Why Underdogs Are The Smart Way To Winning In Soccerbetting
Underdog or favorite? It’s a choice we make everyday throughout the Soccer season.While there are certainly times when favorites warrant our attention, my experience tells me that betting underdogs is the best way to make money in Soccerbetting. Here are 5 reasons why you should pay special attention to the dogs every season.
1. Not every win is created equal
Favorites Odds tends to be on the low side ranging from 1.70-1.85. It doesn’t serve much value especially if you are betting big considering you risk $1000 on a singles even if you did win,you only managed a $700 to $825 profit.With a 3 bets/per day system which i’m adopting a typical scenario of 1 win 1 draw and 1 loss situation would results in a viguorish loss of $150-$300.However if you are betting on underdogs the odds tends to range from $1.975-$2.15 with the scenario of 1 win 1 draw and 1 loss situation would results in minimal viguorish loss or more often a profit due to the value odds.
2. Underdogs don’t get any respect!
They don’t get it from the public, sometimes leading to higher than deserved spreads. More importantly, they don’t get it from their opposition.Good teams can sometimes take bad teams lightly (especially if players and coaches minds are on other things, like next week’s tougher opponent). Research and an understanding of historical trends can reveal great situations in which underdogs are poised for an upset.
3. The Public Can’t Help Itself
The average bettor loves the popular teams (favorites), oftentimes pushing lines unreasonably high. In fact, almost every week, with the right research, you can spot teams that should be favorites but are getting points against a popular team that has been installed as a favorite due to the public “bandwagon effect.?
4. Got Courage?
Most bettors don’t have the courage to go with certain underdogs. They see a (perceived) good team versus a (perceived) bad team and assume it won’t be a contest. They have formed an opinion about how horrible some teams are based on a recent blowout or past personal gambling loss. Again, with the right combination of statistical and situational research, some undervalued dogs can be spotted each week. There are also certain situations in which bad teams have historically and reliably outperformed their average. Match that with a historically-proven situation in which favorites under-perform and you have yourself a reliable upset scenario.
5.What It All Means
Obviously just playing all underdogs is not the answer (that would yield you approximately 50% wins and a negative account balance). However, with the right research, you can spot some very high-value underdog winners each week.
About the Author : Best regards, Winder,Winder sports http://geocities.com/winder21/winderexpertsoccerpicks.htm winder expert picks-Asian handicap specialist to european soccer fixtures. http://www.geocities.com/winder21/ winder sports portal-Your guide to winder’s interest on sports : provides tips and technqiues to improve your game. Source: www.isnare.com
Winder Liao
why underdogs are the smart bet in soccerbetting
Underdog or favorite? It’s a choice we make everyday throughout the Soccer season.While there are certainly times when favorites warrant our attention, my experience tells me that betting underdogs is the best way to make money in Soccerbetting. Here are 5 reasons why you should pay special attention to the dogs every season.
1. Not every win is created equal
Favorites Odds tends to be on the low side ranging from 1.70-1.85. It doesn’t serve much value especially if you are betting big considering you risk $1000 on a singles even if you did win,you only managed a $700 to $825 profit.With a 3 bets/per day system which i’m adopting a typical scenario of 1 win 1 draw and 1 loss situation would results in a viguorish loss of $150-$300.However if you are betting on underdogs the odds tends to range from $1.975-$2.15 with the scenario of 1 win 1 draw and 1 loss situation would results in minimal viguorish loss or more often a profit due to the value odds.
2. Underdogs don’t get any respect!
They don’t get it from the public, sometimes leading to higher than deserved spreads. More importantly, they don’t get it from their opposition.Good teams can sometimes take bad teams lightly (especially if players and coaches minds are on other things, like next week’s tougher opponent). Research and an understanding of historical trends can reveal great situations in which underdogs are poised for an upset.
3. The Public Can’t Help Itself
The average bettor loves the popular teams (favorites), oftentimes pushing lines unreasonably high. In fact, almost every week, with the right research, you can spot teams that should be favorites but are getting points against a popular team that has been installed as a favorite due to the public “bandwagon effect.?
