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.