Catch up....

Sorry I've not been keeping my diary up to speed!!!
Dean and I have just got back from Ireland having spent 4 days looking at horses. We attended Millstreet show, which had over 1000 horses competing in show jumping classes there. My favourite class was the 4yr old final, where the top 20 4yr olds jumped a round of show jumps under 2 judges eyes, and then from that the top 8 were brought back in for Billy Twoomy and Shane Breene to ride. It was great to watch such great riders ride all those different horses so well. Shane was impeccable in his riding and made every horse he sat on go very well. I would certainly go back and watch that class next year.
Away from the show I saw two nice 3yr olds which I liked. There were some lovely horses at the show, but way out my price range! It seems that although the economic market has dropped, it hasnt affected horse prices (top horse prices anyway) yet.
As for my horses......
Mossy isnt quite sound, so he's on rest as I cannot see anything obviously wrong. Fitz is having a holiday in the barn, as I felt he needed more rest time. Bee is very well, she did her first Novice at Aston le Walls and performed very well, Im now getting her ready to go to Burghley Young Event Horse Final. Pascal hasn't felt himself so after a blood test it showed signs of a virus, and the physio also found a few uncomfortable areas, so he too is having a short break before I work him I will take another blood test to make sure he is better. Flint has been sold. Warrior is riding away nicely and i've jumped a small fence on him. Spider is causing me heartache as he has an infection in his leg and I'm desperatly trying to get rid of the swelling, which means I carnt work him, and Burghley is only 2 weeks away!! Nenagh is well, her and Milly go to Henbury Novice on Monday, so I'm looking forward to that. Milly feels in great form and also went well the other week in her first novice at Aston. As for Mickey, I rode him again today after his short break after Ryedale and he is very well, a bit fat actually! I have decided not to take him to Burghley as I dont feel he is riding well enough yet.
Jen and Andy have gone home to Ireland, so I was asd to see them go, Jen was a very nice person to have around, and we will all miss her.
I'm missing my mum who's been away in France looking after her mother who isnt very well. She has been away for about 6 weeks. Mum is coming home next week hopefully.
So Ive got Henbury, Gatcombe (Nenagh), Draycott (Milly), Burghley (Bee, Spider), and Burnham Market (Pascal, Nenagh, Bee, Milly) to look forward to in the next month.
Dean is in good form, he looks forward to going to South Africa shortly on a Hunting trip. Heather and Dee are well, and working hard.
As for me, I'm putting off the fact I need to buy myself a car!! My truck that I won last year at Hickstead goes back on Aug 31st!! Apart from that I'm busy planning next year already. I want to really get out there and do well. With Fitz off the road I wont be able to apply to join the Lottery funded UK Sport Potential Squad which I had hoped would be achievable this year, as it is bi-annually I missed out by a whisker in 2006/7 and received a training grant instead. I thought this year would be the year, but I'll have to aim for 2010/2011 selection trials now. All I can say is it just makes me more hungry for success, and more motivated to find the financial backing I need for next year and beyond.

Ryedale BYEH.....

It was a worthwhile trip to Ryedale Show in North Yorkshire, as Bee finished 2nd in her 5yr old class, and Mickey won his 4yr old Young Event horse class, so both have qualified for the final at Burghley! I also took Millie, and again although she put up a good performance she was 11th, and just out the top ten. I think we have decided that the class is not worth doing with her, we all love her and she has proved herself over and over in proper events, its very frustating when judges marks dont reward her talents. Bee put up a really good performance, and was pulled in first after the gallop in the last top ten ride off. Mickey jumped really well, and has improved from Knaptoft, he really felt like he wanted to be in the ring, and is beginning to know what lifes all about!
It was a slow journey home, as traffic was busy, so Im fairly tired, and fed up with the hot humid weather!

Knaptoft BYEH...Spider Wins Again!

It was a long, hot day, I swear it was the hottest day of the year! We took 4 horses to Knaptoft yesterday to do the Burghley Young Event Horse Class. Bee and Millie in the 5 yr old section, and Spider and Mickey in the 4 yr olds. Millie was first to go and performed really well, jumping an excellent round. As we realised last year judges don't mark small horses very well, and despite her good performance, her marks did not reflect it. Bee also went really well, another nice dressage and very good clear jumping round. Bee got good marks, but then only scored a mean 7 out of 15 for confirmation, which put her 11th! so neither had to go back in for the top 10.
Spider was first up in the 4 yr olds, and he felt a little quiet in such heat, and although jumped well, didn't have quite the same exuberance to himself. The judges didn't seem to mind as he got the second best mark in the class, and then was pulled in first after the gallop, so he won! It was a great end to a long day. Tim and Janet brought a nice bottle sparkling Rose wine so we all enjoyed a celebratory drink! It was Mickeys first attempt at anything like that, and he went as well as I could have hoped really. In his dressage my steering wasn't great in canter, and staying in the boards was quite difficult, but we managed it. He jumped round for 4 faults, and I was really chuff. He was wobbly, and green but got better and better. He got 13 out of 15 for confirmation, which was top mark out of all of mine.
Jen also had her first attempt at the class. Andy did a super test, with one of the best marks, just one down sj, they were 12th and again just out the top 10. So Spider has his ticket to Burghley which will be on the Friday of Burghley Horse Trials.

Kellymoss 2nd at Hickstead!

