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Well I’ve still not seen the video of Badminton yet to see why we made a mistake. I have had some reports back that I was too far right and others say he looked like he went between the flags as he thought correct. I genuinely thought it was all ok, correct stride, angle etc. However we took off and then veered dramatically left and banked the corner/hedge and went the wrong side of the flag, so 20 penalties so I called it a day as he was entered at Chatsworth anyway and hopefully will then go to Luhmuhlen 4*. I can’t understand why he would make such a mistake other than completely misreading it as many others did too.. The course caused carnage, experienced scalps mainly which is very unusual. I’m not sure yet if I like the new flagging system and short back rails on corners but time will tell if it will stay or not.
Certainly sorted the men from the boys and some made it look positively easy. Such a shame we made a mistake as Jasper is usually there with Spring Along and Lenamore as the best cross country horses but this time not to be. We started really well, very slickly, Sophie and John Bowen did a great job, I now hear that all the cameras were on us expecting a repeat performance of last year, they should be so lucky! I can’t be disappointed though with our week as he did a great test, one small mistake, changed on the serpentine but quickly we corrected it and still executed a very good change. I felt one of the judges was rather harsh but a 48 was very respectable especially for the first day, (sorry to be controversial but the marks DO get better 2nd day). He walked and rein backed beautifully, I think we’re cracking it…. I was also relieved that the XC of the grass routes didn’t make too much difference to him. Having just one of the days affected by XC seemed so unfair, only some of us too as it didn’t start until later. I took Jasper up to the main arena with a heavy duty fly mask on which helped keep him calm. I didn’t get to see any of the grass routes but I’m sure they had an amazing time. There was much controversy surrounding it saying we didn’t want them there etc but this wasn’t the case. However, remember this is the pinnacle of our horses career and also £60,000 and WEG selection at stake so when we have galloping horses go past/near us before our tests we’re not that keen!!
The week couldn’t have been better though, apart from the weather, how the ground was so amazing still was unbelievable. We had torrential rain all night on Saturday, I couldn’t believe it would still be on let alone perfect going. I must admit I thought I may end up withdrawing! I wish all the events could have ground as good… I guess it shows how much they’ve done since 2007. The week at Badminton is always enjoyable whether we do well or not, obviously it’s hard to put into words how fantastic it is when a good result is achieved but the excitement and buzz of Badminton is brilliant. We are also lucky to have fantastic hospitality too, courtesy of the ERA dinner and the other various restaurants. Food is very dear to my heart so this is a big factor for me!
I also visit my sponsors’ stands, this year there weren’t so many there but Ariat was and I signed numerous photos for people! Is nice to give something back and meet the people who come to watch us.
I left early Monday to get back before the traffic built up so I didn’t see Paul Tapner win, congratulations, he seems to be having a great year. I was also delighted for Daisy coming 3rd, I love that horse, hope they are selected for WEG…
I left Badminton happy though, a good, relaxed test and a great start, all the other bits are generally solid so here we come Luhmuhlen….
This week has flown by, the week before a big competition always does seem to… Jasper is in great form after his run, had the final vet check (just to make sure) so we’ll be heading off full of excitement and anticipation for the week ahead!!
I’ve had a very busy week as usual (some more than others…) certainly feel that I’ve achieved as much as possible! The ground has been really good still all week so we’ve been jumping them outside and XC schooling.
Makes such a difference to me having these facilities on site. I’ve also been cantering all the horses and they are getting much fitter. I feel I’ve done enough with Jasper but as its a new area I’ve nothing to gauge it against as is all new territory, he looks amazing though and feels great so fingers crossed.
We’ve also had Max Gorden staying/ helping us for a few days, he got on well and we’re always grateful of the extra help too. Bedgebury is a great place to come for a few days training as we have so many places to work them plus the XC course etc… If anyone is interested for a few days training please let me know via email.
