Sig's Excellent European Adventure

[Dave's Mam]

I love the stubble field photo, you both look so happy.
Glad things are back on track for you.

 

[EventingMum]

What a lovely update!

 

[View]

Fantastic update! You both look so happy and obviously enjoy each other’s company.

 

[SibeliusMB]

Hi all! It's been a long time, I figured I'd drop an update.  Sig is doing fantastic. We escaped a pretty unprofessional situation and moved yards back in December. He's at a beautiful, private yard now and really thriving in the new environment. It's family run and I feel so fortunate to have been invited to keep Sig here, where they are happy to let him live out 24/7 with a buddy. Sig is so content here, it's quiet and so horse-friendly, it's the perfect situation. We even moved with two yard mates, and it's so nice having a tight-knit and super supportive environment with top notch care! We're both so grateful and happy where we're at now.

I bought a 4x4 and my friend bought a trailer recently, so we're about to be mobile. I'm definitely looking forward to getting out/about with Sig, and enjoying some great hacking, regular SJ and dressage lessons, XC schools, beach rides...maybe a competition or two before it's time to leave. Sig is going brilliantly right now, if perhaps a little bit fluffy between the wet weather (no indoor school) and my crazy work schedule. We've had several mortuary cases in the last couple months, so that has been emotionally/mentally/physically exhausting for me. Even with only being ridden 2-3 times per week, Sig is still so super consistent, professional, and happy in his job. He can be ridden 5 days a week or once a month and he's the same. So thankful for such an accommodating boy!

I also secured another year here in the UK, and have decided to leave the active duty military afterward. I've had a great career and while staying until retirement (20+ years) was my original goal, life changes and my priorities are now my own happiness and doing right by Sig. I'm going to try to stay here in the UK as long as possible, hopefully with a civilian job on one of the nearby USAF bases. If that doesn't work out, the plan is to return to Kentucky in autumn 2024 and put down roots in horse country and continue civilian service there.

Trying and failing miserably at embedding videos now, so check out all our clips on Sig's IG:

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Last week's jump school, popping 1.20m for the first time together!

Video


Yesterday's fun session, we decided to try going bridleless for the second time. He was foot perfect and we even got to jump a little.

Bridleless video


Some photos around the new yard:

 

[SibeliusMB]

Some more shots of the world's most perfect boy:

 

[Meredith]

Great news.
Brilliant photos

 

[spookypony]

Sounds absolutely fab! Glad you've both fallen on your feet at last!

 

[splashgirl45]

Don’t know how I missed this thread and have just read it all..what a rollercoaster you have had and your horse is beautiful. Glad you are settled in a quiet place and both of you are happy. I’m looking forward to more updates ..

 

[Peglo]

I get my Sig fix on instagram but nice to see a wee update. So glad Sig is enjoying his time in the UK. (And you too)

 

[SilverLinings]

Sig looks great, and you look like you're going really well together. After all the work you put into moving to the UK yourself, plus bringing him over, I am glad that you have found a yard that you love. It is great that you'd like to stay in the UK a bit longer, I hope you manage to find the ideal civvy job when your time comes to leave USAF.

Hopefully we will have many more pictures of you and Sig looking happy and enjoying your time in the UK together over the next few years (although if you end up returning to the US then we'd obviously still like pictures!)

 

[Nicnac]

Good to read an update. I love his clip! Is that an American thing? Never seen one like it in the UK before.

 

[ponynutz]

I missed this thread back in 2021 and just read it all now. Wow, you went through a lot which just makes it even better to see how well he and you look now! Great photos!

 

[Trouper]

So good to read this and know that you and Sig are thriving in the UK. Here's to a fun Summer of getting out and about. Keep those lovely photos coming please.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Brilliant update and he looks absolutely amazing.

 

[Bernster]

Great update and photos, thanks. Sounds like an exciting new chapter for you and lovely that you want to stay in the uk a while longer. Sig looks very well. But if you do move back, it would be awesome to have a thread on that too, and horsey life in the US, to go with Michen’s updates

 

[AandK]

Amazing news! So pleased to see this update, Sig is looking fab!

 

[Alibear]

Great update, I'm so pleased you're both doing well again now.

 

[Annagain]

What a lovely update. Wishing you all the luck with your plans to stay a bit longer.

 

[SibeliusMB]

Thank you all! I've been away from the forum so long I forgot how absolutely lovely and supportive everyone is here! ❤ I forgot to add that I went to Iceland back in January and had a whirlwind four days exploring the island. Even got a quick ride in:

Good to read an update. I love his clip! Is that an American thing? Never seen one like it in the UK before.

