Tri-Zone Allsports Boot

Another great product I picked up from Dragonfly is Tri-Zone Allsports Boot. I've been using these for schooling but they offer good enough protection to use XC too and I have taken them cross country schooling.

They're really lightweight but they also have polycarbonate layer to protect the tendons. I've noticed when I've used them that they don't get as sweaty as some boots. I school everyday and with a yard of quite a few I'm lucky that these boots fit many of my horses they also can be used on both front and hinds. Another recommended purchase and a good addition to any training or competition wardrobe for your horse!

http://www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk/addtocart.asp?categoryid=11&subcatid=206&hr=h&categoryname=Boots&subcatname=Sports+Boots&itemid=1712

Thanks to Les Brown of Topham Brown Photography who took some great shots below of them being worn in training!

http://www.topham-brownphotography.co.uk/_/Welcome.html

Equetech Show Shirt

It's been a few months now since I got my Equetech Show Shirt from Dragonfly Saddlery (my last show shirt was well worn so I was in need of a good replacement!)

With a busy season I'm wearing my shirt every week and I'm really pleased with it. The design is flattering and it has kept me cool in the warmer weather too. I'm not really one for bling but I do like the diamanté on the overcollar and button!

It's washed well - it's needed too the amount it has been worn and is comfortable to wear with a stock.

If you're looking for a show shirt I recommend it!

http://www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk/itemlist.asp?categoryid=94&subcatid=256&hr=r&subcatname=Riding+Shirts&categoryname=Technical+%26+Riding+Shirts&nocat=y

BRC Area 10 Horse Trials - Borde Hill Sunday 10 July 2011

I went to Borde Hill Horse Trials with Beau and Tango to represent Rother Valley Riding Club in the British Riding Club Area Horse Trials. Beau was a last minute substitute as one of the other team members could not make it. Thankfully Beau's owner Marilyn was able to step in and offer his services! Those of you who have read earlier posts will know that I school Beau regularly for Marilyn and we have a good partnership now with quite a few 1st and places.

Beau was great again and had a 30.5 and double clear with no time penalties and won his section so qualified for the Nationals in August at Aston-le-Walls!

Tango had a good day too with a 31.8 dressage, 2 down and clear XC to come 4th individually and 2nd in his team which meant our team qualified for the Nationals too so hopefully both Tango & Beau will be going to the Nationals in August!

Beau - SJ Borde Hill

Photos: Dom Witham

Eridge - 2 July 2011

I took Tango & Corby to Eridge and was also riding Cinderbanks (Kylie) for owner Elspeth Appleby.

Kylie was entered in the BE90 Retrained Racehorse Section. They didn't have enough entries for this section so it was combined with another. She had a good dressage (36) and a double clear with 3.2 time penalties. This put Kylie in 5th place (2nd Retrained Racehorse). It was a shame about the time penalties, Eridge is a bit hilly and it felt like we'd get inside the time, possibly could have pushed a bit more but as it was only our second competition together and I'd only ridden her a handful of times delighted with the 5th place and a great improvement on Rackham. She was really good and calmer than at Rackham, she's a lovely mare.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjnJYnZ3DEU&feature=channel_video_title video of Kylie's SJ round at Eridge.

Tango had a great dressage 26.5 which was best in his section. He had 3 poles down, he was jumping a bit flat and it was his first show with tents etc round the arena so a lot to look at. He had one runout XC the mushrooms at number 5, it was a bit cheeky of him as he felt like he was riding positively towards it! The rest of the course was fine and obviously he picked up time penalties because of the run out and I also took him a bit slower round the rest of the course as he was really out of contention because of the stop.

Corby had joint best dressage (25) in his section with Brook Staples and Jazz Dancing Star. It all went very wrong in the SJ which is most unusual with Corby as I fell off. He took off a bit oddly over one jump and we crashed through it with me up Corby's neck, I apparently looked like a ragdoll as I flew up his neck then came off. We got eliminated so obviously didn't get to do XC so not the best results with my two for the day apart from their dressage but I was really pleased with Kylie and pleased with Tango really as it was his first BE event and his behaviour, particularly as he's a stallion was very good.

