Diamond Dressage
Diamond Dressage
Where the horses really do come first
Diamond Blog
Diamond Blog
30 June 2012
My lorry could find it's way to Patchetts on it's own!! Today I took Alfie and Joey to their first show! Classes were huge with over 40 in each as they were Qualifiers for the Chiltern and Thames Championships.
My boys did not disappoint and it was very obvious that Alfie DOES actually listen to me when I'm teaching him (which came as a bit of a shock to me, let alone his mum and his nan!!!).
I actually thought I was going to have a heart attack when they were jumping off, they were absolutely flying and made every turn we had discussed when we were walking the courses.
Coming 2nd in the first class and 5th in the 2nd means that Joey and Alfie, at their FIRST show together achieved 2 double clears AND qualified for TWO classes at the Chiltern & Thames Rider Championships!!!
To say I am proud would be an understatement.
25 June 2012
Back to Patchetts with Charlston, this time accompanied by Sue, SJ and Dougal. We were contesting AM85 again today. Unfortunately Charlston decided that today wasn't the day to be cooperative.... He warmed up in straight lines... couldn't possibly bend through his body (either way) and was totally on my hand.... Not an enjoyable test and he dropped me in exatly the same place in the counter canter as before (which says something about my riding...). We were 3rd on 62.35%. I was very disappointed in the way he went and have a lot of work to do before the regionals, that's for sure.
24 June 2012
Milton Keynes Horse Trials was cancelled because of the weather, which meant I had a free day as I was booked to travel with Nikki and Ruby to walk the course and warm them up for the three phases. Soooooo, I rang Antonia and got a late entry for Louis into P19 at Patchetts!!! Since our last outing (which I am trying to forget) Louis has been mega at home, so Nikki, Sue, Dougal and I had everything crossed as we set off for Patchetts. I had decided to only warm him up for 20 minutes and leave a brief canter on both reins until just before we were called down to the arena. My God were there some idiots in the warm up!!! Really how difficult is it to obey the rules of the school????? Walk on the INSIDE track, do not STOP on the track.... pass LEFT TO LEFT etc etc come on people....... rant over!
As I entered the arena the heavens opened... luckily I had ridden him the night before in the pooring rain and he had handled it quite well!!!
Nicely forward down the centre line, just past X and the judge put her windowscreen wipers on..... eeeeeeeeeeek, nudge with the spur convinced him to keep going, but our right turn and corner were pretty FAST!!! He still felt very tense and was difficult to keep near the boards, BUT apart from drawing back in his neck everytime I asked him to go near a marker..... he held it together and there were no airs above the ground!!! We finished 2nd on 66.8% which I was absolutely thrilled with!!
16 June 2012
Charlston's competition schedule in the run up to the Regional Champs is now done and all entries sent, poor boy will be sick to death of M75 by August!! I've even entered Louis for two shows.... dropped him back down to Prelim, I'll be requiring a walk only test to be written for him soon!!!
5 June 2012
Jubilee BBQ - our first BBQ of the year!! Rain and wind were NOT going to stop the celebrations at Diamond Dressage... oh no. My lorry was moved and used as a windbreak and we had the BBQ undercover!!! I love it when a plan comes together!!!
1 June 2012
Due to events being cancelled because of the weather and Nikki's work commitments, Eridge became Nikki and Ruby's first event of the season. Nikki, Ruby, SJ, Dougal and I set off from the yard at 0730 with the sun shining! I had been to my dentist the day before and was, again, drugged to the eyeballs, in agony, and now unable to eat 'solid' food and could only drink through a straw.... and eat crepes!!!!
We had a great day and Nikki achieved her first BE placing, 10th and finished on her dressage score!!! The XC course is a hilly and demanding one and Nikki was 2nd fastest in her section (out of only 4 that made the time!!!).
A great and very well deserved result!!!
28 May 2012
Charlston hideously let down by owner / rider......... Back to Patchetts with number one Fan Caroline and Dougal to contest our second AM..... badly. Wondering just when these Anti Biotics were going to kick in, the warm up went well!! The test however.... I went wrong (-2), he went to change in the counter canter, I then overrode and he dropped me... (3) I then panicked... and didn't show the simple change required (1)... idiot. We ended up on 59%, apart from the marks above we had 2 x 8s, and 7s for our changes, which I was thrilled about (List 1 Judge), so would have been on a nice score had it not been for my mistake and crap riding!!! He came out happy though, bless him!!
Two sub 60% tests in two days..... oh dear!!!!
27 May 2012
Where to start! Briefly.... Louis publicly humiliated me at Patchetts by rearing, plunging and bolting during his test.... resulting in lots of sharp intakes of breath from supporters and spectators alike and a mega score of 57%, which actually, all things considered, was a mega score!!! Lots of 7s a few 8s, with 2s and 3s....... bad Spawn.
To finish off the day nicely I ended up in A&E at 2230 when a nerve decided to die in one of my back teeth.... I have NEVER been to A&E before and felt a bit of a fraud for going with tooth ache, HOWEVER I have never experienced pain like it and wasn't even able to drive myself.... Anti Biotics in hand we eventually left at 0130.... drugged to the eyeballs on painkillers.
19 May 2012
Qruz's first time in the school!!!!
What a gorgeous young man he is!!
13 May 2012
Off to Classic Dressage with Kathy, Louis and Dougal... to attempt another Novice. Louis behaved himself throughout the plaiting up procedure (has taken an hour in the past), the booting up procedure (don't ask) and literally cantered up the ramp. When we got there, he was very calm and warmed up well, despite the best efforts (it seemed) of 2 other riders in the indoor school... why do people find it necessary to walk and halt on the track, ride directly at you, or cut you up and get so close, the end of their schooling whip hits your horse's nose...... who knows...
Entered the arena, just as Jo, Alfie and Carol arrived to support us!!! Louis felt fairly confident in what is known as a spooky venue, he got more and more 'confident' as the test went on... (read stronger and more cocky...). He got away from me AGAIN in the Medium Canter and another ad lib 'wall of death' circle ensued!!! Clearly I will have to ride this movement better in the future.... twice is enough thank you very much!
We finished on 62.96, again some 8's, 7's, 6's and 3's!! To top it all, we won the training section!!!! Our first red rosette!!! Did I mention we were the only combination in it!!!
6 May 2012
Off to Patchetts with Caroline, my great friend Kate who was down from Scotland, Louis and Dougal. Kate and I worked together, many years ago at Orange and campaigned our horses, Rufus and Mondi (Louis' mum) on the event circuit together. When Kate married a Scot and went to live up there, Rufus stayed with me, Kathy now has him on full loan. Anyway, back to Patchetts..... half the yard had turned up to cheer us on, together with other friends.... no pressure then!!!
Louis was foot perfect on the lorry and warmed up well with no dramas.....
Now last Summer, at his first two shows, Louis took exception to the arena boards.... so everyone was holding their breath (including me) as we trotted into the school to start our test. We trotted round the ouside of the arena and he felt fine. The bell went, we entered the arena and, although I could feel he was tense and didn't want to go anywhere near the boards, he held it together... that is until the second medium canter, where it all became too much and he took off!!! A 'wall of death' circle followed and we then carried on as though nothing had happened.... just a shame the judge was watching really!!
He ended up 3rd on 60%, 4 x 8's, and handful of 6's and 7's, sprinkled with some 3's!!! All in all a positive day, ending with a lovely lunch in the clubhouse with everyone and some shopping in the tackshop after!
1 May 2012
So with Charlston now qualified for the Medium Regional Championships, it was Louis' turn to shine...... or not. So biting the bullet, I decided it was time (he is now 6), to have some lessons on him... so I took him and Charlston over to Nicola's for a lesson... together. Big mistake, in the words of Julia Roberts.... HUGE. The first thing he did was leap from the lorry, missing the ramp completely and went free range round Nicola's yard.... even Charlston looked embarrassed...... Eventually I caught him and put him in a stable, kindly prepared by one of Nicola's grooms.... after he had totally trashed the bed (and I mean totally), he proceeded to rear and buck, rear and buck, rear and buck.... hitting his head on the roof every time he reared.... Nicola - "that must hurt".... me - "hopefully"........
Managed to get him bandaged with him only kicking me once..... his behaviour had exhausted Nicola by this time and she'd gone to get a cup of tea... On her return, she advised me to lunge him before I got on him "for your own safety"................ clearly that made me feel a whole lot better!!!!
He passaged the whole way down to the school, as soon as he was in the school he knew what he was doing and calmed right down... I lunged him for about 2 minutes and then got on. By the time Nicola arrived, we were trotting round happily - this is Louis, he puts the fear of God into you before you get on him, then just gets on with the job..... FREAK.
Nicola - who had never seen him being ridden, absolutely LOVED him, so hopefully, he'll be allowed back....
Charlston is now in training for PSG (gulp) and we had fun doing working pirris and changes!
Had great leassons on both boys!!!
17 April 2012
I few out to New York with my sister to shop for 4 days, to visit all the 'sites' and celebrate my 50th birthday!! Both boys had the whole week off, they deserved it!
we had a great time, and did all the tourist things. While we were there it was the '100' days to the Olympics landmark and the USA had a big celebration in Times Square which was a great experience. There were loads of their athletes there, some more memorable than others....
I was asked to sign their 'Wall of Dreams' which was an honour.
Here's to a fantastic London Olympics!!!
15 April 2012
Molly and Charlston were both competing at Woodlands today, Molly and Clare were contesting a Novice and an Elementary, Charlston was doing both the Mediums - hoping to gain his last 2 points for Medium Regional Qualification.
Clare, Molly and our great friend and supporter Lorraine, set off at 1000 - I was still teaching and Charlston was still in his jim jams!!!
