Day 7

Today started out well with me catching breakfast in the "refractory" as they call it, aka, one of the cafeterias. Then I started work at the barns at 9 o'clock. I found out that over the weekend Nero got sick and coliced again and had to return to the 3-counties vet. We're not sure yet if he will be returning to us for rehab. Colic surgeries are very expensive, however the majority of horses in England are insured. Still, under such stressful conditions, Nero has a slim chance of surviving. I also discovered that Madge, my case study horse was taken home by her owners due to all her many problems - maybe they'll just turn her out and let her rest the remainder of her years? Now, I am in need of a new case-study horse, and Ding is the only one left in the barn since Roxy is leaving for sale tomorrow, and Badger has found a new home. Hopefully, 3-counties vet will send us more horses to rehabilitate! Meanwhile, the barns are all a-flutter in preparation for an open house coming up in the next 2 weeks. So I spent a large portion of my day painting the endless miles of board fence, and washing white walls. It builds character :) and painting was actually kind of fun and thought-less. During lunch, I was able to purchase my ticket for the upcoming Summer Ball on friday - the social event of the season at Hartpury College. There will be music, dancing, carnival rides, and food that will last into the wee hours of the morning! Sounds like a fun time. After lunch I had my first riding lesson! I rode the cutest little cob-mix pony named Bren. He was about the same size as Baylee, so I did not feel out of my element. He was very responsive, and when the instructor actually told us to gallop our horses around the arena multiple times I was in heaven! We flew down the long sides, shortened and collected into the corners and short sides, then flew again! I think the instructor chuckled a little bit at my "cowgirlish antics" hahaha, but I loved it! After that came more painting, bathing Roxy, cleaning tack, and barn chores to close up shop for the night. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but my barn chores consist of lots of SWEEPING! Everything is kept immaculate at this huge facility. I also make sure the horses have plenty of hay and water, and that their stalls are kept clean and mucked out (poo free). After work, I ate super then went to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie with some friends (Amy has her own car which is really nice). We did not stay out late because some of the girls have exams tomorrow - which I am totally OK with because I like to be in bed at a decent hour (before 12). Well, I'm ready for another day's work tomorrow, and I think I might purchase a Hartpury sweatshirt sometime when I can get away to do so. Would anyone else like some Hartpury memorabelia? If so, just holler. Well, its time to put this tube of pringles down, brush my teeth, and hit the hay. I'll see ya'll in 5 weeks!!! Thanks for reading!
P.S. The home-sickness is getting better, thanks to all of your thoughts and prayers. I have a purpose and a duty to fulfill on this trip, and I hope I don't let myself down :) Love you all!