Welcome to EI Central..

Day 3 & 4

LOL, no but it might as well be. Today sees all but Kenny Kinjite with the EI virus and we are anticipating that Kenny will be plum tomorrow as Jimmy, his roomy, is well into the snotty stage.

We are living a very exciting life at the moment. Get up, feed up. Check temperatures (just love the x 10 rectal temps twice a day!). Do treats as per symptoms just in time for the afternoon when we have to turn around and do it all again!

Run Down on the Residents

Epiphany and Local News ( the 2 pregnant broodmares) are just about over the worst of it. Temps are normal, appetites are back to ravenous. Coughing and a slight snotty nose still persist - both girls are on antibiotics for another 2 days. Both pregnant ladies have been enjoying their days picking around the house, now that we have a little green stuff.

Lucy (Yearling) - Temp is a little elevated after temperature spikes, has a cough no snotty nose. She is feeling ok and is eating, well, like a horse.

Joie, Mads and Sweetie. Joie and Mads are a little off with a temperature that seems to hover within normal peramaters. They are a little snotting and have a cough. Sweetie has the runny nose at the moment but has told me that she "doesnt do coughing". Joie and Mads are on antibiotics for the cough and nasal discharge; and a wee bit of Bute paste to make them feel a little better in themselves. Now how fun is it giving her antibiotic? Just ask Evan!

Another Southern and WFN - have snotty noses and their temps are within normal parameters at this stage.

Wee Jimmy and Kenny Kinjite. Wee Jimmy was off today and had a snotty nose. His temp was within normal parameters. Kenny has a bit of a discharge, no temperature and a ravenous apetite.

Day 2

Horses Infected: 3 (Epiphany, Local News and Lucy (Pure Theatre Yearling Filly)

Highest Temperature Today: That award goes to Lucy who recorded 39.1 deg

Another full day at Massie Lodge looking after our sick horses. Pip and Local are doing ok and their temperatures have been hovering around normal. Young Lucy showed signs that she has caught the virus by presenting with a temperature of 39.1. Mind you, it wasnt obvious this morning because she was still ravenous at breakfast time and didnt look off. During our temperature rounds this morning, Evan gave Luce a hug and knew from how hot she was that something was going on. Mind you, she was not that happiest of campers to be getting her temperature checked.

Pip was started on antibiotics today for her nasal discharge and cough. Local doesnt seem to have the cough that Pip does ... mind you, she was feeling very sorry for herself as she had sore front feet. (For those of you that dont know, she needs constant attention on her front tootsies). So we called up Eric the vet (as no farriers are allowed) and he came and gave her a trim all round, just to keep her happy.

All other Massie Lodge residents presenting normal temperatures and appetites at this stage. However, Iam sure that with tomorrow will come some more names to add to the list.

As you can imagine its all hands (all two of us lol) on deck looking after them during this time.

We had some news from Phil Quinnell today at Ballina re Maz and Short Pants. Maz is still doing great and we're hoping that there will be a meeting at Ballina on the 28th September so that he can get a start. Phil is very happy with Shorts and has promised to send some photos over the weekend. Which is a positive!

It's 11pm and I feel like I have been up for days.

Time to turn in me thinks.

Helen.

It's Equine Influenza, Not Leprosy.

The neighbour leans over the boundary fence one day this week and says to Evan, "Oh by the way, the DPI have been out and tested one of my 2yos and they say that he has Equine Influenza".

When Evan told me of this news I was at work and to say that I nearly dropped the phone in disbelievement was an understatement.

My first thought was of where I was at the time I had been told this news. My second thought was "shit, and we thought we were locked down tight!"

Of course we were locked down tight... but the next door neighbour wasnt.

I told my story at the office and realised that it would be a while until I was back on deck if EI decided to come to Massie Lodge.

When I got home that afternoon I made a comment to Evan that there was something wrong with Pip ... she didnt look herself, I took her temperature and it was 37 .1 deg - she had eaten her dinner with her normal gusto, so I shrugged my shoulders and went back up into the house.

This morning, in dawn's pre light we heard it. Cough Cough Cough. My first thought was it was Rusty next door. No it was my beautiful Epiphany.

First things first we brought both Pip and Local up to the house stables and did the temperature thing again (this has become our favourite pastime!) 38.3 deg. After finally getting hold of Local and taking her temperature - she was 36.5 and quite happy.

I rang the DPI hotline first thing. What a waste of time. I got an answering machine. Ok, ill leave a message. In desperation I called Monika - although she was lying in Brisbane Private Hospital awaiting ligament surgery on her knee, I knew that she would answer.

