Sunday 2nd October 2011

I am currently sitting in the glorious French sunshine at Lignieres, has been fantastic weather here this week though maybe a little too warm at times.  I have had a few events though before this one, I seem to be struggling to find time to do anything but ride especially as I’ve a couple to gallop for three days which takes time as twice a week.

We went to Burnham the first day with Rubin who was at his first ever event. He is proving to be a promising horse as did a good test and 1 down and clear XC, just in the 90 but he showed a good attitude and enjoyed the day which was pleasing. He is a grandson of Quidam De Revel so is a very good jumper.

I also had Columbo in the 100; he as always did a very good test for 24 but sadly had two down as the jumps were just too small for him. He was very good XC and finished 4th. He is in the in-between stage of too good for a 100 and not quite bold enough for a novice yet, I would do a pre novice plus but there are very few of these unfortunately.

I went with three on Sunday for the intermediate and Bambi in the novice. All the horses, Red, Bertie, Romeo and Bambi did very good tests and were very near the leaders in each section. Romeo jumped beautifully but just had the first part of the combination down as too bold. Bert jumped immaculately and Red very uncharacteristically jumped right in the last combination and my right foot hit two wings to have two down which was a real shame.

Romeo then went very well xc and finished 8th, this was my last run with him sadly as he has gone to Alex Liddle as a junior horse, I’m sure he will excel at this so fingers crossed for them and junior teams.

Bertie was jumped superbly but was slightly green into the first water (I now realise it was very shadowy as they all were the same). I therefore kept coming to the 2nd as the distance is 3 and a 1/2 across it to a small step, well he jumped in so boldly we went 1/2 way and stumbled up the step and catapulted me out of the saddle! I got back on and finished but the top placing was gone, shame as he deserved a good result.

Red was good but ran right in the water and past the red flag for 20 penalties!   Bambi was excellent, she jumped a great double clear to finish 6th. They had a decent water complex, (the old intermediate) so especially pleased.

In between events we went to Ireland looking at horses, I am always keen to keep building a team even better than last years so I have just bought a very handsome 4 year old by a son of Cavalier, he moves beautifully and has a good jump so just now fingers crossed the journey goes ok from Ireland to us!

Apart from Romeo going I also have moved on Imp and Elsa (Billy Black Cat). She has gone to Anthony Clarke, I felt a man is needed! Imp has gone back to the person I bought him from Sally Taylor so hope he enjoys retirement from eventing with her…

We went to Moreton Morrell with three, the first time I’ve been there in years, in fact the last time was when Jasper was a novice!  It has definitely improved, the courses were good and the 100 was decent which is a good thing as so many are uninspiring. I had Columbo in the 100 and Rubin for his first at this level. Rubin was green as expected but went very well overall, two down but only as he needs to improve his technique, he has lots of scope. He was good XC one run out but plenty to see for his first one and got better as he went around.

Columbo scored 21 in the dressage then sadly one down and few time faults XC to finish 2nd. This was his last run this year I’ve decided as he has gone so well and always placed in top few each event. The ground has gone hard again so enough with respect to this too.  Bambi did the best dressage in her section and clear SJ and fantastic XC but they must have wheeled the course incorrectly as I had two time faults for being too fast which made me 4th not 1st!! Very disappointed as she went fantastically.

I had the weekend off eventing before Lignieres which was lucky as you’d be surprised how much stuff you need for one horse and rider especially when not going in your own lorry! Originally I was taking Romeo but he has moved on then Red and Bert but he is going to Le Lion so with just Red and he has to travel in Viviens’ lorry,  I was off for a weeks holiday as I didn’t have to be so responsible! I was so tired before we left though, I can’t remember being so shattered everyday for weeks that I must admit I was really looking forward to some sun and sleep. I think with hindsight the move had killed me with so much to do in the busiest part of the season but has been well worth it and asked if I’d do it again the answer would be yes!

 

We left early Tuesday, I usually drive through the night but was too tired this time so it does mean traffic slower but you don’t get there exhausted. We had a good trip down and arrived at 8pm.
I love Lignieres, it has a great laid back atmosphere and incredibly helpful organisers, nothing is too much trouble and they really want to help/ please us which is lovely. The stables are fantastic, wooden permanent with big overhangs to stop the sunlight. There are surfaces for the dressage and show jumping and the XC is watered and spiked. They also have 7pm drinks each night so very social too!
This was Reds’ longest trip so far and generally coped very well and with the heat. It must’ve been 30 degrees easily each day and no wind so really was very hot, I even had shorts on all week and time to sunbathe!! (In-between plaiting etc as I didn’t take a groom as 3 of us for 1 horse seemed enough!).
Red worked well each day and I was careful not to do too much with him as so hot, so I’d do 2 x 30 minute sessions and this worked well. He did his test at the hottest part of the day on Friday and apart from a couple minor mistakes I was very happy and so a little disappointed to be given 49.6 but it was quite evident that in the heat and the serious 2* xc course it wasn’t going to be a dressage competition.

 

Thankfully it was only 8 30 minutes as it was certainly 30 degrees Saturday and in the warm up there was no shelter. The ground was very good and some is even part of the racecourse so fantastic. The course is typical French, very angled and lots and lots of skinnies. The water complex at fence 5 was pretty serious, when we watched Michael Jungs’ 4* horse go through it very stickily we knew that it would be influential! There were also angles at 3 and 4 (after a big drop number 2!) Then a double of skinnies the first an interspace 8 and 9, 10 an angled hedge and so on and so on. We even had a bounce into water and still more skinnies and angles after!!

I went near the end so had plenty of time to watch the thrills and spills which were all over the course as expected. The horses were also looking tired as so hot so I planned with Red to go positively but not to push too hard as I really wanted a qualification. I felt this was overdue as he is 9 next year and really should’ve gone to Houghton but had a pollen allergy. I was anxious when I walked the course to make everything as straightforward as possible as there were so many places to run out so I planned to do one long route which took an extra 4 seconds I guess.   He warmed up fantastically, again I was careful not to do too much as a tough ask coming up. He set off well but strong. Wasn’t usually as strong and was fighting a little but jumped the first 7 well including the water complex which had caused some difficulty ( a big fence in, 3 or 4 strides up a big step then a long stride or 2 to a skinny would you believe!). We got to the interspace skinny and he ran out to the right, has never done that before and I was rather shocked I must admit but went the long route and carried on. 20 penalties is still a qualification. He was still very strong and never really settled which I don’t know why and in the heat surprised me. He jumped very well over the next 14 fences when we got to a turning combination, a big table then 5 forward strides to a skinny on a right hand turn. Well we jumped the table well and was good for the skinny when just on takeoff he suddenly dived left and half jumped the fence and hit it behind causing me to fall off the left hand side with my foot still caught in the right stirrup somehow. My jacket blew up thankfully (I nearly didn’t wear one as so hot thank god I did) and saved me from breaking my collarbone or a dislocated shoulder for sure. Somehow thankfully Red knew to stop and I got my foot out the stirrup and walked off battered and bruised and pleased he didn’t run off or it could’ve been a different story. I have no idea why he did it but will be practising lots and lots of skinnies before next season!!!

 

I think only 40 showjumped out of 66 starters which is quite a high casualty of faults but don’t be put off it is such a lovely event and I’ll be back next year with my best angle jumpers! They also have other classes, CIC 1* too and maybe more next year.

 

I am off riding for a few days to let my body recover so will make the most of the sunshine and begin to book up teaching clinics in my spare time this winter! Please contact if interested.

