Hickstead Eventing Grand Prix
30th July 10
I was dissapointed at Hickstead yesterday, when I was eliminated for missing a fence. I feel quite annoyed this morning after watching the Sky TV coverage, when the commentators too said that the fence I missed was not flagged earlier in the day which is when I walked the course, but what can you do?..... With an early draw, I did not walk the garden part of the course again, as there is little time for walking the course in the main arena, which is what I have done every year, but from now on I will walk it all just before I ride it! So Fitz jumped all the way round to the sussex bank, and then I had to pull up not knowing at the time what I had done to be eliminated. The class caused its usual carnage, but the last few riders to go looked class, and deserved their prizes.
On the plus side, Fitz felt good, seemed to go well enough, and It was a great as ever to be there at Hickstead in that main arena. Roll on next year!!!!
Stafford
22nd july 2010
It was great to be riding on green grass, and a cut in the ground! Stafford is a lovely well run event, and I had a good day with Dolly, and Aslan.
Dolly was in the BE100, and did a nice test scoring 31. A good solid double clear put us in fourth. It was a nice note to finish on, as her owner Becky has now taken back the reins, and is aiming for Carlton and Shelford.
It was Aslans first event, and he was very good. It is a big ask for 4 yr olds to compete in an intro, but he loved it and found it easy. Our dressage wasn't as good as it could have been, he was a little inatentive and got quite tense at times, mainly due to the gap in the hedge and horses galloping past on the XC! I was thrilled he jumped a double clear and finished 6th. All being well we have secured our qualification for the Lycetts 4yr old final at Osberton in October.
Coming up this week is Hickstead on Thursday and Carlton on Saturday.
Hard Ground is so frustating!!!!
20th July 2010
I thought I had written my blog after Buckminster, but looking today I obviously didn't save it!!! So lets start from last weekend at Buckminster Park.......
It felt great to be going Eventing again, even when it was boiling hot on Saturday. Milly was on great form, and contesting her first novice this year, she was like clockwork, and did a smart test, and a double clear. I was very steady XC, as although alot of work had been done on the ground, it was still a little firm in places, but full marks to the ground team, as they had improved the ground in every phase. Douglas was also very classy, and jumped a double clear, again slow. Gino and Spider just did the dressage and showjumping, as just being 6 yr olds, neither were desperate to run, and I thought to save them for another day. Bee and Mickey just did dressage tests in the end, Mickey was very excited to be back out, and he didn't do his best test! and Bee didn't feel right in the showjumping warm up. It had been on my mind that something was a miss, so I thought better of agrivating a niggle, and good job I did as it turned out she had pulled a muscle. I also had a new ride for some good friends of mine. I have just taken over the reins whilst they were busy moving house. Dolly went very well, and has given me some areas which I hope to work on and improve futher. So I kissed goodbye to a few top placings or even a couple of wins in the novice sections, and went home empty handed.
This weekend I headed off down south to Brightling Park. After having the rain at home, I hoped I would be having a competitive weekend........Sadly the rain had by passed Brightling and the team had not worked the ground enough, although some effort had been made. Gino didn't do such a nice test as last weekend, but jumped a gd clear SJ. Douglas was in second after the dressage in his first CIC*, after a lovely test. He too jumped clear SJ and it was a tough choice not to run him, as we could have won. Spider was super, and did a leading dressage of 24.5, and jumped clear SJ. Again we didn't run him XC. I was very frustated, but at this stage it just isn't worth it. All have bigger days ahead. It was a very enjoyable weekend in all. Being Gilly Kinlochs local, she entertains us so well, and its great to meet up with her friends and family who have a keen interest in the Eventing and Gilly's horses.
So for two weekends running I have missed out on my XC fix, I really hope it gets on and rains a bit, otherwise I am going to end up with a speeding fine as my car is my only speed fix, and it loves the hard ground!
26th June 2010
Eventers Grand Prix at Weston Lawns Summer Spectacular Show
I think Fitz is finally getting the hang of these classes, although he's not sure why XC jumps are in schools, or showjumps are in the middle of water jumps, but he's learning!
I was really pleased last night when he won the class at Weston Lawns, we took home £300, so it was worth the effort. He jumped really well, and loved the atmosphere. I think now he's a bit older he seems to need some atmosphere to give him that extra sparkle.
Last Tuesday we also went to Grange Farm at Wittering to do the Jumpcross Challenge, and he just made a few mistakes which left us just out the prizes, but having performed so well yesterday i'd say he is a better horse for it. Jumpcross was great fun, and an interesting concept. We were entertained to a georgeous lunch and had an enjoyable day. It was the first time I had done it, and will know what to expect for next year.
Burghley Young Event Horse
Bramham and Rutland
7th June 10
It was great to go to Bramham and then Rutland Show with two of Angela Schumanns homebred horses Silver King (Aslan) who is a 4yo, and Braveheart (Bobby) in the 5yr old class. Bramham is always a big ask for the young horses as the class takes place in a main arena, surrounded by people and shops and marquee's...plenty to make the bravest of horses spooky! Just for fun they had even included a water tray in the jumping which caused a few stops throughout the day.
Aslan was a little star, and performed really well. He made a gallop the even got a clap from the spectators! He was 3rd, and annoyingly only the top 2 qualified for the Final. However at Rutland today he performed immaculatly, and scored the best jumping mark in his class, and we won overall. I was thrilled, and so was Angela. I can't wait to take him to Burghley for the final.
Bobby has also coped so well, he is a big horse who did very little as a 4yr old, so the 5yr old classes are quite a big ask for him. He did a very nice dressage test at Bramham, and Rutland, scoring one of the highest marks. He jumped really well at Bramham but got tired right at the end and rolled a pole. Likewise at Rutland. I think he just needs time to strengthan up as he is a really big horse. Sadly he just missed out on the top 10 both times, finishing 11th and 12th. However I am still pleased as he has come a long way in such a short space of time.
Rutland has to be one of my favourite shows, and it was great to be there. I didn't take any to show jump in the main arena this year, and instead sat and watched the feature class which is in memory of Polly Phillipps. It was very special as Vere won it this year, which is the first time he has since he started the class.
Tattersalls, Ireland
1st June 10
We set off across the sea to Dublin last Tuesday morning with Bee and Nenagh to do their spring three day at Tatts. It was a very nice event, with excellent facilities, and really easy to get to just 40 mins from the ferry. Both mares felt in good form before we left, and travelled really well.
It was Bees 1st three day event, and she coped really weel. She did a smart test to score 46.6. There were no mistakes really, but I just felt she dropped slightly behind my leg in the arena, and lacked a little sparkle, but in all she was very good. One judge really liked our test and scored us 16 marks higher than the other two judges!
On XC day Bee galloped round easily. I was glad of the rain during the previous night which took the sting out of the ground, although it was then quite slippy, and I was quite cautious through the turns with Bee. Clear and inside the time left us in 7th position overnight.
In the showjumping, she jumped really well, just rolling one pole near the end, but we also accumulated 4 time faults, which dropped us to 12th. Out of 102 starters we were all thrilled with her result, and I am aware of what I need to work on. I was thrilled with Bee's attitude on the last day, as the main arena is very atmospheric, and I was worried it could distract her attention, but she stayed totally focused and listening to me. Bee's aim will now be the 7yr old Championships at Osberton at the beginning of October, but for the next couple of weeks she has earnt a well deserved break.
Nenagh was quite on edge all week, and I really noticed the effect the load speaker seemed to have on her. Either she didn't like all the irish voices, or the noise just upset her. Typically just as I went in to the main arena they made an anouncement and she felt very uptight. Most of her test I was thrilled with, but her walk showed that tension and we lost our marks there. 53.3 was a great result considering, and I can't help but think what it could be like when more settled. We didn't run XC until 5.45pm the following day, and although I'd had her out early on it is quite a long time to wait with so much hussle and bussle going on. Nenagh was uptight in the warm up, and never really settled on the XC. I pulled up after fence 10 and brought her home.
Mum came with me all week, and did a great job being groom and chef! I also had the great support of Gilly and her friend Rosemary, who enjoyed their week.
I would go back again to Tattersalls, it was a great event.
Hot Brigstock
22nd May 10
Why is it that we go from slightly cold to boiling hot within a day, and before Ive even had time to get my summer clothes back out of their storage boxes!
I went to a very warm Brigstock yesterday and today. Spider and Douglas ran yesterday, both jumping double clears and finishing 5th and 6th. The going was surprisingly good yesterday, and it was still spongey, however today the ground had baked, and it was just quite firm. I ran Gino, Mickey and Fitz today. All 3 did nice tests, and double clears. All got time faults XC, due to the firm going, but I was really pleased with their performances. Fitz finished 7th in the Open Novice, which was his first event since April 08!. Thankfully he hadn't forgotten what to do, although he did seem slightly shocked about going XC, as due to the lack of rain I haven't been XC schooling with him.
My team of boys have done me proud in the last fortnight, and they have earnt a well deserved mid season break now. I hope my two girls can keep up the boys high standards in Tattersalls next week!
Chatsworth
16th May 10
I enjoyed a great day at Chatsworth yesterday, my boys (Douglas, Spider, Gino, and Mickey), were in flying form, and all performed as well as they could.
We set off from home early Friday morning in order to fit in a XC school with Gino after last weekends near miss in the water, but I need not have worried about his confidence, he felt as good as ever. Mickey, Gino and Douglas were all in the same section and had day before dressage so we arrived at Chatsworth in good time to settle them all for their test. They all did good tests, Douglas's was especially good, but just broke in his counter canter at the end which was a pity, and lost a few marks. Gino and Mickey both coped well, although their lengthened strides and rein back need some practise still! Douglas lay in 2nd place on 32, and Mickey got 34, and Gino 37.
We stabled with the Williams/Dickson family who own Spider and Milly, so all the horses had lovely stables, and I enjoyed home cooking, a bath and a bed! Its a shame staying over isn't always that nice!!
It was all action on Saturday. I took all 3 to the SJ ring which is miles away, and we stayed there until I had jumped them all. I was really chuff with 3 clear rounds, they all jumped very well.