I then tried the DPI again... ahah a human! I was told by this person that they would get Warwick Command Post to call.

3.5 hours later I got a call from the Stock Control Agent basically telling me that the DPI is no longer interested in collecting blood samples of the disease and for me to call my local vet. He said that the virus was spreading all over Warwick and they didnt have the manpower to cope with it.

This would of been ok, however, Monika was in hospital. Eventually I got to speak with a vet and because it was a "clean" day, I would have to wait for a "dirty" day.

In the meantime, Evan and I have been nursing the two preggie girls. The one thing that I was told over and over again today, after speaking to many people was that the fact that they got the virus prior to foaling was brilliant!

We were also informed by the DPI that "the quicker you get the rest of your horses infected, the faster you can come out of Quarantine" "Get it all over and done with".

So here we are at the end of Day 1.

Day 1

Infected: 2 (Epiphany and Local News)

Highest Temperature: Epiphany 38.5 deg. Local News 38.9

Temperature at 9pm: Epiphany 38 deg. Local News 38.5

Both girls have been eating bits and pieces during the day, favouring their hay over dry feed. Which is fine... as long as they want to eat, they can have whatever they want! When let out around the house, both girls have been picking normally, although taking shade under the house verandah at the hotest part of the day. Local seemed to be feeling off when she had a temp of 38.9, however has cooled down since. Not much snotty stuff at this point. Both girls have been coughing. Will go down before bed and see how they are, give them some hay to munch and go from there.

Any Treatments: Local was given 12ml of Bute paste when she had her temp.

I have been speaking with a lot of different people today... but they have all said the same thing... wait for the temperature spike and then medicate - not before.

We now have the ammunition to fight and will continue nursing both girls along in the meantime.

How Do I feel? Absolutely knackered.

You know that while we are living the virus, I have realised that its not leprosy - its just a horrible virus that has been caused by the inadaquacies of the Federal Government and we are certainly not going to pay for the treatment to this !

There has to be a silver lining out of all of this. Once I find it ... I'll let you know!

In the meantime, Maz and Shorty are still at Ballina.....

*yawn*

Helen

We're Still Here..

sitting tight, keeping a clear mind - ever vigilant of the Massie Lodge residents and their health - which is a day to day proposition.

Life has changed for us both during this crisis - where we once welcomed with open arms friends and visitors, now the gates are closed. After going into town to do the shopping, its taking showers and changing clothes. After getting horse feed, its a case of washing the ute down with bleach. Can you be too careful? I dont think so.

I have been trying to keep up to date with all the information and I have to shake my head because it seems to take the Qld Government and the DPI so long to get information back to people that by the time it gets out there, its old news. What happens to people who dont have the internet? How do they get their news? Obviously the Government believes that everyone in the country has access to the internet or is computer savvy. I dont believe so.

The one thing that has struck me about this outbreak is the selfishness of individuals, rather thinking about themselves rather than the big picture i.e. everyone. I have read articles on many of the popular forums and they continue to publish news items from people who keep saying, "What about me and my predicament?"

Sorry I have to say - so what! People need to stand back and look at the BIG picture and see the devastation that is happening nationally.

What about the case of the cattle truck that was pulled over full of cattle and a few horses in the middle?

What about the furniture van that was pulled over carrying horses?

A person has to ask how a horse from Maitland found its way up to North Queensland?

This is people's selfishness once again rearing it's ugly head. Containment will not work with this disease until people stop looking at their naval and lift their head up and look at the big picture and realise that its just not about them.

People just dont get it do they?

Its pretty frustrating from where we are sitting.

In the meantime, Maz and Shorts are healthy and happy at Phil's stables in Ballina - on a paid holiday (lucky them!).

Shall I get off my soapbox now?

Helen

Happy Birthday to You....

Happy 50th Birthday Evan

(for Sunday) ...

Lots of Love from Helen,

and all the Equines and the Canines
at Massie Lodge

xxxx

50 isnt old, its the new 30! (Would you believe 40?)

The Life and Times of Massie Lodge...

Evan and I thought it important that we speak to our owners during this uncertain time of Equine Influenza.

We have adopted a lock-down on the property where no car, or no visitor can enter the property at this time until the EI virus has been eradicated in South East Queensland. All of our residents have been moved to paddocks that are not located on the boundary, so hopefully this will help as well.

