After our time in France it was back to our daily routine again. The girls started their first full year at the ISH, Paula in year 10, and Dorien in year 8. Paula had to choose a number of subjects, and could drop a few as well (history and drama featuring high on that list!). As part of the IB (International Baccalaureate), secondary education that is recognised all over the world, the girls have to do some hours of community service. Our stable across the road has joint accommodation with an organisation for horse riding for disabled people, and they are always looking for volunteers. Just before the holiday the girls went for an intake interview and after the summer they started. Every Saturday from 8 to 12 o’clock they help cleaning the stables, grooming the horses and helping with the lessons. Many of the disabled riders need help to stay on their horse, or someone holding on to the reins. And when they are lucky they can ride a bit themselves, the horses need proper exercise as well….
Piet has recently moved office. As part of a larger reorganisation his department moved from a grey office complex in the outskirts of Rijswijk to the main office in the centre of The Hague, definitely a step up. He also went on a team building outing in the Belgian Ardennes, where they did some outdoor activities, a cooking clinic and team discussions.
And we got a new family member: Smokey. Mary met a lady, Hanneke, during barbeque at the stable. She was looking for someone to help taking care of her horse. They agreed that Mary would look after this horse, Smokey, every Thursday, and also on other days when required. Mary has started to train him, as they want to do endurance events in the future. Smokey is riding without a bit, and that is something new as well. Mary is very happy with the arrangement and gets along very well with Smokey's owner.
And the first endurance event was held early October, with Mary as groom and photographer.
Smokey and Hanneke during the endurance event
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