I used the Prolite Event boots I recently got from Dragonfly as you'll see from my earlier post. The horses were also wearing their Griffin NuuMed saddlecloths. The dressage ones are really smart and I'll get a photo at the next event to show how well they fit. The close contact ones are great as you'll see from the picture of Tango in the Prolite post as he's also wearing his smart new saddlecloth too!

http://www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk/addtocart.asp?categoryid=23&subcatid=107&hr=h&categoryname=Saddle+Accessories&subcatname=Griffin+Nuumed&itemid=531

Prolite Event Boots

Tango in his Prolite Boots!!

I bit overdue but as promised here's my review on the great set of Prolite Event boots from Dragonfly Saddlery.

I tested these out at Eridge on Tango and have been using them on all of the horses since. I've had Prolite boots before and they really do last well.

What I love about the recent set I got from Dragonfly is how light they are and how great the velcro is. They stay in place really well and are in exactly the same place you put them on once you've finished a XC round which is just what you need and there is also no need for tape over the velcro as I find it really strong.

They are also great through water as they don't get heavy and filled with water like some boots do. They also look smart too and offer great protection. I honestly can't fault them!

If you're looking to upgrade or replace I definitely recommend!!

http://www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk/addtocart.asp?categoryid=11&subcatid=211&hr=h&categoryname=Boots&subcatname=X%2DCountry+Boots&itemid=351

June Update

I've been really busy recently with lots of exciting stuff and must remember to keep my blog up to date!!!

It was Rackham last weekend where Corby was 2nd in his BE100 section. I was also riding Cinderbanks a new ride I have this year, we had a few faults in the SJ and one stop XC but hopefully will improve on this throughout the season.

We've also had more lorry issues which will hopefully now be resolved with two new batteries which will be fitted shortly!

On Tuesday this week I went to my new sponsor Dragonfly Saddlery. I picked up some great bits including schooling and XC boots and some reins. I tested out the boots XC on Wednesday when I took Tango to Lodge Farm to have a run round before his first BE event at Eridge on Saturday. I also took Percy round for Anna, I've been staying with me for schooling whilst Anna has had a break to have her baby. Tango went really well and was nice and calm. Percy was a little strong and excited but did really well as he hasn't really done much but really does enjoy jumping!

The lovely embroided saddlecloths and rugs have arrived from Dragonfly and some photos are below.

More detailed blogs to follow with Eridge report and I'll be posting more info on all the great new kit.

New Sponsor - DRAGONFLY SADDLERY

I am very excited to announce that Dragonfly Saddlery in Hassocks, West Sussex will be sponsoring me this year.

They have given me a very generous allowance to purchase new equipment. A lot of the horses kit is well overdue for replacing so it will be fabulous to be able to get essentials like brushing boots to replace the ones with holes in that I've had for years!

As you know competing horses isn't cheap, especially BE, so to have the support of Dragonfly for equipment etc really is great.

For those of you who haven't visited Dragonfly you must http://www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk/! They are a lovely family team, Sue, Richard, Laura & Holly Paine and have a great range of stock. Richard is a qualified saddler and has been fitting saddles for over 20 years.

Dragonfly also stock items for pets too, great if you have a lorry load of dogs like me! They are also great for cross country colours so if you need a new set look no further!

Sue and Richard Paine

Dragonfly Saddlery

The Goods Shed

Station Business Park

Keymer Road

Hassocks

West Sussex BN6 8J

Phone: 01273 844 372 or 01273 844 606

Freephone: 0800 374878

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday : 9.00 - 5.30

Sunday : 10.00 - 3.00

sales@dragonflysaddlery.co.uk

www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk

Chilham Park ODE - 15 May 2011

I had 3 to ride at Chilham. I took Tango & Bobby and I also rode Beau for Marilyn.

It was a long day as unfortunately a rider had a fall on the XC and was taken away by Air Ambulance. This put everything back by over an hour as the Dressage, SJ and XC had to be stopped whilst the Air Ambulance was on it's way and wait for it to take off and clear the area.

Hopefully the lady involved is out of hospital now, I did see an update on Facebook which said she had no broken bones etc and was being kept in for observation.

Beau won his class he had a 31 for dressage, the best in his section, one pole down and finished on 35 penalties.

