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!
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!
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!
