1. Holy snap, Midge grew up.

I don’t think he’s been anywhere by himself since he was about 4. He’s been calm, professional and mature all weekend. No, he’s not ill—I took his temperature myself. Twice. I think he’s just actually turning into an adult.

Whoa!

He has made a point of attempting to escape from his stall at any opportunity, but in that low-speed, O.J. Simpson-chase sort of way. Other than that, he’s been sensible and suprisingly non-spooky, though I was grateful for the time I had last night to school him in the big show ring. I just made walk-trot-canter, some easy sideways trotwork, thinking long neck and swingy back, no intense collection (I did have to make one passage-piaffe-passage to show off. I am only human.) He was very civilized. It’ll be different, I’m sure, with the spectators mulling about, but I’ve done all I can do at this point.

2. The Festival has the BEST staff and the BEST volunteers of any horse show, ever.

They are polite, organized and on-the-ball. Stable manager Jimmy has it totally together; Lloyd Landkamer runs a tight ship. I LOVE showing here.

3. The weather gods are smiling upon us.

Yesterday, the high was 80 degrees, with a cool breeze all day long. Payback for the rainstorm, I think?

4. I slept in, so I have to go feed Midge before he revolts. But tune in today to USEFlive.com to watch the little bugger buck me off. Er, I mean, do the Developing Horse Grand Prix test.

And hey, if you’ve been following along on useflive.com, send USEF an email about what a great service it is. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get live streaming at more big shows? Yes, please!