Tango had a 34.5 dressage, he wasn't concentrating too well after his wait on the lorry! Clear SJ and unfortunately had one stop at the water. I was still pleased with him though as apart from the stop he had a good round.

Bobby had the best dressage in his section, 29, clear SJ but unfortunately we got eliminated XC. The course was up to height and it just wasn't our day, which is a shame after how well he went at Ardingly!

Beau - 1st, best dressage in his section

Tango - unfortunate stop at the water but otherwise a good day!

Nurstead Court - 30 April 2011

Took Corby & Holly Hot Lips to Nurstead. Corbs did the BE100 and Holly the Open BE100.

I've been waiting for the day Corbster gets placed 1st in a BE100 as he is so consistent he is usually placed and it happened at Nurstead. He is so good, always has a good dressage and is a good jumper and is bold XC. He got 26.5 dressage, double clear with just 2 XC time penalties. I'm so pleased with him and he really deserved his first with his great record.

Holly is feeling good again and hopefully next event will be Open Novice. She had a dressage score of 31.5 and double clear with no time penalties which put her in 6th place.

I'm not sure yet whether to do Borde Hill as the ground is still so hard. After that next event will probably be Berkshire College.

Corbs is still for sale, can't quite believe that he hasn't been found yet as he is so consistent he'd be a great horse for someone and is good looking too!!

Rother Valley Riding Club - Easter Dressage Monday 25 April 2011

I went to Bedgebury on Easter Monday with Tango, Bobby and Corby. I also rode 2 tests with Beau, Marilyn Warwick's horse, who I normally school around once a week.

I enjoy going to Bedgebury, it's great to have such a good venue nearby, I'm looking forward to seeing the Cross Country course completed too.

Another well run event by my riding club, Rother Valley, they hold lots of events through the year and are always popular.

I had another great day with wins or placings in each of the classes I entered.

Prelim 18 - 1st Beau - 72.50%

Novice 27 - 5th Beau - 63.57%

Novice 24 - 2nd Tango - 66.92%

Novice 24 - 4th Bobby - 57.30%

Elementary 40 - 1st Corby - 69.35%

Beau went really well and I was very pleased with him, he hasn't done a Novice test before so his 5th was really good.

Tango was well behaved, I originally was going to bring Holly to do the Elementary test but she was in season so thought with Tango on the box too it was better to take Corbster!

Bobby's mark doesn't quite show how well he can do, he managed 57% despite me going wrong in the test and he got distracted at one point by a ditch the other side of the indoor school! But the rest of the test was good and he got some nice comments.

Ardingly Riding Club ODE - 17 April 2011

I had a great day at Ardingly Riding Club unaffilated ODE. It's a great event and well run. I had 3 to ride, Tango & Bobby as well as Cracker for Deb Shillabeer. Couldn't really have had a much better day as they were all placed 1st!

Tango went really well 30.5 dressage, double clear and 8 time penalties XC. He was great through the water as that is his only sticking point, he's very bold with everything else considering he hasn't really done an awful lot.

Bobby had a 27.6 dressage, double clear and 3.2 time penalties. Again really pleased with Bobby as he hasn't been out much this year.

Cracker had a great dressage of 24.5 unfortunate pole down in SJ and 3.2 time penalties (for going too fast - not bad for a little cob!). Cracker is going really well and I school her normally weekly for Debs, she is a lovely little mare. I'm a bit late adding this post live as with the others, had written them but forgot to post. Since drafting Debs took Cracker to Mattingly on 7 May and came 6th in BE90 so they're doing really well together.

Below are links to the official photographer's website with photos of Tango, Cracker & Bobby.

Let's hope we can continue with the winning spree!

Tango

http://www.everybodysmile.biz/spidgeeventphotography/eques/124970/page_es1.php?Cat=200%20Lisa%20Pilbeam

Bobby

http://www.everybodysmile.biz/spidgeeventphotography/eques/124970/page_es100.php?Cat=326%20Lisa%20Pilbeam

Cracker

http://www.everybodysmile.biz/spidgeeventphotography/eques/124970/page_es45.php?Cat=254%20Lisa%20Pilbeam

South of England - Saturday 9th April

Second outing of the season for Corby & Holly was SOE.

