08Jul-Photo Release – While I was in town, I woke early every morning, no matter what. I never set an alarm either; I just woke at or before six. The trail is on the other side of the River Suir, one end is directly across from the hotel property. I had to drive to the old bridge (the one lane bridge in the images) and cross to where I could get on what is now known as The Blue Way – a walking/biking trail that runs for miles along the River Suir.
When I was there it wasn’t nearly as well cared for, sections of it were washed away, etc. I had access to either direction from the old bridge – maybe two miles total. I would often run into people who brought their ponies to the river for exercise. They’ve turned it into a real-deal public trail, so maintenance is better and Horses can’t go there anymore.
Then there’s John’s farm/ranch. He had anywhere from 6 to a dozen horses he trains for Steeple Chase type racing. He buys them as yearlings and trains them for several years. He then sells them to Professional Race Horse owners. He’s had several champions in the highest levels. One of his sister Liz’ boys is now racing himself as a rider. These horses are super athletes. They run flat out for five miles at least and leap at least five jumps.
Funny sidebar: John often had me out to the farm when I had Bank Holidays days off or on the weekends. I asked him about the horses, why some had names and some just #s. He told me, the named ones he was keeping to train himself – his choice picks out of his breeding program. The rest he sells and keeps the numbers so the eventual owner gets to name them. There was also a chocolate sheep, an absolute charmer who tried to eat my camera strap several times. I was thinking about the horse naming deal and asked what the lamb’s name was. John chuckled first, then said “lunch“. I chuckled two, but didn’t inquire further.
A month later it was his son’s birthday and they had a huge family get together and feast. Liz invited me to join them and I was happy to take her up on the offer. I was hungry and didn’t feel like leaving the hotel and the hotel restaurant was as expensive as you’d expect a 5-star restaurant to be. I didn’t eat there much except for breakfast (included in the rent). So to the feast I went. The main course was Roast Lamb that John himself was said to have prepared. I didn’t ask. I loved that chocolate lamb.😕
08Jul-Photo Release
The Farm and the River Suir, August 13, 2019
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