Yesterday Heather, Dean and I took the long trip down to Hickstead for the Eventing Grand Prix, which I won on Kellymoss last year. Last to go I could only go out there and do my best. I had a fixed plan of attack, and wanted to jump a clear round. As I entered the big arena , Mossy knew exactly where he was, and felt very revved up and quite strong as the buzzer went. I started in a steady rytham in order to settle him in to the round. He jumped really well, I just didnt dare risk turning inside the bank tight to a big, upright gate so lost a few valuable seconds, but he just wouldnt have coped with the turn well enough. Clear over all the showjumps I put my foot down and rode as quickly as I could. He was amazing, so quick on and off the sussex bank, and stayed so careful. My racing finish had people on the edge of their seats but I lost it by 2 seconds! I had achieved a clear round, which is very special in this class as in 11 years of the class running only 5 horses have jumped a clear. Well done to Gary Parsonage who won, he had a great ride on Peterstreet who also jumped clear.
I was really proud of Mossy, who just seems to love in in the Hickstead Arena, and thanks to alot of work from Heather he looked and felt fantastic.
Ive just spent all morning jumping the youngs ones going to Knaptoft tommorrow, so instead of whizz whizz it was wobble wobble!!! All 4 were in good form, I hope they go well tommorow, it could be a long, hot day for them.

Hello and Goodbye...

I am pleased to welcome Pascal back to the yard. He has been bought by Richard and Karen Goddard and myself. I hope to aim him at Weston Park CCI*.
Desdorado (Desi) has gone to a new home. It was sad to see him go as he really was the sweetest horse. I wish Claudia lots of sucess with him.

Catch Up...

I am sorry I havent made a diary entry for a few weeks, no excuses its just not good enough, so sorry! But on the positive side of things I have lots of good things to update you with!......
Spider made his debut at Upton House 4 yr old Intro class last week. He did a sweet test, and I was dissapointed to get a 42, with the comments that he was a little croup high and downhill.....He is 4yrs old!!!!!! Anyway a great double clear left us 8th. He deserved a rosette, he was very grown up, and it was as if he had done it all before.
Last weekend, Jen, Dean, and I went to Brightling Horse Trials. I only took Bee to ride, and it was her first event back since her rest, and she peerformed really well; 31 and double clear. She was really settled throughout all three phases and showed me she had gained in confidence for having her rest and thinking things over. Jen had slightly mixed fortunes; 33 dressage, 4 down and some time faults in the SJ, and a great clear XC. It was unfortunate in the showjumping as mistakes were made at the beginning and end of their round, and the 5/6 fences in the middle of the course Andy jumped very well, the best I've seen him in the ring. Bee ended up 6th. We stayed with Bee's owner who kindly put us up, and enjoyed a social day on Sunday. I saw Gillys foal who is gorgeous called Kittiwake, and has real character. We all got invited to Lunch in the sponsors marquee at the horse trials, so we went and enjoyed spectating on Sunday, and meeting lots of very nice people!
Yesterday I had 3 to ride, thats more like it! Spider had another 4yr old Qualifier, and Millie, Bee, and Andy were in the PN at Stafford Horse Trials. It was a really good event, good going, lovely courses and well organised. Spider led from the start of his class to win! So he's qualified for the 4yr old champs at Tweseldown in October! Millie enjoyed her first run back since her break, and scored an amazing 24.5 to lead the dressage. An unlucky rail down meant we finished second, such a shame! Bee put up another relaxed performance to finish 3rd. Jen did a nice test again, just one down SJ and a great clear XC. Only time faults kept her out the placings, but that will come.
Today I have been to Weston Lawns with Mossy and Mickey. It was Mickeys first show! He jumped round the British Novice very well, I was thrilled. Mossy at last is feeling more settled, I hope it all comes together for Hickstead on Thursday!! We will see, I can only but try!

Back in the swing of things....

I returned from a weeks holiday in Turkey on Friday, and was glad to see the horses were all fine, and so was Mungo. Dean and I had a really good holiday, and a restful break. The weather was fantastic, almost too hot!
On Sunday Jen went to do her first Pre Novice at Eland Lodge, so Dean and I went along to support her. Andy did a good test, but was abit up tight and lost a few marks here and there, but scored a creditable 35.5, and went on to jump a double clear. Time faults XC put jen out the placings, but we were all very pleased with their performance. She heads to Buckminster now on Saturday to do the 5Yr old PN class.
So my horses are all back in work now. Bee, Nenagh, Mossy, Spider and Mickey. Im awaiting Millies return.
Sadly I sold Desdorado (Desi) just before I went on holiday. I will miss him, and wish him well in his new home.
I am looking forward to taking Spider to Upton House next week for his 4 yr old qualifier.

Quiet times and Horses to sell

Pictures of the horses I have for sale at the moment:


It is all relitivly quiet in the yard, Bee, Millie, Mossy, and Fitz are on holiday. I am busy working Spider, Nenagh and Mickey. I am really enjoying working with the 4yr olds Spider and Mickey. Spider is a little more advanced than Mickey as he has done more work. I took them to Aylesfords show jumps yesterday and that was the first time Mickey has seen fillers and he was very good. I am hoping to take them both to Vale View tommorrow.
Nenagh feels really happy in herself, she lives out at night now and seems better for it. I had a Hannah lesson with her on Friday and at last she feels more even down both reins and in her trot work is beginning to carry herself. I dont feel she is trying to pull my arms out all lesson.
Jennifer is getting Andy ready for Milton Keynes next weekend, and he is improving all the time. 1. Homebred, 3yr, filly, to make 16.1/16.2 out of my great junior team advanced horse Weston Miskris, by Primitive Proposal.
2. 8yr, grey, gelding. Has evented to Novice level, but I feel he would be more suited to dressage, or lower level eventing/sj. He has hunted, and evented, and has won lots of unaff dressage. He is good to do in everyway.
3. 11yr old, established hunter.
If you know anyone who may be interested in any of these horses please get in touch for more details.