While there has been no finger pointing at this time as to who started this epidemic or what protocols at Eastern Creek failed to capture such a virilent virus you do have to ask the question what went wrong. Why did our strict Quarantine laws let us down when we needed it the most?

Hopefully the powers that be will one day answer these questions that will cost the Thoroughbred Industry billions of dollars.

If you have any concerns, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Cheers, Helen & Evan.

Joie and Mads ... and green pick!

The mums to be...

Im sure its a filly... lol

Miss Gossips (Local News) looking very pregnant this morning enjoying the sunshine and the green pick

Maz - A Story in the Making

We have been lucky enough to get some publicity on Maz's first start at Lismore on Monday. This article courtesy of Racenet's (www.racenet.com.au) Clinton's Payne:-


Maz is finally ready to go

Clinton PayneThursday, 16 August 2007

Racing often throws a great story and next Monday at Lismore another wonderful racing fairytale will start.

The story of “Go Maz” is a remarkable one of community support from an internet forum – The New Horse Racing Community Forum who for the last six years have followed the trials and tribulations of a gelding that will make his debut in Monday’s Marina Quays Maiden Handicap over 1100m.

Go Maz was the result of an un-commercial mating between Gatsby and Belle Hareb and was originally owned and managed by a forum member known as Fasteddy.

Maz as he has been known to his internet family and friends, lost his mum just weeks after his birth and struggled through the first six months of his life on the edge before it things took a turn for the best when he moved to a Queensland property called Massie Lodge, run by fellow forum members Luskin and Smissy.

Once at Massie Lodge, Maz slowly put on weight and started to grow, and at 18 months he had matured into a healthy colt and went to the breakers in his first real step of a true racetrack dream.

After being broken-in, tragedy struck Maz again when on a stormy night he took fright from the thunder and lightning and charged into a paddock fence, causing severe injuries and bringing about an extended stay at the vet’s.

Maz’s then suffered an almost fatal dose of the scours, with serious consideration at one stage given to him being put down however, his devoted owner Fasteddy would have none of this and with his care and the horse’s will and determination, amazingly the brown colt survived, finally returning to his paddock.

Time marched on and with many attempts to get the horse to the races failing the heavy burden of vet, equine hospital and mounting agistment costs were starting to take their toll on Fasteddy, who reluctantly was forced by debtors to list Maz in a monthly tried horse sale on the Gold Coast.

With the knackery a solid favourite to be Maz’s fate, Fasteddy’s friends at The New Horse Racing Community Forum rallied behind the Maz cause, vowing to do everything to save the horse.

Former carers, Luskin and Smissy, purchased Maz at the sale and wave of forum support grew and they formed the “Maz syndicate” with a dream of getting him to the races.

Members from Australia, Japan and other parts of Asia banded together behind the “forum mascot”, generously donating funds to support an initial racing campaign.

He was sent to Ballina trainer Phil Quinnell to commence work and to everyone’s surprise on Sunday July 29, he won a 1000m barrier trial at Lismore.

On Monday, Go Maz will realize the dream of his best mate Fasteddy and his forum family and step out at the races for the first time.

The result won’t be important the fact that a horse has defied the odds and in doing so brought together so many people in the “sport of kings” is the real story.

Go Maz!

Bailey Settling In

Now which side would you like to take my photo...

... maybe a side on profile?

... or perhaps if I lift my neck this way... but please dont move the bone, ok?

Short Pants

It's nearly time for Massie Lodge long time resident, Shorts to leave and spread her wings and try her fortune on the racetrack. How exciting is it to see her grow up and be a 3yo filly! I remember the day she was born ... and the way that she came at a very reasonable hour in the morning (7am)!

Run fast and go with our love Short Pants.... you will always be little Short Pants to Evan and I.

Helen & Evan.

A big kiss from Evan
Thank you Meggsie for chewing off Short's tail... at least it looks even!

Pippy and Gossips

Time is marching on for our two ladies in waiting and as you can see, they are both looking terrific. Ok, I have to admit that I have started spending some time "tummy watching" this weekend and I was duly rewarded by both ladies for my efforts.

I must look a site as I stand there... staring.... but its the funniest thing out to see what looks like a nose or a hoof push through mum's side....much to Gossip's chagrin. Pip's (Epiphany pictured above this morning) tummy is not as active as Gossy's however, I was rewarded for my efforts this morning.

Both ladies are still being rugged at night, however, you can hear a sigh of relief when the jammy's come off of a morning.

