St Nicnaclaus
Well-Known Member
Job sounds horrendous over last months. Sig looks wonderful and wishing you all the best back on Civvy Street in a great area of the US.
Sig's Excellent European Adventure
- Thread starter SibeliusMB
- Start date
Annagain
Well-Known Member
We'll miss you over here but that sounds like a great move for you and Sig. I hope you feel better soon.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Really nice to have an update and sounds like it has been a difficult time. Sig looks well and all the very best.
SibeliusMB
Well-Known Member
Well...we're both back Stateside. 
Sig arrived safely two weeks ago and has been settling in well to our new boarding farm in Virginia. He's looking really well and I'm giving him (and myself) time off during this heatwave (temps over 100F!).
VA has also been going through a drought, so all the grass is basically dead and the ground is very hard. So he's had a rough transition weather and ground-wise, but he's his usual, chipper self so I think he's taking it all in stride. He's living out again, now with 5 other geldings in a big 8-acre field. He was SO happy to see that much space! He hasn't been in a turnout that large in years, probably since we left the US. So when I first turned him out with the group, he politely walked out and met everyone, stopped at the top of the hill and saw all the space, and then took off on some zoomies. He looked so genuinely happy to be able to gallop and buck and play. 
He's not a big galloper, but he's good for 30 seconds of zoomies every other day or so, and over the last few months in the UK, he's been in super small turnout paddocks because of the limitations of the yard, and I think that energy just built up. He tolerated it all well, but I didn't ride him much because 1) no real hacking from that yard and 2) he became rather sharp under saddle which is not normal for him. So I figured, until I can get him back to the States and give him the space he needs to feel comfortable again, riding will be put on hold.
I'm looking forward to swinging up on him this week though! Fingers crossed.
We have an indoor and outdoor school on this farm, an 8-acre hayfield to hack in, and trails from the farm to hack on as well. So we'll definitely be spending plenty of time out exploring as we build up some fitness after almost a year off (with only the occasional rides).
)His journey:
27 Jun: picked up from our home yard
27-30 Jun: layover at John Parker (shipper's yard)
30 Jun: ferry to Belgium
30 Jun-5 Jul: layover at Gelissen yard
5 Jul: flight from Liege to NYC
5-8 Jul: quarantine at the Ark (JFK airport)
8 Jul: HOME in VA!
(Sig leaving our yard in Suffolk, Sig at John Parker's layover facility in Kent, and Sig fresh off the plane at New York's JFK airport!)
On my side, I'm still in the military. With the timing, separating from the military completely ended up not being wise, so I accepted another assignment near DC. It's my third time living near DC so it's somewhat of a homecoming. The house I'm renting is lovely and all my stuff (save for the last small shipment of mostly Sig's stuff which should have arrived first
) is unpacked and looks lovely in the home. I telework 3x/week, and live about an hour away from the base, so I'm in a lovely neighborhood very close to Virginia's famous horse country. My job thus far seems SO much more chill than my last one, I won't have to do ANY mortuary duties here, so I don't have to be around death and grief anymore. It's a staff job, which means regular office hours and everyone here has done their time doing "base level" assignments (the non-stop insanity I had been doing at Lakenheath), and so everyone I work with is laid back and taking advantage of a less stressful role. So I'm hoping to stay in this role for two years, and transfer elsewhere in the DC area to finish out my remaining time in the military. At this point, I'm now too close to retirement to walk away, so I'm hoping Sig and I can just stay put in the DC area, Sig can settle into a beautiful Virginia farm, and we can just enjoy the next few years.
Also, I got a new (to me) truck to replace the almost carbon copy I had to sell before moving to the UK:
So...even though I had wanted to get out and back into civilian life, I accepted many months ago that perhaps the universe had a plan for me to come back to DC and VA horse country. For now I'm letting the universe do its thing and let it guide me to where I want to go. If I can keep away from base level assignments and stick with these headquarters staff jobs for the next few years, I'm hoping I can finish it out and enjoy that military retirement, and then Sig and I can go do what we want, where we want. There are lots of conversations to be had with my leadership to make sure they know what my plan is and will support it, but thus far in talking with folks, it seems like a very real possibility. So I will allow myself to be hopeful.
