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.
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
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
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!