XC I had great rides, Mickey is improving all the time, I got 21 time faults but he jumped fantastically. When he is stronger I will beable to ride him quicker, but it just takes time, and the experience is invaluable for him. I did take one long route on him at the coffin, as I didn't think he was quite ready for skinny, ditch, skinny on a curving line! Gino felt great, it is only his 2nd Novice and the futher I went, the more I let him travel along and he really impressed me. He is so quick thinking, I love riding him. Douglas cruised round inside the time, he was very good, and the course really suited his scopey stride. Douglas WON!! It was great news, and well desrved for his owners. To my surprise Gino only incurred 5 time faults, and finished 10th and won his first point.
After those 3 had finished it was then Spiders turn. Spider was quite fresh all weekend, and although his dressage was nice, he felt a little irritated by the flies. It was still smart enough to score 30, which put us in the top 3. He too jumped clear in the showjumping, and coped very well with alot of atmosphere in the main arena. By the afternoon there were alot more people and noise than there had been first thing in the morning with the others. Spider was super XC, and finished inside the time. He was 2nd. Great result at his local event, and it was lovely his owner/breeder and her family were able to see him go so well.
I do love Chatsworth, and to have sucess there makes it even better!
Hambledon
10th May 10
I spent the weekend at Hambledon with 4 horses, I had intended taking 7 but 3 were balloted, as it is a very popular event. Douglas and Gino were on Saturday in the Novice. Douglas put up a classy performance and was 3rd. He went well in all 3 phases, and is improving all the time. It was Gino's first novice, and he coped really well, as he would still be reletively inexperienced. A 31.5 dressage was his best score to date, and although he jumped a consistant sj round, he just spooked coming out of the combination and had it down. XC I took him slowly, and he jumped a confident clear, although we both had a very near ducking at the 2nd water, by luck we didn't fall, but it was very close! He just overjumped in, and it was quite a drop so he pecked badly.
Moreton Morrell
5th May 10
Milly made her comback having missed last year due to a freak injury, she finished 2nd in the BE100 Open, on 29.5, and made it feel like she has been running all season. She never had a moment of rustiness in any phase, if anything she felt stronger and more mature, and its great to have my pocket rocket back in action, she was on automatic piolet going XC!!
Bobby contested the BE90 Open and finished 6th. Just a few time faults xc added to a good dressage mark of 30. I do wander why the time was so tight at these lower levels, it really isn't productive to a young horse to be chasing a tight time. I was especially pleased with his showjumping round, he seems to be growing in confidence with every show.
Belton Report
Apologies for the delay in reporting on Belton, my phoneline has been down. Belton is a local highlight in my Eventing Calender, and I really enjoy going there.
Spider put up an immaculate performance in his first Novice of the year, and won his section. He did a super flowing test, then jumped a good SJ clear, and flew round the XC with no time faults. I was surprised we had gone so quickly, but he really covers the ground.
Mickey contested his first novice, and won his first point by jumping a steady double clear. I was really delighted with him in the dressage and SJ, but there is still some work to do on the XC, he still is quite wobbly and green!
Bee contested the special 7/8 year old Intermediate class, and really did go well to finish 5th in a strong section. She did a lovely test, with a couple of mistakes, and was well up there after the dressage. She followed that the next day with a good clear SJ. For the first time I really asked her to gallop along on the XC and she answered all the questions, and came home with just 5.6 time faults. She felt a very exciting prospect for the future.
On a lower note, I had 3 Novices entered, and Gino on the wait list. At the last minute Douglas couldn't go, so presuming I would be able to substitute Gino in to his times I took Gino instead. Sadly the team at Belton were very un accomadating, and left myself, owners and other riders very annoyed and frustrated, which left a disgruntled feeling in the whole lorry park, and many gaps in the timetable over the whole weekend. Many of the leading riders withdrew and went home, due to the attitude of the organisers. I felt their emphasis was to satisfy the sponsors and the public, which is very important , but please dont forget without Owners, horses and riders there is no sport to enjoy, and we all have a business to run. There must be a balance found for next year, so everyone involved can enjoy Eventing in the beautiful grounds at Belton House.
Time for Change....
Cavetto (Bessie) who is owned by Gilly Kinloch has now gone on loan to Sally Williams. I will really miss Bessie, as in the short time that I had her just to get her going again eventing ready for Sally I became very fond of her, and she was a really fun and genuine mare. I wish Sally lots of luck, and I am sure they will have fun together.
KellyMoss (Mossy) has moved home. I have put him on loan to Heather Harrison who worked for me for the past 4 years. Mossy was her favourite, and I suggested she had him as her hack, and she did. He owes me nothing anymore, and has nothing more to proove to me. He will always be very special to me, and he taught me alot. He had a complex character but once on my side, he was brilliant at the Eventing Grand Prix, and winning at Hickstead was something I had never dreamed could be possible. Heather will spoil him rotten which he thoroughly deserves!
Diamond Douglas (Bonnie) has been sold now, and I can't wait to see her out and about!
It was nice to see a horse called Alls Fair which I produced as a young horse until he was sold to America complete at Kentucky CCI**** this week in around 20th place.
Burnham Market
2nd April 10
No where else in the country ran their events, but Burnham Market was perfect! It was very cold on Thursday, and windy, and with 4 young ones I thought I might be spending the day sitting tight and holding on to my neckstrap, but im glad to say they were all good boys!
Mickey, Gino and Spider were all BE100, and Douglas was in the Novice. I thankfully had Rachel Fairbrother on hand to help me, and our day was busy, but hassle free! Thanks Rach!
Gino was good, he had a jump blow down in the showjumping just as we were taking off which was very odd! I think it disturbed my focus more than his, but he did then just have one down after the little incident! He was good XC, and I was pleased to get another bit of mileage under his belt.
It was Spiders first run of the sesson, and he felt like he was really pleased to be there. He did a good test, and double clear, making it feel really easy, which is just what I wanted.
Mickey did his best test yet, but wasnt rewarded with a good mark. He jumped a lovely SJ clear round, and I was thrilled with his attitude. No signs of spooking like at Lincoln, I think he just had a bad day that day! XC he was much straighter......so straight that I never made a 2 strided curving line and incurred 20 penalties!!! It was a pity, because otherwise he was very good.
I have to say that Douglas was fantastic in his Novice. He did a lovely test, and jumped very well both SJ and XC. He finished 9th, and above all just oozed class in all 3 phases.
I took the 4 boys home, and the following day took Nenagh to do her first CIC**. Friday was just dressage, and I was pleased with her. She scored 57, and there are plenty of marks yet to get, so we will keep working on the dressage! We stayed over and the next day did the jumping phases. Nenagh jumped as good as I've known her, she was double clear, and with just 6 time faults XC we were 12th. I feel we are finally getting somewhere, and I hope our partnership continues to grow.
Draycott and Gatcombe
28th Marcjh 10
I had 4 horses entered at Draycott over two days. We arrived on Thursday, and walked the course, and I had just got on to do my dressage and they cancelled it. On Friday, we got up at 4am, began getting ready, and it was cancelled at 5am. Why can't they cancel the night before so everyone knows where they stand. So my young ones dissapointingly didn't get their run.
So it was another 4am start, but this time to Gatcombe on Saturday morning, with Bessie, Nenagh, and Bee. Bessie was great, she did a slighly excited dressage, as she could see the XC going on, and her mind was there! She jumped a lovely double clear and finished 2nd. I was thrilled, she is such a trier, and so consistant. Nenagh and Bee both did their dressage on Saturday afternoon. Nenagh showed some nice work outside, more relaxed. I tried her in a double bridle, and she wasn't as strong in the arena, which has to be good, although the outline was then a little unsteady, and we got a 45. Bee was quite fresh, and had a playful buck in her medium canter, it wasn't such a good test as Lincoln, but she will keep improving.
We stabled over locally, and jumped today. Nenagh jumped a really good clear, its beginning to be more consistant and confident. Her round got better the futher she went. On the XC she jumped very well, and came home with 13 time faults, so we finished 10th.
Bee was quite fresh again warming up this morning! I think she thinks Eventing is alright, and quite good fun! She jumped a good round, just rolling a pole and accumulating 3 time faults. I took the XC nice and steady again, and she jumped well, despite being held infront of fence 9 because of a fall on the course. Bee didn't seem to mind too much. I really enjoyed Gatcombe, the ground was perfect, and it was a great event.
Gilly was thrilled to recieve her 2nd prize from Princess Ann!
Lincoln
21st March 10
I was due to have 6 horses running at Lincoln, but ended up just with 5 as Gino banged his leg in the stable, and it needed a few days of quiet work so i wasn't able to take him which was a real shame. So it was down to Mickey to produce the goods on Pre Novice day on Friday. Mickey started well with a 31 dressage, the top mark. Sadly in the showjumping arena I decided to retire him as he took an adverse dislike to the rather large flower pots, and I just couldn't get him near them, which meant I couldn't get him near some of the fences! I just couldn't believe it, as he isn't normally a spooky horse! So what a start to the weekend, I hoped it was going to improve!
Saturday I took Douglas and Bessie to do the Novice. Bessie did her best test yet, and jumped really well in both the Showjumping and on the XC. It was great to get back in that showjumping arena and have a good round after Mickey's performance the day before! Douglas did a nice test, he just struggles to stay balanced at times, but I was very pleased with him. He jumped a double clear, he is still a green horse in many ways, but seems to like his job, and is improving all the time. He finished 11th, with some time faults, and Bessie finished 4th.
Thankfully the sun shone again on Sunday. Bee contested her first Intermediate, and finished 10th. I was very pleased with her performance, she did a lovely test and got a 25.9. She jumped a great round SJ, just rolled 2 poles, but her attitude was great, and she stayed relaxed and focused which is what we struggled with last year. Despite a slow round XC, she jumped very well, and did all I asked. Nenagh finished 4th with a solid performance. Her dressage was good, I thought the outline was better, and the trot work good, but a slightly dissapointing mark of 38. She too jumped a double clear with 13 time faults.
So a few prizes, and an enjoyable weekend.
