South of England – 28 September 2013

SOE is one of my favourite events. I took Ollie & Holly again but this time Holly was entered for open novice.

Holly had a year off last year trying to put her into foal that did happen but instead I fell pregnant!! So she has had longer off then expected.

I started the season off in July and started her off Open BE100, last event of the season I decided to do novice, and hopefully the start of next season going Novice.

Early start 8:00 am dressage on Ollie, we did an average test of 32 and double clear, I thought there were a lot of questions to ask XC for a BE100 but no problem for Ollie (the show jumper!) he came 1^st finishing on just his dressage score.

I was pleased with Holly's test of 30.5, we had 4 faults show jumping and a lovely clear XC (finishing 17^th), I’ve not competed at novice level in a year, I was so happy to get around and clear. It's so nice being back on my lovely mare hopefully be back doing Intermediate and International classes next year.

Now on the agenda will be BSJA with Holly, Ollie and JJ (Cullawn Royale), Dressage and Combined Training. I’m hoping to do 1.30m classes with Ollie, he’s already qualified for 1.15m second rounds.

The horses will only have a week off this year when I'm away in Dubai as they have only done half a season. 

Wearing my lovely Charles Owen AYR8 hat from Dragonfly Saddlery (www.dragonflysaddlery.co.uk).  I wear it now for both dressage and showjumping as it's so smart!

Munstead - 22 September 2013

I had my dressage at 11.00 am on Holly so didn't need to leave until 7.45 am which was nice and not quite such an early start!

After I had done my dressage on Ollie (he had a 32 dressage) at midday we had a few hours to spare before I showjumped, so we walked the course and saw two rider falls! The course was causing a few problems especially at fence 15 a roll top with a ditch underneath. This was the fence I thought Ollie might have a look at!

I showjumped Ollie first and he did a super clear. XC we went clear taking one longer route at the water, instead of jumping the step down in water (where we have fallen twice didn't fancy a third time getting wet!) he jumped number 15 perfect with big encouragement from me!!

Holly was a star and went double clear and winning her section with a dressage of 25, Ollie came 2nd in his section so it was a good day. Thanks to my groom Kirsty for making them look pretty!!

Ollie on the XC jumping the roll top!