2 hours later, Charlston, Dougal, Caroline and I were also on our way. Caroline had been bullied into calling my first test (lol) and our Facebook friend, Lizzie Franks, was calling the Qualifier. Clare and Molly had just finished their first test when we arrived, no scores were up yet, but Clare was pleased with their performance, so we had everthing crossed!
Got Charlston bandaged and tacked up,realised that I had left my back support at home and that my 7 hour plane journey to New York on Tuesday would now be AGONY..... doh.
The pressure was on for those final 2 points (that had to be gained in the Qualifier) and I was feeling quite nervous!!! I had had a great lesson with Gareth Hughes on Friday and he had suggested different spurs - I had ridden in them the day before and Charlston felt great and really forward so..........
We entered the warm up, which was very usy, and Charlston was VERY excited!!! Now when Charlston gets excited (prize givings, busier than normal warm ups) he piaffes and squeaks alot...... and refuses to walk.... not great when you have two tests with lots of walk together with walk pirouettes.... He also becomes VERY sensitive to my leg, meaning that I had to ride very carefully in my new 'go faster' spurs!!!
Just before we went in for our first test, Clare announced she had won her first test!!! Excellent news!!!
Short arena tests aren't easy on a 17.1hh, big moving horse, but a short arena test on a 17.1hh, big moving horse that I was riding for the first time was interesting!!!
He came down the centre line and wanted to miss the first halt and salute out completely.... pulling my arms out, I finally found my core muscles!!!!! A few mistakes ensued - purely down to his new found enthusiasm... He SO wanted to change after we half-passed right to the centre line and cantered down to A, resulting in me dragging him round the turn, showing a MASSIVE loss of balance.... then into the medium canter - where he properly stuck two fingers up at me and threw in a lovely change!!!
Final halt and salute, Charlston VERY pleased with his performance, I was, however, exhausted, but decided to stay on him inbetween tests to try to settle him (read... wear him out)!! The warm up was now empty (phew) and he felt much better in his counter canter, but desperately wanted to break in his medium trots....
M75Q, long arena oustide.... lots more room to pick up speed!!!!! I felt we were doomed!!!! Not so!!!! He actually held it together, one simple change could have been smoother and I had to ride VERY conservatively (especially in the mediums....) but we finished the test without any MAJOR mistakes (could have done without the driving rain in our faces tho...).
More good news - Clare also won her 2nd test!!!!
Even more good news - the burger van was still serving 45 mins later after I had walked and washed Charslton off, lol.
The best news of all - we won both Mediums on great scores and are now qualified for the Regionals!!!!
So a GREAT day for Diamond Dressage, winning a Novice, an Elementary and 2 Mediums!!!.
8 April 2012
Clare and Molly won both the Novice Open (65%+) and Elementary Restricted (67%+) today at Oaklands College!!!! Fantastic scores, this pair are FLYING!!!
Also out competing were Nikki and Ruby at Classic Dressage. Nikki and Ruby both HATE the dressage phase (typical eventers!!!) but two wins in two outings is never a bad thing!!!!!
5 April 2012
Caroline (Charslton's No.1 fan), Dougal and I left for Norton Heath to contest a medium and what would be both Charlston's and my first Advanced Medium. I was due a lesson with Nicola the day before, but I had had to cancel and have to admit wasn't feeling particularly confident without my weekly drilling!
My friends Ben and Mandy were meeting us there, for a catch-up and Ben had also agreed to call my tests. Charlston warmed up well for the first class and put in (what we all thought) was a solid performance. However, in a very low scoring class we were placed 4th on 62.9% narrowly missing out on qualification points, which was very disappointing.
On to the Advanced Medium. Again, my boy warmed up well, changes started off HUGE in the warm up but gradually calmed down in time for the test!!!
So, now for the test.... canter up the centre line, halt and salute at X - check. Proceed in collected trot, track left, shoulder in up the long side - check. Half 10m circle onto the centre line - check. Half pass left to track..... Charlston decides to have a poo, we lose our rhythm... I lose my concentration, Ben carries on calling the test... I finish the half-poo left pull up and shout to him "I have no idea where I'm going now".... FAIL and 2 marks deducted....
We regroup, kind of. Ben starts calling again, we nail the first two changes, Ben is calling test faster and faster and further and further ahead.... and keeps saying sorry, inbetween laughing... "Medium canter to H", I come off the track at F, start my medium Canter... "sorry, Medium canter to M", SWERVE, nice 8m loop down the longside in medium canter..... FAIL and more marks deducted, now I'm laughing, Ben had his head in his hands and both the judge and writer are also laughing..... which is NEVER a good sign.
We gamely carried on, somehow we managed to nail the third change, but he was slightly early behind in the last one. I have never been so relieved to finish a test!!!
As I was leaving the arena, Ben commented that as he was unable to call the test well, he'd better never attempt to ride it!!!!
Poor Charlston - such a trier, but totally hindered by a bunch of amateurs!!! Caroline commented that he had a bemused look on his face at the final halt and salute.... she swears he was thinking "Totilas doesn't have to put up with this sh**.....!!!!!".
We ended up 2nd on 60.8%, with numerous marks deducted - so for our first AM, quite promising!!!
The judge approached me in the restaurant later that day and asked if that was our first AM, when I replied "yes, it was a bit of a car crash wasn't it!", she kindly advised that I really should have 'picked' my test. I responded, laughing, "I thought I had". "Tracey, half pass into counter canter, into a flying change with a give and retake 5 strides later.... in a short arena, is not picking your test for your first AM!!!!!!"...... Well, when you put it like that.......
Onwards and upwards then!!!!!!
1 April 2012
What a beautiful day!!! I set off at 0830 for Oaklands to warm Nikki and Ruby up for their first compeititon of 2012, the 90cm Combined Training. The dressage was being held on grass, the jumping on a surface - which was a good pre-eventing run for this pair.
Ruby hadn't been, shall we say, very cooperative yesterday on her lesson and I had had to, shall we say, persuade Nikki that she should still compete the next day..... read between the lines!!!
The dressage arena was on the side of a hill - again good practice for the eventing season....!!! Ruby warmed up well and put in a solid test. Clare and Robert had driven over to support Nikki and they took Ruby back to the lorry to change her tack while Nikkie and I walked the show jumping course. Twisty, tight and up to height, the course actually took some walking as multiple jumps were being jumped twice and from all different directions!
Ruby warmed up over some nice big fences and to much cheering and applause, Nikki and Ruby jumped CLEAR!!!!!
A great effort resulting in a RED ROSETTE!!!!!
While we were at Oaklands I, unfortunately, was GORGED by a goat........ pictured below.....
Horrible thing...... I was only stroking it, I am, of course suing...!!! lol
28 March 2012
Charlston, Dougal and I set of up the A1 to The College, Keysoe to contest one medium test. My friend Katherine was also competing there, so a great chance for a catch-up! It was quite hot when I got on him and I think I let him off the hook a bit in the warm up, as when we trotted up the centre line, he definitely wasn't in front of my leg. Shoulder in left was quite painful, our 2 half 10 m circles were very painful and shoulder in right was, quite frankly excrutiating!!!!
Gave him 2 up the backside in the corner, which then persuaded him to join in!!!! Unfortunately he then decided that he DEFINITELY knew this test and tried to take over! We ended up 4th on 64.1%, so another 3 points towards Regional qualification, but definitely not our finest hour!!!!!
25 March 2012
After 2 days off and a hack, Charlston REALLY thinks he's retired and was absolutely vile today in the school!!!! Not looking good for our next competition at Keysoe on Wednesday! Still, a lesson tomorrow with Nicola should sort him out...... hopefully!!!
21 March 2012
Charlston, Dougal, Hamish and I set off for Woodlands for our first outing of the season. Having only been out once (to the Regionals) since the Nationals in September, I was feeling very nervous and hadn't told anyone I was going apart from my friend Sandie, who was meeting me there to call my tests!!! As is always the way when you are trying to go 'off radar', you bump into loads of people you know!!!!! Charlston didn't let me down and won both mediums on 65%+, meaning that we only need 4 more points to qualify for the Regionals. I was absolutely thrilled with the way he went and both judges made lovely comments on his sheets. Lots of work to do on our walk piris, but all in all the confidence boost I needed.
10 March 2012
Doris had a sleep-over last night at Patchetts after absolutely refusing to go back on the lorry after having a lesson with Annette Lewis!!! So she was promptly entered into the 80cm class the following morning.....
WOW, that's all I can say. Doris' first show and she jumped round clear, followed by an unlucky one down in the jump off!!!!
SJ was absolutely thrilled with her, which was just as well as she stoutly REFUSED to go on the lorry again that afternoon!!!! She finally arrived home in a hired trailer the following day... a 3-day mini break!!
26 February 2012
Another lovely day!!! Jump lessons galore!!!
25 February 2012
What a lovely sunny day!!! Great day at the yard today, what a difference the sun makes!!
Charlston's changes are really quite established now (he can do counter canter again.... phew!!!) and Louis feels better than ever (if a little hot and sharp!!).
Qruz seems to have discovered his favourite thing in life.... MUD!!!!! I have to keep looking at all of the photos I have of him to remind me why I bought him!!!
8 February 2012
Groundhog day....... Picked Clare up from her house at 0800 to drive over to Patchetts. Clare was competing at 1350 in the Open Novice. It was snowing when we arrived, but Molly was as warm as toast and munching on her hay.
The Open Novice class was huge and after watching a few tests with Clare, I set up office in the Club House!!!!
Molly worked in well and trotted down the centre line looking every inch of the quality, fabulous mare she is. I was so proud of this combination, Clare rode a great test, really preparing each movement and they looked a real partnership. They had a good score of 62.99%.
It was snowing again as I drove home to thaw out!!!
Now all we have to do is qualify for the Summers!!!!!