OPEN DAY CANCELLED

There will be another date set in the future, I will keep you posted. Unfortunatly I am unable to hold the open day next weekend.

Rutland Show

Yesterday was Rutland Show, one of my favourite shows, although yesterday everything was on at the same time, and we were parked miles away, so there was little time to enjoy myself! However my girls Millie, and Bee got the morning off to a good start jumping in the Discovery class in the main arena. Millie jumped a double clear, and Bee just had 4 faults, but jumped very well, and was quiet and relaxed in a big arena so I was pleased. An hour later they did the BYEH 5yr old class, and again both performed to their best. Millie ended up 4th, Galloping very well in the final 10 parade!, and Bee was just out the top 10. Bees confirmation mark wasnt very generous which put her down, so it was a shame.
Pascal was next in the SJ ring. He jumped the newcomers. He went really well. A bit ordinary but clear in the first round, he then really tried for me in the jump off and we were 2nd out of 43, so i was very pleased. I was beaten by a lovely show jumping horse which was ridden by Jackson Read Stevenson.
Next up was Mossy, who had little time for warming in as everything was pretty hectic, and the atmosphere and loud music in the main arena sent him wild. I tried a different bit as well which I could sense he wasnt as happy in when I was warming up, but the lorry was so far away I had no time to change. We went in and had number 1, and number 3 down so I came out the ring deciding I would achieve nothing by carrying on, except damage his confidence, so we will be back another day. It was a dissapointing note to finish on, as the rest of the day had gone well.
Millie and Bee are now having a holiday as they have achieved everything I have asked of them. I have also booked a holiday from 18th of june for a week in Turkey!

Fitz out of Bramham

Just thought I'd better say that I have been forced to withdraw Fitz from the CCI*** at Bramham due to a minor injury. Hopefully he will be back in action soon. I am very dissapointed as he is in great form, but obviously Bramham is not meant to be. I Can't help feeling frustrated as I am desperate to compete at that level again!
So I am looking forward to Rutland Show on Sunday. I have Bee and Milly in the 5yo BYEH class, and Pascal and Mossy will do the jumping classes. Poor Spider is yet to make his BYEH debut as messing about in the field he seems to have pulled some muscles in his hind quarters and is awaiting the physio to come and treat him. Guess that's horses!

Prestwold Hall

It rained all night long, my fears of hard ground vanished! I took Milly and Desi to do the Pre Novice at Prestwold Hall, a local one which was nice. Bee was also entered, but Gilly and I agreed she had ran enough times, and finished on such a good note at Brigstock that we wouldn't run her at Prestwold.
Desi and Milly were both second in their sections. Milly won a tack shop voucher, and Desi won 8 bags of Molichop! Milly was a little star, she performed imppeccably. It amuses me as when she arrives at her shows, she feels like she is on auto pilot, she would probably do all 3 phases without me sat on her! Unfased by the mud she skipped round the XC.
I thought Desi did a really smart test, and I was dissapointed with my mark of 32.4. He showjumped very well, and stormed round the XC. Both horses were blowing quite hard when they finished, the ground had become quite deep and holding, and had taken its toll. To my amusement when I looked at the scoreboard I had finished in the time of exactly 4mins 8secs on both horses.
With Mum and Nicky there to watch I had a good day, and was proud of both horses.

Brigstock

I have just got home from my second day at Brigstock horse trials, I was there on Friday with Pascal and Nenagh in the novice, and today with Bee and Milly in the pre novice. I was treated to a beautiful setting and perfect going which came as a welcome surprise, as after the heat wave all our ground has gone from soaking wet to rock hard!
All four performed really well, all jumping double clears, and doing good tests. Pascal was 3rd, Nenagh 10th, Bee 9th, and Milly 6th. Pascal gave me a great ride XC, Nenagh did her best dressage and showjumping round yet this year, so I was delighted. Bee jumped very well in the SJ ring, and wasn't fresh like at keysoe, so all my work playing over fences since Keysoe had paid off, and Milly is a little pro, knows what to do and does it very well. She had a smart dressage of 29. I have to say I thought Bee was harshly marked as she did a lovely test and got 39, with six's for her trot work, so I was a little frustrated!
Brigstock is a definite in the diary for next year, it was a fab event!

Time is the best healer.....for my computer

My diary has been rather quiet due to my misbehaving computer! As I came to write an entry after Keysoe, it had locked me out... I tried turning it off, switching it on, control/alt/del, all the things Im sure Im not meant to! Anyway, I have given my computer a few days off, just turned it on, and its happy again! So I'd better get writing....
Last Saturday I had 4 entered at Keysoe, having not been to Keysoe for a few years I decided it must have improved by now, and thought I'd go again. I wont be going for another few more years, thankyou. Perhaps Im being a bit unfair, as all the horses ran well, and we had a good day. Pascal won his novice section. His owner/rider Jitka Hola was there to watch him which was great. Jitka has done a really good job producing this horse, and she has handed over the reins to me temporarily whilst she has had the pins taken out of her leg. I had a really good ride on him, as we are still getting to know one another. Millie jumped a double clear, and had a 40 dressage, which I thought was a bit harsh, as again she did a good test. I have learnt to love or hate Pre Novice dressage marks, I never quite know what Im going to get next! Bee did a lovely test, except dumbo jockey went wrong!..I think the 2am start momentarily got to me! In her Showjumping she was rather fresh, and jumped well until the last double when she couldnt contain her exuberence any longer and jumped through too quickly having both parts down. However I did enjoy that spark out on the XC, she felt great. I subbed Nenagh for Desi, and she ran very well, just unluckily had number 1 down in the Show jumping, and again I was steady XC, but she felt class. Many times I wandered what was going on at Badminton, and I wish and hope to get back and ride there soon!!
Im planning on Showjumping at Weston Lawns on Thursday, and Fitz runs advanced at Chatsworth on Sunday.

