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!