4. Got Courage?
Most bettors don’t have the courage to go with certain underdogs. They see a (perceived) good team versus a (perceived) bad team and assume it won’t be a contest. They have formed an opinion about how horrible some teams are based on a recent blowout or past personal gambling loss. Again, with the right combination of statistical and situational research, some undervalued dogs can be spotted each week. There are also certain situations in which bad teams have historically and reliably outperformed their average. Match that with a historically-proven situation in which favorites under-perform and you have yourself a reliable upset scenario.
5.What It All Means
Obviously just playing all underdogs is not the answer (that would yield you approximately 50% wins and a negative account balance). However, with the right research, you can spot some very high-value underdog winners each week.
About the Author
Best regards
Winder,Winder sports
http://www.geocities.com/winder21/winderexpertsoccerpicks.htm winder expert picks -Asian handicap specialist to european soccer fixtures.
http://www.geocities.com/winder21/
winder sports portal -Your guide to winder’s interest on sports : provides tips and techniques to improve your game.
winder liao
Why Dogs Rule
Ever wonder why dogs make such good pets? Its not something many people seem to give much thought to, but Ive been pondering it lately. Ive had cats, snakes, fish, even a bird once, but as pets they all compare unfavorably (in my humble opinion) to playful puppy dogs. But why? Its not like those other species dont have their good points as pets.
Ive concluded that the main reason that dogs make better pets is a simple one, although its not one that most people ever really think about. They show their need for us, openly and honestly. They dont hold anything back. Most other animals tend to be aloof and sometimes downright arrogant at times. Cats come to mind.
I realize that my reasoning involves a certain amount of anthropomorphism (applying human traits to non-humans), but thats my point! I think we cant help but be more attracted to dogs precisely because they appeal to us in human terms. Theyre loyal, loving, needy, funny, always nice to us, etc. And I think the best pets are those who fulfill those kinds of needs we all have.
And it doesnt matter if you prefer small dog breeds like a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier, or a larger breed like Golden Retrievers or Rottweilers. Ive had dogs as pets in all shapes and sizes, and they invariably exhibit the wonderful traits we all crave. Theres nothing quite like coming home from a long day and being met at the door by a wagging tail and happy disposition. Know what I mean? Dogs are simply the best friends we can ever know!
Just some food for thought
About the Author
John Schwartz is the owner and webmaster of http://puppies-dogs-supplies.com. He lives in East Texas with his wife, Shannon, who owns a dog rescue ‘no kill’ shelter.
John Schwartz
Why Dogs Bark
Picture this, you’re walking in the park, minding your own business when suddenly a dog comes up to you and starts barking. You start to panic because there is no reason for this dog to be barking at you.
Why is this dog barking?
Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don’t bark, so through genetic engineering and the selective breeding process, dogs these days have the ability to retain juvenile characteristics. This is through the process known as neoteny.
Humans have chosen to retain the infantile traits of wolves like large heads, flat faces, large eyes and of course the ability to communicate, barking. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).
Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master.
Dogs are extremely social animals. Wolves themselves always travel in packs are usually never alone. Bringing a dog into your family is basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. It becomes a part of the family. Try not to leave it alone otherwise it will feel as if it was abandoned by the pack. Dogs are like having a baby in the house. They need love, attention, and someone to be there to take care of them. Like people they need a companion to blossom. Meeting your dog’s emotional need for companionship and play will allow the two of you to form a strong bond together.
Sometimes having a second dog in the house can minimize the barking and minimize the loneliness. Although this may be rewarding at some times, it can also be a pain. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Sometimes having two dogs may cause havoc because they may teach each other to bark more. From the example above, dogs who bark at people are trained in a specific way. Everything boils down to how the owner trains their dog. If you reward the dog for barking, then the dog will understand that it’s a good thing to bark. If you don’t reward the dog for barking, the dog will understand that it’s a bad thing to bark. If you are training your dog to become a watchdog, sometimes their barking can be very selective and discriminating with certain people. Sometimes they may just bark at anything they see. It is important to train these dogs by developing their intelligence level and how they interpret various events.
Dogs who simply bark because of activity or excitement are relatively hard to eliminate. Most of the time these dogs are unaware of their barking and in turn becomes a process that is hard to eliminate. You must turn to a dog trainer who teaches the dog to debark.
Debarking can be somewhat inhumane because the dog is trained to let out a low, raspy bark which cannot be heard from more than a few feet away. If you consider the process of debarking your dog you must weigh the pros and cons. It can be beneficial in the sense that your dog will no longer be the irritating dog on the block who barks at anything he sees but may be a problem if the dog is in danger. As an owner you would want to know where the location of your dog was if it was in danger.