Hambledon Again...

We were back at Hambledon on Monday with Nenagh and Desi. Desi went well again in the PN, he scored 31 and double clear, finishing 5th. For the first time he wasn't in the lead after the dressage, He went a bit too deep and heavy on me, think I was trotting round the arena too long, as the judge took ages to beep the horn, so even though he did a lovely test he lost marks for being 'behind the vertical'. I was still pleased with him. Nenagh earned herself another point by going double clear in the novice. She didn't do a great test, but totally redeemed herself on the XC. I rode her in a waterford snaffle rather than the gag, and she jumped round really well, in a great rytham. I got quite a few time faults again, but I can live with that! 6 horses, 6 double clears. I couldn't of asked much more of any of them.
Yesterday I took fitz to have a dressage lesson with Hannah, and we worked on collecting his canter without using much hand. I have to train him to collect without shortening his neck.....good job I like a challenge!

A worthwhile day

Yesterday was a long but worthwhile day at Hambledon Horse Trials, which is between Marlow, and Henley on Thames. We set off at 5am with 4 horses, Dean, Heather, Penny, and myself. Lexi ran first in the PN, doing her best test to date, scoring 33.9, and another double clear we finished 7th. Pascal is a new horse to the team and is her for a short period whilst his owner/rider is recovering from having pins taken out her leg. I was pleased with his performance, little improvements can be made all round, but a 33.2 and double clear left him also in 7th place. Millie and Bee were head to head in the 5yr old section in which the top 3 were to qualify for the 5yr old national finals at Tweseldown in October. Millie hasn't ran since Oasby due to the balloting, and so I organised Heather to lunge her twice before my test. She behaved very nicely, apart from in her free walk I felt her attention was more on the XC start! She scored a 30, the best dressage mark in her section, and jumped a great double clear. I just pressed her XC for the first time and she felt she found another gear which is great. Bee did a lovely test scoring 31, and again a double clear, although a bit green in places! To my delight, Millie won and Bee was second!! Both have qualified for their final, and both Nicky and Gilly were there to watch their girls do so well. We got home around 10.30pm, so it was a very long day, but with results like that, everyone was happy. I am back at Hambledon with Desi and Nenagh on Monday.

Belton

Nenagh and Fitz ran at Belton this weekend. Nenagh did her first novice on friday, and fulfilled all my expectations of her. (apart from a couple of wobbly bits in the dressage!!) She had good bits and bad bits in her test, and scored 31.9, which was pretty good, although someone had a 20 in my section! She jumped a nice clear showjumping, despite suffering a hail storm whilst warming up! She felt great XC, and the 2nd half she was very settled and easy to ride. I kept a steady rytham, and came home with 14 time faults, so we were out the money, but a double clear gave her her first point. I really enjoy winning their first point, its like the first step on the ladder. One day I would like to achieve the 1000 points with a horse to join those elite few special horses. Fitz also did his dressage first thing on friday. I rode him twice, and by the last 10 minutes his work was the best I have had it. He did a good test, scoring 50.9, leaving us in 16th place out of a strong field of 85, I was thrilled. Both his changes were a bit late behind, and his rein back crooked, so if I can improve these bits, I could crack that 50 barrier, and score in the late 40's. So I have set my target!
Saturday we were at home, and jumped most of the horses on the yard. With Deans help they all jumped well.
Having not had a party to go to in months, last night was my brother and his wifes joint 40th party. However I was unable to get in the party mood as typically today I had my showjumping at 8.02am, so it meant feeding Fitz at 4am! So my night out was a quiet one, one glass of champagne, followed by lots of tonic water!
Fitz jumped a good clear in the SJ, I got 3 time faults, being 2nd in it wasn't obvious how tight the time was, and it proved very tight the more the class went on. I took an extra stride coming to the last which would have cost me that bit of time, but he jumped very well. The XC course was far from a first timers track as it had stated in the omnibus. It was technical and big. I didnt go XC until 1.45pm, so had plenty of time to go and watch how it was riding. Fitz excelled himself. He jumped round easily. I chose to take 3 longer routes at the fences where the angles were very steep, as he doesnt know enough yet, and although he is very good on a line, I wanted him to stay that way, and not risk any run outs. I will practice some more first. So I cruised round, didn't press him, and gave him the best ride I could. Having had his biggest test to date at Burnham Market you never know until you run them again how mentally they coped with it. He felt full of confidence today, he has taken the move up to this level happily in his stride. Not sure where we finished, I know we will have quite a few time faults, but his future is very exciting!!!

Kellymoss goes to The British Open

For the second year Mossy and I were Invited to compete in the Eventing Grand Prix at the British Open Showjumping Championships at the N.E.C in Birmingham. Friday night was the individual competition, and Saturday afternoon was a Power and Speed relay where I was paired with an international showjumper, and the showjumper jumped the showjumps and me (the eventer) jumped the cross country part.
Last year I was drawn first to go, and I couldn't believe that the same happened to me this year. It was a poor draw, and they were slow building the course giving me little time to mentally prepare. However he jumped well, I had a stop at the first corner as I just didn't get my line in time and ended up on a nothing stride. As the class went on alot of horses ran out at the corners or a skinny hedge. Gradually a steady clear meant you finished in the top 6. I finished 9th......but if only.......However finishing in the top 12 meant I got invited back to have another go on Saturday! The course was very similar. I was paired with Di Lampard which was great as I know Di anyway. Di rode Williams Spirit. I was determined to go well, and i had a great ride, more control, and jumped the corners spot on. It was nice to finish on such a good note, and Di and I were 5th. Once again the atmosphere was electric, and I really enjoyed being part of such an elite show. I love watching showjumping anyway, so I had a great weekend. Apart from we slept in the lorry which was next to a train track and every hour freight trains rattled their way by. None of us had a very good nights sleep!!!! This week I have Hannah coming on Thursday, and Nenagh and Fitz at Belton over the weekend. I hear Weston Park was cancelled today, all I can say is thank goodness Fitz has had a couple of runs, I bet some advanced horses have not even ran yet.

