Thurs. Misc.

Posted it before--one of blogger's favorite Goethe's:

"Let him stand firm and gaze about alert;
To able man this world is not inert;

What  need for him to roam eternities?
What he perceives, that he may seize,
Let  him stride on upon this planet's  face,
When  spirits haunt,  let him not change  his pace,
Find bliss and  torment  in his onward stride,
Aye--every moment stay unsatisfied."

I never know whether the above is Goethe or the brilliant English translation by Walter Arndt.  Either way it's part of a memorable sequence of 20 pages of Act V, Part II of Faust.

This occurred to me last eve as training recommenced.  We are without a race track or training center within hailing distance.  It's middle of July and Mr. Farmer has yet to cut his hayfield that would give us some Newmarket type equivalency.  And, what  we've got presently is a little 4 acre hilly patch that allows  about 2 F gallop max before rider must bring horse to a trot.

Surely--was  thinking last eve--Goethe quote--with a little more elbow grease, determination and motivation we can get this done.  Such we are in moments of alertness and good sleep.

And so, a front shoe was reapplied to #148, and, despite gimping about we managed a decent pasture romp somehow, after 10 days off.  To dark to get on.

Then--this morning and bad  news re #148 continues.  More and worse hockswelling.  Expound next post.  Txs. to Bill O'Gorman for comment.  Considering suggestion after we get some university vet advice.  If reader is new to racing or unaware--take a look at link!
http://www.racinghorsesbook.com/