I went with 3 horses to Golden Cross for some affiliated dressage on Wednesday, Tweedy, Amber and Harry. Someone had changed the novice 24 without informing me and I then had to go h/c as I hadn’t a clue what the test was! Tweedy performed a lovely 2nd novice test and came 2nd. Amber also performed a good test but a little strong, ditto for the elementary. Harry however was superb and won both elementarys with 68% and 70 %. Very promising for the future…
In between riding I went to Ingatestone to help launch the new Ariat Devon Pro quantum boot. They upgrade their boots and technology regularly and so this was a launch of the new improved boot. I am incredibly lucky to be sponsored by them, I’m sure you’re all very jealous!! I will also be doing various signings for sponsors at Badminton so see some of you there…
I went to Bury farm for some lessons with Anna Friday, Jasper who we worked in the field. We perfected the warm up and then ran through the test once which he performed very well. Just a case of keeping us both very relaxed, he’s capable of a serious test so I’ll try my hardest to make that happen. I also had lessons with Bertie and Bambi, mainly working on transitions to canter, also their straightness and self carriage. Anna could see lots of improvement in Bertie so I must be on the right track…
For some reason now I’m in Kent I seem to have very early start times and this weekend was no exception! We left at 6 with Bambi for her first novice and a few to work. Bambi did a good accurate test for 35 and a double clear, with good time for 7th. We were delighted for her first one, there were a few good questions and she was brilliant, just a little strong at the end. I worked Ken, Amber, Brian and Jasper. The organisers very kindly let me use the arenas with Jasper which is so beneficial. We could then work through the areas needed… Last time I used the arenas there I came 5th at Badminton, would be pleased if that was the result this year!!
We went back the next day with the babies, we had a fantastic day as my parents came to watch as did Jane Bailey (Brian’s co owner) Pene Parker who owns my advanced horse from last year Charmed and David and Sue Howard popped in who co own Harry. The weather was also kind, looked as though we were in for rain but it held off. They had done a superb job with the ground, spiked and levelled so it had some spring in it. Tweedy was awesome, a 27 dressage and double clear and won!! Bert was a little tense in his dressage as I should’ve given him longer to warm up but still finished 4th with a good double clear. Brian did his first ever BE100, a good test 32, 2 down in the show jumping, 1 due to spooking at the number 1 and the 2nd was greenness. He was superb XC, very brave and bold and grown up especially as it’s only his 2nd event. He is such a good jumper; he’ll eventually be on the market so watch out for when as he will be a serious junior horse…. I got a late entry for Imp in the open 100 as I decided he needs going back to basics, which paid off as he went very well XC and came 5th, he will stay at that level until I feel he’s happy.
After such a good few weekends of results there was a need for a celebration which was duly done at our local pub, can’t be all work and no play!!
Weeks/weekends like this don’t happen too often! Had a great week, a great event too. The weather has been fantastic so we’ve been able to get the jumps and the dressage arena outside in the fields which has proved invaluable. The first few days they were a little excited to be there rather than the school but relaxed quickly and by Thursday were working well.
We’ve also been able to canter the horses in the big field which works them hard up a decent hill. Jasper’s been cantering well and often. Not long now… I’ve also been cycling around the forest as much as possible to make sure we’re both in the same shape!! Dogs still getting thinner.
Belton has always been lucky for me and this year was no exception. There was much debate about the ground, it is always a little rough but I thought it was soft enough to be good, last year was hard, too hard but this was much better. I also thought that I would much rather run on that ground than the bog/ holding ground we’ve been having so was a little Surprised how many withdrew on Sunday. Friday went well, Amber was brilliant she did a 29 dressage, fast double clear and won. Delighted! Harry did a nice test, couple mistakes but generally good, a little harshly marked I thought. Romeo did a great test and was close to the lead.. Saturday was also good. Harry was unlucky and had 2 down but jumped well, I made a stupid mistake XC and ran out at a corner (was too quite) which he turned around and jumped the 2nd time. Romeo was brilliant and was double clear, I thought he was fast, we had 8 time faults but I’m sure he was faster, never mind, he finished 10th in the 7 and 8 year old intermediate class.