Wednesday 14th September 2011

Its been a busy few weeks, I know I say that often but it really has been, the yard is looking immaculate but my house isn’t – its full of boxes and clothes still, I’m trying to get round to that point but for me the yard is the most important thing.  The yard is looking fantastic, where it’s been painted and its had a bit of a renovation and so anyone who comes down sees the difference, it looks lovely and I must admit it’s very nice not to be in a place surrounded by building work going on. 

 

I’ve been out to several different competitions.  I went to Burghley for Colombo to do the Young Event Horse final, 5 yr old final a couple of Fridays ago.  It’s always a funny competition, its very subjective and unfortunately I was drawn too early really I think he was 16^th to go, he did the most beautiful test and I was very disappointed to just get a 30 out of 35 for his dressage test, I’m not 100% sure what they were looking for there because my horse has everything and a good extension as well.  I watched some of the other tests and I must admit I was quite surprised by how low his mark was.  He jumped very well, he’s a bit spooky still and he just had one down which was a shame, he warmed up amazingly and just doesn’t quite do that same jump in the ring yet, which he will do later on and again had a slightly disappointing mark for his jumping and for his confirmation he got 10 out of 15 which was very low, I think he is a well put together nice model so the mark was quite surprising.  So all in all we finished about 17th  which was very disappointing I think if anyone has seen the horse go you would be surprised he didn’t make the top 10.  I was looking at some of the horses in the top 10 and I must admit I was surprised by some of them in there.  As I said it’s a subjective class and I don’t know why I do it sometimes because it breaks your heart really when you’ve got a good horse they should get the good marks but never mind… He won his last BE100 on a score of 23.5 so I know that he’s got talent.  I just wonder if they should have results that go in so if they have done well in their 100’s then perhaps they should be rewarded perhaps on a points system before they start, I appreciate that some horses are greener than others but really it should be on a results basis not just potential because a lot of peoples horses are out doing things already and perhaps if they’re not there’s a reason why they arent doing things they should be the end of their 5 year old career which should be going quite well at the BE100 level.

 

I then went to Blenheim with two horses, I had Maisie in the CCI 3* and Red in his 8 and 9 Yr Old CIC 3* this was his first event at this level of competition so quite a big deal for him and also for Maisie to have her first CCI3* as always Blenheim is the most lovely event to go to, the weather was pretty kind to us we had a few rain showers but ground was great and they were actually watering the course because it has been quite dry there but I love the feel of Blenheim it’s got plenty of crowds and atmosphere so it’s a really good stepping stone for the horses before their next big competition as I say this was Maisie’s first CCI 3* and I was absolutely delighted with the way she went all week.  She warmed up beautifully for her test, she worked beautifully before , and did a very nice test, there were a couple of bits - potentially slightly over bent but there really wasn’t a lot to say about it she did change on one counter canter circle early and then it was too late to get the change and so we lost quite a few marks on that but really I was thinking she’s get more of a 56 for the test, she was really hammered and got a 60 which disappointed me as I was so far down after the dressage and she can do a very professional and nice test and there weren’t any other mistakes in the test so 60’s pretty bad really so I was disappointed and on paper it looks a lot worse than it was but I was very pleased with the way she went.  I then did Red’s test in the CIC and he again did a very nice test, he’s only an 8 year old so his changes were quite green and needs a bit of work on those in the ring but performed a very good test and a very confident level test for a young horse and he then scored a 55 which was about 25^th after they’d all gone.

 

On the Saturday we went XC with Maisie it was 10 minutes 29 so it’s a long course and a hilly course and it was evident when the minute markers were very tight it was going to be a fast course to ride and she’s nearly full thoroughbred so bred for the job and she was an absolute MACHINE! I had a fantastic ride and at no point was there any moment of worry of anything because she was such a machine and she made it look effortless we finished a few seconds over the time so three time faults, I probably should have not got the time fault in hindsight but it was my first big three day event with her and I didn’t want to overcook it to start with but she has loads of gallop and finish- full of running which is really really exciting for the future as I know she can just gallop and gallop – with this it brought us up to finish in 29^th place  after the cross country so we had moved up considerably as I say she was a machine and I couldn’t have been more pleased with her- the only thing that happened to me though is when I got off her I could feel there was a sore spot in my back which then turned into a spasm quite quickly and I could hardly stand up straight and it cause me a lot of pain but I did the CIC 3* show jumping with Red he had one down I only missed it cause he was spooking so much, we were jumping at 7 o’clock in the evening which is far too late and they need to address this as it’s not fair on the young horses to be jumping in that big arena with the tremendous shadows and I actually couldn’t see a couple of the fences at all so I don’t know how he jumped them but this does need addressing because they do start some of them at 4pm or 4.30 and they don’t have the same issues so anyone who is drawn late gets horrible shadows, hopefully next year they may put it before the XC after the CCI.  That night I was in a lot of pain with my back and a lot of stretching things helped it but it was quite evident that I didn’t think it was going to be good enough to ride around a XC course the next morning.  Red’s XC was due to be at 11am the next morning before our CCI show jumping and I just couldn’t do it, so I unfortunately had to withdraw Red from that but I did manage to ride Maisie and it was amazing how adrenaline pulls you through, she jumped the most fantastic round jumped clear and we pulled up again four places and in the end she was 15^th out of 100, I was chuffed to bits with this but at the same time was a little disappointed that I wasn’t in the top ten because I knew if she got the dressage mark which I really think she deserved and the three time faults I could have finished in the top ten but 15^th placing was very good for her first start.

 

We left and went back and this week I’ve been sorting the yard out.  I’m looking for staff, people really who are as passionate as I am.  I really want people who want to learn to work with horses to look after them to the highest level; it has to be a passion.  It’s about looking after the horses and for the love of them and the good of them and the results that they can then achieve.  I’ve got good horses and I want the best for them and so if anybody is interested please contact me because I am looking for people with that real desire to learn and passion.

 

Going to Burnham Market this weekend with Reuben who is doing his first event he is doing the Intro, Colombo is doing his BE 100 and Bambi is doing a couple of novices.  I’ve also been selected for the Le Lion d’ angers with Bertie as a 7yr old which is superb so really pleased with that  we will go and do two championships there and also off of to Lignieres with Red soon to do the  CIC 2 * there so  good things to look forward to end the season. 

 

I’m just currently out looking for another horse potentially one that has done a bit more, so if anyone has a good horse let me know. 

 

Il be going to do some dressage with Tweedy and Imp – October towards November to improve their accuracy and my riding- they are still both for sale, their videos are up on my website and facebook page for people to see the horses going.

 

Please do get in touch at sharonsworld@hotmail.co.uk if your interested in working for me or are interested in the horses I have for sale.

Tuesday 16th August 2011

Well the move has well and truly begun! I now have 11 of my horses back and off to get the other 5 tomorrow. I so pleased that Tristan and I and my long suffering family have been able to paint the stables and brighten them up as they looked rather unloved. They look fantastic now, thanks to everybody!

My kind owners have also been helping, thanks to Sue Cross, Vivien Jupp and Sue Howard ( part time groom! is that right Sue?). Also an enormous thanks to my family (especially my sister who is helping me muck out etc!) and who all seem pleased so far I am back. Perhaps after a few weeks they may change their mind, I have an even bigger team than before now…

However this is due to change as I do have two horses for sale and have passed the reins of Bomber onto Becky so I hope they will both be happy!! I am selling Tweedy, 7 years, fantastic horse but won’t be suitable for me as won’t be 4* but is a fantastic dressage horse/ jumper and I will sell him to a good home for a very reasonable price. Also Imp, 16 1 as I have decided his forte is dressage as he wins everything! Won again an elementary with nearly 70%. Is working at advanced medium level with established changes. He could be a very exciting prospect for a young rider or is so good on the ground would be ideal for a lady too.

