That long holiday weekend really worked in my favor. I wrapped up barnsitting on Saturday night, got a day to play with my ponies and relax, then a day to play with my ponies and run errands/pack, and this afternoon we head out for Europe. Whew. Time flies.

Presto’s foot is doing as well as can be expected. The vet had to block the foot to cut off the big flap of split hoof and clean out the wound/try to save the horn-growing tissue. He thinks it should heal fine eventually, although whether or not he’s permanently effected his ability to grow a good heel on that side, we’ll have to wait and see. It’s been bandaged since it happened, and will probably stay bandaged for a while. He’s quite sound in the bandage though, and he still gets to be on his regular turnout schedule, so thank goodness for that. The vet is 50/50 on whether or not Presto will be good to go by FEH championships, it’s just too early to tell. I retrieved the entry from the mailbox since it miraculously hadn’t been picked up yet. There aren’t any refunds after closing date but they accept late entries with a fee, so I figured I’d rather potentially pay an extra $30 than lose $290. I’m hoping he’ll be ok to go since he looks so good right now physically, but… we’ll see how his foot is doing in a couple weeks. As usual, Presto has been a fantastic and easy patient throughout all of the doctoring. *muttering something under my breath about having lots of effing practice*

I also got to fit in some rides on Henry, which were much needed. I am SO ready for it to quit being so damn hot, this triple digit shit is getting ridiculous. Not that sad to be flying out of here considering the next 6 days are all supposed to be over 100 degrees. This is a never-ending summer. Hot, dry, disgusting, and totally miserable. Get your shit together by the time I get back, Texas. I’d even happily take low 90’s at this point.

The boys also got spa days this weekend, with a fungus bath/scrub for Henry (his skin is looking better, thank goodness) and haircuts for both. They look like proper beasts again.

These two weirdos. I wish I could squish them in a carry-on and bring them with me. I am willing to admit that I’m perhaps creepily over-attached. I miss them after just a couple days, much less 10. TEN. I’ve already debated what to bring them each back as souvenirs.

In between packing, laundry, phone calls to the bank and my cell carrier, and jotting down every phone number/address/reservation/confirmation code just in case (I had a real “omg I am my father” moment as I was flipping through the print out of my 5 page detailed itinerary), I caught some AEC action. I did find myself pining for last year’s live stream where it showed every level’s XC, but I was glad they did at least show the BN showjumping. The upper levels are cool to watch and all, but I want to see the lower levels too. It’s so much fun to see them have so much fun. Nobody ever looks that excited at the upper levels.

I would also like to point out that at least 2 of the Champions wore pompoms. Scientific evidence of Pom Power, y’all. They’re making a comeback, mark my words.

Our flight leaves at 4 this afternoon, and we’ll be in London by 7am their time tomorrow. I will update as I can, time/adventures/WiFi permitting. I’ll try to post a lot to my Insta stories, at the very least. How ironic is it that this showed up in my facebook memories today?

Still 100% accurate. Lord help Burghley, Bobby and I (and Michelle) are coming!