The pack up is well and truly under way!!!

Reality has hit and we are getting out of here......still no confirmed date but it feels so close!

As we still await the blood test results which will enable us to be categorised into two groups, positive for anti-bodies you go home, negative you stay another 30 days. We are all confident that we are leaving and I feel for anyone who may have to stay. (I better be leaving as there is no medication available that would help me cope with another 30 days!)

So I gave in to the inevitable and began the clean up. All our gear must be washed first then taken to the DPI spray and wash station, where it is drenched in some smelly stuff, hung out to dry, then bagged and preferably taken off the grounds immediately in waiting vehicles or kept sealed and off the ground until we leave. 

After I finished doing our gear I was on a roll and did the Toughs' lovely gooseneck, which had been our home for the last 4 weeks. I pulled everything out and washed down the walls, roof, tack box and floors, it looked and smelt brand new, which it pretty much is. So apart from the gear we are still using we are ready to go!! Not that I am keen or anything ........ha ha.

After speaking with the vets out here, our English vet Jamie O'Gorman who has had experience with EI and Rod Howard our Aussie vet with a wealth of knowledge, we were told that the horses could be WALKED for exercise and sanity. This was only possible after the vets had assessed each case individually and gave the horse the go or the no. The main factor that was to be remembered was that the horses were not to be exerted and the heart rates to be kept moderate. So as you can imagine not riding for 4 weeks and full of feed stuck in small yards it was advised that only reliably quiet horses be ridden and the others lead in hand. Common sense also supported the permission to walk them as most horses out here are throwing themselves around the yards and carrying on like spring foals when we are leading them, so that a leisurely walk was more than fine.

So Zac and I went for our first ride since all the drama unfolded out here, and with Georgie - one of our new found friends leading Milo we explored the x-country course and I now can confirm that these eventers are not just brave but definitely crazy...those fences were just ridiculous!! Zac and Milo were unsure why there were random fancy fences around a big paddock, not once did they imagine they were there to be jumped. I should have told them, I am sure they would have been more grateful for being dressage horses, I must say the boys really enjoyed the experience and the break from the yards.

Amy’s legs are recovering well and she really only has a few battle scars remaining as evidence of the whole drama. Amie, Milo and Zac all have normal temps, no nasal discharge and apart from the odd cough are doing really well. The majority of horses out here are all doing well, still the occasional colic and "tie up" but overall they are returning to full health. So to clarify some of the rumours NO horses have died, been reinfected or coughing blood.

Everyone is still chugging along and getting about their day. Simon our wonderful "host" celebrated his birthday on Wednesday and many others were there to offer their support as party buddies. "Club Morgan Park" was in fine form and "So you think you can dance" would have been impressed!!

The talent just kept coming and we saw the initial auditions for "Morgan Town Idol" feature a couple of "Touch Downs". My talent here seemed to be limited so I offered to be a judge instead. Everyone here is really making the best out of this unfortunate disaster and we all try to keep each other occupied, sane and somewhat entertained. I would like to thank those yesterday who didn't include me in their water fight!!

Well I pass over to Karen and Kyla and will update you as soon as we have the results back from our blood tests. This may just be my last post from the inside wishful thinking again.

From the 2 Nicoles at Warwick.

Go to the Archived reports from the 2 Nicoles stationed at Warwick.

Nicole Magoffin Media Release