More xc schooling and more half marathon

We went back to Laurel Hill, this time with Rachel on the horse she is leasing and Missy riding Digger, a sales horse. Missy expressed some concern about the wisdom of taking three fairly green OTTBs xc schooling together, but she needn't have worried. All were very well behaved, quiet and willing to jump. It was great fun. Finn jumps out there just like in the ring, so we mostly jumped little logs, trying to get him to jump from very near them, rather than standing off and launching. It went pretty well. Dinner last night, with Lesley, Susie, Chris and surprise guest Amanda at Teresa's Cafe in Wayne http://www.teresas-cafe.com/TCDinner.htm. Great food and wonderful company. Last Sunday, ran the ING Philadelphia Distance run. Perfect day, nice course, personal best half marathon time, though still slow. Next week San Jose

late update

Went cross-country schooling at Fair Hill on August 31st. Finn handled the crowds like a champ. Stood around and hacked from place to place on the buckle. Astonishingly calm for a 4 year old OTTB. We continue to work with poles on the ground in our lessons and I have almost internalized that he will be rounder if I keep my outside leg on. Trot getting quite reasonable, canter remains a work in progress. Did a Bryan Kest yoga workshop yesterday. It was great, both his thoughts (for all that he has a slightly odd way of expressing some of them) and the physical part of the practice. Ran the Virginia Beach 1/2 marathon on Sunday, September 6th and enjoyed it still being the weekend for another day when I got back. It went pretty well, but at the usual slow pace, not the slightly faster Seattle pace. Off now to some sports bar for dinner and Phillies. Go Fightin's!