle by ... there is no water for flushing or for making a cuppa with. There is no electricity for the kettle. There is no iron to iron clothes for work this morning. There is no microwave to nuke the milk for my cereal. There is no power for the irratic toaster to give me warm bread. Evan is upset that his beers will be warm for the afternoon.

Finally at 6.50am the power comes on. Hurrah!!! And there was much rejoicing and dancing and singing at Massie Lodge (and finally I got my cuppa!).

Im still at work at 4pm and Evan texts me to say that the power has finally returned - so much for 2pm!

I just love Ergon Energy. Now where are all my contact numbers for complaints at the Head Office in Brisbane?

What Im Reading....

Yeah, well ....

After listening to Tommo and Hawk by Audio Book (once again narrated by the talented Humphrey Bower), I knew that after I finished reading Horse Heaven (by Jane Smiley) that I would have to find out what happened to Tommo and Hawk and their mother, Mary Abacus.

So here it is and like other Bryce Courtney books that I have read, since I started it, I cant put it down.

What Im Listening To ...

I dont know what made me pick up this CD book from the library. Granted the cover of the book first got my attention however, after turning it over and started reading the story, I became fascinated with the story.

Craig Silvey reminds me a bit of Tim Winton (Cloudstreet, Breath), as his style and prose is similar, however the story certainly stands up on it's own. Humphrey Bower who narrates the story also makes it hard to stop listening to as he brings to life the complicated characters of Craig's story.

If you want something a little different to read, a book that will make you think - grab this book.

Are You Sure The Weekend Is Over?

Or is there another day to go? (Surely there must be another one?). Ok, so there are only 2 days in the weekend, but it surely feels like there should be 3 - especially after the hectic weekend that Evan and I have had.

Saturday is always such a strange day. I open my eyes (or they are forced open by the attentions of the dogs at the side of my bed?) and have to reassure myself that I can sleep in - hopefully for an hour or so ... or at least for half an hour (the time it takes to drink that first cup of tea!).

I then mentally make a list of all the things that need to be attended to while Iam at home - usually I abandon this list because it gets so damn long that I tear it up and forget about it!

Usually Saturday is about going into town, doing the food shopping, going to the library and getting out as quick as I can possibly make it! By that stage its usually around midday and the thoughts of getting to anything on the list are completely forgotten as I step outside and wander through the paddocks and visit the horses and give them all a cuddle. Notwithstanding that I have my camera with me and sometimes I get a thought or an idea and I usually just follow it. This is usually followed by a phone call from Evan wondering where the hell I have been for the last 2 hours!

Sunday, today both Evan and I had to move some of the horses around, give Miss Trixie and Miss Daisy some handling attention and attend to the boundary fence that has now become a favourite spot for the next door neighbours cows to congregate at ... and then jump over!

There is always something on the property that requires attention, especially when persistent bovines want to move in to our bottom paddock. Where still not quite sure what the attraction is as they have their own 100 odd acres to mull about.

Still Bessie Merle, Ruby and Pikey have been on the ball and have been chasing them back over the said fence.

Maz (pictued above) has found peace and contentment finally down the back paddock with Lucy, our Pure Theatre 2YO. On our way back up from the back paddock both Evan and I stopped and cuddled Mazwell and he really has settled in with Lucy. We have moved Speedy down there with both Maz and Luce in an effort to get him to relax and chill out. Funnily enough, Speedy has become friends with his neighbour, Daisy - talk about the long and the short of it!

Tomorrow sees Miss Pip off to the farm to visit Conatus. It will be nice to have her so close to me. Miss Gossips has become good friends with Joie so we are hoping that she will not miss Pip so much. Pip, Iam sure will have her mind on other things.... lol

So, yes, I guess the weekend is over. Time for me to get some clothes ready for the upcoming week (dont worry I wont go as far as ironing them! As most people know its on a need to iron basis around here!). With that thought in mind, I will say Goodnight and see you on the morrow!

Over The Fence...

The Connie Boys

Gotta love Harry and Jack

Losing the Winter Coat

sometimes need a littl extra help, and we decided today to give yearling girl Trix (Portland Player / Joie de Victoire) a bit of a helping hand. Young Miss Trix was none to happy about the matter, as she seems to have inherited the agitation gene from her mother Joie and got fidgety after the first 5 minutes. Still, this was a learning time for her and she came through with flying colours.

We both decided that it was time to separate Trix and Daisy, mostly because Daisy still has things to learn with her manners. However, Miss Trix was fairly well behaved today and once she got used to the curry comb and brush, settled down for Evan. We still have to get the hair on her tummy and on her rump but thats a lesson for another day. Unfortunately you cant see the fine coat underneath due to the dullness of the day. As you can see, both Evan and Trix had a nice cuddle after the session which left it on a positive note.

I really like the way she is put together - she looks very athletic and very much the racehorse-to-be. She does have a sooky side to her which is good to see, unlike her mate Daisy. We are still wondering who Daisy takes after as her mum Maddie is the quietest mare on the property and we have been told that her dad also has a good temperament. Hmmmm.

Welcome!

To Speedy Cash (by Dash for Cash) who has arrived at Massie Lodge for a well earned rest after a preparation. Speedy is about 17 h.h and is a massive boy with a gentle heart and soul.

Miss Bessie Merle Robinson

I dont often post photos of the dogs here on the Massie Lodge blog (probably because they now have their own blog!) but every once in a while I seem to be in the right place at the right time with my camera and I end up capturing something special that I want to show off.

This one of Bessie Merle I think deserves its own showing - not only because I took the photo (!) but because it seems to depict the essence of her.

I take a lot of photos during the weekend and scrap most of them, so you can imagine how excited I was to actually find that I had taken this one!

I dont have a fancy schmancy camera but taking photos is one of my greatest joys - and capturing the horses or the dogs showing just how much they enjoy their life, just makes me smile.

Wee Jimmy

It's never easy making the decision to sell a horse - especially when we have reared them from little ones. However, sometimes you just have to make the best decision for them and for Wee Jimmy, it was time that he got out into the wide world to see if he could become a racehorse!

We're very lucky that Jim has gone up to Cairns with our friends who will make sure that Jimmy gets the chances that he deserves.

We're also very lucky that we have been able to keep a wee interest in him as well.

I will miss his funny face hanging over the fence waiting for some attention and a cuddle. I also guess that his half sister Lucy will also miss him as they have become very close since becoming paddock mates together.

Onward and upward young Jimmy Go Gettem!

Early Good News for Dirty Girl

who has been scanned 14 days positive to Over.

The Ladies

Both ladies are enjoying their summer jobs as "mowers" and are standing waiting at their gate each morning in anticipation to come out and do their job.

Pip was seen by Monika this week and scanned and confirmed that she is ready to be short seasoned so that she can go and have a hot date with Conatus. She will travel up to the farm on Monday with Higgins. It will be good being up at the farm with her.

Miss Gossy is positively blooming in pregnancy and will shortly be renamed, Heffalump!

The Boys

After some concerns with the boys tummies, they are now both back in their paddock (behind the house), enjoying the space and the pick on the ground.

If you happened to ask Harry what he liked most about being back in their paddock, he would say that he is glad to be back near the girlies - he seems to have taken a liking to young Viscount filly, Vicky - who is going back into work tomorrow with Johnny Fish (To Fast Too Good).

Sorry Harry but the sound of "snip, snip" seems to be getting louder!!!