7 February 2012
Got over to Patchetts at 0745, the staff had kindly already fed Charlston for me and put his morning net in and I wanted to be there to support my great friend Ben Martin
who was in the Open Novice music on Moomin at 0818, a great test put them an eventual 9th!
Charlston was on at 1258 and I had him groomed, plaited and ready to start working in at 1210. My amazing friends then started to arrive!!! Nicola, Sandie, Ev, Sandra, Mick and Gina all made the trip, which was great and much appreciated. All of m liveries had text me that morning to wish us luck - I am very lucky to have such genuine support.
Charlston warmed up well, although I could feel he was quite tense down the rein, probably due to the fact he hadn't been in the arena since the Nationals in September. Our number was called and we were in!!
I absolutely LOVE riding to my music and enjoyed every second of the test. A few minor blips... our 10m cirlce right was 'heavy', the walk wasn't great in one of our simple changes and our free walk.... wasn't very free as I knew I wouldn't get him back without him getting tense! However, all three judges had us on consistent scores and we ended up on 65.62%, which although a great score for a Regional Championships, wasn't good enough in a very competitive class for a placing.
Next up was Ben again on his amazing girl, Gio who was contesting the Open Medium.
Ben was first in and Gio didn't disappoint us!!!! Although green at this level, you would never had known it and she led from the front on 69.73% to win the class!!!! WOW!!!
A session with Clare and Molly in preparation for the following day and then time to take Charlston home.
Clare and I had too many cars and too many lorries all in the wrong places, a logistical nightmare. I arrived back at Patchetts at 1830 to support Ben and Gio in their Medium Music (in which they were placed 5th, this mare is a seriously exciting prospect) and then grabbed Clare and went to the pub for dinner with our respective partners Paul and Robert and our friend Lorraine.
6 February 2012
I spent the day at Patchetts Winter Regionals with Sandie who was contesting the AM class and a the AM Music on her lovely horse Tom. Both classes were 'hot' and Tom put in very creditable perfmance for some good scores.
As I had now driven the route I was happy that I could travel Charlston safely so spoke to Antonia who very kindly found me a stable for the night and a stable for Molly for Tuesday night!! So after helping Sandie, I left Patchetts to go and pack the lorry and drive Charlston over.
We weren't allowed in the arena until after the PSG music had finished, at 1845, to work the horses and it was mobbed!!! Charlston worked well (considering!!) and I left him tucked up as snug as a bug for the night.
5 February 2012
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW............ What next...... Woke up to 6" of snow...... Lanes were like skating rinks, Clare and I were plunged into depression..... Al the horses enjoyed a day out in the fresh snow. Chunky was hideously naughty to get to the field and then galloped round like a lunatic, inbetween throwing himself on the floor to roll.
1 February 2012
THE BIG FREEZE....... Challenging times considering Charlston had his Regional Championships at Patchetts on the 7th...... I rang Dan Sherriff at Bayford Hall Farm and he kindly said I could take Charlston over to him and use his indoor school!!!! So we boxed over to Dan's on the Thursday and Friday. On the Saturday my great friend Sandie Gibbs offered me her outdoor school to run through my music.... which we hadn't run through since the Winter Championships at Hartpury in April 2011..... Clare and Molly came with us and I gave Clare a lesson - she is also competing at Patchetts on the 8th. Both horses went well and we were both looking forward to competing.........
23 January 2012
Finally Qrusade MKM arrived from the MKM Sporthorse Stud in Aberdeen. As the huge Scania lorry pulled into the yard, I looked up and saw a bay face, a grey face and, errrrrrrr a chestnut face with a big blaze.... surely he wasn't tall enough to look out of the window!!!
Five minutes later I led a very tall, very hairy, VERY orange colt down the ramp and into the yard. He stopped to say hello to Charlston (who it has to be said, wasn't impressed) and then marched into his stable, had a wee and started to munch on his hay.
After only 2 hours of being in charge of him I managed to lose him going to the field!!!! As he disappeared into the distance, tail up in a MAHOOOOSIVE trot, Kathy and I looked at eachother....... she, silently rejoicing in the fact that it was me that let him go, not her..... me silently and swiftly coming to the conclusion that I would NEVER sit to his trot!!!
7 January 2012
Paul and I flew out to the Maldives for 2 weeks, leaving the yard in the capable hands of Kathy, Clare and Tanya and the dogs with Carol (Alfie's nan) who was house sitting for us. We had a magical time and the fish on the reef... well I'll add photo's when I get them developed - AMAZING.
12 December 2011
I had had my eye on an advert on Horsequest since the Summer and finally decided to drop the stud (MKM Sport Horse Stud in Aberdeen) an email and find out a bit more!!! Suffice to say, my new colt foal, Qrusade MKM will be arriving in the middle of January!! He is by the outstanding stallion Quaterback out of the State Premium mare Dorett (Donnerhall x Rubinstein).
5 December 2011
Back to Patchetts again for Round 2!! SJ and Dougal with us in the lorry, Ev met us there. Louis was much more excited this time at the yard, bucking and rearing in his stable before we left and galloping up the ramp.... When we got to Patchetts he was nicely eating his hay in the lorry, having already sampled the padding on the petitions of my lorry..... He is not a great unloader, but we managed persuade him this time to at least put his two front feet on the ramp before jumping off.... yes, we've arrived folks!!!
This time, I swung my leg over and he CANTERED across the car park, which was impressive.... NOT. He was definitely less hot in the warm-up (which was quite interesting this time as there were a few people having steering problems..).
No problems with the markers this time, or the office but still VERY unhappy about THAT corner!! 3rd again on 65.00%, so again a respectable score considering the spooking.
The judge approached me in the restaurant afterwards to say what a lovely young horse she thought he was and that just needed a few more outings to gain confidence. That made my day!
3 December 2011
Pleased to say everyone was able to come to the 2011 Diamond Dressage Christmas Party and a great night was had by all (especiallly Santa...!!!).
2 December 2011
As Louis has now been promoted from 'yard donkey' I decided it was time for me to take him to a show, so I gave Antonia a call at Patchetts and she managed to squeeze us into Prelim 19 as a late entry!!! Kathy and Dougal came in the lorry, Sandie, Nikki and SJ met us at Patchetts - so lovely to have such great friends to support me. This was Louis 3rd show - he had been out in May and June with Rachel Skeffington - and his first time competing indoors.
Louis wouldn't be the easiest to handle and has made it his life's work to try to terrorise Kathy since the day he was born...... so when she tried to hold him for me to get on, it was always going to end in tears...... I swung my leg over, Louis did his utmost to trample Kathy and then shot off across the car park towards the warm-up with me trying to grab hold of the exercise rug before it flew off!!! He was then totally wired and it was a good 15 minutes before I could get my leg on him, apart from that, he warmed-up well!!!!!
He strolled into the indoor arena like he'd been in there a 1000 times and was then rapidly caught out by the markers on the walls - I had visions of having to do the whole test on the 3/4 lines, but after a couple of markers managed to leg yield him onto the track. The next trauma came in the top corner where you can see through to the small arena - as we got to it the horse in the other arena came past which totally freaked him out!! Then the bell went..... Round we came again to enter at A, passed the office........ well you'd have thought the staff had all ran to the window and done a Mexican Wave..... F.R.E.A.K. Kick on Tracey!!!
Sandie was calling for me (with her phone ringing throughout LOL). Enter at A, down the centre line, track right... passed the office (no problem this time) circle right at R, 15 meters..... err 20 meters???? NO 15 meters...... ooops, B - K change the rein - in to the SCARY corner - not a chance!!!! Kick on Tracey!!! All in all, the good bits were very good (7s and 8s), but the spooking was expensive.
We ended up 3rd on 64.54% which I was very happy with as without the spooking he would have been on a much higher mark, so all in all a good result. Before we left I managed to get a late entry into the same class on the following Monday!!!!
26 November 2011
Clare and Molly were at Norton Heath today. They won both Novice classes and have now qualified for the Winter Regional Championships. I have trained Clare for the past 5 years and have been schooling Molly since Clare bought her, nearly a year ago. She is a very talented mare and Clare works very hard and I am thrilled that they are having so much fun and success.
25 November 2011
WOW!!!!!! Charlston has taken to changes like a duck to water!!!! I have now had 2 lessons with Stacey over a 3 week period and her view today was "VERY CLASSY". We are thrilled and very, very excited. Stacey is WAY ahead of me and already talking about piaffe and canter pirouettes....!!!!
Louis is also coming on brilliantly and I am amazed at just how talented he is. He has totally surpassed my expectations (I bred him out of my ex-eventer Mondi) and I must start treating him like a competition horse not the yard donkey!!
31 October 2011
Charlston has had a month off following the Nationals playing with Chunky in the field. He has now completed 3 weeks piaffing and passaging out hacking...... and is ready to start some work in the school!!!! I am looking foward to putting together a Medium floorplan and getting Hala Bentley to put music to it. Hala also did the Elementary Music we took to the Winter Championships and with which we have already qualified for the 2012 Regional Championships. It would be fantastic to get our Medium qualification too! What I am MOST looking forward to though is teaching him changes!!!
With Charlston on his 'mini-break', Louis had the full focus of my attention, poor boy!!! He has come on in leaps and bounds and is now much more in front of my leg and secure down both reins. His counter canter, shoulder-in and leg yield are more established and we have started to play with simple changes.
Both boys are clipped and Charlston enjoyed some 'down' time under the solarium today!
14-18 September 2011
What should have been a very exciting week started horrendously when very sadly I had to have my beloved 11 yo, Scottish Terrier, Ruby, put to sleep. So it was with a very heavy heart that Dougal, Charlston and I left for Stoneleigh.