Thank you! It's just a modified trace clip that follows the direction of the hair vs. having straight lines, and leaves spur blocks and the belly. He lives out, so it's the perfect balance of taking enough off to help him be comfortable in work, but leaving as much on as possible. I've been doing that pattern for years. Definitely not an American thing because it got looks back there too.

Can't wait for some warmer weather so I can finally get him bathed and give him his full spring clip!! He's looking so well this year compared to last year coming out of winter.

Great update and photos, thanks. Sounds like an exciting new chapter for you and lovely that you want to stay in the uk a while longer. Sig looks very well. But if you do move back, it would be awesome to have a thread on that too, and horsey life in the US, to go with Michen’s updates

Thank you! I'm excited to stay a little longer, and am very hopeful that timing works out for me to transition to a civilian job here and stay a few more years. Definitely not in a hurry to get back to the States with the political climate there. I really love it here and could stay forever, especially now that Sig is settled and he's agreeing with the UK. But eventually we will have to move back, and whenever that is, I'll be sure to continue posting so you all can see life in Lexington, Kentucky, aka Horse Country USA. Lots of exciting possibilities there for me too, whether it's continuing to work for the government, or starting a career with some of the local horse companies/agencies such as Keeneland, US Equestrian or other sport governing bodies.

Otherwise we're very happy where we are and if the UK wants to adopt us permanently, we wouldn't mind! ❤

 

[humblepie]

Fab update and glad things are going well.

 

[SibeliusMB]

And since folks asked about horsey life in that part of the USA, here are some photos of when we lived in Kentucky. Whenever we end up moving back to the US, we'll be returning to this area. It is absolute horse heaven!

Here is the Thoroughbred breeding farm in Lexington that bred Sig for their new polo string. This farm also contains the property where Man 'O War was bred and stood after his famed racing career. Photos of the original Man 'O War barn and of Sig and I on the property the day I purchased him as a 3 year old. And in case you're wondering, yes, the vast majority of farms around Lexington all look this beautiful!




Pics of Sig and I around the Kentucky Horse Park, just 20 minutes down the road from where we lived. This is where the Kentucky 5* is held each year:




And just 15 minutes away was Masterson Station, a city park that contains a full equestrian event property (XC courses, jump arena, dressage arena, trails, etc). The barn would regularly go out on hunter paces and hacks here, and it was free to use. Never had a city or state owned park with so many facilities for horses and riders...ever:




And the first horse show I took Sig to:

 

[Michen]

Love this! And your photos are making me want to move to Kentucky for winter

 

[humblepie]

Loving the state facility.

 

[SibeliusMB]

Love this! And your photos are making me want to move to Kentucky for winter 

Girl do NOT move to KY in the winter! They are convinced they're "the South" but they're definitely not. KY absolutely gets snow and ice and cold weather every winter and then everyone loses their minds.

Spring and autumn though? *Chef's kiss* Come out for the Kentucky 5* next year if you want a great time, horses, and bourbon! So many horsey things to do in Lexington between the breeding farm tours, Keeneland racing meets and morning training, shows at the Horse Park, and shopping.

Also I am loving following you and Bog in Colorado! You two look like you're having the adventure of a lifetime!

Just some every day photos of Sig and I around the farm that we lived at in Kentucky:




My much-missed truck and trailer:




And a really old throwback to 2009 where I used to hunt for a living in Virginia:



...Ok. I think I'm done now with the US flashbacks, LOL.

 

[Michen]

Girl do NOT move to KY in the winter! They are convinced they're "the South" but they're definitely not. KY absolutely gets snow and ice and cold weather every winter and then everyone loses their minds.

Spring and autumn though? *Chef's kiss* Come out for the Kentucky 5* next year if you want a great time, horses, and bourbon! So many horsey things to do in Lexington between the breeding farm tours, Keeneland racing meets and morning training, shows at the Horse Park, and shopping.

Also I am loving following you and Bog in Colorado! You two look like you're having the adventure of a lifetime!

Just some every day photos of Sig and I around the farm that we lived at in Kentucky:
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View attachment 109792 View attachment 109793 View attachment 109796

My much-missed truck and trailer:
View attachment 109794



And a really old throwback to 2009 where I used to hunt for a living in Virginia:
View attachment 109791


...Ok. I think I'm done now with the US flashbacks, LOL.