Ken and jasper both did a slightly hot test but that arena is fairly electric… They jumped well. Jasper was awesome and jumped out of his skin for a double clear, felt fantastic and was also incredibly quick! He won. Great warm up for Badminton! Ken had 2 down, I still need to get the softness around turns, he jumped the XC like it was nothing and finished 4th in the advanced. Chuffed to bits, he’s ready for Bramham…
It makes such a difference to me when the ground is good, I will be competitive when it’s like that, long may it continue!!
It seemed a short week with the Bank Holiday; I had a rare day off Monday which was fantastic. Great to catch up with friends too, often don’t do this enough when we’re mid season.
I took four horses to Bury Farm on Tuesday for lessons with Anna. As we had a few dry days and sunshine we worked Jasper and Kenny outside on the grass, which proved very helpful. I tried to trick Jasper into thinking he was performing a test but no chance!!! Far too intelligent for that. Anna was impressed at how much better Kenny looks and is going; he really is an exciting prospect for this year. I also had lessons with Harry who was his usual brilliant self and Tweedy who did some excellent work. These two will do very good tests soon.
With the South of England coming up and some in their first BE100 classes I was back to Lodge Farm for more XC schooling. The ground is great there, drains well. It has everything for babies, lots of steps, ditches and water. I filled the lorry up as usual; they were all reasonably well behaved! I did however fall off Tweedy who was incredibly fresh and felt it amusing to deposit his rider in front of about 20 riding club members who must’ve had a giggle to themselves!! Not one for being embarrassed about these things though I got back on and laughed at the situation. Bambi was the superstar, definitely ready for a novice now, looking forward to that soon. I also cantered Jasper as the ground was so good, he felt great, was a little on the strong side though!
I was lucky enough to be invited to a Talk/ Dinner on Metacam, a drug I actually use on a few occasions already with great results. It has a much quicker withdrawal than Bute and acts in the same way, except it won’t upset the gut if used long term as Bute can. It is however more expensive but the withdrawal period makes it attractive for competition horses. The evening was lovely and met some new people, gradually knowing more and more.
I always struggle for time with paperwork and now I’ve moved this is still no exception as there are even more things I can do instead of this! I did spend all Thursday afternoon staring at figures which I actually find quite tiring, I’m much better at riding… It’s a nasty shock when you’ve your own yard and you have to do all the books and bills. Hopefully one day can afford a secretary!
We took Leanne out for dinner for her final night to say Thank You for the work she’s done over the last month, I think she found it rather tiring at times but really helped us so she was very much appreciated. This is a great scheme for pupils and for us, really gives them a chance to see what real life in yards is like.
We then had three days at a gloriously sunny South of England (for the first two anyway). Tweedy and Bertie were in their first BE100 classes and after walking the course I thought there was enough for them to look at, especially the last water where there was a big log in or trot around it and two parts coming out. The ground looked great in places but would be wet in others… Bambi was also in the 100 with Bert in the Open section, they were all brilliant, their marks were all good, 28 (Bambi) 31 (Bertie) and 32 (Tweedy). They then proceeded to jump beautiful double clears each, I was held up with Tweedy with someone I caught up that wouldn’t move out of the way so had eight time faults and finished 7th. Bambi went towards the end of the class so I carefully went around the mud and had three time faults to finish 5th and Bertie was faultless (in all aspects!) and came 3rd. It is so rewarding when these young horses do well. I now would like to find some owners for Tweedy and Bertie; I have very high opinions of both. I took a few to work as the ground was so good, Harry, Romeo, Kenny and Imp for the two days prior to his test which really paid off as he scored a 17 in the open novice! He show jumped clear but not XC I still have work to do unfortunately. I swapped Amber into Ken’s place as he didn’t need the run, she did do a nice test but was in the OI section and their standard is much higher. She jumped double clear though so this was all I was hoping for in such a fierce section. The ground was deep in places and I went about 8th to go and found it deep enough then so went steadily and carefully. I honestly believe that sort of ground pulls tendons and I was surprised there were lots of good horses run quickly. This was still only her 2nd run, I have plenty more yet! Jasper performed a great pre Badminton test so hopefully he can reproduce this in a few weeks time…
I hope the sunshine continues for Belton, I’ve five running there and would like some dry ground to run faster on, I only have a few top horses and intend to keep them all on the road as best I can!!!