We had a good lesson with Stacey that afternoon, the arena was absolutely mobbed and things were a little frantic at times with lots of near misses as everyone was trying to work their own line! Charlston was tucked up for the night while Stacey, Kat, Ian, Lily, Dougal and I had dinner and a few bottles of wine!
The next morning one, by one, more fantastic friends and family arrived to support us. A big thank you to Kathy, Nicola, Sandie, Sally, Matthew, Milo, Jo, Carol, Charlie, Alfie, Sandra, Ev, Lee, Kris and Richard for being there and to everyone else that sent me text messages!!!
Charlston was very chilled out, covered in dust and shavings, waiting for the makeover mayhem to begin, while Dougal went off in search of breakfast!!!
Plaited and baby oiled to within an inch of his life we made our way to the warm up arena
Charlston was quite lit up in the arena which resulted in me working him slightly harder than I normally would to get his attention back on me!! I hadn't done the arena walk, as he has never been a horse to react to different surroundings, but as he pinged and squeeked every time I put my leg on, I was hoping I wouldn't regret my decision!!!
My number was called, bandages off, final polish and we were going under the arch into the main area!!! He behaved impeccably throughout the test, but was slightly against my hand at times - which cost us dearly. We ended up 13th on 64.27%.
All in all a fantastic experience and I am very proud to have trained this amazing horse from a baby and to have ridden him at two National Championships this year. I hope you enjoy the video of our test.
17 August 2011
British Dressage contact me to say the we had been awarded a Wildcard for the Stretch & Flex British Dressage National Championships!!!!! I am SO excited and would like to thank the many friends, fellow competitiors and judges that have since offered their congratulations!
11-15 August 2011 - Regional Championships
Having had a nightmare two weeks attempting to remind Charlston how to go on the bit, failing, having his teeth checked and having my McTimoney Practitioner out to him, I gave up and gave him 5 days off to contemplate his behaviour and give myself a break.
Having had one long and low session and then 3 hacks, we left for Keysoe Thurs lunchtime for 4 days training with Stacey Munson before our Championship test on the 15th with a feeling of impending doom. Lorry packed, Dougal and I set off up the A1, with a sniggering Charlston in the back.....
Training session 1 - still unable to maintain any sort of outline, poor Stacey trying not to show her horror, poor me trying not to show my dispair, poor Charlston trying not to laugh out loud..... in front of us.
Training session 2 - put my drop noseband on him..... a totally different horse. So helpful, ameniable, worked beautifully - CRACKED IT!!! Stacey smiling, me smiling, Charlston trying to work out how it all went so wrong....
Training session 3 - having worked out overnight how it all went so wrong, Charlston resumed his 'Westfalians against Dressage' campaign. Stacey trying so hard to keep my spirits up, me just wanting spirits in the form of vodka or gin........
Training session 4 - a non-event, we decided it was probably best to take him for a hack!!!
Had a lovely day on Sunday, the first day of the Regional Championships, supporting friends, Rachel, Leanne, Julie, Jessica amongst others, that were competing and catching up with people I hadn't seen for ages! Charlston also had a lovely day, eating, eating, snoozing, hacking, oh and.... eating. Had a few glasses of wine with Stacey and Ami that evening and was in bed by 2200.
SO, on the morning of the 15th, Dougal and I were up and out of the lorry by 0630. Groomed and plaited Charlston, got ready myself and was on him at 0810.... as I walked him across to the arena's I saw my friends Nikki and Lorraine walking towards me, praying we wouldn't let anyone down, I tried to remain calm.
Stacey was warming me up and Charlston had clearly decided that life wasn't all that bad and it was probably in his best interest to give me a bit of help! Not 100%, of course, that would be asking too much!!
I was in at 0900 and I trotted down the centre line holding my breath. Had one scary moment when my mind went blank, one wobble when I lost his quarters slightly but on the whole I was thrilled with his performance...... considering his desire to be a German trekking pony only. As I left the arena I got the thumbs up from Stacey and Ami (phew) and saw other friends that had left home at the crack of dawn to support us, Sandra, Ev, Rachel and Paul, plus fellow competitors which was lovely and for which I am very grateful.
Back at the stables I got a text message from Rachel saying that I had scored 67.7%!! There was much wooping and jumping around, but when we had calmed down the reality hit us that we would have to wait 4 hours for the class to finish........ and for my final placing to be confirmed.......
50 cups of tea later, what felt like thousands of trips backwards and forwards to the score board for all of us and me answering countless texts asking for updates on my placing, the results were up. We had come 5th!!!!
Charlston was extremely soft and round as we walked round in the collecting ring waiting for the prize giving.... which was particularly galling!!! He stood like a rock in the line-up and then showed off in his lap of honour - clearly in his mind he had won!!!
I am now sitting at home waiting to find out if we will get a wildcard to the Nationals, on the high score of 67.7% it is a definite possibility and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to drink a cup of tea and walk with my fingers and toes crossed!!!!!!!
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!! (and pray for me)!!!!!
5 August 2011
Mirrors are UP!!!!! I am thilled with them - a fantastic training aid!!!
3 August 2011
A hilarious day at The Jays in Suffolk today!!! A yard outing with Charlston!! Nikki, Carol, Jo, SJ, Alfie came too! I haven't been to this venue before and won't be rushing back to be honest! Charlston won both Mediums on 62.41% and 63.55% so we have 2 more qualifying points towards Winter Regional qualification.
The jump from Elementary to Medium is a big one and we are still making silly mistakes at this level. Work on putting our arena mirrors up starts tomorrow night, mirrors will definitely help with setting the half pass up and straightness. However, I'm not sure I relish the thought of watching myself schooling 4 a day!!!
1 August 2011
SJ had her first canter on Doris tonight - the mare looked amazing and SJ is doing a great job!!!
23 July 2011
Took Charlston to Keysoe today for a pre-Regional run through of E59....... Let's just say, more work required......!!!
16 July 2011
Went to Brook Farm today with Charlston to do 2 mediums. I had been working him hard in the week, insisting that he stayed in front of my leg in the hope that I could get the same feeling from him in the arena. Both tests were in the short arena and the movements came up very fast!!! He felt great in the first test and was 2nd on a score of 64.8%... he felt VERY tired in the second test, making my job a whole lot harder. A fair few mistakes put us 2nd again, on 63.5%. We are now half way qualified for the Winter Regionals!!!!
4 July 2011
Went to Patchetts today with Charlston to do another Medium. We won on a score of 61.14% in a low scoring class - I was 4% ahead of the 2nd placed rider. Charlston was, as usual, a star and did his very best. I however, need to be MUCH fitter to ride at this level...... the sitting trot is killing me!!!!!
22 June 2011
Travelled to Sheepgate in Lincolnshire today with Charlston to contest our first Mediums..... oh yes, hoping to stay well 'off radar' I drove for 3 hours, through Wizard of Oz type weather conditions, in the hope that there would be no one I knew!!!!! My good friend Sandie Gibbs was also entered and we had been looking forward to 3 days away with our horses!!!
Lorries parked side-by-side, horses rested in their stables after being worked, Dougal sleeping at our feet, we polished off 2 bottles of wine and a hearty meal (I defo felt like the condemed woman!!!).
The following morning we mucked out, and tried to dodge the rain while grazing the boys in-hand. I was on at 1430 doing M64,Sandie was doing AM85 and the Advanced 100 late in the afternoon. We wandered around watching various tests and then had a look at the score board...... to our amazement, we were both being judged by Sue Howard, who is a very local judge to us back at home!!!!!!!
Plaited and looking gorgeous (him, not me.....), I climbed on board to warm him up..... not good, quite frankly..... who would have thought that having show jods that didn't have a full suede seat would make so much difference to one's version of 'sitting trot'!!!!
Well I didn't fall off, and won the class on 64.29%!!! Not a bad score for our first attempt and with a few mistakes!!
Sandie then did brilliantly in her classes with HUGE scores, so the day ended on a high!!!
Well Hello!!!
First thing in the morning I bought a pair of Pikeur breeches...... lol. Warm-up, MUCH better!!!!
Trotted up the center line, halt and salute at X. AH EM, halt........ halt pleeeeeease, rein back....... noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, throw head up (him, not me.....), swing bottom left (errrrr both of us.....). Deep breath (me), lots of sniggering (him)..... kick on Tracey. Got through the trot work, then had a mini melt down with relief and totally ignored Sandie and turned across the arena to do my extended walk at the wrong marker. What a partnership!!!!!
We won the class on 65.86% with a 4 given for our 'entrance' and 2 deducted for an error of course!!!!
Of course I was thrilled, but was also kicking myself for the things that went wrong!!
So, first 2 mediums and 2 wins...... am seriously contemplating retiring!!!!!!!
9 June 2011
Travelled to Norton Heath today with Clare and Molly. I had schooled Molly the day before and had worked on sharpening her up so I was pleased that she stayed well in front of Clare's leg both in the warm up and during the tests. Scores of 65.65% + and 69.03% reflected the quality of work shown and were well deserved. Good to have a catch up with some friends while I was there - all in all, a good day at the office!
6 June 2011
Drove up to Solihull today to pick up a 5yo mare that I have bought to bring on and sell. Her name is Doris and she is equisite and very affectionate!! It's going to be hard to part with her...... oh dear.....
5th June 2011
I took Louis to Patchetts today, to see if he'd 'manned-up'!!! He was entered in P19, which was the same test he 'attempted' (NOT) at Norton Heath! He was a good boy again in the warm up, which was quite busy, and he began to look a bit 'over cooked'.... it's so hard with youngsters juding how long they'll need to warm up and we'd given in 30 mins, Rachel ended up walking and stretching him just before he went in to 'perform'....