The last few months for me thankfully was pretty easy except for the move. My new position (that I moved into after the Mortuary gig was over in November) was easy, and I had a lot more time to take leave and travel. I went to Switzerland, NI (again), Scotland, did a Mediterranean cruise (!), and then managed to go home on the Queen Mary 2. So I crammed three years worth of adventures into about six months. I'm glad I was able to do all that, even if it was at the last minute. It's just so easy from that side of the Pond. Now that I'm back in the US, everything feels so impossible and far away. But don't think I'm not already planning my next Med cruise for 2025 or 2026....
The UK was amazing. I absolutely DID NOT want to leave and did NOT want to return to the US (have you seen our political climate!!??), but it was the right thing for Sig and thus far it feels like the right thing for me too. I'll be back over as often as I can afford, trust me! I left lots of friends in London and love that I have a great excuse to go to Europe whenever I can.
While my job was legitimately terrible and some of the worst years of my life, England was not. The UK was not. It was magical living abroad and I genuinely fell in love with the UK and definitely see myself coming back to live there again someday, a long time from now (I'm not putting Sig on a plane again anytime soon!!). So we'll see. Thank you all for welcoming Sig and I to your horse community and for giving us both the adventure of a lifetime.
(Photos of Sig at our yard in Suffolk just before we left)
Sig arrived safely two weeks ago and has been settling in well to our new boarding farm in Virginia. He's looking really well and I'm giving him (and myself) time off during this heatwave (temps over 100F!).
VA has also been going through a drought, so all the grass is basically dead and the ground is very hard. So he's had a rough transition weather and ground-wise, but he's his usual, chipper self so I think he's taking it all in stride. He's living out again, now with 5 other geldings in a big 8-acre field. He was SO happy to see that much space! He hasn't been in a turnout that large in years, probably since we left the US. So when I first turned him out with the group, he politely walked out and met everyone, stopped at the top of the hill and saw all the space, and then took off on some zoomies. He looked so genuinely happy to be able to gallop and buck and play. He's not a big galloper, but he's good for 30 seconds of zoomies every other day or so, and over the last few months in the UK, he's been in super small turnout paddocks because of the limitations of the yard, and I think that energy just built up. He tolerated it all well, but I didn't ride him much because 1) no real hacking from that yard and 2) he became rather sharp under saddle which is not normal for him. So I figured, until I can get him back to the States and give him the space he needs to feel comfortable again, riding will be put on hold.
I'm looking forward to swinging up on him this week though! Fingers crossed.
We have an indoor and outdoor school on this farm, an 8-acre hayfield to hack in, and trails from the farm to hack on as well. So we'll definitely be spending plenty of time out exploring as we build up some fitness after almost a year off (with only the occasional rides).)His journey:
(Sig leaving our yard in Suffolk, Sig at John Parker's layover facility in Kent, and Sig fresh off the plane at New York's JFK airport!)
On my side, I'm still in the military. With the timing, separating from the military completely ended up not being wise, so I accepted another assignment near DC. It's my third time living near DC so it's somewhat of a homecoming. The house I'm renting is lovely and all my stuff (save for the last small shipment of mostly Sig's stuff which should have arrived first
) is unpacked and looks lovely in the home. I telework 3x/week, and live about an hour away from the base, so I'm in a lovely neighborhood very close to Virginia's famous horse country. My job thus far seems SO much more chill than my last one, I won't have to do ANY mortuary duties here, so I don't have to be around death and grief anymore. It's a staff job, which means regular office hours and everyone here has done their time doing "base level" assignments (the non-stop insanity I had been doing at Lakenheath), and so everyone I work with is laid back and taking advantage of a less stressful role. So I'm hoping to stay in this role for two years, and transfer elsewhere in the DC area to finish out my remaining time in the military. At this point, I'm now too close to retirement to walk away, so I'm hoping Sig and I can just stay put in the DC area, Sig can settle into a beautiful Virginia farm, and we can just enjoy the next few years.Also, I got a new (to me) truck to replace the almost carbon copy I had to sell before moving to the UK:
So...even though I had wanted to get out and back into civilian life, I accepted many months ago that perhaps the universe had a plan for me to come back to DC and VA horse country. For now I'm letting the universe do its thing and let it guide me to where I want to go. If I can keep away from base level assignments and stick with these headquarters staff jobs for the next few years, I'm hoping I can finish it out and enjoy that military retirement, and then Sig and I can go do what we want, where we want. There are lots of conversations to be had with my leadership to make sure they know what my plan is and will support it, but thus far in talking with folks, it seems like a very real possibility. So I will allow myself to be hopeful.