After my fall with Holly in the SJ at Goring (see previous post!) I thought it was a good idea to see if I could move classes with Holly from the Open Novice to the Open BE100. Sarah Robinson the secretary for SOE was great and sorted this out for me. Holly went well with a 28.5 dressage and a double clear we ended on our dressage score in 3rd place. Holly felt great and just like the old Holly again. She's entered for the Open BE100 at Nurstead then I'll do a couple of Open Novices then we should be back up to Open Intermediates.

Photo: Pip Simpson

Corbster had another good day too. He had a 34 dressage which is unusual and he did feel like he went better then that, but was very good again giving a nice double clear, 2 time penalties XC put us in 5th place. Pippa Funnell won the class on one of her Billy Stud's horses - Billy Crackle. Corby is also entered for Nurstead in the BE100.

Busy week this week, schooling for Marilyn, Debs & Anna. Hopefully XC at Lodge Farm on Wednesday. Taking an RVRC clinic on Saturday at Lodge Farm and then the Ardingly Riding Club Unaffliated ODE on Sunday. I'll be riding Tango, Bobby and Debs horse, Cracker. Will update blog to let you know how I got on!

I'm going to be doing a few more unaffilated ODEs locally with Tango before he's signed up for a half season BE. I'm lucky that there are some good ones that are run in the area, Ardingly, Chilham, Pulborough, Borde Hill and my Riding Club Rother Valley, Sevenoaks RC also run great ones just to name a few!

Goring Heath - Sunday 3rd April - First BE event of the season!

I went to Goring Heath with Holly (Cullawn Holly) and Corby (Cullawn My Way). Holly was entered in the Open Novice for her first event of the season and Corby in the BE100.

Unfortuanately things didn't go to plan in the SJ with Holly! She was jumping really well - as you can see below (photos to follow!!) but we didn't get our striding right coming into the double and she took of took early sending me flying into the next fence! So that explains the cricket score - we don't usually have that many faults! I really hurt my elbow and strapped it up for the rest of the day. I withdrew Holly and did not do the XC with her.

Corby was very good, he was really up for it his first event of the season and couldn't wait to get out of the start box XC! He did a good dressage test 27.5 (2nd after dressage) then a double clear ending up completing in 2nd place. I was really pleased with him and all the better considering I had a dodgy arm!

Got it looked at and also went to A&E. Had an xray but they said it was badly bruised and to rest it and put ice on it. Perhaps haven't rested it as much as I should have and still have interesting colour arm but I'm getting there, wanted to do South of England anyway! Next blog on that!

Firle Hunter Trials - 26 March 2011

Took Tango & Bobby to Firle Hunter Trials on Saturday 26 March 2011. It was an early start but well worth the journey and I'm really pleased how they both went.

Bobby went clear. Tango had a sticky moment at the first water but went through and didn't hesitate at the second water. I'm really pleased with him as water has been his only problem. Apart from that he felt really bold and I'm very excited that I'll be eventing him this year it's particularly exciting as I've had him since he was a yearling and backed him myself. I'm planning on doing Ardingly, Chilham and Pulborough unaffilated ODEs before a half season of BE. His flatwork is coming on really well, occasionally I lose his attention but that's probably because he's a stallion too. He is great SJ and respects bigger fences!

Eventers Practice Day - Golden Cross 21 March 2011

I took Tango, Corby and Ollie to the Golden Cross Eventers Practice Day on Monday.

Really pleased with how they all went, especially Tango as he behaved well and felt under control. Being a stallion he can be a bit challenging at times, he seems to respect bigger fences though and jumped well. I took him in the Intro class and he just had one down. Looking forward to taking him to Firle at the weekend to do the Cross Country, I'll be putting his neck strap on though!

Corby had a clear in the Novice class and Ollie had two clears in the Novice. Mum took a couple of pictures of Ollie on Monday which are at the bottom of this blog entry.

Really busy week this week which I like. We'll be XC schooling tomorrow and then Firle on Saturday. Not long til Goring our first event of the season - can't wait. All entered for South of England too with Corby and Holly.

RVRC Chilly Fingers SJ - 19 March 2011

Took Ace & Bobby to my Riding Club's (Rother Valley) members showjumping on Saturday. Mum also took Sam.