Off we went to the arena - I had to lead him past the first arena as there was judge testing going on so loads of cars! He sauntered past them and on to the far arena, which can be quite spooky as the road is just the other side of the tall hedge. Well, to be honest, I think he surprised himself!! He came up the centre line, didn't bat an eye lid at the judge's car, in and out of the corner, past the marker and, although not as forward as usual, GOT ON WITH IT!!!!
A few losses of balance and one naughty moment resulted in a score of 63.6% (which included his first 8!!!) - a whoppping 12% improvement!!! A few more outings will hopefully see him gain in confidence and stay infront of the leg and into the hand! We will also shorten his warm up, so he doesn't run out of steam.... although he still had enough energy to kick out at Rachel's spur!!!! Funny that........
Not sure where we're going next with him, watch this space!!!
Hilary and Elvis were also competing today at their first show together. They came a very creditible 5th in N22 on 63.79%, and 4th in N38 on 64.19%.
31 May 2011
Travelled to patchetts today with Alfie and Nikki who were show jumping. The Wheeler family were out in force to support their boy and he rode really well to pick up 12 faults in the first round. Nikki got into both jump off's of her classes, for 4 & 8 faults. Both riders gained more experience today, it's a learning curve and not all about winning rosettes!!!!!! Well done to both, another great day out!!!
28 May 2011
Kris and I (with accompanying hangovers) drove in convoy up to Somerford Park in Cheshire for the BD Premier League show. The weather was overcast, windy and cold.... so not great! I was meeting my friend Martine and her sister Rachel there, we were staying Saturday night in a B&B nearby. There were some fabulous horses competing and I caught up with various friends including the lovely Peter Storr, Carl Hester, Gill & Paul Hayler, Spencer Wilton and Judie Adcock who were all very surprised to see me that far North!!!!!
The B&B was a WHOLE different story....... We had already been told by the owners that we HAD to arrive before 1900 as they were going to the pub to watch the football (how RUDE). The B&B was situated directly underneath the biggest piece of metal EVER...... the Lovell Telescope also known as Jodrell Bank!!!h. Click once to begin entering your own content. You can change my font, size, line height, color and more by highlighting part of me and selecting the options from the toolbar.
My room was particularly spacious and was clearly also used as the cupboard under the stairs with the single bed doubling up as a coffin in case any one died (hanging one's self was defo an option there). The defining features of the room were that the door didn't lock and the toilet/bathroom was on another floor!!!!!!
27 May 2011
I drove up to my friend Kristina's farm today in Staffordshire on route to Somerford Park Premier League show. We had a lovely day gossiping and looking around the farm cuddling kittens, pigs and calves!!! The day ended with a mega spaghetti bolognase dinner and far too much alcohol!!!
The farm is a working dairy farm and also has the most beautiful barn conversion holiday cottages, situated on the side of a huge reservoir the area is fantastic for a weekend away. Their website iswww.blithfieldlakesidebarns.co.uk
24 May 2011
Ellie and I took Louis over to Patchetts today for some 'marker bonding'!!!!!! After half an hour of patient forward riding by Rachel, Louis finally decided that the markers weren't actually that bad!!! Phew.........
23 May 2011
23 May 2011
Great News!!!! Both Bradford and Ella are now able to leave their boxes - Bradford is now up to 15 minutes walk per day, and today Ella started 15 mins in-hand grazing!
Both have been monitored very carefully while on box rest livery with us, and we are proud that their respective vets, Suzanna Ballinger and Lisa Graham, are so pleased with their progress.
22 May 2011 - Tweseldown
Got to yard at 0620 (don't really know why I bothered leaving!!!). Ruby was looking good to go in all her travelling gear, Ellie and Nikki looking a bit blearly eyed, not unlike myself!!!
Easy journey down to the event and we arrived in plenty of time to walk the XC (rather than run it, as we had to last time we were there.....). Course was up-to-height and less twisty than last time, but on sandy going with the lack of rain was quite deep. We then went to have a look at the SJ course - Nikki was happy with that so we went back to get Ruby (and Nikki!!!) ready for the dressage. Tweseldown is an EXHAUSTING venue to compete at (for anyone on foot.....), simply because of the location of each discipline - miles away from the lorry park - therefore extra time has to be factored in to each warm-up.
Ruby put in another good dressage test to score 37.5, which again was in the top 3rd. Back to the lorry to change tack.
Show jumping then beckoned!!!! Ruby wasn't being particularly co-operative in the warm up and was definitely hanging to the left into her fences, Nikki did her best to correct her but it wasn't the most confidence boosting warm-up we've had with her!!!! Time was VERY tight for the SJ, Ruby rolled 2 poles and picked up a time penalty.
Now for the XC!!!! I warmed Ruby and Nikki up and then Ellie and I sprinted up the viewing mound to try to see as many fences as possible. Nikki was in the start box, when a hiking family of 4 marched up to the first fence, hovering around it Ellie and I knew exactly what was about to happen and I was already shouting at them...... what the fence judge was thinking is beyond me. Nikki was counted down, galloped onto the course just as the family crossed infront of the fence - by this time I was screaming my head off for them to get out of the way, the fence judge (woke up) and jumped out of the car.......... as Nikki came round the corner they were dawdling infront of and away from the fence... resulting in Ruby having a horribly awkward jump and we think this is where she pulled a front shoe........... recovering quickly they continued round the course. Fence 5 was a 2 stride double of roll tops on a right angled bend. Unfortunately, Ruby was still hanging left..... their approach was a little fast and Nikki missed the turn into the second element resulting in an annoying 20 penalties, plus a few time. DAMN!!!!!
A very costly fly past, sorry, run out, resulted in Nikki dropping down to 21st place..... DOUBLE DAMN!!
Another completion for this pair in their first season eventing, both returning home safe and sound!
Ellie and Team Mascot Dougal taking a well deserved rest at the end of the day!!
As I've said many a time, it's never a dull moment with Nikki....... well you've heard the expression "and then the wheels fell off"???? Well, it wasn't the wheels...........
21 May 2011 - Norton Heath
Got to the yard at 0730, fed round and packed the lorry while they ate.
Well you can take it from me that the 'show preparation for Louis' was a COMPLETE waste of time - this morning I attempted to plait him on the yard and he was having NONE OF IT!!!!! The best laid plans..................... haha. Eventually got him plaited in his stable, cornered with Kathy anchoring him.... Finally ready to leave, loaded two of his fan club (Caroline, Sandra - the remainder were meeting us there) and, of course, Team Mascot - Dougal. Louis galloped up the ramp and off we went.
Got there nice and early and walked him round in hand to settle him and had a quick photo shoot!!!
We took him to the indoor school to get on him (just in case.....!!!). Luckily he walked straight in (having never been in an indoor school before... good boy) and I legged Rachel up. What a star he was, didn't look at a thing and even when he ended up being the only horse in there he just got on with the job in front of his adoring public in the gallery! We then moved him to the outdoor arena for the 10 mins prior to his test.
He was definitely worried when we left the warm up arena and entered the main arena to do the tests. Rachel was brilliant and really gave him the confidence to trot round the outside of the arena, he didn't like the judges hut at all and I had to dive in and lead him past, but after that he trotted past it quite happily.
HOWEVER, inside the arena was a TOTALLY different matter. He trotted down the centre line and basically THAT WAS IT!!!!! Every marker was HIDEOUSLY scary and definitely going to attack him!!!! Rachel sat very still, encouraging him forward and giving him the confidence to keep going - the judge was very patient and allowed them to finish the test, when really she could have eliminated him before the 5th movement!!!! He ended up on a score of 51.36%. Rachel and I agreed, he needs to get out more!!!!!
Another great day was had by all and I'd like to thank my great friends (who double up as liveries!!!!) for coming to support my baby boy!!!
We got home and Louis looked absolutely exhausted and fell asleep in his stable. I eventually left the yard at 1945 after having given 2 lessons, finished the yard, plaited Ruby who I am occompanying to Tweseldown tomorrow and trimming Molly, who is going to Patchetts. A long day - but an even longer one tomorrow I suspect as we're leaving for Tweseldown at 0630.........!!!!!!
Show preparation for Louis
Ellie (see 'News') and I decided to have a trial plaiting run with Louis in prepatation for this first show at Norton Heath on Saturday. He was surprisingly good!!!
Diamond Dressage Competition Mascot
It has been unanimously decided that Dougal be promoted to Team Mascot. He is well travelled and has attended competitions at various venues around the country including Patchetts, Keysoe, Woodlands, Hartpury, Brook Farm, Tweseldown, Hickstead and Addington.
I'm not sure which discipline he enjoys the most, but often gets a quick nap in before lunch - which I suspect is his favourite part of the day!!!
14 May 2011 - Patchetts
Back to Patchetts today with Alfie and Smokey!! Mum, Jo, had entered the pair for the first two classes - as she had done 2 weeks prior. The first class was 60 cm and Alfie rode like a boy possessed and put in a fantastic performance to WIN!!
After the prize giving, Alfie and I set off to walk the course for the second class. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, jumps look a bit big Mum...... I was thinking. Didn't dare look at Alfie and decided to play the size of the jump off fences (3ft) down and carry on giving him instruction on how to ride the course.....
Legged the poor boy up to warm them up - not actually sure who was more nervous him, or me..... Had a quiet word in his ear before he went in along the lines of: no one is putting pressure on you to do the jump off, see how you go, no shame in retiring (while quickly showing him the hand signal!!!), only your second show, you're more than capable, you've just jumped the same height in the warm-up, good luck, get in there and bloody well show everyone what you're made of......
My heart was in my mouth as he jumped round clear and went through the start to commence the jump off......
HOW PROUD WAS I - 4 FAULTS!!!!!!!!!
A truely brilliant performance to finish in 7th place in the SMALL OPEN.......