Burnham Market CIC***

Fitz was 7th in his first CIC*** in Strong company, so I am really pleased with him. We did our dressage on Saturday, scoring 50.3 leaving us in 10th, and I still think there is so much more improvement to be made. Heather and I stayed over last night at some nearby stabling and did the Show jumping and XC today. After torrential rain on friday the showjumping arena had got very deep, I was pleased that on my arrival this morning all the showjumps had been moved on to an all weather surface, which meant the showjumping was tight but on great going! Fitz jumped a good clear, my practise at Weston Lawns last week had set us up well. The cross country was testing but fair, dimensionally big, but not too technical, and he gave me a good ride. The run will have made him think abit, It is the biggest track he has done, and I just upped my pace a bit.
I now have my qualification to enter a CCI***, and finishing in the top ten also means I can apply for World Class Potential Squad trials in the back end. ( I reached the final the last time the trials were on, and was awarded a B.E.F training grant. I just missed being selected on to the World Class programme.)
So in all a long weekend, but I couldn't have asked the horses any more, they all gave their best. Cannot wait for my next event!!!

Burnham Market

More rain, more wind, more cold.....Burnham Market at its best!! I managed to slip Bee in to a withdrawn slot when I arrived today, so she got her first PN run along with Nenagh and Lexi. The dressage field was on top of an open hill, it was blowing freezing rain. Thankfully all were well behaved and very tolerant in such conditions. The showjumping and XC collecting rings reverted to warm up and number down on the board, so I did all 3 dressage tests, followed by all 3 SJ rounds, and 3XC rounds. It worked perfectly.
Bee excelled herself and did a 33 dressage and a double clear in very muddy conditions. Nenagh did a lovely test but the judge thought otherwise scoring 38. She rolled a pole showjumping, and jumped a great, steady clear XC. Lexi did a 36 dressage, and was impeccable in her SJ and XC. She felt the established and experienced one, and gave me a great ride. We made our way home soon after so I dont know my exact scores, or if any rossetes were won, but I was very chuff with how they all coped in the extreme conditions. Hope Fitz doesnt get cancelled again, will have to wait and see.

Goodbye Saffy

I am sad to say that Saffy has been sold. She left on Wednesday to go to her new home in Ireland. An offer for her came out of the blue, and despite my efforts trying desperatly to keep her, the Hawleys decided to sell. I am very upset to lose such a talented horse that I have produced from the start. She had got better and better, and I was certain we would go out this year and do very well both in Eventing, and Show Jumping. I know this happens, I have had it happen to me before, but it still breaks my heart. Saffy was difficult in the beginning and I spent alot of time on her, we had a strong trusting relationship which will be sorely missed. I am dissapointed not to have had the chance to fulfil her potential, and compete her to 4* level which I know she was capable of. It has been an emotional couple of weeks, but now she has gone I have to get on with life, not give up, and look for something that can replace her.

Boys on form

I decided to go to Weston Lawns on Monday afternoon with Fitz and Mossy. We were jumping in snow blizzards and sunshine, but it was fairly cold. Mossy won the Foxhunter. He jumped very well, I swapped his bridle back to a happy mouth pelham, and he felt fantastic, really tried to jump what was a big track. Fitz felt fresh and jumped a great double clear in the 1.25m Open, finishing 5th. I came home £30 in credit...Bonus!!

CANCELLED.............

I fed Fitz at 3am, left at 5.15am and drove as far as Moreton in the Marsh before receiving a text message to say Gatcombe had been cancelled!!! So promptly turned round and drove home. Much to Fitz's disappointment when I dropped the ramp he was back at home!!! Why they couldn't cancel last night I don't know, so what a waste of diesel and adrenaline!!!
Instead I ventured in to Leicester with Dean and went shopping like normal couples do......we soon got bored of that, but the change of scenery cheered me up!
All I can say is thank goodness I ran at Lincoln, and I hope Burnham will go ahead next week. The weather is manic, one minute we have sunshine, the next a snow blizzard. The forecast is even worse for tomorrow! Anyway, Happy Easter!!!!!

Weston Lawns Showjumping....

It was back to Weston Lawns for their first affiliated show of this year. It is the best place, and I love going, although today we nearly got blown away!! It was touch and go at times as the fences kept blowing over! I took Nenagh, Desi, Bee, and Mossy. Nenagh jumped first, and set a high standard for the others to follow, it is my first show with her after that minor injury, and she felt on great form and jumped a nice double clear in the 1.05m Open. Desi jumped very well too in the 1.05m open, but a jockey error meant he just caught the back rail of an oxer going in to the double at the last fence. Bee impressed me as I jumped her in that class too, plenty to look at for a baby, and she jumped a super clear in the first round. I didn't jump the jump off part, as i thought it was a bit big for today, so I finished on a good note. Mossy was keen as he always is, and jumped a good double clear in the newcomers. I now need to get them registered with the BSJA so I can win some money when it goes well!!
Gatcombe has been cancelled today, so im keeping my fingers crossed that we can still go tommorrow. I will wait and see what the ever changing weather does tonight!!!

Fitz gets his first run...........