I was straight back in to it this morning going XC schooling to Newton with the young horses that run at Draycott this week!
Oasby
15th March 10
It is really great to be back eventing, and I had a really enjoyable weekend. We have started as we mean to go on with a Win from Bee, who put up an excellent performance to win her Open Novice section on her dressage score. Bessie and Nenagh both jumped double clears and were 5th and 7th. Douglas coped really well in his Novice as it is only his second ever novice. He just had one down and a slow clear XC. I also let him down in the dressage by going wrong, despite practising it 5 times the day before.....not blonde for nothing!
Back again on Sunday with Mickey and Gino in the BE100. I was thrilled with them both, they both finished 9th and with good dressages and double clears. They have both improved so much from last year, and they are both lovely young horses with exciting futures!
Life seems pretty manic at the moment but i am looking forward to Lincoln this weekend.
Valeview
2nd Feb 10
It was time to get the horses on the lorry, and back in action, so we went to Valeview with 4 for the training show. Mickey, Bonnie, Bobby and Bessie. Catherine helped me there by warming up and cooling down, which made it all very efficient and less time consuming. It is really great to have Catherine Ellis (nee Hammond) working for me part time again and helping ride and train the horses. At home we have been doing little grids and flatwork with poles, and I deffinatly think it has helped, as all the came out and jumped really well yesterday. Mickey feels a bit more grown up at last, and was able to concentrate for longer, which has always been a weakness! Bobby has been doing little grids, nearly everyday, as being such a tall horse he needs to grasp his co ordination, and the more we do the better he gets, so I feel sure he will keep improving. He certainly enjoys going out. Bonnie was a little star, she just finds it all so easy, and Bessie was very excited to be back in action, its 3 year since she went to a show I think! I just need to get her a little more in to my system of going with a bit more relaxation, but she is a real trier and feels very brave!
All the event horses have been registered and entries are due in to Oasby. It seems crazy having to enter so far in advance!
Back in action
16th Jan 10
For the first few days of all the snow, it was almost nice to beable to get on with office work and sorting things out ready for the year ahead, whilst the horses happily went on the walker. I then began to get quite frustrated and anxious to get going!
Last Monday was the day that despite what the weather did I was getting going, and with thanks to Di Lampard and Mark and Tanya Kyle I was able to box up and use their indoor schools.
Some horses stayed at Di's most of the week, and I came back and forth, but really enjoyed working with Di and her other pupils, I always love to watch and learn among others.
Now the snow has thankfully disapeered and I am back home again, and all of them look and feel well!
Sally Williams ( co owner of Coopers Law) and I had a night in London last weekend at the Grange Hotel. It was the annual British Breeding Dinner and Awards, and Sally collected Coopers Law (Spider) award for the best British Bred Eventing 5yr old. It was a nice night, and having won the award last year as well, the presure is on to win it as a 6 year old! However things haven't gone to plan yet as due to the weather Spider is still in his field in Derbyshire and needs to come back to me to get fit asap!
I have recruited some riding help from Catherine Hammond (Can't remember her married name!) and Mladen is here and settling in to his job. I am still on the look out for another person to join the team.
Happy New Year
1st Jan 2010
I am making my first blog entry of 2010!!! I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
I am looking forward to the end of this disruptive cold snap, and can't wait to get out and go to some shows. Even hunting keeps getting cancelled!
Spider and Milly should be back on the yard, but up in Derbyshire they are pretty grounded, and still in the field due to the snow and ice!
I am pleased to welcome Mladen as a new groom, who comes from Bulgaria. I am still looking for another full time member of staff to work with us.
In the Chritmas Spirit
22nd Dec 09
Last weekend we had a great Xmas party, with all my owners and staff. It was a good way of saying thank you to everyone, for their support over the year. Mum did an amazing job of laying on an excellent lunch, and providing a champagne reception and wine for everyone.
The following day I eagerly got back on the 4 event horses which have been on holiday. I am glad to say they all behaved very well, and we had no naughty moments! Their happy hacking was short lived as the last couple of days it has been impoible to get out on the roads. o now they are all clipped and trimmed, and will be super fresh by the time this cold snap is over!
Kellymoss got a great days hunting in just before the weather changed and froze everything off. I went for a day with the Belvoir for their meet at Waltham House. We had some great hedges to jump, and Mossy was in great form. He just got a bit too keen towards the end! It was great to be out, and going accross different country was a real treat.
I am hoping the snow and ice will dispurse soon, and things can return to normal.
It has however enforced me to do my Christmas shopping earlier than usual so I am feeling very organised, and glad I haven't got to do the christmas eve special last minute shop!
Holiday's Over!
14th Dec 09
Bee, Nenagh, Gino and Douglas have all come in off their holidays today and had their shoes on!! Its time for work. I am sure they were grateful seeing as the weather has been so miserable! I am very excited about getting back on them all!
World Class Equine Pathway
Dec 09
Gilly Kinloch's mare, ' Beeswing' (Bee) has been selected on to the World Clas Equine Pathway. Having met the tough criteria with her reults last year, Bee has been chosen to go on several training days next year with British Team coaches. It is very exciting, and I am looking forward to getting her in off her winter holiday next week, when I will inform her she'd better keep up the good work!!!
Heather's leaving us.
Dec 09
Heather has decided it is time for a change, and is leaving at the end of the month. Having worked with me for the last 4 years she will be sorely missed by everyone. Heather has been one of the most honest, and hard working people I know. If all people had Heather's work ethic I am sure the world wouldn't be in the crisis it is today!
She has decided to take a new career path, and is going to re train to work with children.
Happy Hunting
Nov 09
Since the end of the season I have been busy with young horses and hunting with the Quorn. We have enjoyed some good days. My 4 yr old 'Molly' has gone very well out hunting, and has been about 5 times now. She is proving very mannered and scopey, and has been a pleasure to ride. (see photo)
Kellymoss is back in action and loving his hunting! Mossy is an excellent hunter although a bit strong at times, but he absolutly loves it and means I get to enjoy some days on him! It is a real treat riding an experienced horse out hunting.
Fitz has also been out hunting. I have made the decision to retire him from Eventing due to soundness issues, and hacking and hunting seem to keep him happy so he thinks life is just great! It is a shame about his Eventing career as I felt he never had his day, and that the best was yet to come. I will really miss competing him, I had high hopes for him.
Molly out Hunting
Coopers
Coopers Law (Spider) is British Eventing 5yr Old Champion!!!
14th Oct 09
Spider put up an immaculate performance to win the Lycetts sponsored National 5yr old champs at Tweseldown yesterday.
He did a really nice dressage test, (with no exciting extra movements which he likes to put in!) and scored 29.8 which put us 3rd after the dressage. His showjumping has just improved and improved, and the atmosphere in the main arena just lifted him to jump very well. Dean and I have worked all year with him, and it has paid off, he never meant in touching a pole. That clear round put us in to the lead, - a lead I was determined to keep!
Tweseldown XC is very twisty and up and down narrow tracks, and I was paranoid I'd get lost, and had to weigh up how fast I went in order to be inside the time. Luck was on our side, I didn't get lost, and he flew round easily to finish on his dressage score.
We all enjoyed a mounted prize giving, and he loved doing his lap of honor!
It was a memorable moment for Nicky Dickson who owns and bred him. Spider is very much part of the Dickson/ Williams family and he deffinatly did them all proud!
Spider is the first horse I have had since a 3yr old to win a major championship, so it meant alot to me too. I couldn't have wished for a nicer way to end the season. Thankyou everybody who has suppoerted me this year, I couldn't do it without you!
Oasby
4th Oct 09
Having been to look at the ground last night, I made a decision to just take 4 instead of 5 to Oasby, and just do the dressage. It was like concrete, and after such a good season, where they have all tried so hard, i didn't want to finish on a bad note, with sore horses. Anyway, Mickey and Gino did nice tests in the Pre Nov, and scored 34 and 35. Bee did a lovely test to have the best mark in the ON, and Spider really impressed me in his Novice and scored 33.5. I left Douglas at home as I didn't feel I could better last weeks performance, so he foinished on a good note. It is holiday time for them now, and they will have deserved their break. I am very excited about next spring, as with another winter behind them, they should come out a bit stronger, and ready to go!
Witton Castle
3rd Oct 09
Dean and I went to Witton Castle yesterday with Pascal, to run him in the Intermediate. It was very firm going, although there was a bit of give, and plenty of grass cover. He did a nice test, and scored 31.9. In the showjumping it was a very difficult track, but he jumped really well, aprt from coming to the combination he slipped on the corner, and hence I got too deeper stride going in, and although he cleared that, he was too far off the middle part, and he tried very hard but clipped the back rail. I ran XC steadily, and he jumped very well, and gave me a great ride. We finished 6th. I left Matt in charge of riding all the others at home ready to go to Oasby!
Kelsall Hill
27th Sept 09
It was my first trip to Kelsall Hill event in Cheshire. It was a really nice place, on on first look the ground looked green and grass long. Sadly it still rode very hard so only Gino ran in all three phases in the PN. Gino did a dissapointing dressage, after our last outing at Shelford, I thought he had grown up, but today he went back to being a little tense! Warming up next to the XC probably didn't help him. He totally redeemed himself with a lovely double clear, although I was steady and incurred 7 time faults.
Mickey, also in the PN, at last did a nice dressage test, and got a nice mark of 29! Typically I had no intentioin of running him due to a bang on his leg which he incurred earlier in the week, and was healing nicely but I didn't want to risk bumping it again by jumping him.
Spider and Douglas were in the Novice again, and just did the dressage and showjumping. I didn't want to run them on the hard again, as last weekend was firm. Douglas got a 29 dressage, and jumped a great clear sj. Spider did a nice test, and behaved himself impeccably all day! Just one down at the end of the Sj course, but he jumped another good round.
I felt a bit flat coming home having not had my XC fix, but they are too nice to hammer around. The yard is very busy at the moment, we have Dean's hunters in, and some young ones in for schooling. Pascal is in fine form, I am just praying for some rain. We have got a big weekend coming up with Pascal at Witton on Saturday, and Bee, Douglas, Mickey, Gino, and Spider at Oasby on Sunday. Please Rain!!!