The last few months for me thankfully was pretty easy except for the move. My new position (that I moved into after the Mortuary gig was over in November) was easy, and I had a lot more time to take leave and travel. I went to Switzerland, NI (again), Scotland, did a Mediterranean cruise (!), and then managed to go home on the Queen Mary 2. So I crammed three years worth of adventures into about six months. I'm glad I was able to do all that, even if it was at the last minute. It's just so easy from that side of the Pond. Now that I'm back in the US, everything feels so impossible and far away. But don't think I'm not already planning my next Med cruise for 2025 or 2026....
The UK was amazing. I absolutely DID NOT want to leave and did NOT want to return to the US (have you seen our political climate!!??), but it was the right thing for Sig and thus far it feels like the right thing for me too. I'll be back over as often as I can afford, trust me! I left lots of friends in London and love that I have a great excuse to go to Europe whenever I can.
While my job was legitimately terrible and some of the worst years of my life, England was not. The UK was not. It was magical living abroad and I genuinely fell in love with the UK and definitely see myself coming back to live there again someday, a long time from now (I'm not putting Sig on a plane again anytime soon!!). So we'll see. Thank you all for welcoming Sig and I to your horse community and for giving us both the adventure of a lifetime. (Photos of Sig at our yard in Suffolk just before we left)
Attachments
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SibeliusMB
Well-Known Member
And here are some photos and a video compilation of Sig's arrival to the new farm in Virginia. Watch the reel for excited Sig!
Michen
Well-Known Member
Welcome back and awesome to see Sig looking so happy!
St Nicnaclaus
Well-Known Member
Sig looks so well! Lovely update and do keep in touch - you don't have to be UK based to be on here 
Enjoy the slower pace of life and make the most of a chill last few years.
Enjoy the slower pace of life and make the most of a chill last few years.Equi
Well-Known Member
We’ve missed you updating!
myheartinahoofbeat
Well-Known Member
I was only thinking about you a few days ago and wondering how things panned out. It all looks perfect, Sig looking so happy and you sound contented too.
splashgirl45
Lurcher lover
Great update and Sig looks really well. Glad you enjoyed your stay here . Small turn out paddocks and lack of decent hacking is very common in our small, overcrowded country and space in the US is amazing, I have loved Michens posts with pictures of her hacking.
Peglo
Well-Known Member
I follow you on instagram so saw Sig and yourself arrived back in the US safely. Hope you enjoy your last years in the military and you and Sig have lots of adventures
Trouper
Well-Known Member
What a great update - thank you. Sig looks so well and happy to be "home". Glad things are better for you now and glad that work here did not spoil your UK adventure.
Keep in touch.
Keep in touch.
Tarragon
Well-Known Member
A well travelled horse!
I hope it all works well for you both
I hope it all works well for you both
Annagain
Well-Known Member
Well this is some US news I've actually enjoyed reading about.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Ah that’s lovely for you both. He’s one of my HHO favourites and that is some field. All the very best.
AandK
Well-Known Member
So pleased you and Sig made it back safely, that video of him was lovely! Wishing all the best for both of you!