I am also looking for staff, I am short staffed with one member sadly leaving as clearly not keen on packing!! Hopefully won’t be happening too often!! Please email me about any of these subjects! Oh and also potentially still looking for a yard (although very much enjoying being back at home so far!) so that too! many thanks! )

 

Apart from all that the horses have been going brilliantly. We went to Gatcombe for the advanced. Luckily we had rain just before and the ground was very good. Maisie was a little tense still in her changes which was a little disappointing as she warmed up so well. Red was in his first ever advanced, he has just learnt changes, half passes etc and was a superstar in the test and scored 35 which was very respectable. Maisie show jumped very early, for some reason this year it seems all the entry secretaries have ganged up on me and any possible lay in and gone for 8am dressage/ jumping every time. This does mean several of my supporters aren’t always quite there to see me but I really don’t blame them!

 

She jumped a super clear, the course is always up to height and causes problems and this year was no exception. Red just had coming out of a double down but jumped superbly otherwise. They both excelled themselves XC, Maisie was unbelievable, as straight as you could wish for and very brave. Red was extraordinarily brave and jumped clear in fine style. I lost my silk at fence 3 on a tree which luckily was returned as it’s from the Bejiing Olympics; sometimes they don’t come back as are trophies for spectators!

 

Maisie finished 11th, I was surprised as I felt her performance deserved a good place but I was still so pleased, Red was 9th and we are all over the moon, he is an exciting horse and good to have a 2nd advanced horse. He will now go to Blenheim 8/ 9 year olds…

I also went to Aston Le Walls with Bert and Romeo. I was exhausted from moving things and it is pretty stressful at the best of times but you try mid season! I had to go though as I had been informed one of the schools was being re worked in September, Blenheim time and I felt it fairly important I could ride before that! There are too many horses there for my needs sadly but I wish them all best of luck for the future with Bedgebury.

 

I arrived late and there was some confusion if I could still run one of them which I was quite upset about as we do spend a fortune on entry fees and feel there must be some give and take. I appreciate I do take most of the time but let’s face it without us and our horses there would be no competitions. I am sympathetic to secretaries as I am disorganised at times but I do supply wine/ chocolates when I really make a blunder!! Eventually they fitted me in later but it took a little while. I shall do my best to never be late again!!! This did mean that the XC was pretty firm by the time Bert went around so I didn’t go too speedily. He performed an excellent test for 26 and clear sj so a shame I couldn’t go as fast as I’d like but he is very precious to me so we finished 4th. Romeo also performed a good test, 30 and clear sj and was super XC until the 2nd last where he ran out at a corner. This is unlike him so I did wonder if he was feeling the ground perhaps? A good day generally though.

 

I went to Chilham on Sunday with 3, again an 8 30 dressage! The judge in Columbos’ section must have been blind. He did the best, most perfect test. I thought no lower than 8′s every movement but scored 31!!  I wouldn’t have minded but someone got 21, there was no horse that much better than him. Nevermind he jumped a super double clear and was 5th. (Still won in my eyes!)

Elsa scored 27 and clear sj but still not playing ball XC, more work needed. Bambi competed in her first competition in a year and was excellent. She scored 35 in the dressage, was a little excited and then jumped a double clear to be 6th. Nice to have her back she is a lovely mare. Next stop Milton Keynes….

Well I shall go back to moving/ packing / unpacking. Any help gratefully received please!!!

Tuesday 5th July- Tuesday 2nd August 2011

It has been forever since I sat down and wrote anything, seems like so much has happened (which it has!). I have had some great competitions, Barbury for example was superb. I had Romeo in the CIC 2* jump a double clear to finish 21st out of 100, Red was superb to be 4th in the 2* also out of 100 and Maisie jumped her 2nd CIC 3* in very hot company to be 28th out of 115 and mainly team horses ahead of her!! Also Columbo qualified for the 5 year old young event horse final! 

I have then had my best friend Jennys’ hen do and wedding, great fun and fantastic to catch up with everyone.

I have been to Hickstead with eight horses jumping for four days and had some good results, Maisie double clear 1 25, Romeo, Red and Bertie d/c Foxhunter, Columbo d/c 1 05 and Bambi and Elsa d/c the 1 10. I watched the Nations cup too which was fantastic live, I will pursue my show jumping career as I thoroughly enjoy it!!

I went to Wilton for the first time Sunday, a lovely competition. Beautiful setting and good xc track, perhaps quite tough in places especially the first water where several stopped, Romeo included as was just quite green there, it is a white log into water which you can’t see until on top of it but he jumped it well second time. Bertie performed a great test, 28, and then had one down (was a poley course and ground on the firm side) and then excellent XC for 8th. Maisie was her usual consistent double clear and did a good test for 31 and finished 9th. Both horses I didn’t push XC as the ground was ok but on the firm side. This sets Maisie up well for Gatcombe and Bertie hopefully for Le Lion (fingers crossed!!).

I have been deliberating for several months now about whether to stay at Bedgebury or not as it has got busier and busier the last few months. I can’t always use the schools as I’d like and the surfaces are in need of replacing but this is ongoing progress but I need my own space again as I am finding my days increasingly difficult sadly. So I am moving somewhere, not too sure where yet, so please if anyone has any ideas then email me!! I will be back in Suffolk no doubt until I find somewhere; I love Suffolk but need hills! I’m excited about returning though as I do miss my family and friends enormously so we shall see.

A short diary but sums up things so far, much time has been spent on the phone asking about yards etc!! I will also be looking for a new member of staff as sadly Becky will be staying in Kent so please again email me about the vacancy.

 

12th June- 5th July 2011

I have again been busy away with various things. I was at Hickstead for three days jumping which I loved. The warm up surface is divine to ride on and the grass arenas are too. I took Imp, Amber, Maisie, Columbo and Elsa.

I knew Columbo would be green but he was so surprised by the different fences and atmosphere and didn’t jump clear in the 1 metre the first day, but by the second he did a double clear and was placed. This is how quickly they come on in the environment.  It is a little bit much for them to begin with but they quickly grow up and become ‘adults’.  Elsa was a little the same and had two down in the 1 10 the first day and one down in the metre which really was too small for her as she is a little over brave!  The next day she jumped a much better round in the metre and then just the first fence in the 1 10 but otherwise a very good round.

Imp was exceptional. He was 5th in the 1 10 the first day and double clear in the Fox with decent sized fences and the next day was 13th again in a big class in the 1 10. He couldn’t have gone better. I decided not to jump him in the  Fox the second day as it poured and poured and the ground was soft, as I wanted to improve his confidence I gave it a miss as at Salperton two days later.

Amber was also brilliant, double clear 1 25 both days. I will start more jumping with her if I’m not happy with our eventing as she is such a careful jumper. I really enjoy it too so would be fun to do more.  Maisie was also double clear in the 1 25 both days so  a very good few days. We left Thursday evening, I was quite disappointed to be going as I do find it sharpens me up and really brings the horses on so next year I will forget the weekend event and go for a week. We also had the opportunity to watch a big class in the main ring which again was great. I never get the chance to sit and watch so enjoy when I can. I still don’t know who won the Derby!!