When will this weather change? it has been more than horrible at times. The ground can’t take much more and with several cancelled events already it would be good if we could have some warm sunshine! Please!
The week has gone so quickly as we have been out and about so much. I’d just got back from the weekend at Munstead and then left for Somerley Monday lunch time with five. I knew that it didn’t bode well when we drove through torrential rain all the way down. We were towed onto the stabling lorry park, it didn’t stop raining the whole evening either, so disappointing as the organisers work so hard for so long and then a few days of rain ruin everything. They were lucky that it could run at all. It was dry Tuesday but quickly the dressage arenas turned into boggy ones as did the show jumping. All the horses performed good tests despite the arenas; it is quite hard to perform a balanced medium trot across the diagonal when you trot through a deep patch and then good ground etc! Harry scored a very respectable 32, Romeo 34, Ken 35 and Amber a good result for 33. I jumped Harry first around a full up to height SJ track, most of the course was good but the ground that was deep in front really was bad. We got stuck in the mud for two jumps and had them down. He really did try though. As did Ken who was clear. I went to see how the XC was holding up, not too bad but was obviously cut up. I deliberated for a long time about whether to run them or not and decided that the SJ was too deep for my careful horses as I was nearly the last to go and decided Ken was running at Burnham at the weekend so not to run him and that Harry would be ok in the mud but as it was only his second run so why risk him? Plenty more to go yet…
I did swap Imp to the novice hc as it made sense not to go back the next day. He performed a good test 33, one down SJ and was going brilliantly XC until I perhaps didn’t have enough leg on at the double of corners and had a very annoying stop. I just cruised around the rest to finish well.
We left Somerley and stayed at Guildford so I could have some lessons with Stuart Harvey the next day. I jumped all of them even Imp as I wanted to get a fresh pair of eyes on them. They were great, jumped exceptionally well, so will be back!! Was also great to have a positive come out of a rather depressing two days! We work so hard over the winter I find it quite demoralising when the weather plays havoc!!
The next two days were spent preparing for Burnham and riding all the horses I had left behind at home earlier in the week. I then left for my parents Friday lunch time on route to Burnham. I’d been calling people to find out how the ground was as I decided not to go if bad, however all reports were good so off we went! I only had Ken and Jasper in the advanced as so far this year these two are the only ones at this level, I hope for more soon though! The ground was definitely drier than at Somerley, didn’t have to be towed on for a start. I think we had the best of the ground though as it had dried out with the wind. In fact the dressage was superb; Jasper performed a good test mainly for 33 and Ken a very good test for just slightly higher 33.9. They were very competitive in the section, I was quietly confident about Jasper as he’s been 2nd the last two years there. However all my hopes were ruined by three down in the SJ as the course hadn’t been moved from the 150 cic horses that had jumped before us and he basically got stuck in the mud in the combination. He has only ever had three down three times, all from gluey going. I then had my first XC penalty since Hong Kong as he misread the ditch in the coffin and left his hindlegs in it causing it to stop us so we couldn’t jump the rail out, I guess if you have a bad day do it all at the same event! Ken was great, brilliant. In the SJ, just had the first jump down as I don’t think he realised how sticky it was, then tried his heart out and jumped the rest clear. He was superb XC too, not too strong, I picked my way around the sticky patches so finished 9th. Really pleased with that, he is becoming a very brave boy. I left for Kent after seeing my family for the last two days, which was lovely. My mum has been amazing and cooked us a fantastic lasagne too, very spoilt!!
I went to London Sunday night as it was a bank holiday and saw one of my best friends, had a great night and a much needed day off Monday. All systems go again for a busy week ahead, have the South of England next weekend, a local!!
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