Centerfold

The new Driving Digest came today and finally, I'm getting the press I deserve! I'm looking fit and fabulous as the centerfold model. Check it out!

Photo Shoot

I knew we were going somewhere! All six of us driving horses are loaded up in the trailer. I'm a little surprised when we go for such a short drive and arrive at a barn where there is obviously no show going on. We're all led out to a field covered in bluebonnets. I recognize the guy with the camera. I thought he was just part of the papparazzi, (I've seen him following me at the shows) but it turns out he's photographing us for our web site.

The girls (Ready and Tina) are up first. They know nothing about modeling. Their poses are all off and they don't carry off the right expressions at all! Ruff and Tuff go next. They look pretty good for what they have to work with. Donovan has been watching and tries to do his best. I think his head shots will be decent.

Finally, it's my turn. Jerry recognizes that a plain halter will just not do for me. She brings out the bling! I pose like a pro. I'm sure my 8x10 glossies will sell like hot cakes!

We're turned out all together for some candid shots but I pay no attention. The grass is very green and very tasty...

Spa Day

I've been working way too hard this past week, so I was very pleased to see my personal stylist walk in the barn this morning. Sally is here to make me look even more fabulous. Sally has been grooming and taking care of me at shows for several years now. I have her very well trained. She knows just how I take my food, keeps my stall clean and fresh, and cleans my harness and carriage to best show off my fabulousness. Today she trims my face, ears, bridle path, and legs. I get a nice massage as she brushes my coat until I feel as good as I look.

As Sally finishes up, Willy pulls his truck up to the barn. He's our farrier. I guess I'll be getting a pedicure and new shoes today, as well. I wonder if we're going somewhere this weekend. It would be a waste to look this good and not even have an audience!

April 6th Dressageless Day 2!

It's a repeat of yesterday, except today everyone (even Mike) is prepared. Since Mike showed us the hazards yesterday, the team knows which routes to take. We won't even have to wait on him today!

We have a nice warmup through Section A and then blaze through the first hazard. We stop for some coaching from Peter and it's all good news. We were fast and smooth. The other hazards also give us no problems. Mike is learning a lot from Peter and the practice is making even Ready better. Ruff says Donovan is almost ready for hazards and then we'll be even faster.

Peter promises to re-gate the hazards before he leaves so that we can practice some more on our own next week. Can't wait!

April 5th Dressageless Clinic!

It's no surprise when we're pulled out of our stalls bright and early this morning. I'm really not excited about trotting around in circles in the dressage field. But I feel a glimmer of hope as I see Mike and Dean checking out the marathon carriage. My hopes are further raised when the heavier harness is put on me. I can't believe Peter's here and we don't have to do dressage! We actually might get to have fun today!

Ruff, Tuff, Ready, and I are all hitched and set to go. Only when the barn doors are opened, do I realize why they were closed in the first place. It's cold and windy. Peter really thinks we're lying to him about the warm Texas climate. I really don't mind, though because it's marathon time!

We warm up with a trot section to simulate Section A of a real marathon. Peter has set up four challenging hazards for us. Of course, I never have trouble but some of the others (i.e. Mike, Ready) do. We all expect Ready to be a little slower than the rest of us but I'll have to admit, she's getting better. Mike hasn't had much time to study the hazards and gets a little lost. Peter gives Mike lots of helpful advice and they decide to practice again tomorrow. I can't believe my luck! Two days of marathon! No dressage!

April 4th Left Behind
This Ruff and Donovan (that’s right, no D-Dog for him) thing is getting on my nerves. Today there’s a drive at Morris Ranch and who does Mike take? Doesn’t he reallize how many fans he’ll disappoint by not showing up with me?They’re gone all day. Tuff and I sulk under a shade tree. Ruff and that other horse get home and tell us all about this beautiful ranch with trails through the woods and fields. Apparently, they even crossed a swampy area known for alligator sightings! I feel only slightly guilty for giving Donovan the once over, hoping to see teeth marks.After dinner, I look up and do a double take. It’s Coach Peter! He’s followed us home! He’s a nice guy and all (very cool accent, by the way) but this can mean only one thing. Work!

March 30th D-Dog
Ruff told me and Tuff that we couldn’t chase Donovan around the pasture anymore. Apparently, he’s pretty strong and not afraid to work. Ruff likes the help so I guess I’ll try to be nice. But if he’s gonna hang with us, he needs a cooler name. I’m calling him D-Dog. Yeah, that’ll work.This new rule doesn’t apply at feeding time. D-Dog and I nearly get run over by Ruff and Tuff at the hint of any grain coming our way. It’s times like these that I realize how big those guys are! I decide it’s best to not risk any marks on my fabulous coat and politely let them be first in line.

March 28th
We’ve had a little time off and I guess because Im’ so fabulous, I don’t have to work as hard as everyone else. Ruff is training Donovan to be a left wheeler, so they work as a pair. Tuff is trying to teach Tina something, anything. I saw her prancing around her paddock, trying to look like me. Someone needs to tell her to just give it up, already!

March 24th Home at last

After two days in the big rig, we’re finally home! We get turned out on the grass and I make a couple of laps to make sure all the other horses notice The Return of Fabulous Fred. I’m satisfied everyone is looking at me and settle down for some serious grazing.