Somerley Park International (CIC**) - 31 March - 7th!!

I was at Somerley with Holly Tuesday and yesterday for the ** and am pleased to report we came 7th!

There were around 65 starters although 11 withdraw at the SJ because of the conditions. It was really very sticky in the SJ because of the heavy rain particuarly overnight on Tuesday. Only 7 clear rounds in total of which Holly's was one.

I rewalked the XC and thankfully the sun came out and the wind picked up so it dried out a bit, one fence was removed because it was waterlogged. We had a great round XC, one small sticky moment at the water with two skinnies, but got back safely with a nice clear round only about 13 seconds over time (5.2 pens). I used my new watch, first time I've ever gone round with one which I think helped. I remember looking at the watch about half way round and already 4 minutes had gone so I kicked on!

Great result as this helps me to get the qualification I need to do *** later in the year, if I'm able to secure funding!!!

Next event with Holly is Belton on 16 April the Advanced (U25). I'll be at South of England with Duffy and Corby on the 10th.

Topham-Brown Photography

I had a fun photo shoot with Les Brown (Topham-Brown Photography) on Tuesday. He took some great photos and hopefully I'll get a few on here and the website soon!

http://www.topham-brownphotography.co.uk

Cullawn Celtic King "Duffy"

© Topham-Brown Photography

Dressage with Bobby & Beau

Had a successful day yesterday, took Bobby out for his first dressage competition and he came 2nd!

I was also riding Marilyn Warwick's horse Beau. I've been schooling Beau for Marilyn and this is the third dressage competition I have ridden him at. The last 2 outings we came 3rd but yesterday Beau did a lovely test and beat Bobby to 1st place!

Mum took Sam too and he came 5th so we had a good morning. Going to take Holly up the gallops today and probably Corby too. Corby has been going really nicely and I've been testing out my new optimum time watch taking him round the greyhound track at home, hopefully he will be back up to Pre Novice (sorry BE100!) speed by South of England!

Isleham - 7 March 2010

Had a good day with Holly yesterday at Isleham, we came 3rd in the Intermediate. 31.8 dressage, one pole down SJ and 14.4 time penalties XC. The pole in the SJ was my fault put in one too many strides and got her too close to the fence.

Duffy had a good dressage 34.5 (4th after dressage) but unfortunately had three poles down a real shame as he has been jumping so well over the winter! Still first event of the season so plenty to improve on!

Next event Twesledown Intermediate with Holly Hot Lips!

I'm also entered into Somerley International CIC** (30-31 March) and Belton Park AU25 in April.

Not sure about you but I'm enjoying the sun too, life with horses is so much easier when it's dry!