We left for Salperton Friday lunch time in the rain, which didn’t stop falling all night. I was on very early with Romeo at 8am.  He did quite a nice test, bits to improve to score 35. I wasn’t happy that he felt 100% in himself so withdrew him but he now goes to Barbury 2*. I also had Imp. After being the superstar of the week I had hoped that he would excel here… Well he did in the dressage and scored 23!! But for whatever reason he was not loving the SJ(unbelievably after Hickstead) so retired. Very, very disappointed but guess something must be sore so gave him a few days off and will do the ON at Barbury for a fun run. If only we could get inside horses heads!!

Maisie was brilliant as always, she did actually do a very good test, but quite crooked at times and anticipates the simple changes etc so I am schooling her for next year really as she won’t be truly ready until then. So we had 36 as I corrected the mistakes and then clear SJ and unbelievably (her record is immaculate!) we had 20 penalties on the XC course. There was a fence that was a big brush, two long strides in a straight line to a corner and then three very, very tight strides to an arrowhead. Well I was one of the few to try the direct route and didn’t know you could circle around the back so had 20 penalties as the turn was nearly impossible on slippery ground (I went very early…). I have subsequently practised it in the school and still find it hard!

I must admit I left feeling very deflated, but it didn’t last too long as I was on a plane for a few crazy days away for my best friends’ joint hen/ stag do (of which there are a few!!). A few days in the sunshine and a few nights of partying and I was back feeling very much refreshed.

I packed a few days into one and then went to Eridge. Well when I’d left we’d had rain. Obviously none since as the ground was bone dry. I was very disappointed to walk the course as I felt it was hard and rough in places but to be honest there is not much they can do here as this is the terrain. However this does worry me for keeping my horses sound so when the two 5 year olds performed excellent test (22 and 23!) I wasn’t surprised they didn’t SJ so well off the hard ground. Elsa found it ridiculously small and had two down and Columbo one. I was still in the lead with Columbo but ran him steadily for 6th. I think a lot of him and he has a very bright future. Elsa was a little strong into the sunken road and then was unsure of where to go and so incurred penalties, I have still to find the right bit but hopefully will do soon.

I had Bert in the NRF, our only chance to qualify for Gatcombe and as only 20 in it I had to finish 5th. He performed a good test but changed in one counter canter where he shouldn’t have and so scored 31. He then just didn’t jump as he normally does and had two down so this made my mind up to not run XC as I think so much of him that he doesn’t need to run fast around that track to come 10th. I think they went so fast to qualify and I wasn’t prepared to risk my horse, he has bigger and better chances I hope so will be patient for those. I do think that somewhere we go wrong at times to get these qualifications as you have to push the novices so fast to qualify, sometimes on not great ground and I’m all for preserving theses good young horses for the future years.

I’ve been trying a new treatment the last few weeks for the horses, acupuncture. It has shown great results so far with some of the horses I’ve felt slightly under par now do feel much better. Jessica Voss (vet) has come and treated them and I have been amazed at the horses’ progress. This will be an ongoing progress but so far so good.

Off to watch the Olympic Test Event so will be exciting to see how it looks!! 

 

 

Monday 23rd May-Sunday 5th June

The weeks seem to go past faster and faster! We are so busy now as have several in work which is great, as I have a team of lovely horses its pure pleasure to ride them all, I am sure not everyone has this luxury but it has taken me several years to get to this point I might add!!

 

We have a new horse named Reubin, he is a lovely chestnut owned by Heather Bright. He is a very good jumper as expected as bred for it. I now have two with jumping breeding as Dolly has too. She is amazingly brave, jumps straight around a course now and doesn’t look at a thing, I don’t think I have ever started one so brave! Reubin seems similar although has done a lot more and is 6 years old.

 

The young horses are really progressing. Columbo has come on in leaps and bounds. He went to Borde Hill and competed in his first ever event and scored a 28 dressage and jumped a good double clear in the 90, we were only h/c as no open class but he would’ve won by several marks.  I love his attitude, he tries at whatever is asked of him and is lovely to ride, doesn’t get spooked and really enjoys his work, he is high up on the list of favourites (but in truth I say this about all of them and they can’t all be number 1!!)

 

Borde Hill had done a good job of making the ground acceptable. We have had no rain until this week so really there is little we can do to make rock-hard ground ok, except watering and they don’t have the budget big events do. I ran Luna on the Monday in the Novice after staying at my Aunt and Uncles’ as they are relatively near there and had a family night, nearly unheard of in the middle of the season! It was lovely to see everyone as I don’t spend enough time with them all.

 

Luna performed a very good test to score 31 and jumped her usual clear SJ. We went XC well but sadly jumped left at the first of the brushes and so ran past the second for 20 penalties. I was very disappointed as we would’ve come second but she jumped the straight route from brush to corner at the end so she is coming along very well. When I went to the water it had been taken out as several horses had fallen in it for apparently no reason. This is not normal, I didn’t see the falls so cannot comment but I do know that I feel very strongly about waters as I have had good horses fall because of bad water footings and has been the undoing of them. When horses jump bravely into bad waters they have no idea why they fell and quite understandably stop at further water fences, if this water was a potential of this then I’m glad it wasn’t in. If it was simply straightforward water and people going too quickly and not giving the horses time then this is a different story.  Who knows but I hope the event hasn’t a damaged reputation because of this as is a very nice event with a good XC course and is important these events keep running.

 

I had a day at home and then we left for Bramham going via Patchetts for lessons with Anna with Amber and Maisie. Amber was not really her normal self and was difficult to ride, sometimes she can be but this was different. Maisie was very good, she finds the test hard when altogether but improves daily and for an older horse this is unusual.

We arrived at Bramham about 7pm when I decided to ride Amber again who went much better and Columbo ready for the Young Event Horse class. We finished very late, a long day! Up early to ride Amber before her test which had moments of brilliance and some not so brilliant bits. She scored 59 which was disappointing as she could do such an amazing test. Maisie worked really well as did Columbo ready for their big days on Friday.

 

My dressage was at 8.40 Friday morning so we were up again early working Maisie before her test. This paid off as she performed a very good test, nearly mistake free except for the changes, which are clean but a bit exuberant! I felt one judge was too hard and marked her down otherwise would have scored 54 which was about right, 58 was too high in my opinion. I was delighted with her performance anyway, whatever the mark, she is one for the future.

 

Columbo was in the 5 year old class, the atmosphere was amazing and the enormous crowd was more than he had ever seen! He was an angel; his test was very good and had the second best mark, 28/35. He jumped well as this was the biggest thing by far he had done, he sometimes jumps a bit quick across the fence when he is a little green and must’ve been marked down for this as had a very disappointing mark!! His conformation mark was also very high, I think he finished 15th, he will go to another and hopefully will qualify there- I do think he was one of the nicest horses so hopefully next time will be luckier.

 

It is quite good that the XC is after the SJ so that if you are wanting to prepare before Luhmuhlen and not run then you can still practise jumping a good track. The show jumping was up to height as always and the time very tight which meant that as my two are every good jumpers I would hopefully move up a few places. They had also watered the ring so the ground was very good, as was the XC.

Amber had two down which was uncharacteristic, she actually went on to have three run outs XC too as she was fighting with the bridle all the way and I had to approach the combination fences too quickly so to not touch her mouth and consequently we couldn’t turn very easily. I am convinced there is something annoying her so will be investigating before her next run. Disappointing as I thought we were off.