Also had a quite word in Mum's ear...... next time you enter them, please READ the schedule as the second class might by the puissance...... lol
11 May 2011
I took Louis down to my friend Gina Armstrong's yard today in preparation for his first show!!!! He was impeccably behaved and I can't thank Gina enough for allowing us to use her wonderful facilities.
We are looking forward to taking Louis to Norton Heath on 21 May!!!!
I'm note sure who was more tired after running through P19, Rachel or Louis!!!
8 May 2011 - Keysoe
I travelled to The College, Keysoe today with Nikki and Ruby to do their second BE90. We had a great day, Jo, Alfie, Carol and Charlie came to support this brave combination and a good time was had by all. Dressage warm up went well,Ruby went well in the test, but just managed to get away from Nikki slightly on occasion and lost balance in the undulating arena!! Their score of 40.5 was fair and put them in the top 3rd of the class. One down in the showjumping, although disappointing, was a personal best so the celebrations commenced amongst the supporters!! A fabulous clear cross country, well within the time, left them in 15th position.
The day was not without drama, this time caused by myself over-enthusiastically cheering Nikki on on the XC course and nearly getting her eliminated for outside assistance when a fence judge reported me!!! Won't be doing that again...... thank God the whole episode only resulted in a slapped wrist for Nikki - PHEW!!!!
Another great performance from this gutsy combination, both have big hearts and always give 100% - another pair, growing in confidence and going great guns!!!
2 May 2011 - Patchetts
I travelled to Patchetts today with Alfie and Smokey for their first show together!!! Surrounded by family and friends, Alfie rose to the occasion and rode brilliantly to get into both jump-offs!!!! A great partnership, who are growing in confidence - I'm sure many rosettes are soon to be coming their way!!
29 April 2011
Well, we enjoyed the first one so much, we decided to have another BBQ to celebrate the Royal Wedding!!!
25 April 2011
First yard bbq today!!! Oh how we laughed!!! Huge amounts of food and drink consumed and a great time was had by all, including my dogs!!!
24 April 2011
Applied for my Olympic tickets on-line - pressed the button and got butterflies at the thought of going to the Olympics!!!!
22 April 2011
I rode Louis today, I haven't sat on him for 3 months and have to say that Rachel (Skeffington) has done a fantastic job with him.
We're looking forward to getting him to a show very soon!!!
17 April 2011
Clare and Molly went to their first show together today at Brook Farm. Clare has had Molly for nearly 3 months and their training is coming along really well - as these results prove!!!!! P13, 1st on 69.58% / N27, 2nd on 67.14%. A great confidence building day for this new partnership.
15 April 2011 - Hartpury
Woke up with a thumping headache (must have been something I ate.......) and was very glad I had decided not to do the arena walk as I had missed it anyway!!!! Julie had fed, watered, mucked out King Charlston at ridiculous o'clock as she had forgotten to turn her alarm off and it went off at 0430 (YES, 0430........). I wandered on to the yard to find my beautiful boy munching his hay and looking very relaxed. My phone was going off all morning with people sending me their good luck wishes, and I started to get a little nervous!
I had a plan for the morning which was stuck to like a military operation thanks to Super Grooms, Kat & Julie. Charlston was very lit up in the warm up and did lots of squeeling and even a few little bucks (which for him is unheard of) and his walk was 'on the edge'!!!! We're doomed I thought!!!!!
When my turn came to enter the arena for my test I had a huge lump in my throat, patted my amazing horse, rode through the tunnel and we STRUTTED OUR STUFF to our music!!!! It wasn't perfect, we made two mistakes which were costly - one his, one mine, but did we enjoy ourselves - DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!
The cheer that went up at the end of our test was amazing, so many people had made a huge effort to make the long drive, or ensure they were in the arena to cheer us on, and I would like to thank Julie C, Kate, Rachel, Lolly, Clare, Jo, Alfie, Carol, Charlie, Kat, my Aunt and Uncle, Ashley, Georgie, Christel, Kristine, Heidi, Kate, Emma, Darren, Debra, Ben, Mandy, Julie H. The amount of phone calls and texts I had received that morning wishing us luck was also very touching.
Well, we didn't let anyone down, our score was 70% and we ended up in 5th place!!!!!!
To say I was thrilled was an understatement. Charlston thoroughly enjoyed himself in the prize giving, had a quick 'photo call' where various friends and family eagerly snapped away and had their photo taken with my boy. He then retired to his stable, had his plaits taken out, threw himself on the floor and slept all afternoon!!!!!
It was then time for us to PARTY!!! The amount of alcohol consumed in various lorries was, quite frankly, frightening!!!!! We also had tickets to the Gala Evening which was very entertaining.
The next morning we were slightly worse for wear..... Dougal and I fed in our pj's much to the delight of Roland and Sandra, who were both convinced the 'look' was sure to catch on....
We had a fantastic time at Hartpury and our result could not have been achieved without the continuing help and support of my friends, family and trainers - Stacey Munson and Nicola McGivern.
I would also like to add a HUGE well done to other friends competing at the Championships: Ben, Julie, Amie, Maddie, Lauren, Roland, Darren, Spencer, Heidi, Christel, Nicola, Lea and Jessica to name but a few.
14 April 2011
Left the yard at 1100 with Charlston, Julie and Dougal for the BD Winter Championships at Hartpury!!!!
ROAD TRIP!!!! Lorry was packed full of kit, food and alcohol!!!!!! It took 3 hours to get to Hartpury, once there we settled Charlston in and got our bearings on the showground in preparation for the following day. The indoor arena in which I was competing was 'dressed' to within an inch of it's life with flowers etc, I had already decided not to do the arena walk at 0645 the following morning as Charlston hadn't looked at anything since his first competition as a 4 year old, but I felt that if other horses were spooking, he may then react.
I worked Charlston that afternoon in a very busy arena - he was quite lit up, but gave me a great feel!
That evening Kat, Ian and Lily joined us for dinner and a few bottles of wine.......... Caroline had kindly bought me a t-shirt and bag to take to Hartpury so we thought it a good time to do some modelling........
6 April 2011 - Keysoe
The sun shone all day at Keysoe today, making the day even more enjoyable!!!
I warmed Charlston up for 45 minutes today, 10 minutes longer than usual...... I felt he wasn't on my aids at Brook Farm and wanted to really have him listening to me before I went in to the arena. It worked, he felt amazing, much stronger in himself and very fit. We won the first test on 69% and were then 2nd on 68%. I was very pleased with how he felt during the tests, we were penalised for a few small mistakes (some his, some mine), but I was thrilled with the scores and I'm glad we didn't let his No.1 Fan, Caroline down as she joined us again on our day out!!!
I had entered 4 shows in the run up to the Winter Champs - equalling 8 tests. He has won 5 and been 2nd in 3!!!! He really is my horse of a lifetime and I am really looking forward to Hartpury next week.
3 April 2011
WOW yard was BUZZING this morning!!!!! Alfie and Liz were taking Smokey and Expresso to do the RAF Halton Sponsored Ride, while Alice was taking Honey show jumping to Harolds Park Farm.
Alice was back first - grinning from ear to ear having got 2 clear rounds AND come 3rd in the Novice!!!! Alice and her mum are very dedicated to Honey, and it's fantastic that their hard work is paying off!
Alfie came home, looking happy and tired!!! I am VERY proud of this talented little man, he is very driven and committed to his riding / training and he and his family are a pleasure to have on the yard.
1 April 2011 - Brook Farm
I was at Brook Farm today with Charlston, contesting E44 and E49. We won the first class on 66.80% and lost the 2nd class by one mark to finish on 64.66%. I wasn't happy with the way I rode, and absolutely hated riding E49!!!! On the up-side, I had a coffee and a chat with Sandie!!!
31 March 2011
"Charlston Dances to Summer Regionals"
Charlston gets a headline, photograph and write-up in today's Horse & Hound in the report from the Essendon & Epping Forest Dressage Group show!!! Sandie also got a write-up and photograph in the same report!!! Thanks to everyone who has text or messaged me their congratulations!!
29 March 2011
Took Charlston over to my friend Sandie's house today, she has a lovely farm about half-an-hour away with a sound-system set up around her arena! We both ran through our floorplans in front of our friend, Kathryn Brace, who is also a BD judge. Kathryn was very patient (to begin with...!!! lol) and gave us some great tips for improving our scores. The three of us always have a huge laugh when we get together, today was no different!!!!
26 March 2011 - Keysoe
Travelled to Keysoe today with Nikki and Ruby to get some dressage practice before their first event. They warmed up well, but nerves just got the better of Nikki in the arena and Ruby took charge - all was not lost, however, as they finished 3rd on 62.1!!!
A bit of a 'pep talk' then took place...... read between the lines!!!! Not surprisingly, Nikki stepped up to the mark in the second test, got her nerves under control and rode every movement - what a difference!!!! Ruby stayed in a lovely rhythm, soft and round, I was literally jumping up and down!!!! The judge obviously agree with me as they WON the test on 67.8%.
A very well deserved and fantastic achievement, which has really given Nikki a boost. Ruby wouldn't be the easiest on the flat, but Nikki works really hard and these results prove that her commitment to Ruby's training is paying off! Well done Nikki.
23 March 2011 - Woodlands
Charlston and I were competing at the Essendon & District show at Woodlands today, Charlston's number one fan, Caroline, came to support us, together with Hamish and Dougal!!! The warm-up arena was pretty manic, and Charlston was being less than helpful!!! We were doing our music test first. Entered the arena - got in position, hand up - waited for the music to begin...... waited, waited........ CD failed, backup CD failed..... left arena, next horse did their test, 4 wheel drive appeared and my music was played on the car stereo...... not ideal and definitely NOT the final run-through I had envisaged before the Winter Champs!!!!!
Because of the delay in me doing my music class, I had to go straight back into the warm-up to prepare for my next class........ Charlston was SO not impressed, however he buckled down and got on with it and put in a very nice test and received his first 9 for one of his simple changes.