Burnham Market
20th Sept 09
Spider and Douglas were in their first Novice, and Pascal was back in action in the Intermediate. On arrival Burnham Market looked very desert like, and the ground although sandy was rather firm!
Douglas has really grown up lately, and looks much stronger and feels like he can cope alot better with what is asked of him in all 3 phases. I was thrilled with his dressage test, he tried really hard and felt like he enjoyed it, rather than the slightly anxious feeling i have had before. His showjumping was also very good, and he gave me such a feeling that it was an enjoyable round! XC i ran him very slowly, incuring 38 time faults, but he cantered round and jumped everything really well, it was a good first novice, with some technical fences but not too many. He really is one to watch in the next few years!
Spider was doing a footperfect dressage test, until his medium canter when he couldn't resist putting in a buck! He was a bit naughty, but once out his system he carried on his test as if nothing had happened! His showjumping just gets better and better, and he jumped a very good clear round. He almost found it easier off that type of ground, and really rose to his job in the main arena. XC he was quite grown up, and jumped everything very well. I incurred 26 time faults on him, but both him and Douglas won thier first point.....one of many I hope!!
Pascal did a nice test, which was just a bit ring rusty, and had one down in the jumping but jumped a good round. I had a lovely time cantering round the XC (54 time faults!) Pascal wouldn't be a fan of the firm going, he is much better when it is good to soft, he doesn't enjoy it as much in any of the phases when its firm, but he fgelt good, and made it all feel easy so I coulnt ask for any more than that.
Osberton CCI*
Last Wednesday I set off to Osberton to do the CCI* with Nenagh. At the last minete Bee couldn't go due to Veterinary reasons, and so it was just up to Nenagh. I was really pleased with her dressage, she scored 49.1, and left us in 13th place out of 100 horses. I asked Terry Boon to help me the night before and just before my test which i feel really paid off to achieve those higher marks, with a more up hill outline. Considering at Blair she got a 62, I was thrilled. The XC was fairly straightforward, but did cause some trouble, and some of the turns were quite slippy. Nenagh stormed round, and was clear inside the time, leaving us in 8th place. I feel I still haven't got my control quite right, so we will have to play around over the winter, ready for next season. She was fresh and feeling good on Sunday morning, and showjumped well. Just one down meant we dropped out the top 10, and finished 13th. I was stiull more than happy, and her attitude was great, I am feeling very excited about next year with her.
The team at Osberton did a great job, the event was friendly and well run, I haven't enjopyed a three day event as much in a long time. I am looking forward to next year already!
Coming up this weekend, Douglas and Spider go Novice for the first time at Burnham Market, and Pascal runs in the Intermediate. Hopefully Bee will be back in action at Oasby, and may well go to Weston Park or Aldon to do a CCI*.
Laptop Crashed!!!!
Apologies for not reporting on my Burghley Young Event Horse Final, my laptop has crashed and contained all my passwords!
Blair Castle CCI*
29th Aug 09
We left for Scotland in the early hours of Tueday morning, and had a good trip up. I took Bee and Nenagh for the CCI* and Mickey to absorb the atmosphere and take part in the BSJA classes.
Nenagh and Bee did their dressage on Thursday. Nenagh did a really good test for her, and with just one blip in the walk I was dissapointed with a mark of 62. Bee again did a fluent test in a boggy arena and scored 54.2, which again I was slightly dissapointed with. They both coped very well with the main arena atmosphere, and I was more than happy with thier performances. Thursday night it rained solidly. My XC was due to be on the Friday, and was cancelled. My section was told that we would showjump Saturday, then XC on Sunday, and trot up Sunday afternoon. With a poor forecast, and the thought of running them round for 8 mins after 450 others had been round didn't fill me with excitement.
I withdrew, entered Osberton CCI* instead, and came home. I am really dissapointed, but they are young horses doing their first 3 day, and I wanted to learn about how they coped, not compete in a glorified one day event. I am also a little annoyed that my one star section ( Section A) obliged by agreeing to do dressage, XC, SJ all a day early, so owners and supporters had to rearrange their plans, then to be just shoved to the end of all the other classes because a 1* is unimportant seems unfair. What ever level we compete at, if we have entered it is important to us, and we deserve that respect.
Mickey's BSJA also was cancelled, so he just enjoyed the scenery!
Special thanks to Rachel Pitts who did a great job wading through the mud and looking after the horses.
With that behind us, Im looking forward now to Burghley Young Horse Finals, and then to Osberton.
Below; Trotting up Beeswing infront of Blair Castle on Wednesday.
Shelford Manor
20th Aug 09
Photo's can be seen at....http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/EmilieChandler.com/ShelfordHTAug09
It was a full day with all 4 boys running in the PN at Shelford. Mickey, Gino, Douglas and Spider all did their best and we had an enjoyable day.
Gino got his best dressage score yet, 33.5 and jumped a double clear. Spider was well behaved throughout and jumped an excellent SJ clear round. Knowing I was in the running I did let them cruise along on the XC. To my horror I incurred 13 time fault on Gino and 15 on Spider.....For going too fast!!!! There went my rossettes, they should have finished 2nd and 3rd!
Mickey is still so immature when he gets out, but I was thrilled with him today. He wobbled in his dressage a few times, scoring 39. He just loses mark for not being straight, or balanced. He jumped really well in the SJ, and felt great. He just got a bit over excited in the collecting ring, and had a few airs above the ground ( Photo to follow!!!) He ran well XC, really covered the ground, and had no time faults, and finished 6th. His best result to date!
Douglas did his best test today, his canter has really started to improve at last, and scored 32.5. He jumped a very nice double clear, and In a hack canter on the XC I came home with no time faults. Douglas finished 2nd. I couldn't have been more pleased with my boys, and I think Gino and Spider were just proving to me that it's time to go Novice, as the PN time is too easy!!
Heather did a good job all day, it was all go, go, go.......
Above; Cavoa (Mickey) at Shelford Pre Nov.
Central Scotland
18th Aug 09
It was just Bee in the end that went to Scotland, she was in the I.N, which was running as the Scottish Novice Champs. It was a good prep run before Blair, as we showjumped last. Dean and I got a lift with Mark and Tanya Kyle, and It was a really nice weekend, and definatly an event I will go to again. The atmosphere was really nice, and the ground perfect. Bee went well, she scored a 33 in her first Intermediate test, and was clear XC with 4.8 time. She came off the XC hardly sweating or blowing, so hopefully she is feeling fit and well for Blair. In the SJ she had 8 faults, one was really unlucky and fell late, and the other she just didn't pick her back feet up high enough! She finished 13th. Mark had a great weekend, and made the trip worthwhile scoring a 1-2 in the CIC**.
Tetton Hall
1st/2nd Aug 09
We set off yesterday morning having had alot of rain, and I was worried it might be cancelled, but thankfully it wasn't and Spider, Mickey and Gino all got their pre novice run.
Spider went really well, he got a smart 28 for his dressage. In the SJ he jumped the best round so far this year, but whilst looking at some umbrella's on the ring side he had one down which was a pity. A great ride XC with 2 time faults left him 2nd, so a good result for Nicky Dickson.
Gino felt much more relaxed and grown up. He did a really nice test, and a double clear. I got 8 time fault with him and he finihed 9th. Mickey was a bit wild and over excited, and was far too interested in everything else but me! He was uptight in his test, although it got better near the end. Disapointingly he rolled off 4 poles, I think a combination of holding muddy going and lack of concentration! He wobbled his way round the XC to jump clear. More outings required I think! He is funny because at SJ shows he acts all grown up, and feels secure in the arenas. Give him an open field and he feels like a just broken 4 yr old and very insecure! On the whole I was pleased with the boys.
In complete contrast today was warm and sunny, but as the ground dried it became like glue, and made tiring, hard work especially in the jumping phases. Nenagh did the Intermediate, and did a good test for 35, she found the SJ really tough and rolled 3 poles. I took her steady XC and she jumped well, over the second half she was the best she has felt. It was a big bold galloping Intermediate track, with lots of hedges. It was good fun to ride!
Bee did an amazing 23! She makes dressage feel so easy. On her way to jumping a clear round, I promptly missed at the last fence and we knocked it down. (I could have knocked myself out for that mistake!) she felt top class XC, and 8 time faults left us in 4th. I was really pleased with her, she is becoming established now in all 3 phases.
I also put Mickey back on the lorry, and worked him at the event. He was still a excited to be their, but did settle to do some nice work!
Heather did a good job grooming for me on Saturday, whilst Matt and Dee held the fort at home. I took Rachel with me to help today which made life a little easier. Thanks everyone!
196 seconds of Adrenalin.......
24th July 09
It was a hotly contested Eventing Grand Prix, with the showjumpers going very well this year, and there were very few disaster rounds. Drawn 21st to go, the lead was held on a faster time than i did last year, so I decided I needed to up the pace if I was in with a shout of winning. He jumped the showjumps really well, and I turned up to a couple of fences which he jumped well. I took a stride out going to the double and he knocked the second element which was a shame ( rider error!) Out on the XC he was as good as ever, my mistake came coming off the Derby bank, as I was so quick over the white rails on the top, all of a sudden we were decending down the steeper side of the bank at speed, and it wasn't intentional! He landed heavily and I think took the stuffing out of him for the rest of the round. He just felt tired after that and rubbed off the rail over the ditch. and both parts of the devils dyke. Although it was a bit dissapointing for us, I was still very proud of him, and some bits were better than ever, and some not! It was 196 seconds of pure adrenalin, It all happens so quickly. Last year I was 2 seconds too slow, and this year 10 seconds too fast!! But we had a go at retaining our title and ended up 9th. Gary Parsonage retained his crown with a super round on Peterstreet and deserved his win. Shane and Trever Breen on their grand Prix showjumpers in their back garden went very well too, and looked fantastic to finish 2nd and 3rd. I am looking forward to seeing it on the TV.
It was amazing to be part of Hickstead, in a unique competition, I hope to be back there next year.
