Final Southfield Saturday Breakfast

This morning saw the final Saturday breakfast at Southfield before all the horses move to Oad Street next Monday and Tuesday and Linda, Karen and Paul vacate the stables on Thursday.  Some of the regulars (several had attended for nearly 20 years) were there to watch the final canters 

and tuck into a good fry up followed by flapjacks and cake, including a birthday cake for one lucky owner.

Thank you Linda for the great social Saturdays.  We now look forward to equally memorable times at the new yard.  

Nostalgic Farewell To Southfield

There was some sadness but a lot to look forward to as Linda hosted a "Farewell to Southfield" barbecue for her owners.  There was plenty of bubbly to go with the food as everyone reminisced but also discussed the future with Karen at the helm at Oad Street.

We look forward to many more memories being made after the move.

Make The Most Of It.

The horses were out on the roads of Sutton Valence this week doing their early pre-training before the move to Oad Street next month.  We hope the villagers make the most of this iconic sight as it approaches the end after several happy decades.

Making The Right Moves.

For some time Linda has been looking to move from Southfield Stables.  The increase in traffic on South Lane has made it more dangerous for the horses to exercise and some of the facilities are in need of an upgrade.  The opportunity to move the operation to John Best's yard at Oad Street came up and she has decided to take it.  She has known John for many years and they get on well.  There is plenty of room at the purpose built training establishment for both of them and the future looks exciting.

Linda has started to take some of her owners up to look around.

When the horses come back in, and it will be soon, they will go to Southfield for their pre-training before being moved up to the new yard when work starts in earnest.

 

More Experience.

Oliver had his second ride as an amateur today at Wolverhampton.  He rode Meryems Way and held a midfield position until the final 2 furlongs.  The horse was eased when beaten and finished 12th of 13.  This was more valuable experience for Oliver.

Learning The ropes.

Yesterday Smarden Flyer went to Lingfield for barrier trials.  Here horses are introduced to the racing experience before a real raceday.

Unfamiliar stables.

The pre-parade ring.

The parade ring.

And finally the starting stalls.

Smarden Flyer managed the experience well.

 

Late Spring Clean

 With most of the horses on their holidays it's time to tidy up the yard. That looks a lot of work!