Clinic Preparations

The Christian Schacht Clinic is this weekend. I am riding at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. I am both nervous and excited. I am excited for the obvious reasons: it's a clinic with a well-known trainer whom I have seen before and admire. I am nervous though because Speedy and I are pretty low level riders, and I really don't want to be embarrassed. We work very hard here at home, but no one else is going to know that. They're simply going to see an aging adult amateur on an average horse struggling with the basics.

It's too late to back out, and I wouldn't anyway. No matter how inexperienced we are, I am going down there as prepared as I can be: my farrier gave Speedy some sparkly new shoes yesterday, we have good fitting tack, and my pony is pretty darn likable. Our performance may not wow anybody, but I am hoping Speedy's charismatic personality will win them over!

On to the real point of this post. I haven't gone anywhere with the horses since October. Remember the dead battery from the other weekend? I decided that maybe I better give my trailer a once-over to be sure that it had weathered this cold snap without any surprises.

The first thing I did was fill the water tank and check for leaks. When it all seemed dry, I plugged the trailer in and checked the lights and plugs.

Next up was to make sure that the recently replaced water pump was still working well. The water in the kitchen sink, toilet, and shower all functioned correctly.

The storage area under the kitchen sink was leak free, and the usual supplies were well stocked.

The propane seemed full enough, but if this were a two-night outing I would probably have replaced it. For this quick overnighter, I should be good.

Once all of the "systems" checked out, I started cleaning. First up was the bedroom. I had washed the bedding a few months ago, but before putting it back on, I wanted to give the bed and floor a thorough vacuum.

Bed made, windows opened for some fresh air, and all dead flies and bugs removed!

The bathroom towels were recently laundered, but I gave them a good fluffing and checked for any bad odors. I also wiped down the toilet and shower pan. It gets pretty dusty in there.

Nothing seems to be missing ...

Everything well stocked here.

I actually tossed some items from the junk drawer and then reorganized it a bit. I need to add a new tablet for writing.

This little caddy holds my plastic silverware and napkins.

Pots and pans are in good shape, and I've since added some new paper plates.

I no longer use the refrigerator as the ice chest is much easier and holds more, but I do like to keep fresh water stored here; check! I've also added some Gatorade.

Pass through door and screen were functioning correctly. If I have a horse in that stall, I like to make sure the door's deadbolt is activated so that it doesn't swing open while traveling.

The bench's storage area also got a quick vacuuming and the supplies there also got checked: fire extinguisher, spare boots/chaps, blanket, tool kit, and the trailer's kitchen table (underneath). You can see the tables "leg" in the front of the storage area.

My supplies have been restocked, and it looks ready for an over-night stay.

After I vacuumed the floor, I replaced my large outdoor floor mat and lawn chairs. I also bring an EZ-up if it's going to be hot, but that's stored in my garage. I need to load my generator, but I usually do that on the day I leave as I need to fill it with gas. For a quick one night trip, I'll only run the generator to charge my phone and maybe to watch a DVD on my laptop.

I am pretty sure that I'll be the only out-of-towner at this clinic which means I'll certainly be the only one staying over-night on the grounds. It can be a little intimidating to camp alone, but knowing Speedy is close by always makes me feel less "alone." I always get up in the night to check on him and without exception, he always looks for my arrival. Sometimes I even hang out in his stall with a glass of wine and just visit. I know he enjoys the company as much as I do.


If you're interested in seeing Christian Schacht work, we will be at White Birch Farm, 10680 Broadway Road, Moorpark, California.