Both judges were very complimentary about Charlston and we ended up 2nd in the Music on 69.1%, and won the E50 Restricted Qualifier on 73.5% (15% ahead of the 2nd placed combination). The 7 points gained in E50 now means that Charlston is qualified for the Elementary Restricted Summer Regionals.
24 March 2011
Charlston had a nice write-up in today's Horse and Hound for winning both classes at Keysoe on 16 March!!!
20 March 2011
I had a fabulous schooling session with Charlston today, managed to do all of my trot work sitting (it's been a long time coming!!!) and really feel that we are getting there!
AND we also had some great training sessions!
Lisa and Odhir are really improving and it gives me great pleasure to see Lisa enjoying him so much.
Clare arrived home yesterday from a week's skiing, and rode Molly like a demon! A very productive lesson resulted in us discussing where this combination would contest their first show!!
Nikki and Ruby are going to Keysoe next Saturday to get back in the arena before their first Event at Milton Keynes. We concentrated on the different movements in the tests and then Nikki rode through them - another productive, confidence building, lesson.
17 March 2011
As I type, Chunky is standing in his stable coming round from 'Operation Nuts Off'!!!! My vet and good friend, Lisa Grahame, performed the duty - which was quite difficult with him being so small and having an odd shaped testicle on one side which was quite tricky to get hold of!!! Hopefully he will return to being the cute, friendly foal that I bought in the Autumn rather than the sex crazed monster he had become!!!!! Charlston is quite enjoying his day off in the field on his own today!
16 March 2011
Charlston and I travelled to Keysoe today for the first of our pre-Winter Championship shows. I didn't feel that I did a great job to be honest and our scores reflected this! We did, however, manage to win both classes and get another 6 points towards Summer Regional Qualification - so only 2 points left to get, BUT lots of work to do before Hartpury!
On the up side I saw some friends that I hadn't seen for a while and had a catch up, which was nice. Also one of my trainers, Stacey Munson, did her first PSG on her horse Showbiz, a horse that she bought from Garry Williams as a baby and has produced herself through the levels. I stayed to watch and am very glad that I did, they scored a HUGE 72.4%!!!!
11 March 2011
I have been using Bridlepath International for nearly 10 years. It's always great to catch up with Laura or her father, Peter and they were with us again today - this time to fit Molly with a GP saddle.
Chunky now has a little 'me' time in the school every day, he lets off steam galloping around and generally causing havoc trying to pick up the mounting block, using the pooper scooper as a javelin and terrorising anyone standing by the gate watching!!!
7 March 2011
Picked up my copy of the Chiltern & Thames Rider Magazine today, was thrilled with the write up and picture of Charlston from the Regionals (thanks to Gill & Simon Battram).
We are training hard at the moment in preparation for the National Champs. Pre Championship shows entered are Keysoe on 16 March, Woodlands on 23 March, Brook Farm on 1 April and Keysoe again on 6 April. I'm hoping to have Charlston qualified for the Summer Elementary Regionals by the time we go to Hartpury, fingers crossed and wish us luck!!!
27 February 2011
What a horrendous day!!! First of all Chunky kicked out as I was picking his feet out and smash me in the jaw with his hock.... Odhir then caught me square on the cheek bone with his knee as I was washing him off.... I then caught my eye on a door catch... then I locked my keys (car, house, yard) in the boot of my car......
Result - bruise on jaw, bruise and swollen cheek, black eye, smashed window at house to get spare keys......
love my life!!!! lol
6 February 2011 - Winter Regionals
Regionals day and I had spent most of Saturday night being sick, with a sore throat and sweats I have to say I didn't feel great!!!!!!! Took Charston for a hack first thing, then put him away so that I could recover!!!
I received loads of texts and phonecalls wishing me luck and just as I got on, my supporters arrived. I was touched at how many people made the effort to come and cheer me on (Nikki, Fran, Clare, Robert, Julie, Julia, Sandra, Ev, Hilary, Kathryn, Gina, Michelle & Alice), and when I was sick in the warm-up, they were probably sorry they had!!!! I would also like to thank Kathy for who stayed at the yard to support me and work!!!
Charlston warmed up really well and I thoroughly enjoyed riding to my music. The only thing that let us down was that his walk was slightly tense - two judges had us in first place and we ended up second on 68.95% - beaten by the narrowest of margins!!! We are now qualified for the Winter Championships at Hartpury!!!
I am absolutely thrilled, I've had Charlston from a 4 year old and have trained him myself, so to be going to my first Nationals with him makes it even more special.
Our first prize giving was brilliant - we definitely received the biggest cheer (due to the biggest crown of supporters probably!!!), and Charlston thoroughly enjoyed his lap of honour.... much to everyone's amusement!!!!
By the time I came to warm him up for E59, we were both flagging. He tried his heart out, but felt very behind my leg and extremely tired. I overrode his mediums (feeling that he wasn't going anywhere and he broke into canter - very expensive, and finished 12th on 64.5%, which all things considered was a pretty respectable score!
Boxed him up that evening and took him home - it was lovely to see him relaxed and happy in his own stable, dreaming of going in the field with his best buddy Chunky in the morning.
That evening I was interviewed by the Chiltern & Thames Rider Magazine - so watch out for that!!!
I had a great time at Patchetts and would like to thank the liveries & staff there for taking me and Charlston under their wing - Melise, Amie, Jo, Maddy, Steff, Jackie, Claudia, Sarah and Emily.
2 February 2011
Louis is working really well and is now very confident.
31 January 2011
After yesterday, I decided to take Charlston for a hack before his music test today - which was interesting as I had absolutely no idea where I was going, I set of boldly into the unknown, praying I wouldn't hit the M1!!!! I got some 'top tips' from some walkers as to my best route, and actually managed to have a really nice 40 minute hack which Charlston thoroughly enjoyed.
Praying that his head would be in a better place after his hack, I entered the warm up!! He was SO much better, no piaffe, no sqeaking - so the order of the day is he hacks EVERY day from now on until we go home, poor boy is definitely missing his time in the field with the Chunkmeister!
Test went beautifully, 2 minor blips - I overrode one medium trot and lost his quarters for 2 strides on one leg yield, but all in all a nice test.
He finished 2nd on 70.84% and has qualified for the 2012 Music Regionals, and was looking very pleased with himself when I left him that evening. Good boy Charlie.
30 January 2011
"Interesting" is the word to describe Charlston's test today...... He was doing lots of piaffe and squeaking in the warm up - which didn't bode well...... under a List 2 judge.... clearly if he continued to do this during the test I was going to be slaughtered..... lol.
As I went in, I was thinking 'contain him, contain him' - not really ideal for my final run through before the Regionals.... Anyway, he actually got better as the test went on, with a few 'hitches' shall we say, along the way which included piaffe during our medium walk, 'party popper' type explosions into canter, a wrong strike off followed VERY quickly by a sqeak and a buck...... The good bits were good, the bad bits were.... BAD!!!!!
Was amazed at a score of 66.25% for 4th place in a very big class. When I looked at my sheet the FULL range of marks had been used!!!!
28 January 2011
Charlston's second week at Patchetts was a good one, ran through E59 today, we've been working hard on the things that let us down and we got 5's for on the 16th! He's entered for E59 on Sunday and then the Elementary MF on Monday, so a good run through exercise for the Regionals the following weekend!!!
Chunky, on the other hand is being BAD!!! Bored without his partner in crime, he's decided that my Head Girl, Kathy, is his new 'plaything'......... he may only be 10hh, but getting him to the field on four legs is proving to be an interesting exercise.... he seems to be able to walk quite a long way on only two!!!!!!
Nikki is currently in Tokyo working, so I've been doing some extra schooling with Ruby, she's going great guns and have high hopes for her for the coming event season!!
21 January 2011
Charlston is now home for the weekend, after his first week at Patchetts in readiness for his Regional Championship tests on 6 February. We've had a good week there training and he has their Head Girl and grooms wrapped firmly round his hoof and has turned into a proper little Prima Donna....... He'll spend the weekend in the field relaxing.... and being mated by Chunky..... oh dear!
17 January 2011
My other competition horse, Uli is currently with Linsay Coleridge Smith. Uli hasn't competed for 18 months as, with his potential, Nicola and I felt he should stay at home and have his training consolidated. Four months ago he joined Linsay at Windmill Farm to be competed at the higher levels and today he was at Patchetts contesting his first mediums. I was so proud of him!! He was 2nd on 67.9% and 5th on 65.9% with a few green mistakes!!! Linsay said he has Grand Prix stamped all over him - which confirms what I thought the day I tried him and what every trainer that has set eyes on him has also said!!!
16 January 2011
Stacey Munson came over twice this week to give me a kick up the buttt and to put us back on the straight and narrow (thanks Stacey!). So today I took Charlston to Patchetts to run through E59 (the Regional test), and did E42 as a warm up test. I had also booked him to stay at Patchetts for the 3 weeks running up to the Regionals, so we could run through our 'moves' and avoid missing any work if the weather deteriorated!
I was absolutely thrilled with the way he went - much more rideable, supple and forward. Low placings in both tests, lots of 8s, but with a few 5s thrown in too! Lots to work on for the Regionals!
It was strange leaving him there after the show, not that he was bothered, left him scoffing his head off in his new bedroom!!!
3 January 2011
*** HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! ***
Here's hoping that 2011 brings us all good health, luck and happiness. All the horses are back in work after their enforced holiday due ot the snow and are going well.
Exciting times are ahead for Diamond Dressage, Charlston has his Regional Championships in early February. Chunky is finding his feet and about to get the CHOP!!!!!
Ruby is going out in February to contest some Prelim tests and British Novices and, if the ground is good enough, we will take her XC schooling - we are aiming to get her out in April to do another Intro.