 

Maisie jumped superbly in the SJ, she is very careful even though we have to be quite forward as the time was tight. This bodes well for the three days as sometimes the time is very tight and they can lose their jump at speed.   The XC course was decent. Big and bold, much bigger than she had seen before. The course is so nicely build though, not trappy and I feel is very educational. It gives them a taste of the big stuff without the whole thing at once (i.e a 10 and 1/2 minute course). She was faultless, incredibly brave; I had a few time faults as I needed the clear for my qualification and so made sure I didn’t take any risks. We finished 12th which I was delighted with, she will aim for Blenheim now which will be very exciting as by then we could be very competitive.

We left Sunday after a small party Saturday night, there aren’t many chances to have fun and not ride the next day so is good to make the most of these occasions! It took us 6 hours to get home as we had to put water in the engine, Rita now has a new radiator!!

 

Things are also getting exciting with Jasper again as he is cantering and schooling and looks good. I adore riding him and miss competing him, I know he won’t be here forever but while he is I’d like to compete him if possible!! He is already much happier as he hates not working hard, so I’m hoping for an end of July run (!!!). Billy and Bomber are having a holiday as the ground is hard and they’ve both done plenty already this year, Bomber is for sale and I haven’t as much time as I’d like to put into him, if anyone is interested please let me know he is a lovely horse, too small for me and I can only keep horses that will progress to top high level.

 

I went to Rossdales with several horses for routine check ups and to collect Nelson who I’m hoping will come back well from his holiday. He is a lovely horse so fingers crossed.  I had lessons with Joao on Columbo, Elsa and Romeo who all jumped very well, especially Columbo as he improves massively with each session. This was proved when he competed in the 100 at Gt Tew where he performed a good test but was so excited to be out he cantered in bits of the test to score 34. He will get low 20′s when he’s more established so I viewed this as a schooling day when he had the last SJ down after a good round. He was brilliant XC as it was quite a reasonable course for a 100. He improved as he went around, I am delighted with him.

 

Elsa performed a very good test and scored 32, she jumped clear SJ. The rain suddenly came down and it was like winter, near gales (perhaps slight exaggeration but not far off!) and pouring with rain. She was not keen on that and became very spooky and had 20 penalties which was a shame as she would’ve been well placed. Her first mistake!   I only had the two as I decided Imp is going so well he doesn’t need another novice run and the others have run enough on the firm ground. The ground was good up there but nowhere near as much as we’ve had here, we are forecast a day of heavy rain tomorrow so I should soon be able to use our  gallop field again which will save me loads of time and that has to be a good thing!!

 

 

Monday 2nd May- Sunday 22nd May 2011

I have literally been on the road for the last two weeks hence again the lack of diary…I have been XC schooling the young horses- Columbo, Billy and Elsa ready for their first events/ competitions so this has also taken time between the events. I enjoy the young horses so much as they improve so quickly, it is very satisfying when they get better and better.

 

We went to Keysoe as I stayed with my parents for the weekend and also combined it with a trip to Rossdales that has been successful. The good news is that Jasper’s scan is looking better and I will tentatively aim for big autumn competitions but won’t say where yet just in case! He starts cantering now so we will see, I am very excited, you can’t imagine how much better he is feeling now his work has been increased. He knows when we are working to a big competition and sure he will be hopeful now!

 

 

Keysoe had made a huge effort with the ground; they spread woodchip all over the dressage warm up and around the XC course. They then aggravated the course and luckily we had some rain both nights which made the ground pretty good. The show jumping was also on a great surface so all in all pleasing ground. I had Amber in the open novice as I couldn’t get an intermediate run before Chatsworth. She performed a good test but the judge sadly didn’t agree and gave her 37!! I felt it was a 30 but nevermind. She did a double clear and came 9th; she was strong still so I was slower, still working progress. Imp performed a very good test but not a whole lot better than Amber and scored 24, very much in the lead! He jumped clear SJ and nearly clear XC but I had a run out at the first corner annoyingly and still came 10th. I am so close to a win but still not close enough! It will be celebrated when I do!! 

 

 

Luna was in the 100 and performed a great test for 29 and jumped double clear and was just pipped to 2nd. She is great fun to ride, a very nice mare.  We returned again with Elsa and Bomber in the 90 h/c. I wish that all 90′s had an open section as we would all like to be competitive, there were several of us going h/c.  Bomber did a good test, 32 and double clear and would’ve been 3rd and Elsa was very grown up and scored 25 and double clear and would’ve won her section again. Good weekend and back to Kent.

 

 

I had a couple of days back at home, riding all the horses at the yard and then off again. I’d also taken Bambi and Tweedy to the vets to be checked, good news for those two also that my new farrier is doing a great job and they are ready to crack on again. They should both be ready for the autumn events. 

 

 

We left Wednesday with seven horses (Vivien taking Red) for lessons with Anna up at Oxfordshire as I was competing at Aston Le Walls in the Intermediate and then at Chatsworth at the weekend.  The lessons were great, she has such a lovely way of teaching/ training / explaining. The horses are making great progress especially Bertie and Maisey. Now it’s more of a case of tidying up corners, transitions and straightness rather than the basics. Red and Romeo also making good progress with more emphasis on balance.

 

 

We stayed at Anthony Clarkes’ before an early start at Aston Le Walls. I was seriously impressed with the watering and aggravating on the XC course as the ground was very good. As expected it did dry out later on in the day so the best ground was early on but it was still good late on. The course is also ideal for a first time intermediate, a few testers but generally a nice educating course. I did chuckle to myself walking the course at the 2nd water which was a brush in, as it used to be a log and this is where i had a spectacular departing from Imp 2 years ago! Thankfully history didn’t repeat itself!

 

Imp didn’t perform his best test, I must admit the emphasis had been on XC so I have neglected his dressage, (have been working hard since!) so he scored 32. Red did a great test for 26, Romeo was a little on his forehand for 34 and Maisie was a little excited with the wind howling a gale during her test so scored 35. They all jumped clear SJ, I must say they are jumping superbly this year. All credit to Joaos’ help. I went xc on Red first, i was as quick as I could be bearing in mind he had just returned from an allergy. He was very good and finished 5th, good result and the places were very tight! Imp was awesome, exceptional at the waters but I had the most stupid mistake at a single fence, I went to slow down as he ran slightly and he took exception and ran out! He felt the horse I had wanted to buy finally, scopey and careful and even though he had a run out this was a big achievement for us. Onwards and upwards now!

 

Romeo jumped very well XC as did Maisie but I felt the ground by the afternoon wasn’t sufficiently soft enough to go too quickly so they both had time faults. A good day though. Luckily Georgie Strang took my horses home for me so I could stay in Oxfordshire with Bertie, Luna and Amber. I did some vital schooling at Aston ready and prepped for Chatsworth.

 

I don’t often get lay ins but when I do I can really sleep. This was the case on the Thursday evening, I slept for 10 hours! (I think 9 the next night too!) More often than not this part of the season and the end are exhausting as we are working towards 3 days and the horses are really coming into their own now. So a couple of good nights sleep really does help!

 

We got to Chatsworth and it’s like a different world from down south. The grass is green! Although they had also been watering the XC course extensively. The heavens did open a few times over the weekend though to provide us with perfect going at last! I wish it could continue but sadly we have still had no rain here…

 

I schooled Bertie, Luna and Amber as soon as we arrived, I was well aware Bertie had a great chance of winning a Novice as he is so established at that level now. Luna at the other end of the scale her first time. They both did very good tests and scored 32 for Luna and 30 for Bertie. Bertie was in the lead! We had a lovely meal with my parents and owners David and Sue Howard and I slept for hours again!!