About the Author :
Keith Londrie II has written several articles about animals. He has put up an informative web site at http://http://about-animals.info/ Please feel free to drop by the web site to learn more about animals. Keith E. Londrie II infoserve @ http://mchsi.com http://about-animals.info/ Source: www.isnare.com
Keith
What You Should Know About Your Dog’s Sleeping Habits
Its important to understand your dogs sleeping habits and how they influence its behavior, particularly when your dog gets disturbed.
You see, Dogs will usually sleep for around 13 hours every day. Although this can vary between different breeds, this still means your dog is going to be asleep for almost half its life!
Dream time.
Your dog will tend to circle before lying down to sleep
As he would do in the wild, where he would trample down vegetation to create a bed, typically in longer grass where his presence will be concealed.
Temperature also influences the way in which a dog sleeps.
If its cold, your dog will curl up in a ball to conserve body heat. (just as puppies do by sleeping together instead of stretching out).
Its not unusual for an adult dog to lie on his side while hes sleeping, and start moving his legs as if he were running.
The eyelids and whiskers may twitch too at this stage, which is usually a sign of what we humans call deep sleep.
Dogs generally spend most of their time sleeping lightly.
Sleeping habits.
Seeing as dogs are descended from opportunistic hunters, dogs instinctively wake when there is an increased amount of activity around them.
However, if a dog is deliberately woken, particularly if it is disturbed by a child, he may react aggressively and bite without warning.
The phrase let sleeping dogs lie should give you a clue!
Also, your dog may be a little unwilling to settle down again if woken at an unusual hour.
This means its important to establish a set routine for a new dog from the outset. This includes things like exercising, feeding and sleeping times.
A new puppy is likely to be distressed on its first few nights in a new home, as this will be the first time that he will have been separated from its littermates.
Within a pack, there is no visible hierarchy in the order in which the dogs sleep, although they will instinctively sleep close to their fellow members. (Although the alpha dog will usually sleep apart).
If your new pup has been allowed to spend the night in the bedroom, it can become problematic to expect it to sleep elsewhere.
Its instincts suggest that it has been driven away from the pack.
By being firm right from the start and establishing that your dog sleeps on his own, you can ensure that he doesnt experience this rejection once he gets a little older.
Dogs can get restless during the night if theyre not exercised regularly. Although he may also nap continually if there isnt much happening.
While you are out, your dog may find its way to your bed, just to be near your smell. An old item of clothing, which will carry your scent, will comfort your dog when you are not there.
Sleeping postures.
Puppies often appreciate contact with littermates when sleeping, just in the same way that many dogs prefer to lie against a wall or next to their owners feet. This probably gives them a sense of security.
About the Author : Amy Howells is an expert dog trainer and author. Visit http://www.dog-owner.net/e-course.htm to get an astonishing free e-course that reveals the short-cut secrets to training any dog in 21 days! Source: www.isnare.com
Amy Howells
What’s In A Dog’s Name: 5 Tips For Finding The Right Name For Your Best Friend
Your choice of pet name is important. Here are some things to think about before naming your pet.
Your dog’s name says as much about your pet as it does about you. There are literally hundreds of potential names you can give your dog, but it has to be the right one. Your dog will become a unique member of your family and his or her name will heard often. So, it’s of vital importance to get it right.
Browse the Internet websites that are dedicated to dogs for dog name suggestions. You’ll find ideas for female dog names, male dog names, cute dog names, even Latin dog names!
You choice of name can depend on one or more of the following categories:
1. Choose a dog name according to gender.
Do you have a boy dog or a girl dog? Maybe you want to choose a dog’s name that reflects its gender. The most popular female canine names in the US today are Molly, Lady, Princess and Missy, to name a few. The most popular male canine names are Sam, Max, Duke and Rocky, to name only a few.
2. Choose a dog name according to your pet’s physical characteristics.
Every dog, regardless of its breed, has certain unique physical characteristics. Every breed comes with its own set of physical attributes: coat, markings, color or size, but each dog is unique. Pinpoint the uniqueness in your dog and come up with a unique dog name that reflects your dog’s singularity.
