November update - Dressage, Dubai and Broken Bones!

Plumpton College Dressage

Had late times so had a chance to teach, plait and ride before we loaded up to go. Madam and Poppy were entered for one novice test each - Poppy just needed one more point to qualify for the Winter Regionals. Madam had already qualified just doing two shows. I also took Holly for the unaffiliated dressage along side the Affiliated, I entered her into the Elementary and Medium.

Poppy  was first, she found the arena a little spooky, we are still working on our medium trots which are not quit there yet, but still a very good score of 67.50 % so Poppy has qualified for the Regionals now.  

Madam seems to be getting better every time she goes out, not been the easiest horse to work with at the beginning, I think she just needed that extra time to settle in. Madam scored  68.39% just pushing her little friend Pops into 2nd and 1st for Madam!

Holly Hot Lips was full of beans not great when your doing dressage! 

She didn't do a bad test though scoring 67% in the Elementary, our Medium test wasn't too bad either scoring 65% just a few mistakes costing us, our extended trot started off so well until we broke towards the end of the marker. She felt so keen I just couldn't hold onto her for the medium and extended canters, only being two in the class we came 2nd the winner had a 67% a good day overall. 

The Regionals are in February with the two girls at Merrist Wood. Holly will be aimed at more dressage along with Ollie, Bea, Tango, Lola and Tandy.

For Sale

I've still got Bobby, Juno and Lola for sale.  The market is a slow at the moment and not many people looking for horses before Christmas.  All three are lovely genuine horses looking to give someone lots of fun!  A few photos of Bobby and Juno from the autumn.

 Juno with Lauren

Bobby with Lauren 

 

Leg update

A positive from the broken leg is I've been concentrating on the flatwork and having lessons with Liz West.  Here are a few photos of Holly and Poppy at one of the lessons.

Poppy

I have been and had a second x-ray which was not great news it shows my fibula is still broken :-( - just waiting to hear back from the Hospital for an appointment with a Consultant.

In the meantime I've had a visit to Dubai! Had a lovely time spending it with family and friends and nice to get away from the wet and mud! But can't wait to get back on a horse!

At the Water Park in Dubai!

Next stop will be the Riding Club Qualifier at Blue Barn on the 30th November with Holly and Madam, we are hoping our team will qualify again for the National Championships at Hartpury again. My Riding Club is the Rother Valley,  which I have been a member for 18 years. Wish us luck!

October update!

Pulborough

Another of my favourite events it's always well run and has fantastic facilities with the showjumping being on a outdoor surface, during this time of year which is great. 

I went on the Saturday with Juno who is owned by myself, Mo owned by Rebecca Cranston who Lauren rides for and Lauren also rode Pingu who is owned by Clare and Katherine Sands. 

I met Lauren over there with Mo and Juno as Oscar, Rambo and I didn't fancy the early start for Pingu's 8am dressage!

The day started of well with Pingu going double clear in his first BE100 to finish 6th. 

I'd arrived with the lorry full - baby, dog, horses, pushchair etc! I'm not used to being the one walking around with dogs and a pushchair which is very hard to push in the mud! Now I know why Mum and Kirsty feel tired at the end of the day! 

Mo was first to go, she had a great dressage test of 23 and just rolled a pole SJ and went clear XC only adding 2.4 time finishing on a winning score of 29.4! 

Juno had a lot to live up to now. Dressage is one of Juno's strongest phases, she did a lovely test of 27.5, she rolled two poles SJ just being a little keen and a fab clear XC but had 5.6 time which meant she just missed out on a placing. Juno is for sale and would make a fantastic Grassroots horse for next season. If she doesn't sell over the winter she's definitely one I won't mind riding next year!

Blue Barn Dressage

Great day at Blue Barn dressage with Madam and Popstar. Both had the same mark of 71% in the first test (Novice 22) but Poppy won on collective marks putting madam into 2nd. Poppy's first win and points at Novice level BD!

Madam also came 2nd in the Novice 38 with 72% and Poppy 3rd with 68%. 

A great day had by all and thanks to Lauren for being my groom for the day and Denise Woodhouse for coming to watch and lunch!

Stilebridge Barn Dressage

Another great day doing dressage at Stilebridge barn this time.