Brightling Park
20th July 09
It was a trip down south this weekend with Pascal, Nenagh and Bee to Brightling Park. A really great event, which I have been to the last 3 years now. It is Gilly Kinloch's (owner of Bee) local event and well worth the 4 and a half hour drive!
Dean and I set of early Saturday morning and Bee had her dressage that afternoon. Bee contested the CIC*, and did her test in the International Arena, top hat and tails job! I was pleased with her test, alot of tiny mistakes, and a wobble here and there, but the basic way of going was good, and felt smooth and flowing. Bee does make dressage feel easy though! She scored 49.1 which was great, the leader was Pippa Funnell on a 43.9.
We walked courses and rode the other 2 who were very excited to be out! We were stabled at the local hunt kennels, so having all hunted they came off the lorry thinking life was about to get much better, but after 5 minutes they were settled and realised that they weren't going hunting! We enjoyed an excellent meal out with Gilly, and her family and friends, which was much apprecited...Thankyou!
Nenagh and Pascal were in the Intermediate on Sunday. Both did good dressage tests, made a couple of silly mistakes, and Pascal felt a bit lazy, but both scored the same 33.2. Nenagh jumped a good clear, but for 3 time faults as I wasted time round one corner trying to organise her legs that were all disunited! She also went well XC, and finished 8th. Pascal jumped a good double clear, but he lost a shoe at fence 2 on the XC, so I had to run slowly and with 21 time faults we finished 10th. Bee felt really good. She did roll 2 poles in the showjumping, but jumped a much nicer round than last weekend were she felt a bit flat. She thrilled me XC as it was quite a grown up course for a 6yr old, she just ate up the ground and felt great. She finished 6th in the CIC*. We now have our qualification for Le Lion D'Anger 6yr old Championships in October, but with limited spaces avaliable, it will be down to selection as to wether we can go. (Its exciting though!!!)
It was a late finish, and I was glad to get in top bed last night. Everyone is fit and well this morning. Kellymoss is my priority this week he runs at Hickstead on Thursday.....fingers crossed!!!!
Buckminster Park....Nenagh scores her first win!
12th July 09
It was great to just pop down the road and enjoy a local event, especially as the last 3 weekends I haven't been eventing! It got me back in to the swing of things nice and gently!!
Nenagh and Bee were in the Novice, and Douglas the PN. Nenagh was on early and got finished before the others started. She hung on to an early lead to win her section, which was really exciting for us, especially for Mum who half owns her. Although she is talented Nenagh has tested my patience to the limits, so it is even more rewarding when you know how much time and effort has gone in!! Lets hope we can keep up the good work.
Bee did a lovely dressage test, and just rolled a pole in the showjumping. It was a hotly contested 6yr old class, and with 4 time faults on the XC we wound up in 8th place. It was a good prep run before our CIC* next weekend at Brightling.
Douglas was great in all his phases, again I was left feeling dissapointed after the dressage with a 38. Poor Douglas couldn't have done any nicer test for that level, so I was a bit miffed! He jumped a good double clear, and felt super on the XC.
In all it was an enjoyable day, and I love to win so that was a nice surprise!
Melton Times Sportswomen of the year finalist.....
2nd July 09
To my surprise I was nominated in our local paper for Sportswomen of the year! I made the top 3, and had to attend an awards dinner on Thursday evening. I recieved the Runner up prize in my catergory, and it was an honour to be amongst so many talented local athletes. It was a really nice, well organised evening, it was facinating to see how many different sports were involved, and what so many people had achieved within their sport.
How hot is it......
25th June 09
It's all been very quiet here really, both Dean and Heather have been away on holiday. Dean to New Zealand, where he really enjoyed his hunting out there, and Heather has been to Devon with her family. I have been enjoying being at home!
The stables have had back windows put in the walls thanks to Mirek who also did my arena mirrors. 4 of the horses now have a room with a view, and are loving it!
Bee and Nenagh are back in work this week and feel great. Fitz and Mossy are in fine form, and I am hoping to take them to Weston Lawns tommorrow.....could be a wild one!
My two 4 yr old mares are lovely to work with, and i am thrilled with their progress.
Sadly it looks like Milly will be out of action for a while, as she has a sports injury in her stifle area. ( Apparently its the equivalent of what footballers get! ) So that is a real shame, but at least we can move forward and get it right now we know what it is.
Great Tew Novice Regional Final.
15th June 09
It was a strange day, only having one horse! Pascal did a nice test, and scored his best intermediate mark to date, 31.8, which put us well in contention. He just touched a rail early on in his showjumping, but a good clear XC within the time left us in 7th, and I think that qualifies us for Gatcombe Novice Champs which was the whole object of going. It was my first visit to Great Tew, and it was a lovely parkland venue, with a very educational XC course. Sadly the Showjumps were all plastic, which would be a personal pet hate of mine!
Heather has gone on holiday for this week, and Matt who's been helping ride is off to Burgie with his own horse, so its all quiet at the stables this week with quite a few having a break.
Whilst I am quiet I have employed Mirac to put in some windows at the back of the stables, so the horses can have a room with a view!!
Its a good feeling to have completed the first half of the season. I have really enjoyed the events, and feel very fortunate to have such a supportive team of people behind me....Thanks everyone!
Bramham BYEH
12th June 09
Bramham 5yr old class today had 65 entries which is an unbelievable number of horses! I only took Gino and Spider. Gino was first to go of my two, but not until 4.06pm! He warmed up really well, then the atmosphere in the main arena just got to him today. He went back to how he was a month or two ago, and needed me to really support him. He didn't disgrace himself by any means, but a few spooks and very wobbly lines in his dressage left us with a lower mark. He still gained a good jump mark, and again an average confirmation mark leaving him just out the last 10. The experience was good for him, and we have decided to give him a small holiday too, he has just run up in the last week and is due a break and some thinking time.
Spider kept the collecting ring entertained with a few naughty moments where he showed off how athletic he can be! I had to sit tight, but once he settled he went in the ring and did a lovely test, an jumped well. He scored 15 out of 15 for his confirmation today! He went in to the top 10 in 4th place. He found going round with the others very exciting and was a bit uptight. He galloped well but was pulled in 6th after the gallop, leaving him in 6th place overall. It was 7.15pm by the time the class finished, and I am quite pleased to be home! The course for the 3 star looked wonderful, I wish everyone luck tommorrow!
We will not be going to Yorkshire BYEH Show next week now, Im looking forward to a quiet week and getting my haylage done!
Rutland BYEH.......Burghley here we come!!!
7th June 09
In contrast to last weekend, Rutland show couldn't have been any wetter! I knew it was a bad sign when it hailed and rained heavily as I loaded the horses this morning!
Mickey, Spider and Gino all contested the 5 yr old Burghley Young Event Horse class.
Mickey was first on, and despite the weather and ground, he went really well. He did a nice enough test for him and jumped a really good round in the jumping scoring the highest mark in the class 38 out of 40. He also scored 15 out of 15 for confirmation.
Spider was next to go, and despite my saddle feeling like a bar of soap we managed a good performance. He did a really lovely test, and jumped well. He just had one off, which was my fault really, because of the wet conditions I just came a bit too forward to an oxer and he just had the front rail. Spider got an excellent confirmation mark and went in to the lead on a score of 81.
A quick change of clothes, and it was Gino's turn. He did his best dressage test to date, and he too jumped really well. He only scored 11 for his confirmation, so his total score of 73 left him in 10th Place.
I then had all 3 to go back in to the top 10, so needed to find some jockeys! Thanks to Tanya Kyle and Willa Newton who kindly agreed to help me, all 3 went back in to do their gallop.
Mickey was pulled in 1st after the gallop, Spider 2nd and Gino 8th. After the relevent marks had been awarded the top three finished on the same score, but it goes to the jumping mark then if still equal the dressage mark, so Mickey was 2nd, Spider 3rd, and Gino 9th. With over 30 in the class, both Mickey and Spider gained their qualification to the Final at Burghley!!
It took me over an hour to get off the showground after queing to be towed off.......all part of the fun!!!!
Brigstock........Hot, hot, hot!!!
31st May 09
We have enjoyed the last three days in the sunshine at Brigstock. Dean and I have had some early starts, and are feeling tired and sunburnt but its all been worthwhile as we've had really good results.
Spider, Mickey and Douglas ran on Friday. Sadly Gino had to be withdrawn due to a bruised sole which was a shame as i was really looking forward to running him again!
Spider contested his Lycetts 5yr old qualifier again, an gave an impeccable performance to finish on his dressage score in second place in a hotly contested section. That meant that this time he deffinatly has qualified for the 5yr old champs in October. Well done Spider!
Douglas went very well, an jumped a super SJ round and XC round. He is maturing all the time. I was dissapointed that on a 36, and double clear I wound up in 16th place....Douglas deffinatly deserved a rossette!!
Mickey did a good test for him, better than last week anyway! He jumped a super double clear, with 7 time faults so I was thrilled with him.
Friday evening we dashed back home, to go back out to Hambleton Hall to meet Gilly Kinloch and her Husband, family and friends for dinner. It was amazing food, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. It was great to celebrate Gilly and Charles's 25th Wedding Anniversary with them.
Just Bee ran on Saturday, ( owned by Gilly) and she had been feeling flat and quiet all week so I had pre warned Gilly that we might withdraw after the dressage if she idn't feel right........this wasn't the case......
Bee was quite excited from the moment I got on, and was thinking of XC whilst warming up for her dressage! She went in the arena, and anticipated all the transitions as Ive riden that novice test at almost every event this year. However although I thought we'd done a below standard test, the judge still gave Bee a 30, which left us in a very competitive position. She put her extra energy to good use in the jumping phases and jumped the best of the year. XC she felt quick, nimble and brave, and i had a super ride. She finished 3rd.
Today I took Nenagh an Pascal. Nenagh was uptight through her whole test, she isn't easy when she's in that mood! She has the potential to be so good, but god she's a difficult women! It was her first intermeiate, and I was thrilled she jumped a solid double clear. There were alot of big ditches on the XC, which really tests their bravery. She felt great, I rode in a steady forward rytham and incurred 16 time faults.
