21 and sunny at 35538. Snow still hanging around, which is good for the horses. They get used to it, understand it, can navigate it. When it snows, rains, sleets, hails, thaws, freezes, thaws, rains, freezes, thaws, snows…that’s the worst kind of winter.
As for the Riverdee horses, Jhirsch and Koru have relished the snow as they begin the long, slow legging-up process. Recently turned 4, with flat-track experience as their only platform, their only experience, we started them a little early to build up their education, their fitness, their trust. Last week, Laird George and I went out for ride, 3 1/2 miles, up and down the Virginia hills, across streams, opening and closing gates, one hour and 15 minutes. We never got out of a walk. Baby steps.
“What do you do this time of year?”
That’s the biggest question I’m asked in December, January and into February. By March, everyone knows what I’m doing, what the horses are doing, what the sport is doing. More specifically, in January, I’m thinking about and planning for Middleburg in April, for Nashville in May, for Saratoga in June, July and August.
Back in the day, an old-time trainer was asked, “How’s life?” He said, “How’s life? My life is in the paper every day.” Back when entries and results were in the newspaper every day. But you get my drift. During race season, how life is going is right there for all to see. For American steeplechasing, Mid-Atlantic and New York turf racing, it’s a little quieter in the winter, a little less public, but no less important.
So we regroup, reload, restock, realign, reevaluate. That’s what we do – try to do – at this time of year. Once the season kicks into gear…your life is in the paper every day.
Koru and Jhirsch, before the snow.
