19th Feb
My first day at Reitstall Salzgeber, not to work but to look around and see how things are done and to check out the facilities and the horses. Yes I saw Rusty! He lives in a double box as you walk in the door- next to a wall lined with comp plaques. I met and walked Wanesco, who came from Holga Finken's stables, he is already my favourite horse here!
There are 3 horses here with Virginia from the USA. She has stayed for 2 months for training. And Patricia Bottani- another Grand Prix Rider is based at Ulla's.
We all went to dinner at a little Italian Restauarant- including the 2 dogs!
We work 7 days a week and 7am- 5.30ish at night, stopping of course for breakfast and lunch!
20th Feb
Today I met Ulla! There is no where near as much work as I expected. There are only 23 horses and 5 people working- not including Ulla! So I started to clean the bars and walls of the stables for something to do in between bandaging legs, saddling horses, walking horses, cleaning saddles & Briddles or rolling up bandages. I spoke to Rachelle, Kris was kind enough to do the leg work and get Rach a job with Herr Scmidt. She is wrapped, as she should be. Dont know how she's going to go without any German tho!! The language barrier is very difficult- and I thought I knew enough travel german to at least order food! Yeah Right!
It is very cold, -12degrees at 7am this morning! No snow tho.
23rd Feb
What an idiot- yesterday I thought I lost my phone. Wanesco found it in his box (must have fallen out of my pocket) and thought it was a great toy. This morning we found some of the phone in his feed bin and the rest on the floor of his box! Luckily the sim card is ok so I can get my numbers off. Virginia, Julia & I got to leave at lunch and go to Neuschwanstein Castle. It is very beautiful, massive and with lots of snow.
27th Feb
Again I got to finish early. Virginia, Julia & Atilla (her boyfriend) went to Wangen to see the Farsching Parade. It was spectacular. Apparently the parade has evolved from a small tradition of warding away the winter spirits and beckoning the new spirits of spring. Although I also heard it has something to do with the beginning of lent and the fasting for 40 days...personally I think its a great excuse for the germans to get together, eat Bratwurst sausages, drink lots of beer and have a day off work! Sure beats moomba!
1st March
There is so much snow today! It is bloody cold, too cold to see what the temperature really is!
I have a great cold with a big red nose. I went to the supermarket but couldnt read enough to find something to help. Luckily Frank is so nice, he gave me some cold medicine that helps you sleep.
I also got my new Vodaphone prepaid phone today. Finally I am able to talk to people again.
We also went to Capri for Virginia and Linda's last night at Reitstall Salzgeber.
2nd March
Much anxiety this morning- The horse truck came to pick up Virginias three horses and got very stuck in the snow. After lots of tactical driving from Frank on the tractor, the horses were loaded and Virginia and horses were on their way back to the US.
I made pancakes for breakfast today...had to make pre mix ones, couldnt find the SRflour in the supermarket. They were still good though and everyone liked them!
Kel
The Boys
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