3. Choose a dog name according to your pet’s character or personality.
As with physical characteristics, every dog has its own personality beyond the characteristics of its breed. Get to know your dog a little before you decide on its name.
3. Choose a dog name according to your pet’s breed.
Do you have a German shepherd or Labrador? Do you have a Maltese Terrier or Poodle? These breeds are traditional breeds and we’ve come to associate them with specific types of names inspired by their appearance and pedigree. Golden retrievers are often called Sunny or Goldie. Pure breed dogs tend to demand more impressive names, while strays tend to be given cuter names.
5. Choose a dog name according to your interests.
You may be a classics scholar or a music lover. You may like fast cars or a certain world city. Maybe you want to choose a name for your dog that’s related to the hobbies and interests that inspire your life. Maybe you read Horace? That’s an impressive name for an impressive dog. Maybe your all-time favorite city in the world is Sydney? Then call your dog Sydney. This is one way of ensuring a unique dog name that has extra significance for you.
Remember: dog names should be no more than one or two syllables. They should not sound similar to other names within the family and should definitely not sounds like commands. Remember that the name will last for the term of the dog’s life, so try to think ahead and be certain that the name you choose will suit the dog (and you) in the years to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of dog-names-directory.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Dean Erickson
Westies Dogs Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable, but new dog purchasers often do not realize the commitment they are making when they bring a puppy home.
For those want the companionship of Westies dogs, but do not have the knowledge or patience to endure the training process, rescuing an older Westie dog may be the right alternative.
When considering an older West highland terrier dog, the first thing that many people think is that they would be getting a dog with problems, either genetic problems common to Westies, or behavioral problems from improper training.
The truth is, many Westie dogs go to shelters for reasons that have nothing to do with the dogs’ inherent qualities. Every year, dog owners die, move to retirement homes, change jobs, get divorced, have new babies, or, unfortunately, simply tire of the responsibility of caring for a dog.
The advantages of older dogs are many. They have already finished teething, and no longer feel the urge to chew holes in your shoes, rugs, and furniture. Westie dogs that are older have grown used to sleeping through the night while their people sleep, as opposed to westie puppies, who wake up and whine.
Older pets will have already been housetrained and also should know the meaning of the word ‘no,’ making their continued training that much easier.
When you encounter a Westie puppy, you only have the breed standards to give you an idea of what kind of dog it will grow into. Although Westhighland dogs have a typical personality type, there are variations from dog to dog. The full-grown Westie is a know quantity. The Westie dog you meet is what you will get, and you can quickly determine if it will fit into your home.
It may seem like rescuing an older Westie provides you with an ‘instant dog,’ but that is not the case. At first they might become confused, upon arriving at a new home, and need to be reminded of their basic training. However, even allowing a few weeks of extra special care is easier and less stressful than the rigors of training a puppy.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Jeff Cuckson webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
************************************
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW! http://www.madaboutwesties.com
************************************
About the Author
Jeff Cuckson
Author of….
Mad About Westies! .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!
“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days! – How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owners dull grey day
100 Top Westie Sites!
115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!
Jeff Cuckson
Westies Dogs – Footcare Health Tips
Westies dogs owners delight in the companionship their dogs give them during long and leisurely walks. But this activity should be one that brings pleasure to both.
How can you ensure that your dog also enjoys these activities?
First, youll need to get your dog accustomed to having his paws handled and manipulated.
These are important Westie health issues that come under the grooming umbrealla.
When your dog is tolerant of such treatment it would be easier for both you and the veterinarian to carefully scrutinize your dog if there are cuts or bruises on, in and around his paws.
Where should these foot exams take place? Pick a spot thats comfortable for both of you, and is at the same time well-lit. Heres how to do it. Put the dogs paw in your hand. Run your finger around every pad. If you feel lumps, examine it closely to find out what it is.
Keep a pair of tweezers handy, to pull out bits of twig that may be stuck.
If the skin is broken, put anti-bacterial ointment or powder on the sore. Check the next day to ensure it heals completely.Refrain from taking a walk with your dog in the next couple of days, until the healing is completed.
Heres what you should do if you find a lump in one foot thats not present in the other foot. Get your dog to the vet. He or she may have an abscess or an interdigital cyst.
Examine and trim the paws regularly.