It rained solidly all night long. I was determined to go to Lincoln, but I did check it hadn't been cancelled before I left, the amount of rain we had was unbelieveable. I decided I would do each phase one at a time, depending on the going. The turf at Lincoln stood up well, and I had my run. Fitz did an ok dressage, I had the pleasure of following William Fox Pitt on Tamarillo! The showjumping was fairly deep, slippy, and muddy. Fitz jumped very well, just had one oxer down. I just felt his hind legs slip as he took off, and he tried but just clipped it. Overall the round was good. XC I stuck to my plan and slowly cruised round. He felt great, and although a decent track, he made it all feel very easy. He recovered quickly, and felt well and fitter than I thought he might be, so I'm pleased and looking forward to Gatcombe next week. I left before my scores were out, so I am not sure where I finished. All I know is I was satisfied that we have made a good start to the year, with a solid all round performance.

Lincoln

Lincoln is one of my favourite events in the spring calender, I think you either love it at Lincoln, or you hate it. I have been warming up in blizzards in previous years but today the weather was kind, and I had a successful day. It was Heathers birthday, so Desdorado (Desi) gave her a good day by winning his first Pre Novice on his dressage score of 21! What a little star, he has won 3 on the bounce now.
I also took Perle D'Or (Lexi), and she put up a solid performance to finish 10th on her dressage score of 38.5. Lexi jumped very well, and I was very pleased with them both. Originally I had entered Bee and Millie as well, but Bee and Desi were balloted out. Unfortunately Millie couldn't go today, so Desi took her entry at the last minute. Bee and Millie will make their Pre Novice debut at Burnham Market instead.
Fitz has felt a little quiet in himself, and has been puzzling me. I have changed a few things with his diet, grooming, and tack, and the last two days have seen him feel on top form again, thank goodness! I plan to run him on Sunday as the ground today was so good. He has missed a bit of canter work so I will run him quietly but I am looking forward to getting him out.

Oasby Pics

Bee and Desi going XC. Pictures were taken by Gilly Kinloch.

Oasby again!

It was back to Oasby with Millie, Desi and Bee to do their first affiliated event of the year. I thought i would give them all a nice start and enter them in the Intro, but unfortunately I have to ride 'HC' (non competitive) as I have ridden at Advanced level. This ruled me out of winning 3 prizes today, and we all love winning rosettes!!!! My 3 horses were all great, Millie was very relaxed and performed impeccably scoring 30.5 and a double clear. Desi scored 21.5 in the dressage! and a lovely double clear. Bee was amazing considering she is so much less experienced than the others. She has a really nice attitude to life, and I always get the feeling she is trying to please. She scored 30.5, and a double clear. So i could have had two wins and a second place had I been competitive. Lets hope their first pre novice runs are as good!
Thankfully the weather was kind, and Gilly came to watch Bee, and Mum came to watch too, bringing her wonderful picnic, which after a busy morning we all enjoyed. So a good start to my year, my preparations have been worth while. Gilly took some great pictures which I will post when I get them.

Oasby

I took Lexi ( Perle D'or ) to Oasby Pre Novice today, and she performed well to finish 3rd. It was a nice day, Liz and Leona Frayling who own Lexi came to watch her, and she was consistant in all 3 phases, and jumped a good double clear. Jennifer came with me to see the British Eventing scene! Jen was amazed by how smart the programme was, and horrified there was a start fee to pay....she has niether in Ireland!
Jen took her horse Andy, and i took Bee to show them the sights and ride around at the event. Bee thought the commentry was quite exciting! I had to withdraw Nenagh as the Physio recommended a slow introduction back to work after she hurt herself at Osberton. She is fine now, and im aiming at Burnham Market Pre Novice instead.
I have Bee, Desi, and Milly at Oasby on Sunday, so until then.....

And we are off.............

It has been a very busy few days, and Heather and Jennifer have worked some long days! So if any one knows any one who wants a job let me know!
Today was the East Midlands Dressage Group One Day Event held at Osberton Park. It is about the 3rd year i have been there now, and it is an excellent way to start the year. The ground was perfect, and the event is always so well organised it is a pleasure to attend.
I took Desi, Milly and Nenagh. Desi won! He felt great, i was thrilled with him in all three phases, as that was his first one day event, so a good way to start! He scored 23.5 and double clear.(So any one interested in owning an event horse get in touch with me, he is a star in the making!) Milly was also a star, she would have won but the last show jump down dropped us to 3rd. She scored 29.5, jumped a good round in the showjumping, and really enjoyed being back going XC again. Poor Nenagh slipped awkwardly on the lunge and looked slightly short behind so i withdrew her. I know her well, and she is so sound and tough, i knew she wasn't right. I will get the physio to check her before risking more damage. So i was disappointed not to have ran her, but there will be many more chances.
So in all a good start to the season, and an enjoyable day. It was a great feeling to be cantering out that start box again!!!!

Goodbye Lucia....

I said goodbye to Lucia today who has been helping us since before Christmas, and has been a pleasure to have around! She will go home to Slovakia and organise her Visa for America where she will go for a few months to learn about breeding and embryo transfer. I have given Lucia an open offer to return to us when ever she wants to, I really hope she does!!
I must welcome Jennifer Hyland who has come as a working pupil to join the team with her horse Andy. Jen seems to be settling in well, and getting used to everyone and all the horses. We all enjoyed a nice night out last night to Bingham Cantonese Restaurant to say bye to Lucia, and Hello to Jen.
Today we have been xc schooling to Field Farm in Wymeswold. I took Bee, Milly, Nenagh and Desi. They were all very good, although water schooling was a bit like ice skating! Dean and I are hoping to go Hunting tommorrow but the weather might frost it off!!!
Spider arrived back on Saturday to commence his work towards the young event horse classes. Onyx has been happily trotting round with a rider on, and going well.