Pascal did a nice test, just a couple of mistakes. He jumped really well and gave me a good XC ride. The ground had dried out to be quite firm by the time he ran, and even though I wasnt slow, neither did I press him for the time. With 8.8 time faults he finished 8th, his first rossette at Intermediate level.
Brigstock was a great event, they worked as hard as they could on the ground, which was forever drying out due to the heat. It was an old fashioned bold XC course, and I loved riding round it. All the horses should have come out confident and happy from their event.
 Bee on XC
For more pics please click on the link below;
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/EmilieChandler.com/BrigstockHTDays123May09
Arley Hall, Cheshire.
23rd May 09
Its been another long day, but i've really enjoyed it despite my 3.15am start!
It was my first visit to Arley Hall, and it was a huge estate, with a country fair going on at the same time, so there was quite an atmosphere!
I took the three 5yr olds to do their first Pre Novice. Mickey got tight in his test, insecurity crept in. At times he did really good work, and other times he wasn't concentrating! 2 down SJ was a shame, but again the mind was busy looking at the people, and all the noise from the demonstrations in the main arena. The XC was fully up to height, and the ground wet and holding. It was a real challenge for 3 green horses! I took Mickey very slowly, but he jumped a lovely clear, and I felt he really achieved.
Gino showed his babyness in his dressage, but tried his heart out in the SJ and jumped a good clear. XC he felt great, again I was slow but he jumped really well, and just felt so classy I really enjoyed my ride on him.
Spider did a smart test to score 28.5! Well in contention he jumped a good SJ round, just rolling number two which was a pity! I was very pleased with his performance XC, and let him roll on to finish within the optimum time. Spider was 3rd overall, a great result! I am hopeing he has qualified for the 5yr old Lycetts championships with that result.
I felt very proud of all of them, and it was a very educational day. I wouldn't choose it again as a first time pre nov though that is for sure!!!
Houghton BYEH.....Young horses get their chance to shine.
22nd May 09
Yesterday, Mickey, Gino and Spider all went to Houghton Hall for the BYEH 5yr old class. It is in the main arena there, so the experience of such atmosphere is invaluable.
Mickey was first to go, and he was better in his dressage than at Broadway, but still a bit wobbly. He jumped really well, and I was very pleased with him.
Gino got quite excited going in to the arena for his dressage as the commentry was very loud and continued all through his test. Although his trotwork was uptight, he did begin to relax in canter, and so I felt he showed some improvement from Broadway too. Gino jumped brilliantly, he made me smile all the way round! He scored the second highest jumping mark which was well deserved!
For the first time ever Spider got excited by the atmosphere, and as I trotted round the arena before my test I could feel him bubbling up and with a finger in my neckstrap I sat quietly not quite knowing what he was going to do next! He almost kept a lid on his excitement, but he couln't help but show the judge some flying changes in canter, and disunited a few times and jogged in all his walk! That took me totally by surprise, as he has always been Mr laidback!
Mickey and Gino finished on equal marks, goo enough to go back in to the top ten. Chloe Newton rode Mickey for me (Thankyou Chloe!) and I rode Gino. Both behaved really well, and galloped very well. Mickey finished 6th and Gino 7th overall so very pleasing.
It was nice to be all done by 1.30pm, Dick, Mum and Nicky had all been busy cooking so we had a lovely lunch before coming home. Off to Arley Hall tommorrow with the same horses for their first PN......
Chatsworth.....It's a 1,2,3!...
17th May 09
We had a great couple of days at Chatsworth. Pascal WON his Intermediate-Novice, Bee was second in her Novice section D, and Nenagh was 3rd in Novice section A. Dean an I left on Friday as Nenagh had a day before dressage. She was rather uninspired by the whole affair with no atmosphere and not a jump in sight, however she was good and scored 31 to lead the dressage, and a personal best this year. I rode both Pascal and Bee on the estate before going off to stable with the Dickson/ Williams family which was 20 mins away. It was great to have lovely stables, an I got to see their new foal ( Spider and Milly's half sister)
Gilly also came up to stay, and Sally cooked an amazing lasange which we all enjoyed at her house. I welcomed a hot bath before going back to sleep where the horses were stabled.
By shear luck yesterday I managed to avoid the downpours, and enjoyed riding in the sun! We hid in the lorry when the black clouds loomed overhead.
Nenagh was first on and jumped a good SJ round, just one down, due to an unbalanced approach. XC she felt great, although finished a bit tired. Chatsworth is very undulating, and more like a 3-day track, as there are long galloping stretches. With the ground being so wet it took its toll on the horses, but the course rode well and she jumped round with 3.2 time faults, leaving us in 3rd position.
Bee did a lovely test, although it felt slightly behind my leg, she scored a 28.5 which was in the top couple. One down SJ, again just her concentration went jumping towards the grandstand, which was a pity as she jumped a good round, and did well to focus on her job from the start with clapping from a prize giving, brass bands playing and flags flapping, so I was really pleased with how she coped. XC she tried so hard, and really coped well. The ground had begun to deterierate to deeper going, which Bee wouldn't have experienced much of, only from Hunting. She got 6 time faults, and finished 2nd. Gilly was thrilled to be presented her prize by the Dutchess!
Pascal had to wait all day, but not to be out done by the girls put up a great performance all round to win by 6 points! He lay 2nd after the dressage ( Ruth Edge led so it was as good as leading!) He jumped well SJ, and flew XC despite the going. Dick and Karen had driven up from Cornwall that morning to watch him run, so it made it a worthwhile trip!!
We were drowned walking back from prize giving, but when you've won who cares! All the horses looked surprisingly bright this morning, I thought they would be quite tired. It was a good learning curve for them.
Due to the wet they have had to cancel the event toay, which is a real shame.
Young horses go well at Broadway...
9th May 09
Gino, Mickey and Spider contested the Intro yesterday, all were very well behaved boys doing nice tests and double clears. Sadly they were HC otherwise they would have been in the prizes. Gino has really improved in this last week, he did a 28 dressage, and felt relaxed. Mickey warmed up for his dressage a new man, all relaxed and moving well, but when he went to his arena a bit of tension crept back in at the start of his test. I thought Spider did a really nice SJ round, and stayed focused all the way round.
Rachel Fairbrother groomed for me all day, and did a great job...Thanks Rach!
Douglas had me all to himself today. He was much improve in his dressage, except in the free walk when he got bitten and lept in the air! In the showjumping he took a dislike 3 strides out from a purple and pink swirly filler, so unfortunatly i had to turn a circle and ended up with 4 faults, and 8 time faults! That aside he jumped a very nice clear round! He felt really good at times XC, im feeling very excited about his future. He was clear with 5 time faults, my SJ round had put me out of contention so I eased off the pace XC.
I was dissapointed to have to withdraw Milly. She has tweeked a muscle, and is a bit sore. Im dying to get her back in action!
Dick Goddard wins the gold star today for bringing a portable BBQ and all the ingrediants for steak sandwiches!
Having been competing all week en I haven't seen one bit of Badminton so anyone who has videoed it let me know I would love to see all the action !!!
Busy Weekend
5th May
Definitely a weekend of show jumping! Emilie took Gino and Mickey to Arena UK on Saturday with both jumping very well and Gino coming 4th in the British Novice. Sunday my (Sally) driving skills were requested and with 2 lorries full we headed off to Leicestershire County Show for a cold and windy day's jumping. It was a good show, with not too many entries in each class and also a great chance to practice jumping on grass. Having been very organised arriving before the classes had started it was annoying to wait for the unaffiliated clear round to run with no steward and definitely no organisation but it gave Gino plenty of time to get accustomed to the atmosphere.
He was one of the first in the British Novice and jumped a brilliant double clear with Em getting a brilliant turn in the jump off to finish up in the lead. Mickey also jumped an excellent double clear, just a little slower. Spider, pleased to be at his first show of the year was rather excited before the first fence and lost concentration just having it down before jumping the rest of the round well. Gino won a sash and rosette for his win and Mickey finished 4th!
Spider went back in for the Discovery and he jumped really well just having the last this time. Douglas followed, another very good double clear, and good time meaning more prize money and another rosette for 2nd!
Millie, who was over the moon to be at a show went in the 1.05 and could hardly contain herself after the bell went and zoomed round, with 1 down where she just thought she knew best! Back in for the newcomers (with new brakes!) she jumped much better again with 1 down.
All in all a very productive day!
Some pictures.....
Millie warming up http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/millieleicscounty.jpg
And again http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/millieleicscounty2.jpg
Millie - 1.05 http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/millieleicscounty3.jpg
Millie - newcomers http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/millieleicscounty4.jpg
Douglas - warming up http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/douglas.jpg
Douglas - prize giving http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/douglasprizegiving.jpg
Kate goes back home......
Kate left to go home this morning, sadly she is still not well after contracting a virus in hospital following her fall earlier this year. We wish her well, and hope she has a speedy recovery.
Latest Addition to Team Chandler!!
30th April
Early on the morning of 28th April, Miss Cooper (dam of Millie and Spider) gave birth a very leggy chestnut filly. By show jumper Crown Cornelian (Novilheiro x Crown Aquamarine) she is another exciting addition to the family. Poor Nicky had been up most of the night waiting for her to be born just to miss the moment as she went for a snooze at 5am. Both mother and baby are fine, although baby (who is still waiting for a name) is taking a while to get adjusted to her very very long legs.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/foal3.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/foal4.jpg
Belton Park....Pascal performs well in his second Intermediate.
25th April
It was another sucessful day today, Pascal put up a really good performance in his Intermediate to finish just out the placings in 13th place. He jumped a great SJ round, and a really good XC round. After the dressage we weren't in contention to worry the leaders so I decided not to run him too quickley, and to give him a really good ride. I incured 15 time faults, but gradually I can build his speed up. I am so pleased with Pascal today, he made it all feel easy, and feels like he is growing in confidence all the time.
Just for the experience I took Mickey and Gino to work there, and absorb the atmosphere! It was a great opportunity to ride with so many people around, tradestands, flags flapping, and children playing. Both of them need plenty of mileage, as they were both quite over excited!