I've only just bought Ace in to school and he behaved really well considering it was his first outing. Poppy came along to help us she's been helping me out on Saturdays and spent some time sitting on Ace and went down the lane with him.

I took him into the practice arena but I think it would have been too soon for me to take him round a course as there were plenty of fillers etc. Still it was a positive first experience and I'm pleased how he behaved with the atmosphere and surroundings

Anna brought Percy over who I've been schooling and I did two classes with him the 2'3 and 2'6. He's only been round a few SJ courses with Anna. He did really well and we got 2 double clears. He has got a pop on him for a cob! He is a bit spooky but not at the fences he loves jumping. He really didn't like the turkey on Shane's Farm that was wandering around with a few chickens and it took a bit of encouragement to get him past it!

Percy

Marilyn also brought Beau over to do the 2'9" and 3'. Unfortunately we had to leave so I couldn't do the 3' with Beau but he did a lovely jump off and came 2nd in the 2'9". Bobby also went well in the same class and came 5th. Mum went clear in the first round but had one down in the jump off.

Beau & Bobby

Photos taken by Dom Witham - www.ggtack.com

The New Season is Just about to Start!!

I'm very excited about the start of the new season. Corby is all ready and entered for Munstead at the end of March.

I'm hoping to get Tango out too to his first BE event. I'll be taking him XC schooling every week until his first event.

Just deciding what event to do with Holly first, going to do an Open Novice to start with and build her confidence back up so we're doing the bigger stuff by the end of the season.

Still looking for rides - any owners out there I'm ready and waiting for your horse(s)!!!

For Sale! Corby, Ollie & Bobby!

I have a couple for sale at the moment from little 14.2 Bobby to 16.2 Corby! All lovely only for sale so I can continue to fund all the events and costs this season.

There are a few videos on my Youtube account http://www.youtube.com/user/LisaPilbeam1

Please contact me for further information

Corby - Cullawn My Way

Ollie

Photo: Les Brown - Topham Brown http://www.topham-brownphotography.co.uk/_/Welcome.html

Bobby - Beechmount Bobby

Equine Social Media Awards - Voting closed awaiting results!!!

Voting has now closed for the ESMAs and I'm awaiting the results, hopefully the winners will be announced sometime after 7 March.

I recorded my acceptance video at the yard, we had a few takes and it was a little windy. Found it difficult to do as I've not done anything like it before. I find it easier to talk when someone is asking questions rather than me doing a speech! I probably won't win though so the the video might not get seen!

I've enjoyed being involved in the ESMAs. It was a great idea set up and run by Liam at Abbeyview Equine and Rhea Freeman. They must have put in a lot of hours to sort it all out.

My sponsor, Blue Chip, were also in two categories hopefully they will be winners too. I'll keep you posted but in the meantime if you'd like to see the great work that Liam & Rhea did please visit http://abbeyviewequine.com/awards

Equine Social Media Awards - Finalist!

I was very pleased to find out that I'm a finalist in the Equine Social Media Awards - Category 6 Amateur Rider! Thank you to everyone who nominated to help me become a finalist. Although one of the smaller categories, competition is tough there are some great Blogs, Facebook and Twitter pages out there!

Hopefully you enjoy all of my Website, Twitter, Blog and Facebook updates. My new year resolution is to update everything more often. I find with all of the horses at the yard to look after and ride plus the schooling and clipping I do on top of my work in the pub in the evenings time is sometimes quite limited.

Also everything I do is a learning experience. As I left school at 16 and have been working with the horses until a couple of years ago marketing was new to me. I realise how important it is and it doesn't matter how good you can ride if you don't market yourself no one will know about you!! I've still a long way to go and networking scares me!

I've been really lucky with the continued support I've had from Blue Chip, my only sponsor. Blue Chip have also made it on the finalist list in two categories please support them too!

I hope that through the world wide web more people will see what I do, hopefully like it and join the team! I'd love to obtain more sponsors and to get my first owner on board. I realise the competition is very tough there are so many good riders out there - hoping someone gives me that break and I can continue to prove myself.

If you feel I'm worthy for a vote please visit http://abbeyviewequine.com/awards to cast your vote. I think voting closes on 18 February. Also you can only vote once as if you vote more than once all votes are invalidated.

Thank you again to everyone who supports me.

TTFN! Lisa