TA-DAH!

Well, that's what a BYEH Yearling Champion (Best Yearling, Best Colt, Best British Bred) looks like! Ayup, little Fionn went out and strutted his stuff on Tuesday, and kicked some serious backside. He was awarded a score of 84/100, with 21/25 for walk, trot at 20/25, and 21/25 and 22/25 for conformation and type, respectively. The judges were very impressed with him, and he definitely had the audience abuzz with his presence! The filly next to him was also clearly impressed... Fionn was absolutely besotted with her, but managed to contain himself--mostly. Enjoy those testicles while you can, little Fionn!

Look out PAVO, here we come!

Fionn in October 2008, being prepped for the show

Our "little" Fionn will be shown at the British Eventing/PAVO Young Event Horse championships on October 14, so it's time to make final preparations. This will be only his second day out, and his first proper competition. What makes it extra exciting is the fact that his testicles have finally decided that they are well and truly present! What a change from the vet giving him a joking -6 points for masculinity at the BEF Futurity. No longer such a lady-boy, he is starting to feel a bit coltier and more on his toes. Fortunately for us, he has a healthy respect (and affection) for his people, and responds quickly when he is corrected or we tell him to do something.So what's to do in the next few days?

• A little trim--nothing drastic as the winter is on its way, but tidying up mane, tail, bridlepath, fetlocks, etc.
• A few more practices in the new bit. We still have awkward moments with stopping and steering with the bit in when he gets preoccupied with playing with it.
• BATH! This will probably make us the least popular of anything on the list. Warm spongebaths are about all he is prepared to enjoy. Anything colder or wetter results in weak protests and a general expression of distaste.
• Inventory of items needed on the day--what do we have? What do we need? And time to remedy any disparity between those two lists.
  

As this will be our first show with a sporthorse yearling, we expect to learn a lot and have a great time. And of course, this will give us a preview of what to expect when Fionn's hotly anticipated little sibling by Amiro Z (filly, filly, filly!) arrives and requires showing to be sold. Watch this space for photos of the event! What's next for Fionn after PAVO? Well, the chop, of course! Say goodbye to your little friends, my little soon-to-be gelding.

Spotlight on Esquimaux Z

Born in June of 2008, Esquimaux Z (El Thuder x Sussex Diamond x Artic Que) is the first foal out of Oakwood's mare, Abbey (by Beach Boy). Called Tamar around the stables--"Tam" for short--he has developed into a lovely and refined stamp of an eventing foal. While originally bred with show jumping in mind, Tam has shown himself to be very athletic with an excellent gallop and a propensity for jumping plants and toys in the field, and was awarded a First Premium in the eventing division of the 2008 BEF Futurity at Plumpton College at less than two months of age.

Abbey and Tam in a rare still moment. Just look at that face!

With his easy, athletic gallop, Tam is able to run rings around his brother and the mares.

Despite his athleticism, Tam is really quite a sweet soul. Just look at that face!

Always ready with a greeting. And ... erm ... just look at that face!!!

Esquimaux Z is for sale. To learn more about his breeding, click here. To see more photos, including some major "awww" factor (but health and safety nightmare) pictures click here. To see professional photos from the 2008 BEF Futurity, click here.