Addington Eventers Grand Prix

Last night i went to Addington to do the Eventing Grand Prix with Mossy. There were 47 in the class, and unluckily i was drawn 3rd to go, and the first 2 didn't even get round!! I knew the cross country part was technical and quite tight for me, but we gave it our best shot and jumped clear! However i took a stride out on the cross country bit between 2 fences and my next fence was on a very sharp left hand turn after, i was going too quick and nearly missed the next fence, mossy jumped it from almost standstill so i lost a bit of time (and style!) I also lost a few seconds turning back to a bounce. When he is running forward he just gets quite strong to turn. But after those two mistakes he finished well and i was pleased. I thought the course was tough and many people got Eliminated. We finished 10th, just out the prizes. Bill Levett won. It was a fun night but im kicking myself for those mistakes, i'll have to practice my polo pony pirouettes a bit more!

My perfect day......

Yesterday afternoon i took Kellymoss to Arena UK to do the JAS competition. He was too keen in the show jumping part and rubbed 2 rails off, those plastic poles didnt take alot of dislodgeing! But he redeemed himself in the xc part and felt very good, and i rode him better in the second part. I didn't stay for the results, but i doubt we got placed. Hopefully it will have been a good warm up for next friday at Addington where he is entered in an Eventing Grand Prix.
Today we took 7 horses xc schooling at Great Ponton. It was the first time we've been out xc this year, and i made the most of a nice day! I love cross country schooling. If i could have a perfect job, it would be riding cross country all day long!!!
I have a new girl arriving next week as a working pupil. Her name is Jennifer Hyland, and she is coming from Ireland with her own horse and is due to arrive on Tuesday evening. I am looking forward to her arrival.

Lecture/Demo....

Our last minete decision to attend Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks lecture/demo at Brackenhurst College was really worthwhile, Lucia and I really enjoyed it. We had the pleasure of watching Claytons top horse Ben Along Time, and Lucindas little star Headly Brittania. They were both informative and fun. Clayton demonstated control in very simple terms, and how he trains his horses to turn like polo ponies, to enable him to have ultimate control and move ability on the cross country, making him quicker and agile. So today i've been practising!!! Headly Britannia demonstrated some lovely flatwork, her changes were immaculate. So it was very enjoyable, and i picked up lots of tips and excersises. Dad is in hospital after his ankle replacement operation, but is well and i went to see him yesterday. He is looking forward to coming home, hopefully on Monday.
I spotted some snowdrops in the woods today, not sure if they signify spring or snow?! It was spring like today, and even warm this afternoon, a perfect day for riding, and we all appreciated it!

Vale View Action.....

Yesterday i took 4 horses to jump at Valeview Equestrian Centre. Although when we left it was a beutiful sunny day, once again it spoilt and thank god we were in an indoor school!!!
I rode Nenagh, Saffy, Milly and Mossy. Nenagh jumped really well, i jumped a bigger course than before and she really began to operate. Saffy felt fantastic. Again i jumped her over a big track on my second round, with a few wide oxers just to make her use herself again and she responded very well. Although her technique is slightly unorthodox, she really tries to jump every fence, and always tries to be careful. Milly was in a know it all mode, and i felt like a passenger. She jumped well, and carefully but i think im going to spend a little time schooling this week, as it all felt a little quick! Mossy felt great, he was more rideable than on Sunday, and so i gave him a stretch over a big track on his second round, and although occasionally still wanting to cut the corners, he gave me a great feel over everything.
My day was completed by Dinner at Langer Hall with Dean to celebrate my Birthday and the food was excellent, and i'd thoroughly recommend going!
Tonight ive made a last minete decision to go and watch a lecture demo by Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks...................

Dean on Bee out Hunting....

Bee had her first experience of Hunting today. Dean took her quietly this afternoon, and he said she was very good. When she saw the hounds she was doing something close to passage! Fitz has reacted to his flu vac so i have had to postpone my trip to dressage guru Dane Rawlins which Gilly kindly organised for me. Hopefully Fitz will be better soon.
It's My birthday tommorrow, so i am looking forward to spending it at Valeview!!!

Kellymoss

I took Mossy to Markfield this afternoon to jump the 1.10m open. He was very fresh, and cutting the corners like a pony! It actually makes him difficult to ride, because he is cutting the corners before ive eyed up the fence thinking he knows best! Any way i was 2nd, so came home £4 better off! I didnt take anything else as Fitz and Saffy had their flu jabs yesterday.

Snow and gale force winds....

The Weather is disrupting my plans!!!! Strong gales and news of road closures meant i decided not to go to Markfield yesterday. I had an admin day instead! Today has been a little better, and ive worked all the horses this morning.
I am now glad to be sat inside wrting this as now it is snowing and hailing outside!! I'm sat wandering what excitment the weather will bring us tommorrow??.....

Jumping, Jumping......

Yesterday we took 6 horses show jumping training at Mark and Tanya Kyles place at Wymeswold. I fancied a change of scene from Valeview, and it was a good opportunity to jump outside in their school. I rode Milly, Flint, Desi, Bee, and Nenagh. All the horses jumped well. Milly reminded me just how fun she is to jump, as she has been on her winter holidays since last year, but not forgotten a thing! My friend Sally Williams (who's Auntie Nicky bred Milly) is staying for a few days intensive training and she took her own horse Toggi, who jumped very well.
Today I jumped Fitz, Saffy and Mossy in preparation for going to Markfield tomorrow for their first proper show. I will take Nenagh to Markfield as well, and Sally will take Toggi, so we could be in for a long day if it's busy!

