Eventing Nation’s Burghley guest blogger Colleen Rutledge is staying positive at Ann Taylor’s Washbrook Farm as Burghley draws nearer and nearer. Be sure to check out Colleen’s Burghley blog on her website here. Many thanks to Colleen for keeping us updated, we are all cheering for you and Shiraz from back here in the US!
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From Colleen:
So, you want to know the best thing about being here at Washbrook Farm? It feels just like home, only slightly more English. Everyone has been so gracious and helpful that I truly feel like I’m at home, even the little quirks that every yard has, makes me feel better. I read back through my blogs this morning and realized while they sound like I’m on a trip from hell, it really has been okay. Not necessarily the smoothest of trips, but my optimistic outlook has to find the silver lining in everything. It has been an amazing adventure. For those that don’t now me well, that’s the only way I stay slightly sane. (Emphasis on the slightly).
How can you not laugh at the flock of baby ducks who are convinced that they belong in the barn? Or at the 4 star horse who’s convinced that there are gremlins EVERYWHERE except his stall? I absolutely love it here, and am so happy to be here that a large part of me wishes that I could stay for months. If I didn’t have so many responsibilities at home, (business, family, husband, kids, horses, husband) I would seriously look into it. I can only hope that when I get the opportunity to return that I can stay here again. Ann and Nigel have made absolutely sure that I have access to everything I could possibly need and for that I am truly thankful. Everyone here is so fantastic; I am having a great time, even better than I had hoped and it’s all due to the wonderful people here at Washbrook Farm. I am enjoying every moment that I am here because I can.
Hopefully we’ll have a jump school today, and a gallop tomorrow, but as the weather looks questionable for then, we’ll just have to see. No matter what, it’ll be a great time!
Parting with delusion is such sweet sorrow.
–C