Two dressage competitions in one week I must be mad!! Took Holly last minute who won on 68% with a few mistakes. Poppy won with 67% even though I only started teaching her rein back on the day! Madam had two seconds with a 67% and 65% not sure she wanted to play dressage pony today! Thanks to Lauren again for being groom/ babysitter!

Oldencraig Dressage

Great day at Oldencraig with the two dressage divas! 

Poppy had 68% in the first Novice & Madam 69% so a win for Madam and 2nd for Pops.

They swapped places in the next class! Madam scored 70% to come 2nd and Poppy 71% to win.

Madam and Poppy's rosettes!

September Update!

Hickstead

Six girls on board, the horses, Poppy, Madam and Holly and Kirsty, Lauren and myself!

Madam and Lauren were entered for the two unaffiliated Novice classes, Poppy in the BD Novice and Holly in the unaffiliated elementary and Medium our first medium test. Lauren had two thirds on Madam very consistent results. Poppy was fourth with a 67.95% in her first Novice BD which I was very pleased with. 

Holly won both her classes only being 4 in a class though, but I was still very pleased how she went. She finds the dressage a bit exciting! We scored a 60% in the medium I also did go wrong once, (little out of practice!) there were little things we need to improve on more bend and suppleness in the half passes in trot and canter. I will be signing Holly up to BD, lots of practice over the winter for us.  Also been having lessons with Liz West once a month with two horses. So hoping my dressage should be fairly good next year!

Even managed to do my ice bucket challenge thanks to Kirsty and Lauren, fitted in after a hot day!

Ireland trip

Always love an Ireland trip going to Goresbridge Horse Sales.  Dad, Lauren and I went. Mind you a trip to the horse sales is not that fun when you're only window shopping!

We also meet a few contacts we have out in Ireland whilst on the trip. There were so many nice horses going through.  The first day was the 5 year old plus sale there was only one which stood out that day a lovely dun 5 year gelding 15.1hh. 

We didn't leave the sales until late.  We met up with Edie and Shane who were there for the week horsey buying. Went out that evening had the best fillet steak (the Irish know how to cook) then went for a few drinks in a pub with live music had a few to many gin & tonics! Second day was the 4 year old sale, there were so many more quality horses going through, another nice dun Connemara also a grey connie was very tempted to bid, my hand had to stay down this time need to sell some horses back home first, and come back out in November.

It was a quick rush back from Stansted Airport to Lodge Farm for Lauren to ride Monty and Juno around the hunter trial, we met her mum there who drove the lorry with Kirsty who got the horses ready (thank you girls) I couldn't stay and watch as I had christening to attend. 

Monty went clear in the 2'6" ft and Juno clear in the 90cm a great end to the weekend!

Munstead!

A new ride for Lauren as I'm still out of action BE. Monty is owned by Tanya Reed who owned Spitfire Jack  who we produced and sold on Tanya's behalf. This was Monty's first BE event. We have been out a lot XC schooling in preparation. 

Dressage he scored a 37.5 a little disappointed as we thought he went better, just rolled one pole show jumping and done a super clear XC, just missing out on the placings next stop for Monty is Pulborough.

Special Wedding

The weekend after Munstead was Kate's wedding who owns the two lovely dark mares Poppy and Madam. Kate and Christian got married at Firle Place a beautiful setting for a wedding, I took both the mares there for photos. Kate looked amazing and the photos will look awesome both the girls looked amazing too. Kate got onto Madam for photos, no rehearsal she didn't mind the dress at all, think I made someone's day - well the horses did! Rush back put the horses to bed then back to the evening wedding reception. Fantastic wedding!

The beautiful bride with Madam

Hunting

Early start to a Wednesday morning, meet was at 7am in Ticehurst a 20 minute hack from us. Lauren took Lola for a first experience cubbing (Lola is for sale) I took Holly and my mum took  her pony Sam. 

Lola was a true lady and exceptional especially as it was her first meet, I plan on taking her to a few more meets before someone snaps her up! 

Lola out hunting

It's not so much fun when your reins snap out hunting!  I was lucky as after the rein went Holly and I just cantered across the field and stopped, not great when you have a broken leg! Luckily Holly is a good girl.

Snapped rein!