On Monday it was such a nice day I disappeared from the yard to follow the hunt for a few hours. Dean was trying a horse for someone so i wanted to have a look! Everyone enjoyed a busy morning, but unfortunately Quorn Master Joss Hanbury had a bad fall and was taken to hospital with neck injuries, so we wish him a quick recovery.

What has been going on.........

We've had a busy week as Heather has been away, so Lucia and I have had some big days, but we've enjoyed better weather to work the horses in. Everyone is well, Mickey has been ridden again, and now has all four shoes on so he is very grown up! Hannah came on Tuesday and I enjoyed three lessons with Nenagh, Fitz and Saffy. Hannah had a sit on Nenagh and Saffy, so I decided I got off lightly! However thinking i'd not worked hard enough I took four horses to Vale View for the clear round jumping that afternoon. All of them were a little wild! A combination of feeling too well, and not enough work due to the bad weather last week. The next day I knew I had ridden a lot of fresh horses as my body hurt! They had made me use muscles I didnt know I had! Today I had the pleasure of showing Bee off to her owner Gilly Kinloch. Gilly travelled up from Kent and spent most of the day with us. It's the first time Gilly had seen Bee under saddle, and I hope she liked what she saw! We are looking forward to getting her out eventing in the Spring.
I've also done quite a bit of teaching this week, everyone is getting ready for the season ahead.
We have a new arrival in the yard, Valerie Moreton's 'Onyx' who we did a bit of work with last year as a three year old. He has come to continue his education.
Looking on to next week, I hope to go showjumping on Tuesday and Thursday.

Millie is back.....

Millie arrived back yesterday, and I sat on this morning. She feels really well and I think she has grown a bit. Every one else is well, the weather is a bit depressing, but once we get out there it's not been too bad. Heather is having next week off as she is due some holiday, and she is taking her HGV Theory test one day. I'm looking forward to Hannah coming on Tuesday, and Marcia Hawley and Granville Thomson are coming for lessons as well.
I'm hoping for nicer weather next week!

Back in to the swing of things........

It was a busy day yesterday, I took 6 horses to jump at Vale View Equestrian Centre in Old Dalby. Heather and I managed to work all the horses not going to the show before we left, despite horrid weather, and then took the first four to the show. I jumped Bee first, who was impeccably behaved at her first show and jumped round very nicely. The feel she gives me is so scopey, I'm looking forward to the day I can jump some big fences on her! Flint was next, and always finds Vale View the most scary place as for those of you that know Vale View the jumps are very bright, and flowers are everywhere. Although a bit tense and spooky, he jumped very well, and has improved a lot from last year. Chrissy had her first show in 15 months, and felt as good as ever. She has her own way of doing things, but her will to do it is so strong....she just loves it....too much sometimes! Mossy had his first round of jumps since he won at Blenhiem, and felt great. However when I do the second round he thinks he is in the jump off, and starts cutting the corners!
We took those four home, and thanks to Penny who finished off the yard duties we were able to take Fitz and Nenagh to Vale View. Fitz was full of himself on the lorry, but when I got on he relaxed and jumped round very well. Nenagh was fresh over her practice fences but was settled in the ring and kept a nice rhythm all the way round, jumping very well. So not a pole down all day, let's hope they all stay as consistent!!! I'm looking forward to going jumping again.... soon hopefully!

Looking Forward to tomorrow....

I've had a slight change of plan, as the forecast for tommorrow is gales and rain, so I have decided to go to Vale View instead of Field House to do some show jumping. I am really excited to be getting back on the road again. I plan to take Flint, Nenagh, Mossy and Bee. If i can I will do a double trip and take Fitz and Chrissy as well, but we will see what tomorrow brings.

Re Photo....

I Can not believe i just managed to post a photo on my last blog, it was surprisingly straight forward and so far as computers go, nothing is ever straight forward!!!!

Wind, Rain, and......Dressage?

Yesterday I enjoyed, (and I really did enjoy) four dressage lessons with Hannah Esberger-Shepherd in the wind and rain. I guess it is good practice, but you do question what you are doing. I felt I had a major break through with Fitz, who produced his best work to date. I was pleased as my last lesson left me wandering if I could ever achieve good work from him. I also rode Nenagh, Desi and Saffy. Saffy feels so much stronger this year, and she is finding her work much easier. Desi felt excellent at the end, after Hannah suggested I did a lot of suppling exercisers to help him swing a bit more through his back. Nenagh is improving all the time, she has moments of being very good, but is still young and weak and finds it hard to hold her balance.
So now I feel totally re inspired, although the amount of rain we had this afternoon was far from inspiring!
I've just finished writing my second article for Equestrian Life. The January issue with my first article of a 12 month series is already out.
I took Lucia to the airport this afternoon, she has gone home to Slovakia for a few days. She returns next Wednesday. In her absence I have begged the help of Anna Marshall who used to work for me a couple of years ago, so it was nice to see her today and catch up.
Bee is clipped and looking smart. Mickeys holiday is over, and he looks like a woolly, muddy bear....serious make over needed!

Happy New Year!

I would like to wish you a happy new year!

I have just returned from 8 days skiing in Tignes, France. I had a great time, the snow was good on the piste, and we enjoyed 5 days of sunshine and blue sky. As I left it was snowing heavily so I'm envious of the amazing off-piste skiing that will follow a large dump of fresh snow.

Meanwhile at home I left Dean, Heather and Lucia in charge, and all the horses seem very well on my return. They have had their teeth checked by Dean, and my physio Janet Ellis has been to check each horse for any problems so I can start the year with happy horses.

I am looking forward to tomorrow and getting back riding, at the moment my legs think they are still skiing!