Ha! Noted! I am on a truck hunt currently, your pic has given me another kick to get on carfax. I bought a 2 horse warmblood size 20 year old trailer (for basically $11,000, which in the UK would get me a brand new ifor...). The warmblood size is so hard to find though!

Do you want to come back stateside? How are you finding the differences?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Fab update!

I'm so jealous.

 

[Bernster]

Thx so much for sharing those pics. Looks awesome. its reminded me we keep talking about going to Kentucky to watch the 5star!

 

[SibeliusMB]

Ha! Noted! I am on a truck hunt currently, your pic has given me another kick to get on carfax. I bought a 2 horse warmblood size 20 year old trailer (for basically $11,000, which in the UK would get me a brand new ifor...). The warmblood size is so hard to find though!

Do you want to come back stateside? How are you finding the differences?

So glad you got a trailer! The WB rigs can be hard to find, I imagine it's probably even harder out west where the western disciplines are more popular and QHs just don't need the extra tall/extra wide dimensions. I actually still own that trailer posted above, it's just hanging out with my friend until I return. I toyed with selling it last year, but for the time being decided to hold on to it. Wishing you the best with the truck hunt! Have prices come back down to earth or are they still insane? Back before I secured the additional year in the UK, I passed the time looking at used diesel truck prices and ...YIKES.

I do want to come back to Lexington...eventually. Posting all those photos helped me remember how much we loved it there and how excited I am to permanently call it home when it's time. But for now, I'm enjoying the novelty of living abroad and in the country I grew up dreaming about. I just feel like I fit in here. Now that Sig is happy and settled, I'm in no hurry to get back to the States. I love that I can pop into London whenever I please and catch some shows, I can take the ferry or a quick hop over to the continent, etc. I'm so excited to explore Scotland, Wales, NI, and Ireland later this year too.

As far as the differences...horse wise, it's been mostly minor. Feeding more chaff, soaking feed is standard here whereas in back home it's more by exception. Tow vehicles and trailers are obviously extremely different as you're finding; it was a bit shocking initially getting used to the smaller trailers. Must more independence over here in terms of training and daily riding; less reliance on trainers and programs overall which I prefer. Not that all Americans ride at a training barn or in a "program"....lots don't... but I think of those that compete, far fewer combinations in the UK rely on that training program construct.

What are you finding interesting/different about the US thus far?

 

[Michen]

So glad you got a trailer! The WB rigs can be hard to find, I imagine it's probably even harder out west where the western disciplines are more popular and QHs just don't need the extra tall/extra wide dimensions. I actually still own that trailer posted above, it's just hanging out with my friend until I return. I toyed with selling it last year, but for the time being decided to hold on to it. Wishing you the best with the truck hunt! Have prices come back down to earth or are they still insane? Back before I secured the additional year in the UK, I passed the time looking at used diesel truck prices and ...YIKES.

I do want to come back to Lexington...eventually. Posting all those photos helped me remember how much we loved it there and how excited I am to permanently call it home when it's time. But for now, I'm enjoying the novelty of living abroad and in the country I grew up dreaming about. I just feel like I fit in here. Now that Sig is happy and settled, I'm in no hurry to get back to the States. I love that I can pop into London whenever I please and catch some shows, I can take the ferry or a quick hop over to the continent, etc. I'm so excited to explore Scotland, Wales, NI, and Ireland later this year too.

As far as the differences...horse wise, it's been mostly minor. Feeding more chaff, soaking feed is standard here whereas in back home it's more by exception. Tow vehicles and trailers are obviously extremely different as you're finding; it was a bit shocking initially getting used to the smaller trailers. Must more independence over here in terms of training and daily riding; less reliance on trainers and programs overall which I prefer. Not that all Americans ride at a training barn or in a "program"....lots don't... but I think of those that compete, far fewer combinations in the UK rely on that training program construct.

What are you finding interesting/different about the US thus far?

Truck prices still nuts tbh. I'm settling for a gas which should be ok for pulling two horses in a bumper pull, I'd hope. Glad you are keeping your trusted trailer!

I am loving 95% of the differences but the 5% are pretty big, politics and guns. Not a fan.

But scenery, way of life, amazing.

 

[SibeliusMB]

Just some photos from this week with Siggy. ❤

Managed to actually ride on a Tuesday after work for the first time in weeks! I am so happy for daylight savings tonight. And had a fun grid school this afternoon. He continues to leave me speechless with his athleticism and heart. Love this this special boy!