Barlow
Well-Known Member
Wow Sig looks great considering all the travelling and upheaval. I’m so pleased that your new posting is working out well, you sound in a much better place 
Bernster
Well-Known Member
Ah what a lovely update. And a fun adventure for you both, a little international outing. All that space must be great, wish we had that over here
Pippity
Well-Known Member
What a fabulous update, and I'm so glad you're in a better mental place than you were.
Isn't the QM2 lovely? She's a bit well-worn at the moment, but still my favourite ship.
Isn't the QM2 lovely? She's a bit well-worn at the moment, but still my favourite ship.
SibeliusMB
Well-Known Member
Thank you!Sig looks so well! Lovely update and do keep in touch - you don't have to be UK based to be on here
Oh I know, I'll stick around and update on our stateside adventures. I just felt like summarizing my UK experience outside the nightmare that was my job. I was genuinely sad to leave and look forward to visiting whenever I can.Thank you!
I've wanted to update many times, but with everything going on it just felt like a chore. And to be fair, Sig and I haven't been up to much. We never got into a regular routine between the weather, my job, and then preparing for the move. I'm feeling settled already and hoping we can get into a relaxed, fun routine here. Stay tuned! I knew that coming over but it was a very different level of struggle than I ever imagined. Especially in East Anglia. It really seems like so much land is dedicated to agriculture that it limits turnout options even more. We had been at a lovely private yard with adequate turnout, but had to move on as Sig didn't have anymore turnout companions there. The last yard we ended up on was the polar opposite of what he needs. But the manager is a good friend, Sig loves her and she loves him, and the kindness and care kept us both sane the last few months, even if we didn't get up to much riding.
Trust me, it's the ONLY US news I've enjoyed at all.
Thank you!Wow Sig looks great considering all the travelling and upheaval. I’m so pleased that your new posting is working out well, you sound in a much better place
The job is still quite new and I know we're in for some much busier periods, but I already feel so much happier in the work. When they told me they "stayed really late" last week to submit things, and they left at 6pm, I knew I'm probably going to be just fine. 
Hopefully no more 18-hour days! And it's a much more laid-back vibe and people seem genuinely grateful for the pace of life in the office. It seems like a very nice environment.Thank you!
Oh the QM2 was brilliant. She had a refit in November so I thought she looked quite fresh, considering that she's now 20 years old. We had a pretty rough crossing and she handled it like a champ. I don't know how I managed to not get seasick, but I was really grateful to be on the world's last ocean liner, and not some cruise ship in those seas!
SibeliusMB
Well-Known Member
Well guys, I would love some good vibes please (for a good reason)! You ever feel like the Universe is sending you hints and nudging you in a different direction? I think that's what's going on and we could use our H&H good luck charms!
Sig is fine. But I'm looking for new farms to board at because for the first time in 7 years of my ownership, he is not fitting into this group of geldings. He's been beaten up, doesn't interact with ANY of them, and just seems so wary and on edge. I'm worried he's not eating and sleeping as he should, and as much as this horse has moved around and historically settled right away, for this to be happening is a big red flag. I've never seen it before.
It's been over a month, and since we've been here not only is he not settling with others, there aren't any options for other 24/7 turnout companions at this farm. The additional fees I'm paying for "training" (which is just therapy sessions and grooming while I work on getting us both fit again) are not being fulfilled. The farm manager/head trainer is never on-site for feeding, it's being done by a bunch of working students, so no real continuity of care. Sig's feed was being fed to him **DRY** for over a week before I had to catch the error and correct the staff, after i had provided detailed instructions to the manager. I just can't be there constantly.
And overall, while the farm is "fine" and the people are nice enough, I just can't shake this feeling like this isn't the place, and that Sig and I aren't happy. I asked the animal communicator to check in with Sig yesterday about all this. I really need to post these because he is hilarious. Sig said that no, he's not happy there, that he would loved to move and his "bags are packed ready to go, WHERE IS THE TRAILER??"
I didn't know horses knew the all caps/yelling trick but I'm not surprised. Whether you believe in animal communicators or not, I really need to share these talks because the responses are GOLD. And I'm a believer in our communicator, because knowing Sig? Yeah...it tracks.
