Day 6 Saturday 11 August 2007

I found myself thinking about the horses before I fell asleep last night. I quite upset myself thinking about leaving; must be a girl thing. I'm really going to miss the horses and the people who have been really welcoming and helpful. Working with horses is hard work but it is very rewarding. A few of the horses have 'attitude' and you learn to be respectful around them. My only regret is that I was unable to ride out. A lack of a body protector didn't help. The only horse Tom felt comfortable for me to ride was Bold Diktator but as he was due an imminent run (like on Monday) he couldn't afford to take the risk. Perhaps another time.

Tom has been wonderful accommodating my probing questions and showing me the ropes. I have learned so much in just six days about racing and training and I'm already planning my return. If I let my husband go off on his own holiday maybe I'll be back.

A huge 'thank you' to everyone who helped me: Michaela, Ashleigh, Nuno, Viktor, Gary, and Emmanuel. Thanks also to Steve Pilling for putting me up and to Helene for allowing me to use her room whilst she was on holiday back home in Sweden.