My adrenaline has vanished now and I feel shattered!
It was a great weekend, enjoyed by my loyal owners, family and supporters....Thanks everyone!!
Celebrating Bee's win at the 'Champagne Bus'!
Belton Park .......Beeswing WINS her Novice section!!!
24th April
It was to everyones delight that Bee won her novice section today at Belton. She scored her first sub 30 dressage, followed by a double clear. I let her gallop on the XC, so with just 2 time faults we secured first place. Her Owner Gilly Kinloch was very proud, it was a well deserved result for her.
Nenagh also went very well again, and jumped a super double clear, with just 0.8 time faults XC. A dressage mark of 38, meant we just couldn't get close enough to the leaders, and she finished 11th! I was dissapointed with such a mark, which was 61%, and in my opinion she did nothing wrong. I am aware that I can improve her still, but potentially she could do a very nice test, I am left wandering what the Novice horse must achieve? Anyway I was thrilled with her performance and Im looking forward to next time.
Pascal did his test this afternoon, and he performed a nice test, just lots of little things I can keep working on, but I really loved the fact that he went down the centre line with a 'real look at me' attitude! I am back at Belton tommorrow with Pascal to do his SJ and XC, so fingers crossed!
Cross Country Schooling 18th April
It was a trip to Jo Shield's Fields Farm for Millie, Spider and Warrior on Saturday. The beautiful weather meant that the ground had firmed up which was ashame but they all had their first cross country school of the year. For Warrior it was his first ever cross country and he was very good once he got the hang of it.
Millie was very pleased to be out and was an old pro popping round all the jumps even if there may have been demon's in the ditch! Some pics below.
Spider was also pleased to be out and hadnt forgotten anything from last year and popped round well.
All of them looked absolutely fabulous, a real credit to Emilie - well done :)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/fieldfarm1.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/fieldfarm2.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/fieldfarm3.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/fieldfarm4.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w60/ardamo/fieldfarm5.jpg
Burnham Market........
9th/10th April
We headed to Burnham Market in grey, drizzling rain and a poor forecast, but thankfully the sun shone and we enjoyed a good couple of days. On Thursday, Douglas was first on in the Pre Novice, and put up another good performance. He did the most relaxed test he's done this year, and I was pleased, he feels like he improves for every outing. He jumped a double clear, although I incured 9 time faults. The time must have been tighter than I anticipated, so we finished just out the placings.
Bee and Nenagh ran in the Novice. I felt Nenagh made a major breakthrough in all 3 phases. Her dressage was much softer, she jumped a lovely clear showjumping, and ran really well XC. She finished 9th. Hopefully I can continue to build on her performance in the next few outings.
Bee performed a really good test, she improves each time out. She jummped very well, just rolling one pole, but overall concentration was better, and she got on with her job in hand. It's all confidence, and she just needs to keep doing it. In the collecting ring she was jumping her socks off, I will post the photo when I get it!!! Bee ran a nice XC, a little steady to be in the prizes, but was classy and confident.
We stabled overnight, and I ran Pascal in his first Intermediate today. He did a really good test, and jumped clear SJ. Our only blip was XC coming in to a bounce from a big table on a related distance. He landed over the table running forward and not on line to the bounce so I circled and gained 20 penalties. What a shame as he just got better and better all the way round after that, and rose to the challenge of the bigger track.
So I feel they all performed very well, little improvements to be made here and there. It would be wonderful to win rossettes on them all but so long as I feel improvement week to week, I cannot ask any more. When it's their time I am confident they are all capable of bringing back lots of prizes!
Weston Lawns BSJA, Day 3........
5th April
Today we took Bee, Nenagh, Douglas and Gino back again to jump. I wanted to give Bee and Nenagh another round to make sure they had gone well on Friday, and it wasn't a one off!!! And to be sure that because I had changed a few things in the tack they wore, I wanted to be sure it was positive change.
Both Nenagh and Bee jumped in the Newcomers, and jumped really good clear rounds. I was more than pleased, and called it a day for them after one round.
Gino was shocked to be at the show again, but he went well, and jumped a steady double clear in the British Novice. He was more settled today, although I feel we have some things to work on.
Douglas was really relaxed today, and he was much softer to ride. He jumped a really lovely clear in the Discovery only to get 1 time fault! I couldn't believe it, I was hopeing to jump him off and get another double clear under his belt. It was a shame because his round was so rythmical, and smooth and he felt great.
So on the last day of my showjumping intense weekend, we scored 100% strike rate of clear rounds. ( I suppose 99.9% if I have to include that time fault!)
To watch their rounds click on link > http://picasaweb.google.com/Richboswin/WestonLawnsSJ0504
Weston Lawns BSJA. Day 2......
4th April
It was the turn of the younger horses today. Mickey went really well in the 90cm class and for the first time he didn't neigh at everyone, so he must be growing up! Gino was slightly over excited in a busy collecting ring, so I got on and jumped him quite quickley to occupy his mind. He too jumped well, but I chose to jump him again in an elasticated standing martingale as he seems to want to run with his neck high, and against my hand alot. The standing really helped and his second round was good, although he spooke at the water tray and jumpe it very high!
Warrior was excited to be at his first grown up show, and he tried very hard and trotted round the 70cm class in the turf arena which was perfect education for his first class on grass.
Milly is feeling much happier now she has been on the lorry again, and jumped a good ( although a little keen) clear in the British Novice. I chose not to Jump Off, as she is not yet jumping fit, and thought one round was enough today.
It was go, go, go and we did all 4 horses by 12 noon, so we got back and watched the Grand National.....if only I'd had £1000 on the winner at 100-1!!!.....I can dream!!! It was agreat race, and a well deserved win. I am just trying to make up my mind as to who I take back to Weston Lawns tommorrow.......
Mickey warming up, showing a good shape over the fence. He is improving all the time.
Weston Lawns BSJA Show. Day 1.......
3rd April
I took Bee, Nenagh, Pascal, and Douglas today to showjump. I started off jumping the 1.10m Open with Nenagh and Bee. Both Mares jumped well, Bee had a fence down in the jump off, and Nenagh I did a circle in between 2 fences, as I had landed very unbalanced and didn't organise her quick enough so incurred 4 faults there, but I was pleased. I then Jumped Pascal and Nenagh in the 1.15m open, and they both jumped clear rounds. Pascal jumped his first Foxhunter , and jumped a good clear. Unfortunatly he pulled a shoe off so I couldn't go in the jump off, but in all honesty I probably would have withdrawn him from the jump off anyway, as I was pleased with his 2 rounds, and felt he'd done enough for today.
Douglas then got his turn in the other arena, and jumped a double clear in the Discovery. I was in 3rd place, but with quite a few still to go when we left I don't know if Douglas was placed or not.
Tommorrow I am taking Mickey, Gino, Warrior and Milly. I doubt my day will be as civilised as today, but I'm sure it will be entertaining!
Draycott.
With Emilie away in France for the funeral it was left up to me (Sally)- part owner of Spider and Millie and general admin bod) and Tog (About Thyme) to keep the team's momentum going by running at Draycott. It was our first run of the season, in the novice, and after a fabulous XC schooling day with Emilie a few weeks earlier and countless phonecalls usually starting with "helllppppp" we did good (or not too bad anyway!). Following a good dressage and 1 down show jumping we jumped a steady (but in control - the main aim) clear across country. Was lovely to be able to pass on the good news to Emilie that all her hard work teaching and solving endless problems really is worth it.
As we've had a lack of photos since Lincoln - here he is Tog and I clearing Fence 4.
Picture if you click here
Sunshine!!!
Posted 31st March
What glorious weather, it makes me smile! All the horses felt relaxed and happy in the sun today. I have got Hannah Esberger Shepherd coming on Thursday, and I am planning to go to Weston Lawns SJ show Fri, Sat and Sun. I hope the weather stays like this!!
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Change of Plan this weekend....
Posted 24th March
I have withdrawn all the horses entered at both Draycott and Gatcombe due to attending my Grandma's funeral on Friday. It is in France so I cannot realistically get back in time to leave early Saturday for Gatcombe. Fortunatly my owners have been very understanding, and I am grateful to them for their support.
I took Warrior, Gino and Mickey out to Valeview today, purely to keep clocking up the mileage of going out and about. All went really well, Warrior was very brave and jumped the water tray for the first time! Mickey and Gino were more grown up having had their run at Oasby which is a good sign! I look forward to taking them out again, they might have to wait until Broadway now to do another Intro. I will do some showjumping and dressage practice in the mean time.
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Lincoln.
Posted 21st March
Yesterday I just had Douglas in the Pre Novice. We had early times, but it suited me as I wanted to get home and ride the ones which were competing today. Douglas put up another classy performance, 35, and double clear. He finished 10th.
Today wasn't quite as straight forward as yesterday!....
Pascal went well today, and performed a good test. We were all slightly dissapointed he only scored 35.5, but that's dressage! He jumped a really good double clear, and should finish in the top 10. (We left before the results were out)
Nenagh did a good test, but again her walk is tricky and she got 37. The first and last show jumps down which was a shame, as she jumped a much smoother round than at Oasby. XC she was really good, but I was slow again with her.
Bee did the best test she has ever done, it felt soft, light, elastic. The judge agreed (for once!) and she scored 30, which was in the top few in her section. Unfortunatly in the showjumping Bee lost concentration coming to an upright and we both fell on our heads! I got back on and completed. To my surprise I wasnt eliminated, but incured 72 faults! I took Bee XC for education, and to complete.
Bee is fine after her fall, and I think I will be a bit sore in the morning! It was just one of those things.
Sadly my Granny passed away this evening after suffering from illness, so Its been quite an emotional day!
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Oasby Sunday 09. The sun shone again!
Mickey warming up for the dressage.
It was the turn of Douglas, Gino and Mickey today. For Gino and Mickey it was their very first event in their life!
Douglas got the day off to a good start performing a nice test, and then a lovely double clear with a couple of time faults. He finished 2nd, and it was a great all round performance.