So that's where the Universe comes in. I randomly searched in a local horse group yesterday, and this AMAZING 300-acre private farm popped up with board openings (and field board, aka grass livery!!). It's right in the heart of Virginia's horse and hunt country where I originally wanted to be and where I used to live (we're about 30 minutes away currently...close, but not really in the mix). And not only that, but it's owned by close personal friends of a friend of mine whom I've known for 20 years and admire for her horsemanship. She's followed Sig and I from the beginning and knows what we need and my standards. She can't recommend these folks highly enough. So I sent them a note and heard back today that they have an opening for us! I'm heading out on Thursday to tour the farm and make sure it's a great fit for everyone.
So....lots of good vibes, please, that this is the place!
Ladies and gentlemen... Virginia hunt country.
Sig is fine. But I'm looking for new farms to board at because for the first time in 7 years of my ownership, he is not fitting into this group of geldings. He's been beaten up, doesn't interact with ANY of them, and just seems so wary and on edge. I'm worried he's not eating and sleeping as he should, and as much as this horse has moved around and historically settled right away, for this to be happening is a big red flag. I've never seen it before.
It's been over a month, and since we've been here not only is he not settling with others, there aren't any options for other 24/7 turnout companions at this farm. The additional fees I'm paying for "training" (which is just therapy sessions and grooming while I work on getting us both fit again) are not being fulfilled. The farm manager/head trainer is never on-site for feeding, it's being done by a bunch of working students, so no real continuity of care. Sig's feed was being fed to him **DRY** for over a week before I had to catch the error and correct the staff, after i had provided detailed instructions to the manager. I just can't be there constantly.
And overall, while the farm is "fine" and the people are nice enough, I just can't shake this feeling like this isn't the place, and that Sig and I aren't happy. I asked the animal communicator to check in with Sig yesterday about all this. I really need to post these because he is hilarious.
Sig said that no, he's not happy there, that he would loved to move and his "bags are packed ready to go, WHERE IS THE TRAILER??" I didn't know horses knew the all caps/yelling trick but I'm not surprised. Whether you believe in animal communicators or not, I really need to share these talks because the responses are GOLD. And I'm a believer in our communicator, because knowing Sig? Yeah...it tracks.
So that's where the Universe comes in. I randomly searched in a local horse group yesterday, and this AMAZING 300-acre private farm popped up with board openings (and field board, aka grass livery!!). It's right in the heart of Virginia's horse and hunt country where I originally wanted to be and where I used to live (we're about 30 minutes away currently...close, but not really in the mix). And not only that, but it's owned by close personal friends of a friend of mine whom I've known for 20 years and admire for her horsemanship. She's followed Sig and I from the beginning and knows what we need and my standards. She can't recommend these folks highly enough. So I sent them a note and heard back today that they have an opening for us! I'm heading out on Thursday to tour the farm and make sure it's a great fit for everyone.
So....lots of good vibes, please, that this is the place!
Ladies and gentlemen... Virginia hunt country.
Attachments
teapot
Well-Known Member
I'd be moving yourself in if you can @SibeliusMB - looks wonderful.
planete
Well-Known Member
Best of luck, I hope it turns out to be the place!
St Nicnaclaus
Well-Known Member
Have you shown the photos to Sig? I think he'll be very happy there especially if he can use the bar!! Good luck 
(((((((vibes))))))
(((((((vibes))))))
AandK
Well-Known Member
It sounds like it’s meant to be!! Keep us posted, the pics look amazing!
Errin Paddywack
Well-Known Member
All I can say is wow. Looks fantastic, I think you will both be very happy there.
Trouper
Well-Known Member
Some of the best advice I have ever had about my horses came from my animal communicator friend - even when it wasn't good news! It's not great that Sig has had to go through a rough re-introduction to the US but so good that you have caught it quickly. I hope the new place is just the horsey heaven it looks and can't wait for more photos.
Bernster
Well-Known Member
Looks amazing.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Wow what an amazing place. Sounds ideal for both of you.
Alibear
Well-Known Member
Good luck with the move, the new place looks fantastic.