My leg is feeling a lot stronger just waiting on my second x-ray to get the all clear! Fingers crossed all will be fine, the NHS have seemed to have forgotten about me, not sure when the appointment will be.

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped me keep everything running owners, friends, family and of course my lovely sponsors Dragonfly Saddlery who have been great with all that's happened.  Not the season I planned but I'm pleased how much we've all still be able to get out and compete.

Next stop is Firle hunter trial with six horses, blog soon! 

Summer Update! Dressage, Beach Ride, Jumping, ODEs and a New Pony!

It's been a busy few weeks taking the horses out jumping with Lauren and dressage with myself competing as well! It's been 12 weeks since breaking my leg and can't believe how good it feels its not quite up to full strength yet but not looking too bad!!! 

I have been wearing the YOUStreamz bands that Matt kindly sent me to use after he saw Twitter posts of the injury at Borde Hill.  I've been overwhelmed by all the good wishes and help I've received since the accident.  Goes to show how friendly and caring the equestrian community is!  I've found that the bands have definitely helped with the swelling and I have had minimal pain, very much recommend I also have a pair of the EQUStreamz for the horses - I've not tried them yet, but will let you know how they get on.

RVRC Friends of Freddie at Brightling Park

Lauren had 4 rides Juno, Flame owned by Sarah Baldwin, Pingo owned by Clare & Katherine Sands and Lauren's own horse Mo.  This event was the week after the BE event which was a good chance to go around the BE course. 

Flame - 2nd in his first ODE and proper outing!

This was Flame's first ODE and really his first proper show, so wasn't expecting much from him, only being 4 years of age! He did an awesome test scoring 30.5 and double clear to come 2nd in the 80cm such a clever pony!  He came to me in April and hadn't done an awful lot of jumping being a baby, so three months on he's done extremely well (first time I've worked with an Australian stock horse). 

Juno had a disappointing dressage mark of 39 which I feel her and Lauren didn't deserve, an unlucky pole SJ and super clear XC.  Lauren said she felt amazing, which from the ground she certainly looked like. 

Pingo won his section and Mo came 2nd in the 1m. Busy and successful day for Lauren three out of four placings. Had a lovely BBQ at Kath's in the evening to celebrate.

Golden Cross Affiliated Derby Show

One of my favourite local shows, two days of jumping. On the Saturday we took Poppy, Bea and Ollie. 

Poppy did the 90cm derby and had three poles down just wasn't Pop's day! 

Bea went double clear in the 1m derby and Ollie was 2nd in the 1.05 a warm up class for the next day, the Eventers challenge . 

I was so disappointed I couldn't do it this year, Ollie and I had a crack at it last year, doing a double clear getting placed 10th. The second day we took Madam, JJ and Ollie. 

We took Madam and JJ in the clear round which was running all day in their new ring which was great with a few XC fences. Madam did a super clear in the 90cm then just had an unlucky one down in the 1m-1.05 not bad for a dressage diva! 

JJ was fab just had one down in the first round then going clear the second time (JJ will be looking for a new home soon - will be a fab jumping horse or Pony Club horse, he was borrowed for a Tetrathlon event recently).

 

JJ with Will and Lauren

Eventers Challenge was all set Clare Lewis was first to go on her lovely four star horse Significant she started off really well going fast and clear. Nine had gone and she was still leading with no one going clear yet! 

Lauren was 12th to go, I told her to take the hand brake off and go for it. It's much easier saying it from the ground though, I was so nervous for them both I was like a Pony Club Mum lifting one leg up in the air! 

They were 3 seconds up on the clock at fence 5  they had fence 6 down which added 4 seconds to their time so just one second down. 

They just lost a few seconds on one turn where Lauren had to do a slightly longer route because Ollie jumped huge and couldn't get back for the turn , they just had the last down putting them into 5th place - I was so so happy!  

Clare Lewis ended up 2nd and a showjumper won again, hopefully back next year!

Even better when you come home with £100! You wouldn't be coming home up in money after a weekend eventing!

Dressage

I was starting to get a bit itchy to get back competing, it's like a drug I needed my fix! So I entered for a Riding Club evening dressage held at Bull Farm ( such a lovely venue) I took my trusty steed Holly Hot Lips and Poppy and Lauren came and helped the crippled one! Both entered in the Novice my first test was at 7.30pm and my last at 8.15pm. Poppy scored a respectful 66% and Holly had 69% Poppy was 4th and Holly 2nd.