Gino and Mickey were impeccably behaved, thank goodness! I did make time yesterday to go and ride them at Oasby to absorb the atmosphere, so all the lairy bits got out their system yesterday. Both scored late 30's dressages ( Real achievement taking in to account how wobbley they are!) Gino jumped a double clear, and Mickey surpassed all my expectations and worries that perhaps he wouldn't be quite ready for the challenge and just had one unlucky rail in the show jumping and went super XC. I got lots of time faults on both horses, but I was very proud of my babies!
I have really been the only person to work with Mickey from when he was an untouched 3 yr old, so I felt a real sense of achievement today when he went so well. I bet they will all be tired tomorrow! ( So will I!!)
Looking on to next week, cannot wait until Lincoln. Mickey and Gino have to wait until Draycott now to do their 2nd Intro. The others all run at Lincoln. I just hope we have the great weather we have had this weekend.
For more photo's click on the links below....
http://picasaweb.google.com/Richboswin
http://picasaweb.google.com/BackLane41/OasbySunday15March09D700
http://picasaweb.google.com/BackLane41/OasbySunday15MarchD40
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Oasby Friday 09, First Event of the year! .... Sporting new colours!
Pascal on his way to a 4th place in the ON.
Yesterday i took Pascal, Bee and Nenagh to Oasby for their first run in 09! Pascal was in the Open Novice, Bee and Nenagh in the Novice. It was a lovely day, and for once it didnt rain. The going was excellent.
Pascal performed the best test to date, and scored 27.5. He jumped well and flew XC inside the time to finish in 4th.
Bee went really well too, 30 in the dressage, just an unlucky pole down SJ which i blame myself for, and a great clear XC but time faults put her just outside the top 10 placings.
Nenagh didnt feel like walking or halting in her dressage test, everything else was good! Dissapointingly she scored a 40, and one down in a rusty SJ round left us way off the pace, so I took her round for a nice clear on the XC.
Hope you spotted my new XC colours!! I have also got new Team rugs, and jackets which looked great!
It was a great day, and good to be back in action. I have to say there is room for improvement so rock on Lincoln!!!
To see more photo's from Oasby click below.....
1. http://picasaweb.google.com/BackLane41/OasbyFriday13March09
2. http://picasaweb.google.com/Richboswin/Oasby109
To see Bee's dressage test please click on this link >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYm62_mNc9M
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Weston Lawns Arena Eventing x6!
Sunday 8th March 09
Douglas, who finished 5th in the Pre Novice Arena Eventing.
It was a very busy day, we took 6 horses to Weston Lawns Arena Eventing; Gino, Mickey, Douglas, Nenagh, Pascal, and Bee. Catherine Hammond kindly did some transporting for me as I cannot fit 6 on the lorry!
There was an icey cold wind all day, mixed with stormy showers and glimpses of snow! It certainly made things challenging! I think Dick, Karen and Tim are still defrosting! I changed out of my hacking jacket after the first couple of horses due to the weather, and put faith in my Barbour Jacket!
Mickey and Gino were quite wobbly in the dressage, Gino thought that the white boards were all monsters, and Mickey was so uptight he kept winnying at everyone! Riding Douglas was a real treat after my 2 babies! Pascal, Bee and Nenagh all went very well, and jumped clear rounds.
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XC Action at Grange De Lings
5th March 09
Desperate to make sure everything is XC schooled well enough for Oasby I took 4 to Grange De Lings this morning. It was rather foggy, and frosty to begin with, but the sun eventually came through by the time we were on our way home!!  | | | | | | |  | | Pascal | | | | | | | Gino |
You can see how foggy and icey it was in the photo! The weather has gone mad! I also took Mickey and Douglas, and Sally came for a school with Toggi. All horses went well.
Im a little concerned about Douglas as he has a bad skin rash which doesnt seem to be getting better, and I feel is making him a bit un happy. I wish it would just go away!
Weston Lawns - Arena Eventing.....
1st March 09
It was my first show of 2009, I took Nenagh, Bee and Pascal to contest the novice class at Weston Lawns Arena Eventing. I rode one of the new novice tests for 09, and 12m half circles in canter back to the track at 'B' was harder than I'd anticipated! All three horses performed well, and have come on in leaps and bounds over the winter in their flatwork. Bee scored the highest - 67%, Nenagh 65.5%, and Pascal 65%, so it was all very close.
I then had to jump round a course of 16 fences, half showjumps, and half XC type fences, which took mine by surprise! All jumped well, I have to say that Nenagh seems a new horse in her way of going, I hope it stays that way as she could be great, but its taken two years of patience.
I was pleased I went, it has blown a few cobwebs away! I may well try and go again next Sunday.
27th Feb 09
I have been enjoying the good weather, and glad it is light now in the mornings and evenings, as we have been working long hours with Kate out of action. Kate is recovering well, she came out of hospital yesterday,and has gone to stay with her Aunt for a few days.
All the horses are well, and I am looking forward to going to the Arena Eventing at Weston Lawns on Sunday.
XC Schooling at Great Ponton.....
22nd Feb 09
It was great to get out XC schooling today thanks to Granville Thompson of UK Chasers at Great Ponton. All 7 horses went really well, and were pleased to be out again!
Kate out of action......
21st Feb 09
Poor Kate had a fall today, and has had to stay in hospital overnight. She has suffered a broken rib, punctured lung, and fractured shoulder blade. Get Well soon Kate!!!
More Dressage Training, this time with my regular trainer Hannah Esberger-Shepherd.....
20th Feb 09
It was off for more dressage training on Wednesday to Hannah's. My plans began to fall apart when my lorry wouldn't start! Anyway I made it, although a bit late, and enjoyed 2 lessons on Weds afternoon, and 2 on Thursday morning. I took Pascal and Nenagh, Douglas should have gone with Pascal, but a nasty skin rash prevented him from going.
I sat and watched Hannah work her horses on Thursday morning, which was fascinating. I find one of the best ways to learn is to sit and watch. It was interesting to see how much their natural paces can be improved through training and engagement.
I am looking forward to her coming to do her clinics on 4th, and 11th March.
Dressage Training with Dane Rawlins.......
13th Feb 09
Thanks to Gilly and her friend Pauline Harris, I was fortunate enough to spend the last two days at Bolney Park Farm training with Dane Rawlins. I took Bee and Nenagh who behaved so well, I thought that someone had swapped my horses for some others on the way! I just think both were pleased to be out, and working again after all the impossible snowy weather!
Dane's emphasis was on the basics, and working the horses in a much deeper way. It helps get them swinging through their backs, and then eliminates all problems connected to not being connected. (Straightness, tight in the neck, tension etc)
I kept them in that same deep outline to do lateral work, and whilst doing sitting trot. The feel when I had their back soft, an them engaged was really good.
I am looking forward to practising what I have learnt.
Nicky WINS British Breeding Award for her own and Sally William's Coopers Law.
11th Jan 09
Coopers Law (Spider) won the award for the Best British Eventing 4yr old 2008. Nicky bred Spider, and recieved her prestigious award at the annual British Breeders Awards Dinner at the Grange City Hotel in London. Coopers Law is by Mill Law out of Miss Cooper. His half sister Cunliffe Chameleon is already doing well at B.E Novice level. Having previously evented herself Nicky decided she would enjoy the breeding side of things, and so far has bred two lovely horses with exciting futures. Miss Cooper is currently in foal to Crown Cornelian.
Nicky receiving her award from Vin Jones.
Happy New Year!!
01.01.2009 12:29:38
It is a cold start to 09, I’ve just ridden two lots out and my toes are frozen! I went skiing just before Christmas, where it snowed and snowed! The skiing was great, but due to avalanche risks the off piste was limited which is my favourite. On my return Dean took me to Olympia, which is one of my favourite shows, and we had a great night. All my Christmas shopping was done on Christmas eve! I’m better under pressure! We all had a good Christmas, although quite normal, we still worked the horses everyday.
I was also lucky enough to have a couple of days hunting over Christmas on a super 5yr old belonging to Tanya and Mark Kyle. I enjoyed two very good days, jumping lots of fences and it felt great to be back out there. As for the horses here, everyone is fine. I ventured out to Valeview SJ Training show two weeks running just before Christmas with Pascal, Gino, Mickey and Douglas who were all pleased to be out and their first rounds were quite spooky! Bee, and Nenagh are going well after their holidays, and I’m looking forward to getting them to shows very soon. Fitz is back in, and will be getting fit for the season, so fingers crossed he returns to form. Mossy is enjoying a winter break, and will come back in March to get ready for his Eventing Grand Prix’s.
I am awaiting the return of Spider and Millie, and Mr Hinckleys Warrior. Kate has done a great job on the five 3yr olds we’ve had in to break. My two, Molly and Bonnie are back out, Jane Bells Robbit has gone home. We still have my homebred Primrose in, and Jo Preece’s homebred Indi. Kates own horse Rocky is improving all the time, and they are looking forward to the start of the season. I have purchased a Horsewalker. I had it all planned to be up and running before Christmas. Disappointingly, the workmen have not been to install it as promised, so I am still looking at it on the ground, pieces all over the yard! I hope it will be an asset to horses in work for warm up and cool downs and increasing fitness. I hope 2009 brings happiness and success to everyone involved in the Team. I feel excited by my horsepower, and cannot wait to get started at Oasby on the 14th March.
Being at Home
23.11.2008 10:57:37
I have put my big lorry in for repair, so I’m not going anywhere at the moment with the horses. However we have a full house, with 4 three year olds in to break. Kate has done a great job so far, she is riding them in the lunge pen, off the lunge. They are all proving willing and well behaved………. most of the time!! I have Pascal, Douglas, Gino, Spirit, Nenagh, and Mickey in work, a few of whom need clipping this week as they are like teddy bears! It is nice to have the time just to be at home, and I am really enjoying it. All the horses are in good form, and I’m looking forward to booking myself in for some training over the winter months. So not much to report on really, I’m looking forward to my Hunt Ball next Saturday, and going to watch the Express Eventing at Cardiff on Sunday, so I should have plenty to report after next weekend!
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