Regularly trim all the hair thats out from between the pads. Dont trim it too tight. If you see a matt of hair sticking out, cut it. Dont strip or pull the hairs. Its painful for your dog.
Here’s what to do if your pets paws are itchy. Look for these symptoms; the hairs and even the nails are a reddish brown. The pads are swollen. This means yeast and bacteria already be developing in the crevices between the pads and around the nails.
Visit your vet so he or she can recommend medication to reduce the swelling and alleviate the itching.
Doing regular examinations on your Westies (Scottish in origin) dog’s paw prior to and after your walks, will make your dog eagerly await each sojourn.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
***********************************
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
http://www.madaboutwesties.com
**********************************
About the Author
By Jeff Cuckson
Author of….
Mad About Westies! .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!
“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days! – How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owners dull grey day
100 Top Westie Sites!
115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!
Jeff Cuckson
Westies Dogs and Your Children
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier, westies dogs, are good with children. However, terrier enthusiasts, and westie rescue organizations, tell a different story.
Before you bring your terrier into a home with small children, be sure you understand the westie personality, and how they might react to your children’s behavior.
Like any terrier, a westie can have what is called a high ‘prey drive.’ Any breed of terrier, westhighland terriers included, was originally bred to hunt down small prey, chase into its den, and then aggressively, or even viscously fight the prey until it was caught in the dog’s jaws. Because small children’s high, squealing voices sound like the squeals of fleeing prey , a westies’ prey drive may be triggered by these sounds.
To compound the confusion the dog will see children running from them in the same way the see prey running to escape. It will give chase.
Among the breeds of terrier, a westie is one that will not tolerate manhandling. Trainers advise that unlike some dogs, which can be desensitized to the ear-pulling, and poking and prodding that small children are likely to inflict, westies will react adversely to this treatment. The more you or your child annoys your little terrier, the more likely it is to become aggressive or nip.
From the point of view of a terrier, it will see small children as an inferior member of the ‘pack.’ This is true of many dogs. Being strong-willed west highland white terriers have an inclination to be bossy in the first place. Small children are incapable of countering this behavior.
If you have your heart set on a terrier, westies can still be your dog of choice if you have children. First train your children, then train your terrier. Teach your children how to properly approach, handle, and play with your westie.
This is wise for any child, even if you do not have dogs, because at some time in their lives they will encounter a stray, or a dog tethered in its yard, and will need to know what to do to avoid aggravating the animal.
Obedience training is highly recommended for any westie that will be around small children. Also, give your westie an escape hole, a place that only it can reach, where it can feel safe if the children do manage to annoy it. Even if you have had obedience training for your terrier, they should never be left alone with babies or toddlers. This is true of any dog.
Playful, friendly, and loyal, westhighland terriers are good pets. If both are properly supervised and prepared, can truly be good dogs for children.
(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)
I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.
Good health and happiness
Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
**************************************
Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW!
http://www.madaboutwesties.com
*************************************
About the Author
Jeff Cuckson
Author of….
Mad About Westies! .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!
“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days! – How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owners dull grey day
100 Top Westie Sites!
115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!
Jeff Cuckson
Were WOOFERS Not Dogs
Ruapehu Farm Stay New Zealand
Farm Stay
PLEASE DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT AUTHORS PERMISSION
Date 30 October 2003
AuthorChristopher Ford
Contact c.ford@mcrmail.com
WERE WOOFERS NOT DOGS
Traveling doesnt come cheap. Even with a very strong pound and a stern budget I still crossed my fingers and prayed waiting for cash at each ATM I visited. Id been away from home 5 months to date, jumped off, climbed up, and swam through, every piece of land, rock, and stretch of water in New Zealand. It was time to give back a little of what Id taken, and take back a little of what Id spent.
Backpacking notice boards and hostel hearsay persuaded me to travel north to Ohakune, North Island, New Zealand. My reason for coming, to WOOF: that is to be a Willing Worker on an Organic Farm. Four weeks of intensive farming, in exchange for 3 home cooked meals and a bed. A chance to rebuild my connection to mother earth, live the organic life, and more importantly, preserve enough money for a skydive in Taupo.
Although Ohakune is large enough to export world famous carrots and skiing, it is still yet to discover the merits of public transport. With my thumb outstretched, and sporting my best pick me up Im not a psychopath smile I called upon the good will of passing motorists to get me the extra 3km south to the farm, my destination.