Next stop was .....

Stilebridge BD with Poppy and Madam. We turned up nice and early which is very unlike me, there must of been a reason why we were so early, I'd only forgot to put the dressage saddle in which they both use!!! Lauren and Kirsty went off to ask to borrow a saddle, usually you forget a girth or gloves but not me. No one was too keen lending out their smart dressage saddles but thanks to Vanessa, who runs and owns Stilebridge, kindly lent us hers. It must have been lucky as Poppy and I came 2nd with 69% and Madam and Lauren Won with 68%.

Beach ride at Camber

Can you believe I'd never done a beach ride before?!  Lauren, Kirsty and I went with Mo, Ace and Bea.

It was such great fun galloping down the beach and in the waves.  Definatitely something I will be doing again soon!

Great to be back in the saddle properly!  Having fun at Camber on Bea with Kirsty on Ace

New addition!

I heard a neighbour down the road had her lovely little Peanut coming up for sale.  I'd always asked her to let me know if she was ever thinking of parting with him as thought he'd be ideal for Oscar (I know he's only 16 months but have to start them early!!).  He's well settled on the yard now and has made great friends with our homebred Tandy. Oscar's had a ride and I'm looking forward to teaching him to ride.

Little Peanut with Madam!

Next stop for me will be BD dressage next week and for Lauren BSJA and Firle on her own horse.

Sorry for delay again with this blog.  Will be back to work at the pub now and trying to ride at least 3/4 a day to get the strength up in my leg as well as looking after a toddler!!  Still very lucky to have great help from my family and Lauren and Kirsty!

Meet Lauren and update on the broken leg 4 weeks on...

Four weeks on from my accident at Borde Hill! It's remarkable how quickly the last four weeks have gone - I think it's because I have still been down the yard trying to help everyday! I've been giving plenty of instructions from my chair!!

I have hired new help meet Lauren Mclusky!

 Lauren Mclusky

 Photo - Tim Wilkinson

Lauren and Dusky Pink

You might already know Lauren from being a local rider, member of Eridge Pony Club or even being a groom for Francis Whittington and Pippa Funnell. 

Lauren competed her own horse Dusty Pink up CIC**.  Lauren comes over 3-4 times a week to ride my beasts and to compete them. Lauren took Ollie "Cullawn Warrior", Bea "Galwaybay Timberlina" and Poppy "Popstar III" to Golden Cross for their first competition together. 

Poppy and Bea were in the 95 and 1m class Ollie in the 1.05 and 1.10. Poppy had two down in both classes just feeling her feet first time on grass I think. Bea was 4th double clear and also WON the 1m class. 

Ollie was testing if Lauren was awake on top by having a naughty run out at number 2 in the 1.05. Mum seems to have a sixth sense with the horses and told Lauren don't trust him! How right was she! She always tells me at shows "he looks naughty today Lis" - thanks mum he then goes and bucks me off in the warm up!!  

Butter wouldn't melt - cheeky Ollie!  Still looking super smart and handsome in his Jeffries bridle.  I think he's forgiven!!

After the run out he flew around with Lauren being a back seat passenger!  

In the 1.10cm Lauren rode a lot more positive and jumped a lovely clear. Jump off was next, Lauren was starting to get more competitive jumping a super quick round against the clock winning the class!

Ollie - not a fan of flapping ribbons!

My ride for the day was a bit stubborn by not moving, but released at the end of the day I didn't take the hand brake off (blonde moment) wouldn't have that trouble riding a horse! Walking around on crutches all day is not fun!

 Old Silver - a little stubborn to load and takes 2 handlers!

My leg is feeling a lot better not as swollen, I went back to the hospital to have a check up, as you can see here this is my new leg

I've got a rod  going through my bone with four pins holding it together the doc said I can start walking with out my crutches, I think I will try one at a time first!

My aim is to ride at the Backinaction Prelim Championships at Addington Manor on 10th August with Popstar  in 7 weeks.

Thank you to my team of hard workers to keep the Pilbeam yard and horses going! I've got a lot of paying back when I'm fixed!