Clare has seen a lovely mare in Lincolnshire and I had arranged a vetting to be done half way between us, by Clare's vet, at Keysoe (thanks to Patsy Bates, the owner of The College EC), but unfortunately the snow put a stop to that. So, watch this space - hopefully we'll get the process back on track pretty soon.
Lisa's new horse, Odhir as been on hunger strike (not good for my nerves), but think I've got that sorted now! He's such a fabulous boy, a real character and SO lovely to ride.
Louis has come back into work better than ever, the break seems to have done him good. He's such an amazing boy, so talented with so much energy and such a great brain - a credit to his mum Mondi (who is hairy, fat and living a life of luxury!!).
Honey has been a bit of a 'handful' and is, shall we say, very opinionated!!!! Alice has been very patient (the mare can leap, spin and drop a shoulder at the drop of a hat... rather Alice than me) and got her back on side - thank God as I don't think my nerves would have stood much more!!!!
25 December 2010
Paul and I made our usual Christmas Eve pilgrimage to my trainer's (Nicola McGivern) for dinner........ so after only 4 hours sleep and FAR too much alcohol, Christmas day was a bit of a wash out for me!!! Mucking out proved to be quite a challenge, but I'm pleased to say I seem to have caused much hilarity....
Clare and Robert arrived early morning with hot mulled wine and mince pies for everyone which was greatly appreciated and consumed by everyone but me..... :(
I would like to thank our fabulous liveries for the Christmas presents received by myself and staff.
19 December 2010
3" of snow has fallen in the last 12 hours....... brrrrrrrrrr All the taps have frozen on the yard, so we are having to bring water to the yard from the house.... What a nightmare!!! Still, we are luckier than some!
Chunky LOVES the snow and ploughs the track in front of him with his little nose. He is also getting VERY cocky..... I was leading him to the field today and he got slightly ahead of me.... he has a new red sparkly Christmas leadrope thanks to Lisa and it's quite long... I warned him, but would he listen??? NOPE. So, off piste he went..... and fell head first into a snow drift!!!!
I was hoping the snow would clean some of the dirt off of him, but no, sadly it is not to be!!!!
16 December 2010
Lisa's new horse passed the vet!!!!!!
15 December 2010
The Havenbeech Stud kindly sent me some photographs of Chunky's full brother!!!! His name is........ wait for it....... Havenbeech Funky Monkey!!!!
Funky Monkey is now in Ireland.
14 December 2010
Santa visited us today!!!!!
12 December 2010
I went back with Lisa today for a second viewing and to hack a lovely 10 year old, Chestnut TB gelding. All went well, and I am going to arrange for him to be vetted next week - fingers crossed!!!
5 December 2010
Nativity time at the yard, horses were cast as follows: Mondi - Mary, Rufus - Joseph, Oscar - In-keeper, Charlston/Heidi/Louis - Wise Horses, Tiam - Herod, Ruby - Angel Gabriel, Honey - Shepherd.
Chunky - Baby Jesus
4 December 2010
Christmas Party time!!!! Such a great mix of people, we always have such a hilarious time when we all get together over a bottle or two, or three, or four........ Boy how we laughed, ate and drank........
3 December 2010
When is this snow going to thaw? Bored stiff not being able to ride...... A big thank you to Kathy and Claire who have worked so hard this week - frozen taps mean no hose in the mornings, so we are filling water tubs up with buckets...... When the taps thaw in the afternoon, we are filling 5 dustbins full of water for the mornings. By 'we', I mean Kathy!
30th November 2010
Chunky had his feet trimmed today by our farrier, Daniel Williamson. Such a brave boy (Chunky), we are all very proud of him!!!
The dogs always enjoy 'farrier day', free food on the floor and playing with Dan's dog Belle!!!
29th November 2010
Snow, snow, snow. The only people that don't appear to be put out are the horses!! They all had great fun in the fields today, playing and snuffling through the snow to get to the grass.
Have had to withdraw Charlston from Keysoe tomorrow - just not worth risking him. They have very kindly said that they will carry my entries forward, so at least I haven't wasted £40!
Chunky experienced snow for the first time, throwing himself on the floor with great gusto. I've told him if he gets any dirtier I'll send him back to Wales where it was minus 17.3 degrees a couple of nights ago. He just cantered off laughing....... bad Chunky, closely followed by his partner in crime.......
24th November 2010
Travelled to Keysoe today with Nikki and Ruby Tuesday who were contesting the Prelim Combined Training. Fifteen minutes into our journey Nikki announced that she "hadn't seen her dressage girth"....... Lots of raised eyebrows later (mine) she stated that if it wasn't on the lorry she would "just have to do her dressage in her jumping saddle"...... Going to a show with Nikki is anything but dull!!!!
We arrived, dressage girth was located!! Nikki went to walk the s/j course (secretly thanking God that she had found the girth!!!) while I plaited Ruby.
Dressage warm up went very well, and Nikki put in a very confident test to secure 3rd place.
Back to the lorry, a quick change of tack and on to the jumping. We've been working at home on getting Ruby back after her fences (she is so keen, which is what we love about her), so Nikki was concentrating hard as she went in to do her round. They were very stylishly clear up until the last fence, where Ruby just got the upper hand 2 strides out and tipped the back pole.
An unlucky 4 faults dropped them down one place to 4th.
So congratulations to Nikki!!!! This combination won their first rosette today, in only their second competition together. Nikkie has only owned Ruby for 3 months, previously being owned by a teenager she was allowed, shall we say, to express herself rather than get on with it!!!! She is really beginning to understand what is required of her now on the flat, and Nikki is doing a great job with her.
Nikki has a very high powered job, but always makes time for Ruby's training. She works very hard on her riding and has come a very long way in a very short space of time. I am thrilled that she is enjoying Ruby so much and that her hard work and dedication is paying off.
17th November 2010
Took Charlston to Essendon & Epping District Dressage Group show today in a last attempt to qualify for the Winter Regionals before the cut-off date of 1 December. Am THRILLED to report that he stepped up to the mark and won both classes on 67.5 and 67.6%, Stacey Munson has been helping me at home and she was there to give me a few top tips in the warm up which was a great help. So, the plan is now to qualify for the Summers at Elementary and then do some Mediums - he's ready to go Medium now, however I still need to 'perfect' my sitting trot...... ouch!!!!
15th November 2010
Where is Chunky Monkey????? Am horrified to announce that my fluffy, pale cream baby boy has turned into a filthy, dirty, brown and green MONSTER!!! Not content on lying in every little poo he does in his bedroom, he then throws himself on the floor as soon as he goes out in the field. Couple this with the green, slimey marks Charlston leaves all over him while chewing him........ oh the shame of it!!!!
3rd November 2010
Took Charlston to Keysoe again today. My heart wasn't really in it, but we did our best. He was 4th in E43 on 64.4%, 3rd in E53 on 67.5% (top 3 were all on 67 point something....) and still not qualified for the Winter Regionals! We have one more outing planned before the cut off date of 1 December..... wish us luck!
26 October 2010
Received my copy of Chiltern & Thames Rider Magazine today - and Diamond Dressage is featured in it on pages 54 & 55. Many thanks to Gill Battram who thought of me when she was asked to write an article on 'setting up a livery yard - the pros and cons'. There is also a lovely picture featured of me and my horses - see 'News' on here. Just a shame I didn't have Chunky then - I feel that he's missed out being in the magazine!!
20 October 2010
Took Charlston to Keysoe today, in an attempt to get the second part of our Elementary Winter qualification.... sadly it was not to be!!! We were pipped to the post in both classes coming 2nd in E43 on 67.60%, and 3rd in E57 of 67.90%, judged by the same judge in both classes we were judged consistently and fairly, as our marks showed and it was VERY close at the top!!! The sun shone all day and I caught up with my friend, Sandie Gibbs, we had a good old gossip over a cup of tea and celebrated her 2 Medium wins.
17 October 2010
I travelled down to Tweseldown today with Nikki and Ruby Tuesday who were contesting their first ODE today. The journey down was event-ful (lol) to say the least when a loose dog caused havoc on the M25, we then got lost, the lorry then lost power and we 'limped' the last 5 miles to the venue doing 20mph.........
This event was 'initiation by fire' for Nikki as we had no idea what Ruby would be like at a competion........... FAST, was the answer!!!! They completed on a score of 61.5 and half way through the section. A fantastic achievement and a great confidence boost for Nikki for next season.
At the end of the day we had to be 'rescued' from Tweseldown - a horsebox for us and a breakdown truck for the lorry - a long and tiring day, but worth it!!!
Very well done Nikki.
16 October 2010
My good friend Kate Fraser and I picked up Havenbeech Chunky Monkey today!! He is a Palomino Welsh Section A/Shetland x foal - to make 10.2hh. His job will be to keep Charlston company in the field and to be thoroughly spoilt by liveries and staff alike! He's mastered both things already!!!!!!
12/13 October 2010
Today I took Charlston to Patchetts to do 2 elementaries. This was our first outing since we flopped at the Regionals, when after a poor performance Charlston was blood tested and found to be post viral.
He was slightly shell shocked on arriving at Patchetts as I think he thought he had retired!
In the first test (E45) I felt very ring rusty in, and accuracy wasn't my strong point and we were marked down accordingly.... he scored 63.7% for 1st place - unfortunately not achieving the required qualifying score of 64% grrrrrrrr.
The second test (E53) was better, although Charlston truly believed we would be halting and saluting at D, so our final centre line was quite interesting when I asked him to trot at D and then asked for medium trot at L......... to say he was behind my leg would be an understatement!!! We scored 65.8% for 2nd place, which was disappointing as if we had won we would have gained our Winter Qualification... hey ho!!