I can't believe it's August already, and I'm enjoying a rare weekend at home. This photo was taken early this morning in the grounds of Belvoir Castle whilst doing some fitness work with Gortfadda Diamond. I'm very lucky to ride in such beautiful grounds so close to home.
I have been enjoying the 2019 Event season so far, Maria Doel's lovely 10 yr old 'Gortfadda Diamond' has stepped up to 4* level with style and has been top 20 at Chatsworth, Bramham and Burgham 4* classes. He gave me a super ride XC at Bramham and jumped a double clear at Burgham, all great preparation for his first CCI4*-L at Blair Castle in 3 weeks time which I'm really looking forward to.
My other horses at the moment are all mares! Yvonne Chandlers young mare, 'Clementine De Brenne' has just completed her 6th Novice, finishing in the top 10 in her last 4 runs. Her main aim this year will be the CCI2*-L at Osberton in October. My own 5yo 'Jalba O' has just done her first BE 90 Event in fine style at Burgham, and she won the BYEH qualifier at Weston Lawns in June, so her main aim is the BYEH Final at Burghley in September.
John and Suki Troy's homebred 4yo mare 'Loughton Diamond' also won the BYEH qualifier at Weston Lawns on her first time out! (It was a good day at the office!) She also is aimed at the BYEH Final at Burghley.
I enjoyed my first trip to Luhmulhen 5* event in Germany in June with my Coaches hat on helping Tricia Pytches and her horse Ballycar Chip. Tricia and Chip were fabulous and finished very well in 19th position, and are now heading to Burghley in September.
My coaching has been going really well, and my clients have been going well. I've enjoyed helping the podium potential Showjumping riders with their flatwork. It's been really interesting to work with such talented riders from another discipline. I've worked a lot with Holly Smith who has now been selected for the Europeans so I wish her and the team the very best of luck.
Two of my former rides have had a good summer qualifying for the Pony Club Championships in Eventing and Dressage. Oliver Lee and my wonderful old 4* horse 'Gino Royale' and George Rowley with the lovely little 'Poppy's Law'. It is great to watch them give these talented young riders great experience.
It's been strange not having Coopers Law out competing this year due to his injury at Burghley a year ago. I'm very pleased to say he is sound and happy (if a bit round!), and enjoying time in the field!
Burghley will be here before we know it and although I will be sad not to be competing there myself, I will focus on helping Tricia and Richard Skelt and my 2 young horses for their final.
