Weekend gallops
It may not have been the sweltering temperatures of earlier in the
week (and I swear the thermometer reach 20 degrees) that welcomed a
selection of owners to Dodlands Steading on Saturday morning, but the
mild air made gallop watching a pleasure.
We had 3 lots on the Up the Middle gallop on Saturday morning, while
several others continued their road work preparation on the nearby walks
and lanes.
First lot consisted of 4 of the more forward of the string
Each horse worked well in two spins up the gallop, the second of which was done at a nice pace for this stage of the season. Paper Roses is looking much stronger after her summer break and is tackling her work with real zest.
Paper Roses (Callum) leads Hartforth (Milky), Goodknight Percy (Garry) and Shades of Midnight (Pinky)
Couple of horses in the next lot also did two turns up the gallop, although neither is as far forward in work as the first lot, so this was done at a much steadier pace.
'Katie' in particular has clearly enjoyed her summer break, and has grown a fair bit - in both directions! She'll need a bit of time on the gallops to get fit, so will be in fairly steady work for the next few weeks, while her galloping companion will be ready to step up the pace in a week or two's time.
Tomahawk Wood leads 'Katie'
Final lot of the gallops did one spin 'Up the Middle'.
Bollin Julie missed last season, but is looking very well in her coat, and taking in her work well. Snapping Turtle looks as fresh as a daisy and belies his real age (11yr old).
Snapping Turtle on the left