Ok, should I start a book on who is having what? lol

All I know is that both ladies are having a Conatus baby... and if they are anything like the 2yos on the ground, they should be a cracker!

Since Gossy has come into her last trimester, we have upped their feeding regime and both girls are now getting stuck into feeding a growing bubs.

Come September it will be time for Monika to come and visit both girls, check them over, do their teeth, vaccinate (which will help a growing bubs) and worm in time for Gossy's delivery in October.

Don't talk to me about foal watching time. AAAArgh!

Helen.

The very beautiful Local News (Gossips). Photo taken this morning.

Go Maz!

Time for another Maz Update!

All going well, he has worked well since trial, and we are heading to Lismore (TAB Meeting) on Monday 20th, (maiden).

Phil Q.

(Go Maz!)

Being Miss Lucy (Part 1)

It was a sad day for both of us when our darling Isabell walked up like a pro onto the transport truck headed for Echuca.

How hard is it to let one of your babies go? Well, for the most part I thought that I was getting used to saying goodbye to the little ones that we have raised. I have to say that selling Isabell was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make because she was just a darling.

So, a few weeks before she was due to go I started the detachment process... (*sigh* I have tears welling just thinking about it).

But go she did and now she is a very happy little girl with her new standardbred mates (for the moment) in a large paddock.

It never gets any easier. It doesnt matter if you start detaching weeks, months ahead because all the memories are still there... the night she was born, the way she tried to kick Evan when she was only an hour or so old... all those big cuddles in the weaning barn...

Miss Lucy must be feeling the same... however, she seems to have adjusted very well without her little mate and has started coming along with her work with Evan every day as you will see by the short video.

Hoooorooo Voodooo

The time has come for Miss Voodoo to leave Massie Lodge and venture up north to Cairns and go into work for her owners.

Voodoo who is a 2yo Taimazov filly will be missed by her boyfriends, Luke and newly arrived next door, Rusty and of course her new friend, Miss Lucy.

Good luck Voodooo.... we will be keeping an eye out for you!

Helen & Evan.

Miss Voodoo, heading off to find her boyfriend Luke

"Luke, Luke .. where for art thou Luke?"

MAZ - AN UPDATE!

Maz's First Barrier Trial

According to Jamie Quinnell (Maz's Jock), Maz didn't jump all that well, however he finished off the trial quite nicely to win by a head. The barrier experience will do him the world of good and hopefully he will begin with them when he gets to race day. Jamie was actually quite surprised how well he picked up in the straight and was very pleased with the effort. Both he and Phil thinks he will be best suited over 1200m-1400m.

Phil will have a look for a race for him in about two weeks. It depends on what is around as to whether he starts in a 1200m maiden first up, or an 1100m maiden as an experience run.

It was only a maiden barrier trial, and only one of his opponents had run a place in a race, so we shouldn't get too carried away. However, it is a good positive sign for Maz as he will get better with more experience under his belt. He ate up well this morning and appears to have taken no ill effects from the trial.

Will keep everyone informed.

GO MAZ!

A BIG MASSIE LODGE WELCOME ...

To Bailey, our new Curly Coated Retriever Dog who comes from Berrima in NSW. Bailey comes from Kerynne Belbin's Miamba kennels and has just got his Australian Dog Champion title.

It has been a little bit of a shock for the Massie Lodge crew to get a new member, however, Bailey has now settled in and is one of the pack.

It's funny, he reminds me a little bit of my dear Jack and Lancey, with some of the things that he does. Bessie Merle doesnt know what to think of the new boy in town. Hmmm. maybe the pitter patter of tiny paws Bess? LOL

"Sshhh... dont tell Pikeyman that I have the bone...."


...It's mine... no, it's mine....

...Got it!

Happy Birthday to You....

Happy Birthday to our Dad (Rob)

from all your kids at Massie Lodge

Dirty Girl, Voodoo, Short Pants, Local News (Gossips), Budweiser and Rover

Everybody Should Have ...

their own "living doona. In this case, Cecelia Black (grandaughter of our good friend Sue Black who was down for the weekend) had Spikeyman to keep her warm against the cold.

It has been another cold and blustery week at Massie Lodge with Mother Nature finally relenting and giving us some rain (30mls) - which naturally means that all the horses are now sporting a muddy coat. All the paddocks have turned a strange brown/green colour, with the promise of grass if the frosts keep away - hah, as if! I guess beggars cant be choosers - but if there is another spare 30mls hanging around, send it around!