 

The show jumping caused a few problems, sadly Luna had a fence down as she was rather strong, but Bertie jumped an immaculate clear. Luna jumped superbly XC for her first novice, she is very able and I hope that I will be able to keep her as she will go far I’m sure. She has a natural confidence and ability that makes her lovely to ride.. She finished 10th not bad for her first one! Bertie was exceptional XC and was clear inside the time and won, by 1 point! So delighted as he thoroughly deserved that, lets hope he makes it to Gatcombe…

 

Amber performed a reasonable test but wasn’t that competitive unfortunately. Surprisingly we had 1 down, but  had a brilliant clear XC. She was superb and back to her old form so pleased, she is some horse to ride when she’s in good form and today was one of those days.

 

I went SJ schooling with Elsa, Bomber, Columbo and Billy and Romeo and Maisie to canter at LMEQ. The ground understandably is firm there so we jumped the drops, waters ditches etc and that was enough for a practise. The show jumping arena is great as there are very spooky fillers and plenty of them! Billy is very brave and has a naturally good jump, as does Columbo. Elsa is very talented and will go far for sure and Bomber has improved so much the last 2 weeks, he is for sale but I am happy to keep him as he has developed an excellent jump now. We cantered Maisie and Romeo who worked well, ready for Brigstock.
 

We left for Brigstock with 7 horses at 5 30. We were stabling all weekend there as by the time you pack and unpack for that many horses each day it’s worth paying the extra money to stable on site, at least then you have a permanent base! Elsa was in the 100 5 year old section. Her first one! The ground was very good considering they hadn’t had any rain for 3 months. They had extensively aggravated and aerated the xc course but also the dressage warm up and show jumping. The 100 course was testing enough in places for her first one but this is what I had wanted as she is so bold. She performed a lovely test to score 27 but sadly was a little unsettled in her show jumping where she was excited and had 1 down! She was superb XC and jumped clear in the time and finished 4th. Disappointing as she would have won if the fence hadn’t come down but still fantastic for her first one!

 

I also had Romeos’ 2* test in then afternoon, he was wild the first time I worked him as the warm up is right next to the water and they can hear them going XC (and see them!!). On the 2nd working in he was more settled and he too performed a good test, needs more work on his cadence and transitions but other than that a very tidy test for 52. I worked all the others, it’s a good time to spend time at the event working on different areas in need of improving, also at the event they can be different so also good to have time for this too.

 

I had nearly all day off Saturday so I worked all the horses again ready for sunday and walked their relative courses too. I was impressed to see the machines back out working hard on the ground during the event too. Too many events do their work on the first day and then that’s that. Not the case here thankfully.

 

Romeo show jumped an immaculate clear and moved up a few places. He also jumped clear XC, I took a couple of long routes as we were after the clear round so he can compete in a CCI 2* now, so I was impressed that even with his longer routes he still finished 12th out of a large field.

 

Sunday was busy, I had 5 rides and the times come thick and fast so you have to be well organised (and fit, helpers and rider!!). Imp was on first, there were horribly strong winds all day which tried to blow all the jumps down which wasn’t helpful. He was nearly perfect in his test so i was slightly disappointed to score 26.7 but he jumped a brilliant double clear inside the time and felt brilliant xc. At last! We finished 2nd, I was so pleased he is now ready for intermediates rather than novices. He will next go to Salperton.

 

Ambers’ test was much better and she scored 30 in the OI. Maisie was a little tense but better to score 39 in the AI and Bertie was excellent other than his last halt for 31 and the end of Reds’ test was very good and scored 35 all competitive marks. Amber and Maisie were excellent in the sj and both jumped clear. Bertie and Red were unlucky to both have a fence down in otherwise lovely rounds. They were all brilliant XC. Amber was so good she nearly jumped me off going into the 2nd water! She was so much more controllable and relaxed and we only had a couple of time faults to finish 4th. Maisie was very good too and finished 8th in a tightly scored section. Red was 6th and the quickest with 2 time faults and Bertie was brilliant, he is the youngest but by no means the greenist, naturally brave and careful. He finished 9th but again the section scores were very close.

 

This meant I had 7 places no lower than 12th which I was delighted with. A very good weekend!

 

Monday 25th April- Sunday 1st May 2011

As ever had a couple of usually busy weeks but all sorts of different things going on this time!  

I seem to be permanently on a horse now, which is perfect for me as I would still rather ride all day. The yard is basically full but have some out at night which means we can have more if needed. The weather is still amazing, not for the ground though and our grass, I do hope we get some decent rain soon, it seems to miss us here each time.

I had some lessons with Anna at Patchetts which went very well. Bert has now learnt counter canter circles which will improve his dressage marks dramatically I hope, it has taken him a while to understand as he does such good changes but they are not required yet!! Red has started to now go forwards and relaxed which has significantly improved his paces, Maisey much the same as Red and Imp needs to keep the connection through as can drop behind the leg/ vertical if she can. I left Patchetts full of enthusiasm for my dressage riding!!

I went to Thursley too, stayed at my owners Barry and Karen Carter fantastic yard for some jumping lessons with Stuart Harvey. I had nearly a full load, Fly, Elsa, Bomber, Amber and Imp. They all jumped well, it’s good to jump them at different places especially when they are younger or less experienced as they get to see more. I used to always go jumping when I lived in Suffolk but now with such good facilities I rarely do. We have very spooky fillers here and as my ring riding gets better I feel less need to go out, I will still however go to Hickstead this year as 3 days of jumping really brought the horses on.

I went from Thursley to Tweseldown XC schooling on the Friday. It was incredibly hot, must’ve been 27 degrees I’m sure. That was hotter than I go schooling in the summer! They all went really well, I practised with Amber the water fences particularly (and Imp!) and the coffins but there wasn’t much to jump at all. It was very disappointing and the fences that were able to be used had deep ground on takeoff and landings, I am pleased I only travelled from Guildford to there!!I’m sure this was just an exception as I believe it’s a great schooling area normally.

To end the busy week I went to Badminton for the Sunday. I was fortunate to be asked to commentate the XC by Horse and Country which of course I jumped at the chance. I had never done any but was starting high!! This was my first in 8 years of not competing so it was great to be a part of it if I wasn’t competing. (I think Jasper would’ve rather we’d been competing too! He is now doing very well and nearly cantering again so watch this space!)   We started with commentating on the top 8 dressage tests, it is hard to not be critical of the riders and horses as generally you can’t say its perfect all the time would be a little dull! So I hope I got the balance right? Ed Holloway was fun to work with and had it all under control so this helped me not be nervous. The XC was pretty exciting to watch as was the show jumping, a great result for Toddy!! It makes a fantastic story for eventing that he can come back after all these years and win another Badminton, London should be incredible.

I also had the good fortune of working with Mike Tucker doing some voice overs, was great experience and I would love to do more, I hope I sound ok!! 

I have been to Milton Keynes this week with Elsa, Bomber and Luna. Elsa and Bomb were in the same section, the open 90. Bomber had a spook at the flowers by the dressage but did a nice test and the judge gave him a 41.5. I must admit I didn’t even bother to collect the sheet as I was so appalled at the mark, please can we have better judging at the lower levels as these marks go on their records!! He jumped clear SJ and was superb XC, the best he’d been until I went too fast to the spooky corner which had shadows on it and he just ran past it, he jumped it 2nd time when I was considerably slower! Elsa was at her 1st event, she was rather excited before the dressage but performed a great test for 29. She then jumped double clear with extra care at the corner! and won. Not bad for her first event but she is a very nice horse. Luna was too a little fresh and was a bit strong in the canter so scored 33, she then too jumped double clear in the 100 to come 5th.  The ground was superb as it had rained for 3 hours that night before so this has been the best ground I’ve competed in England on so far!

