On the Up and Downs

Bonjour from LouLou or Fleur as I think I shall now call myself. Life here at Kimpton is great, the sun is shining, I've got lots of new pals, I'm out on the gallops and I've settled in. What's not to like?

I have a lovely big stable in a what I now know is called a Dutch Barn, and there are about 60 of us in this barn alone - can you believe it? My stall is on one side and I rather like it, as not only can I see about 30 other horses when I look out the front, but I have a window at the back as well - so I can look out and see all the comings and going to the yard - its better than telly, as there is always something going on. The Trainer's office is at the end of the barn, high up and he can see us when he's up there and make sure we are all behaving. Talking of which - I've had visitors. The Gaffer and the Mrs came to see me (and of course I behaved beautifully), which was great.

I got to strut my stuff on the gallops - although no-one was going as fast as I wanted to, as I really wanted to show what I could do - so I just had to settle down and go the pace that was set. We have a lovely round gallops at the back of the barn and then quite a steep gallops up the hill. Now I've been used to going up hill as Tom's gallop climbed up the hill, but it wasn't as steep as this one, as you can see from the photo, so I've had to get used to it. The first time I went up I was a bit puffed but now I take it in my stride. Then it was back to the stables for some grub and time for my visitors to stop by and admire me - which of course they did! I heard them make lots of nice comments about how well I looked - and I must agree with them as with all this lovely sun I'm in my full summer coat and gleaming - gorgeous if I do say so myself!!!

From Fleur