Life continues to be hectic and at the end of the weekend both Evan and I sit and reflect over a drink or 5 and wonder what the hell we have been doing - its scary to think that we are now in July approaching the breeding season at a rapid rate of knots. Again we are in discussion as to where to send the mares this year; there are so many choices, so many stallions that shouldnt be standing, I guess we still have plenty of time to ponder these choices.

Until then, life continues on. ENJOY!

Helen & Evan

p.s. GO Maz!




No one can say that the Massie Lodge canines are spoilt! Hahahaha....

Young Budweiser getting his vaccination shot from Monika on Saturday. He is really starting to come together and his temperament is just beautiful.

Miss Voodoo back from Paul Moody's, having a stickybeak through the fence yesterday.

Being Isabell and Lucy (Part V)

The time had come for our young ladies to get branded (yes, we're running a bit late this year... oops!) and both fillies proved to be good girls for Monika. Both girls are sporting woolly coats with Lucy growing an extraordinary coat this winter (so much so that she looks a bit like a woolly bear!). It will prove interesting to try and get rid of it!

While Monika was here, we got her to have a look at Miss Izy's (pictured above with Sue Black) little hernia to see if it needed any intervention and the news was good with that.

They are both growing up so quickly, Its nearly time for the next lot!

Helen.

Evan with the two young ladies... waiting for Monika.

Miss Isabell (a little bit drowsy). After getting her brand, Monika checked out her little hernia.

Dig that woolly jumper on Lucy... and the brand!

Maz Update

We received the following encouraging email from Phil (our trainer at Ballina) yesterday:-


Just a short note to let you know Maz & Oscar had a jump out, Maz was slow away but will improve with practice.

Both went well at last hit out Maz keeping up with Oscar pretty easily.

Jamie (Quinnell) and Moz (Danny Coleman) said you better give him a name.

GO Maz!

When I Woke Up This Morning...

Ah, no it wasnt snowing, but it might as well of been .... the winds were howling, the sun was peeping through the heaven leaden clouds, but there was no way that it was going to be a warm type of day (unless you are living in Cairns?).

I have to say that I am quite over winter (yes I know that we are only in the first month of it). Mother Nature has surely been giving us a large serve of artic fuel this time around and I cant say that Iam impressed at all! (Its very difficult trying to feed the horses with a doona wrapped around you!).

I guess it wouldnt be so bad if there was some rain involved in this cruel trick that she is playing with us, but as you know, there is not much of the wet stuff involved in her plan.

Bits and Pieces...

Miss Dirty Girl has had a trip away from Massie Lodge this week with a trip to Oakey Vet Hospital for a rescan of her near tendon. Needless to say there was a warm welcome back from Luke (her Warmblood boyfriend) on her arrival back (kisses and cuddles, so Evan tells me!).

CONGRATULATIONS... must go to return-resident Bob (Centenn) who ran third in the Murwillumbah Newmarket today.

MAZ - is doing well and will have another gallop on the grass on Tuesday. GOMAZ!

Pip (Epiphany) and Gossy-Girl (Local News) have settled in well and have been rugged from head to toe to protect their cargo from the arctic winter - not that they are impressed with the rugging bit either! Someone needs to tell me how a big mare with a big tummy can work her way out of a canvas combo with all the straps still done up left lying on the ground? Maybe Pip should be renamed "Houdini"?

Massie Lodge Canines. All canines are "coping" with winter the best way they can. Right in front of the fire - and not moving! Matilda has been wearing her coat during the day and thinks she is pretty special having a very stylish Dolce and Gabba rug; ah, not exactly! Still, her purple Weatherbeeta is just as good! Bessie Merle and Pikey manage to keep to a large radius around the heater. Spoiled? No, not at all!

Evan is still in shorts to go and feed up; I dont know how he does it. And me? Quite the picture of sartorial elegance in tracksuit pants, shirts, sloppyjoe, long socks, coat, beanie, scarf, gloves ... LOL (there is NO way that there is going to be a picture of that!).

The locals tell me that its "all good". Im sorry but I fail to see where the good is in this weather!

Time for me to go and push the dogs from in front of the fire and make me a warm posy for the rest of the afternoon....

Hooroo until next post!

GO MAZ!

A post from Evan:

I had a long chat to Phil Quinnell this morning and he is very pleased with the way Maz is coming along. He worked him on the main course proper this morning with Oscar (Tannerang Baluk) and he pulled up very well indeed.

Phil suggested we wait until he works on the course again next Tuesday and if all is well after that, we can name and register Maz and get him educated through the barriers.