I went to Nurstead yesterday with Fly and Imp. We have had no rain so the ground was dry as expected but they had made huge efforts with spiking and sand. The dressage was firm but the SJ ok and the first and last parts of the XC were good, the middle a bit harder but I chose to run  mine I didn’t feel it too bad at all. Imp did a good test, 27 and double clear. I went quicker than last time but still a few time faults so was 5th but a good solid result again!! Next one more novice then an intermediate!! Fly did a good test, disappointing with 35 mark. Had the last part of double and combination as a touch brave still but jumped a very good round. He also jumped very well XC but as only his 2nd novice and is for sale I took him carefully. He is for sale now so any enquiries please contact me, photos etc to come very soon… He is a fantastic hunter too and will definitely go up the levels eventing so a good prospect. Bomber is sadly also for sale as I haven’t the time for him now as have so many others and he ultimately is too small. He has done 4 90′s, 1 more then 100′s. I will be sad to see him go as he is such a pleasure to have here and ride and has turned into a very competitive horse; I hope someone wanting a really good future prospect will be interested…

Well I am at Keysoe next week; I will be doing a rain dance each day until then!!

Wednesday 6th April- Thursday 14th April 2011

 

Well the weather this week has been unbelievable. I now have quite a nice ‘farmers tan’, I think once you get past a certain age (and business) tan seems to fade into insignificance. Lovely to get some sunshine and warm weather but I must admit Wednesday I was absolutely roasting. Our indoor school I like to use was out of action as we are having serious work done here, lots and lots of digging so although the horses can cope with most things constant digging next door is not beneficial to our schooling/ jumping sessions! All the work is in aid of some temporary stables (which will be fairly permanent) and our XC course which I hope will be started soon. We also have the fence for the gallops now in but this is a long term plan…

I went to my usual XC schooling venue, Lodge Farm Wednesday; it has a great grass cover there and all weather take off and landings so if the ground is firmer it’s still ok. I took Bomber who will be aimed at Milton Keynes next 90 and then a 100 soon, Elsa who will do her first event at Milton Keynes, she is improving daily and I’m really looking forward to competing her. Luna who is my new mare, slightly unsure XC but generally very brave and Fly to prepare for South of England…

I had a busy day Friday before my event though as Charlie Unwin came for a catch up on my life and competitions.There was a lot to tell with several events gone and Barroca. Generally all has been great but there are always things in the background that don’t help. As a rider we have a million different things to do, riding is just a small part of it and running the business is the majority with all its complications! So to be able to talk and deal with every part of this is great, I went into the next competition far more relaxed.

I also had a gift day experience, Barbara Singleton Green who had a great day in the sunshine watching me ride, meeting the staff and all the horses and generally shadowing us. She sent a lovely email thanking us for a great day out, we enjoy the days so I hope everyone will too!

We left for the South of England early Saturday with Luna and Fly who were in the 100 sections. I walked the course and was pleasantly surprised at how good the ground was, yes on the firmer side but a great grass cover so pretty much perfect. The courses hadn’t changed much from last year but still good, I felt the 100 is quite strong in a couple of places but this is good as I had experienced horses! Fly was at his first event and was slightly too keen in his dressage and cantered a couple of times to give a couple of mistakes to an otherwise very good test. Luna was very studious and scored 26, she will do a superb test soon…  They both show jumped very well and had clear rounds and also XC. Fly was quite keen at times so I had a 3 time faults annoyingly and finished 8th not 3rd, Luna was very good and clear in the time meant she finished 2nd. I was delighted, as are her owners, The Carters as this was our first event together, hopefully a good sign of things to come!

I returned the next day with Maisey, Romeo and Imp. This was’d’ day for Imp and I to see how far we have come this year on.  I was quite worried that if he didn’t go well I would feel very deflated and that I didn’t know what to do, but luckily he was a superstar. He performed a lovely test to score 21. Maisey also performed very well for 28 and Romeo a bit bright and strong so was on 32 penalties. They all show jumped well too, clear. I didn’t have a fence down that competition, very proud of that!

 I rode Romeo first XC; he wasn’t going to win on 32 so I took him at a reasonable pace but not too quickly as was his first run back. He was very good, but a little strong but was clear. Maisey was excellent, again slightly strong but lovely and bold and she too was clear and finished 8th. I was quite nervous before Imps’ round as I so wanted him to go well; I think anyone who knows me well knows how much it would mean to get him enjoying his XC consistently! Francis Whittington kindly helped me with a few ideas which really worked well as he stormed around clear. There was plenty to look at too, two waters and a couple of inter-space fences so I felt it was a good test. I had some time faults which I was quite happy with as this will come later, for now I just want to keep him relaxed. He finished 6th and I was very happy!
 

This week has flown by. I have another short week as Burnham Market Friday and Saturday and so staying away again for a few days, makes the few days at home very busy as I ride all of them each day pretty much as I am preparing for the next competition and then riding all the young ones in preparation for their future competitions. I seem to always be at Lodge Farm on a Wednesday now as this is XC schooling day. The ground is good there even though it’s hard as there is such a good grass cover and all weather take off and landings, we desperately need rain everywhere though, fingers crossed soon though is none forecast I hear sadly.  I schooled Elsa who is improving with each trip out, Bomber who is very good, I like to take him out and keep it all fun for him as he tries very hard and can easily get a little tense. Luna was very good but still a little green with steps and Fly who I’m practising turns and brakes with as I need better control with both!!

I have also had lessons with Joel on Amber, Romeo, Maisey and Bertie. They are jumping so well now and have changed so much from last season I expect clear rounds now and hope the day doesn’t come again when I have fences down!! Sadly I couldn’t have a lesson with Red this week as he has developed a small allergy to pollen and is sneezing. This has already nearly gone again thank goodness but he has missed Burnham which means that Houghton is possibly off now as I’ll only have one run before which isn’t really enough as I need to make sure the arrowheads are sorted but we’ll see.

Sue and Katherine Cross came down to stay with us for a couple of days and brought their pony Jack with them (who is adorable). I gave Katherine a couple of things to go away with but they look like they have a great partnership already. I schooled and jumped Billy to show Sue, he was impeccably behaved thankfully and we will aim him at some 4 year old young event classes this year.   We went to our local pub/ restaurant for dinner with the team, we have great places to eat locally!

We left for Burnham and stayed at my parents again on the way up. The journey took forever as there was a crash on the M25, is not often it catches me out but when it does it’s always bad timing!! Finishing quite late Thursday we then decided to ride a few before leaving for Burnham. I had Fly in the novice, his first, I thought the XC was a great first novice run. Sadly the ground could’ve been much better though, they had spiked the course but not watered and really as the ground is so hard that’s not enough for good going. The course is aerated on Wednesday or Thursday too which means it does get harder as the weekend goes on. We had a small amount of rain Friday night but not enough to make a difference. I have to write that I was infuriated to see them pouring water on the roads Saturday to stop the dust and not on the course. Without our horses running there wouldn’t be an event, so lets preserve the horses??  Fly performed a good test but could be so much better, still scored 32. He was a bit spooky show jumping and just had the last fence down, needs practise ideally before next time. He was very good XC, quite keen but more relaxed. I had a steering issue at the water when he literally flew down the steps and then nearly deposited me in the water! Other than that he was good.

