Apologies for the lack of updates recently, I have been so busy over the winter in preparation for the 2018 season and the big goals I’ve set myself.
The horses had a couple of extra weeks holiday over the winter, and I disappeared for a weeks skiing, some rest and relaxing and catching up with friends after the incredible busy and stressful conclusion of 2017 due finishing University and my first 4* in Pau, France, meaning there wasn’t much time for anything else.
Over the winter I’ve also starting doing a lot more teaching individual and group, and I am now offering, flatwork, jumping and cross country school clinics catering to all abilities.
The horses came back in to full work at the beginning of February, with the shoes back on, pre-season saddle checks by Kerry from Sue Carson Saddles completed and the horses diets reviewed by the guys at Keyflow UK, it was time get out competing, dressage at Summerhouse Equestrian and Combined Training at Rectory Farm got us going.
February also saw Tim Wilkinson, Eventing Images come to visit to catch up ahead of what is going to be a busy season with big plans and the small matter of 4* debut just up the road… I’m so grateful to have such dedicated sponsors and Tim endures all weathers to photograph me and horses out competing, it is also really nice to get some photos at home when it’s a little bit more chilled.
In to March and the first Event of the 2018 season, Tweseldown, we had four horses entered, we managed to complete all four runs despite the weather trying it’s damnest to disrupt proceedings, no placing this time, but it was good to be back out competing.
On to Aldon International, and it was FREEZING COLD! We had NANKIN DES RUETTES (Nonks) and HIGH JINKS IV (Max) competing on the Saturday and both having their first run of the season. Super Nonks was in the Intermediate Novice and did his dressage in a snow storm to score 32 then jumped his usual immaculate double clear! 17 years old and still so excited to be out. Max also scored 32, had an unlucky 4 faults in the show jumping then finished with a lovely clear cross country. Sadly the weather had it say on the Sunday which should have been the turn of LAWA (Torres) and CHARLES RR (Charlie) to show what they could do got CANCELLED, whilst annoying it wasn’t too bad as it meant we could spend more time celebrating my Brothers 21st!
Gatcombe, one of our more local events, was next up we had ALVESCOT DANCE TIME, F, HIGH JINKS IV entered in the Novice sections on the Saturday, sadly the persistent heavy rain, resulted in the lorry park becoming inaccessible, the days competition was CANCELLED!
Next weekend we head to Norfolk for Burnham Market International, fingers crossed the weather improves.