Maz has only been with Phil for five weeks so there is still plenty of time. But the news and future looks good at this stage for our Maz.

GO MAZ!

BBBBrrrrr.........

YES! It's that time of year when your fingers and nose get soo cold that you can't feel them! We both love winter time. Hah! That's a lie. But the truth of the matter is that it is winter time at Massie Lodge and all the residents have grown long woolly coats to cope with the change in the weather. We have managed to have "bits" of rain, however, nothing drought breaking - just enough for the equines to have a nice roll and get covered in the stuff. (As they do!).

Life has been rolling along at 120kph, with me working 5 days and Evan doing the things that he does to keep the residents with a round belly and happy. Why is it that Saturday and Sunday seem to roll along at an even faster rate than during the week?

Where do I start after such a long break from posting?

Comings and Goings

Maz

Is going very well (going good?) with Phil Quinnell at Balina. Maz has been working out with Oscar (Tannerang Baluk) and the two have become fast friends. Oscar is due for a trial in the near future. But all the reports on Maz are encouraging.

Isabell, Lucy and the Dirty Girl

Are quite fat and happy thank you. The two young girls will miss Dirtiere when she goes for her scan at OVH this coming week. Dirty Girl's boyfriend, Luke (who is a Warmblood gelding) and lives next door to the girl, will be beside himself when she goes as the pair have become inseparable - it could even be love!

Shorts and Meggsie

Have become firm friends since Floss went to the Breakers. Shorts has grown into such a nice filly and it will soon be time for her to step up and take the next stage in her career. Meggsie is quiet and unasuming and just loves Evan. Both are a joy to look after.

Joie, Sweetie and Maddie

Our dry girls are down the back paddock, with long woolly coats. Joie had a bit of a hick up the other day when she didnt want her dinner. WHAT! (That's unheard of!) Well, it was straight out of the paddock for Joie and up to the house yards for observation and treatment if necessary. Whatever it was passed and Joie was champing at the bit to get back to her Sweetie and Mads.

Jimmy, Kennykinjite and Buddy

The youngsters are together and certainly are the "three amigos", which is really painful when you just want to do something to one of them! Kenny seems to like the older women next door (Southern and Queenie) and spends a lot of time down the back of the paddock hanging out with his women friends.

Voodoo

Is still at Paul Moodys and the reports are very encouraging. She should be back at Massie Lodge soon.

I have no excuses for not posting. Actually I do. Telstra stuffed us up in the most major way with our second line and that's why I havent been near the computer. Oh, and the fact that we have had a houseguest for the last week, and working five days.... etc etc. LOL.

You gotta love Telstra (and you know how much I do!) The only thing that I will say is that I hope that everyone scrutinises every line of their telephone bill; it's amazing what Telstra will change without telling you!

Well, enough rambling on. Evan has put the fire on in the living room and it's time to sit down on the lounge and just enjoy the evening.

Hooroo until next time!

Evan and Jimmy " Its nice to see you dad ... lifting up my feet... giving me a cuddle....."

" OOOO why are you playing with my mouth?"

"Yuk, phu... eeeew.... are you done yet?"

Young Kenny Kinjite - who is a really nice type


The very quiet Miss Meggsie who is off to the breakers at the end of August. (I think she likes Evan just a wee bit!)

Young Buddy, who has been back from Paul Moody's for a few weeks now.

The very beautiful hairy and muddy Miss Short Pants who will be venturing out into the big world later this year.

Welcome ....

And we thought we were going to have a very quiet and restful breeding season..... hah!

Welcome to Massie Lodge's newest residents, two pregnant mares both in foal to that handsome hunk, Conatus.

Introducing Epiphany (pictured above), who is a lovely Century mare out of a mare called Biscay Dancer. If the name Biscay Dancer rings a little bell, it could be because she is a sister to Nanutarra, a half sister to Marwong and Captain Piper. Biscay Dancer is also the dam of Bislotto and Bel Danoro (who is new to stud this year at Vinery).

"Pip" has also had a few winners herself; Harakka (by Brocco), Check or Bet (by Brief Truce) and Bubble or Nothing (by Bubble Gum Fellow). Pip is due early November.

Our other new resident that is owned by the Koch Family, is Local News. Local News is a lovely Semipalatinsk mare out of Never Tell Tales (who is the dam of Brave Hawk). "Gossips" foal is due in October.

Both mares are doing well and have settled in well.

Epiphany (or just Pippy)

Local News (or Gossips to her friends)