Apologies for failing to submit my two weekly report on schedule last week, but I am sure you can imagine how busy we horses had been in preparation for the Wimbledon tennis fortnight – after all, we have to look our absolute best as we can usually expect a visit or two from sporting celebrities.
That said, it has been a sadly quiet and buzz-free Wimbledon Village this year, despite the championship taking place again (albeit with far fewer spectators), as the players and their teams have had to keep themselves to themselves, no doubt locked up in a swanky hotel somewhere (at least if you’re a top seed). So all our preparations were in vain.
Nevertheless, I am tempted to make some comparisons between these highly paid players and us more modestly rewarded equines. As I overheard Important Executive Tracey say this weekend, even the best tennis players are subject to lameness (as well as contact with Covid) and there seem to have been any number of falls this year as a result – we are told – of the unusually wet start to the competition (really – rain in England in the Summer and, in particular, during Wimbledon?!) and the use of the much vaunted roof which apparently slows down the drying out process. It all sounds like a lot of excuses to me – what’s a bit of rain between friends and just imagine if horses kept falling over when galloping around the fields because of a bit of damp grass! Speaking of players, I consider myself the Roger Federer of WVS – I may be a more mature and experienced person, but I still have all the moves, just as he does and it would be foolish for anyone to write me off just yet…
If celebrities won’t come to WVS, we go out to visit people who value our qualities and take pleasure in meeting us. On Friday, I was (unsurprisingly) chosen by Head Carer Nadia as one of the three WVS Ambassadors (along with Lily and Bamboo) to visit Alexander House, a local care home for the elderly, where we were appropriately feted by lovely folk who were thrilled to meet us and, most importantly, fed us plenty of carrots (I admit it was not an entirely altruistic visit on my part). I was a bit put out, however, that the Old Bird couldn’t join us (especially as it is a place she might like to check out as an option for the not-so-distant future), but I understand she had other “important” things to do, such as choosing wooden flooring and buying trellis – honestly, I ask you, what excuses will she dream up next: once again, disappointing proof of warped human (or should that be avian) priorities.
Earlier on Friday, I was also excited to experience the new surface in the Sand Ring (despite the usual gruelling workout with Mojca) which added a certain spring to my step; the refurb is highly approved, and I look forward to many happy sessions there, regardless of the weather (a good showcase for my Federer-like abilities). As an aside, we were all amazed to see NHS Warrior Deborah (Onyx’s mum) turn up not only on time but even early for our lesson – is this a new leaf or a one-off, we ask ourselves, but we don’t dare to hazard an answer?!
I have been impressed over the last few weeks by our current batch of Spanish students — none of them has made that rookie mistake of “helpfully” tacking me up before the Old Bird arrives, thereby preventing me from benefiting from the apples and carrots that are included in our long established routine, and they are excellent to have around the yard, always smiley and helpful – as is new carer Mia, whom we also welcome. Indeed, I had my first ride out with Mia as escort on Saturday and a very pleasant time we had too; this was followed, I am happy to report, by a naughty hack & snack on my own (with the Old Bird on board, obviously). In the afternoon, you will be pleased to learn, I was treated to a bit of a pampering session, including a smart clip to ensure I don’t overheat in the humid weather we are currently experiencing (or better said: enduring?), useful preparation for some more hard grind on Sunday.
I hear there was a TV programme yesterday (Countryfile on the BBC) celebrating the 150th anniversary of Wimbledon Common; I overheard the Old Bird commenting that it will include footage of the Wombles (?!) and the Rangers on THEIR horses, but we both agree that it would be most disappointing if there were no visuals of the WVS residents (even if I am unlikely to have been captured on film given my busy timetable), so it’s something you might like to check out if you missed it.
In the meantime, I hear the grass down at Manor Farm calling, so must dash. More anon.
Rory x