Sadly, as it transpired, thats exactly what the passing motorists did. Pass me by. One car became two, and 78 became a joke. A few cars away from my thumb becoming the finger, I started to walk.
4km on, braving more rain than I thought existed, I swung open the white picket gate, sent my backpack to the ground, and introduced myself to the host. The person on the other end of my arm was Sue Allomes; teacher, foster mother, and all round matriarch. She briefly showed me around the farm, to my accommodation, and once introductions to the other workers and animals were made, dinner was served.
The accommodation was a caravan. I cant find a better word than grim to describe it. Electricity, gas, or running water hadnt been seen since the mould arrived in the late 80s. I entered nonetheless and fought back the stench to get a closer look. The only reason the roof wasnt gushing water was because the rain had since stopped. Still, I pinned a postcard on the wall, prayed for a drought, and called it home. Caravan #4, Ruapehu Homestead, New Zealand.
The main income for the farm comes from the horse trekking business they operate that runs a 3-hr guided trek across the scenic Ruapehu district. Also offered was a selection of lodge accommodation, and country dining in the restaurant. The WOOFERS were responsible for maintaining, cleaning and the general upkeep of everything inside the picket fence. First impressions were good. I was eager to hang up my compass and reach for the elbow grease.
Routine soon concreted itself into our day. We groomed and fed the horses not long after ourselves and set about the daily chores with the fresh enthusiasm each day. Bread was to be baked, fences to be fixed, and weeds weeded. Simplistic in theory yet pathetically executed in practice. In the first week alone, I was responsible for all the inedible bread in the house, destroying 3 fence posts, and digging up the all the broccoli in one vegetable patch. I then decided to do what any other person worth their salt would do: deny it. Come to think of it Sue, I did see the new German girl leaning on the fence yesterday.
In addition to this, I set about inadvertently electrocuting myself on the paddock fence more times than I care to remember. Organic farming was proving to be test that no university education could prepare me for, and my appreciation of farmers soared.
The work was hard, but faking delight when meals were plated up was harder. Our meals came from the garden and drinking water from the sky. Id enjoyed the benefits of drive thrus since Grease was playing in the drive ins and longed for a McAnthing. The cook had two philosophies, We need to be sustainable and eat the food we grow, which I understood, and WOOFERs will eat anything, which I despised. True to her word, we would and we did, but never by choice. Ill pass on the rack of lamb thanks, just dish me up some of that disgusting looking cabbage bake and some rainwater in a glass, Ta.
Food was something we spooned into our mouth, chewed, swallowed and digested. Carbohydrates were always on the menu, carbs equaled energy, and energy equaled fixed fences and weed-less vegetable patches. Everything that could be eaten was. Any food left over from the WOOFERs was given to the cats, and any food the cats refused was fed to the chickens, although the order of which I still remain skeptical. Wed collect chicken eggs, rip up spring onions and siphon water from the gutters to continue the cycle of farm life.
The horses, however, lived outside this cycle. They ate carrots, literally by the lorry load, and when the lorry was empty they turned to the grass. Wed feed them and theyd belt us with their hooves as a way of saying thanks. They would also bite, nut, and stamp on impulse. With one between my legs I felt the next stop was nearly always the ground, and the ground was far. Just get up, and get back on its easy, There is a reason hes bucking me off. Horses are unquestionable beautiful and handled correctly probably receptive. But my relationship with them started with the first shin kick and probably wont continue past spreading manure on the garden.
Still the cycle continued. The work list never shortened and I was using more salt and pepper on my meals than ever. Progress and recognition were never achieved nor given and I soon felt drained and unwanted. This raw approach to life Id craved a month prior was beating me. Operating such a self-sufficient lifestyle was very admirable, but I yearned for a glass of water that didnt taste of the roof and a bed with a mattress thicker than the duvet.
Id learned many skills, formed new friendships and put to bed any horse riding desires I had. Id eaten my weight in carrot bread, could spot a Christmas fern from poison ash and tie a Flemish hitch faster than most boy scouts. But, it was time say goodbye to the gang and farewell to Mother Earth. I scrawled Taupo on a sheet of cardboard and picked up my bag.
About the Author
None
Christopher Ford (c.ford@mcrmail.com)