As the stabling was £92 per horse on site I decided to stable off site which was far cheaper. However I couldn’t get the lorry in the yard which was slightly stressful and now have a few added scratches on Rita. This doesn’t leave me in the best of moods I must admit! The stabling though was lovely so worth the journey, not sure about scratches though yet.  We had an early start Saturday; they had intermediates, advanced and novice on the Saturday. I guess because the u18s are at school in the week but it does mean that all ours are crammed into a very short space so we only have 20 minutes to warm up for the dressage on each horse which is a shame and not long enough. Amber was quite hot, not sure why but she was good most of the test but her walk was tense and the score of 38 reflected that.  Maisey did a good test, poor mark of 36 and Bert pretty much ditto 35. Romeo was good, 32. My show jumping I’m very proud of at the moment, they all jumped clear rounds and beautifully. I didn’t feel that I would have a fence down ever with them and that’s a nice feeling!  They had watered the ring there and this showed as they jumped well off of it. This was very much appreciated.

I decided only to go slowly XC with them as the firm ground. I think if people keep running their horses flat out now they really won’t last very long. I consciously  have made the decision if I’m not going to be in the top 3 or 4 and the ground isn’t great I’d rather go slowly and look after them and finish no where than quickly and 10th. This doesn’t help my bank balance now but we only really win money from 1st to 6th anyway. Everyone wants different things from competitions and I want horses for the future I have very high hopes for these ones.

Romeo was fantastic, he is great fun to ride, and I have put on a controller nose band which helps him not to cross his jaw and has worked perfectly. Maisey was awesome and also clear. Bertie set off unbelievably well, faultless. Then I was held for ages on course as the frangible pin on the coffin kept breaking. He started again very well but a little on his forehand where he had relaxed and perhaps was a little tired. He jumped through the water well and then I probably slowed too much for the coffin and where he was a little green he shot me forward as he spooked at the ditch and I annoyingly fell off. I was furious with myself as I shouldn’t have and should’ve jumped clear. Never mind, this happens and I have learnt from it!

I set off with Amber well, I also put the nose band on her and I had complete control, fantastic. She jumped foot perfect through all the first combinations, then for some unknown reason ran out at a narrow before the drop. I have no idea why as she was so good and focused everywhere else, I can only guess. I wonder if she wasn’t enjoying the ground as she is such a big jumper she would exert pressure on her joints/ legs. So I pulled up and will work on narrows at home and take her XC schooling. There is always another day. At least I have brakes now! 

So overall a disappointing weekend in some ways but delighted with them in others. Lots of dressage practise this week and narrows. Also Badminton, how could we forget, should be very exciting!

It’s the first time in 8 years that I’m not going! But this time will be sitting watching I’m helping Horse and Country with commentary, really looking forward to it!

Tuesday 15th March- Tuesday 5th April 2011

 

I have once again been incredibly busy hence the late diary. In fact even writing 1 every 2 weeks now seems hard! Can’t complain as I love to be busy but some things do end up being missed, like my diary.

The weeks since Barroca have gone so quickly. I have no idea where the days have gone (I do sound old now hey?!) I seem to start riding early and not stop until late, but again, that’s the way I like it.. I have had a sad time though with the respect to my most experienced horse Kenny, he moved to be sold last week.  Sarah Randell wanted to sell him all winter but seems that he must now go, he will be based in Bedfordshire now and do a few OI’s to keep him ticking over, sadly not with me though. I am very disappointed as he had just returned from Annas’ training and I had some great lessons with Joao so I hope he will go well in his new yard, many hours were spent this winter perfecting him!!
 

However I have some new exciting horses. These are all younger horses or less experienced.   Fly is back and here for sale again, Columbo is a new 5 year old owned by John Huntridge which is very nice young horse but very green, Luna 10 year old bay mare who has competed at 100 level owned by Mr and Mrs Carter and Dolly my mare I bought in december is now here at last, wow how she has changed, (thank you Vivien!).  So I have plenty to keep me out of trouble….

My first event back was Great Witchingham with Red in the Novice HC. I was amazed at how firm the ground was, unbelievable for March (although I did hear that it rained and rained the next day and were towed on and off!). Red was great, 29 dressage and double clear. I didn’t run him too fast as the ground was firm and I wouldn’t win a prize anyway. I stayed with my Dad as Mum was away having both knees replaced, sounds and looks agony, I hope my joints hold up! I always enjoy going ‘home’, I find it so quiet now rather than here it’s so busy which I love but I miss my parents enormously and love spending any time with them. If I’m lucky i see my sister too, however long I spend in Bury never seems long enough but I enjoy Kent so much I don’t think I’d return in the near future, best of both worlds hey?!

I went to Munstead Saturday with Bomber who is still a little green hence I rode him not Becky. He was next to the walk way in his test and was far more excited to see the horses going past than concentrate on his test and so had a higher score in the dressage of 33, jumped double clear and came 8th. Imp also ran at Munstead in the 100 open and was much the same, also came 8th! He seemed happy so I was pleased he was confident.

This week I have had everyday filled with teaching, riding, photos etc. We went XC schooling at Littleton Manor in conjunction with Your Horse, I was giving a masterclass and then rode a few myself. I luckily had just received the new Anky range for the summer. Wow. Absolutely amazing. Beautiful colours and a stylish fit. Doesn’t get better than these outfits! As you’ll see soon…

I walked the course at Badminton with Hugh Thomas the next day in my summer clothes. If you see the videos you may notice I should’ve had winter clothes on, absolutely perishing and pouring rain! Typical, had been glorious the last few days/weeks but on video day all change. I thoroughly enjoyed myself though, I would like to think I am getting more natural on camera but I am sure everyone will let me know if not! Obviously I am sworn to secrecy about the course but lets just say it should be entertaining, I shall be watching intently!!Badminton 2011 Course Walk

I had some great lessons with Joao Thursday and then left for Belton afterwards. I had Imp in the novice, Red, Harry, Bert in the intermediate and Amber in the advanced. I stayed at Roger and Nicky Burts’ who also have 2 Vislas and with me now up to 3 of them (mum and dads’ too) they looked great playing and causing general chaos. Vislas are a special breed, yes a little crazy but great fun! (sounds a bit like someone I know..no idea who though).

Imp went as well as I’d hoped on Friday, test not great though, was  little fresh! SJ great and XC nearly perfect but stopped at the fence before the water and then jumped it well. He is slow progress but was a bigger track than I’d jumped on him in a long time so hopefully things moving forward. Bert was unbelievable the next day, green test but so classy SJ and XC. For his first intermediate this was a tough one and he made nothing of it, very exciting prospect! Harry did a very good test but the judge didn’t agree (as last year…) This left me not very competitive for the first time in as long as I can remember so jumped a slowish double clear. Red did a great test and SJ but had a run out XC which I shall work on as showed his only weakness now, something I can work on in the school so no problem, I’m sure he learnt from it as did I… Amber did a very good test, the walk was a little tense but her trot work and canter work are something else. I can’t tell you how many people asked me if she is for sale, definitely not is my answer!! She jumped a perfect clear SJ and then had a run out XC at the tricky sunken road angled brush out. This was due to steering/ breaking issues but soon to be resolved as new bits coming. She jumped amazingly around the rest of the course, just slowly as I felt the ground was on he firm side by Sunday. She is so talented when I find all the right tack we will be away, I have never sat on such a scope horse and quite possibly never will again.

This weekend also saw the start of new staff, Katie, Roz and Paula, a very good team I must say and the start of new exciting things to come I hope!!