Munstead - 22 March

Great event for the young ones to get them started. I did have three rides Saturday but got balloted on another new ride I have this season. Cavaliers Molly Moot (Mouse). I ride Mouse twice a week for Jo who owns her. So just had Penny and Bea. This was my first event back after breaking my leg, which has got the all clear now.

Bea has only done one BE event which was at Borde hill, she tends to get a little tense for the dressage but scored a respectable 31 a super clear SJ. XC  we had a naughty two stops going into the water never had problem with water before but stormed around the rest of the course inside the time. Water practice is in order I reckon!

Penny was amazing we had a 23 dressage being her weakest  phase she didn't do too bad all the hard work paid off and a super double clear coming 2^nd!

Next event for Bea, Penny and Mouse will be Chilham Castle.

Ollie was on Sunday doing the BE100+ also had Lauren and her horse on board.

Didn't have to leave until 11.30 so had time to ride before I left and a stop off at the M&S garage to stock up on yummy food.

Ollie started the show off with a 31 dressage which was ok being a Novice test he just let me down in the walk a little tension! But did a super double clear. We came 7th on our dressage score of 31.

Lauren did a super test in the BE100 with an amazing 16 dressage with 4 faults SJ and clear XC to come 4th with a score of 20 surely you’d think that would be a winning score but someone had a 14! Late night back!

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!

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!

Weston Lawns 23 - 27 April 2014

Weston Lawns

First time going away showjumping for a whole 4 days jumping, usually its going away eventing!

Very exciting and was looking forward to the competition but downside was I had to leave Oscar behind :-(

I was very lucky enough to get kitted out by my kind sponsors Dragonfly Saddlery ready for the event.

I've always had my Mum’s hand me down jackets (which I'm not complaining about!) but it’s always nice to have a new jacket (or any new kit!

My new jacket is by Cavallo (the Grannus) which I really recommend its always hard to find a jacket which fits like its been tailor made, this one fits perfectly and even better it has a few bits of bling on the buttons and collar, real Swarovski crystals (very showjumper!).

Such a perfect fit it felt like it was made just for me! So exciting to have my own new jacket - very lucky.

  

I also had a new shirt by Showquest stock shirt with a few bling bits on the collar!  

New jodhpurs by Rugged in white! I really love this brand, I was introduced to them by Dragonfly a few years ago and they have a large range of Rugged jods.

I'll be needing some Daz to keep those beautiful comfy competition Rugged jods white!

Finally, the horses weren’t left ouon this fab trip to Dragonfly - something for my pony a new Jeffries bridle (the Wembley Pro grackle) which looks lovely on Ollie! I was truly looking like a showjumper with all the bling! All I needed to do was straighten my long blonde hair and tie into a pony tail!! 

 Ollie sporting his beautiful Jeffries Wembley Pro Grackle!

I picked up some Carr & Martin Mane & Tail Conditioner.  Dragonfly are stocking the new Equimist spray one.  Think Dragonfly still have both at the moment and website will take to old version but do ask for new one - you won't be disappointed. Highly recommend as it covers well in a fine mist.  Worth giving it a try instead of conventional trigger ones, it didn't make much noise and all the horses have had a go with it and are happy with it and were nice and silky!

Ollie happy with his new hairspray - so handsome!!!

First day

On board the lorry, my friend Katherine (Kat) Sands (part time helper and groom)! and the three horses the beautiful Bea, wonderful poppy and my Ollie left on Wednesday afternoon for the long trip up to Coventry. With a few stops loading up on M&S and McDonalds and not forgetting Krispy Creme donuts! The journey took 4hours, unloaded horses and got them all settled into their new home for the next 4 days. Kat and I stayed in Shane's lorry in the horse part but we did have a heater so we didn't freeze to death!

Thursday first day jumping

I had 5 horses to jump over the next 3 days three from home and two of Shane's lovely horses Donni who is a stallion Carraig Donovan (check his stud card out!), and Esther.

Donni (Carraig Donovan - he's handsome and he knows it!

First class was the 1.05cm in the main ring I had Ollie, Esther and Donni to jump.

 Ollie

Donni was first we had a 12 faults, Esther done a fab double clear to come 10^th. Ollie had an unlucky 4 faults in the jump off, but they all felt fab jumping in the main ring with the brightly coloured jumps.

 Esther - 10th

Esther was next to jump in the 1.10, just having one down which was a shame because she was jumping so well.

Donni, Poppy and Bea were jumping in the other ring. Poppy did the BN and 1m just having the 4 faults in both.

Poppy

Bea 4 faults in the 1m and Donnie 4 faults in the 1m too! Very much a 4 faults day!

Friday

Great start to the day where Ollie picked up the first prize of the day second place in the 1.10cm.

 Ollie so handsome in his new bridle

Next class was the 1.20cm where we had one down and a naughty run out, unlike the old boy but jumped fab apart from that.

 Ollie warming up for the 1.20m

Edie who was jumping Shane's lovely horse Soli came 3rd in the British Novice.

Bea was jumping in the 1m picking up 5th place with a double clear, Esther came 4th in the 1.05 great start to the day winning ribbons!

Bea

Poppy was last to jump of the day in the 5 year old class which was 1.05 her first time jumping at this height in a ring, we had good prep the day before so were raring to go. It was the worst day with the weather not playing ball, really wet and windy. 

Soaked warming up Poppy

Walked the course, went through the course in my head before I went in, had a very blonde moment and jumped the wrong number two was SO So so gutted! Couldn't believe I could make a mistake like that, she jumped the best round and clear!

Pinging Poppy

After a long day jumping and with the weather being miserable we all sat down for dinner. Kat’s mum made lovely lasagna for the first night and my mum made a shepherds pie which went down very well. We weren’t going hungry this trip! Kat’s mum also made the most amazing quiches!

Saturday last day!

Ollie was entered for the 1.25 open first class which was drawn order and I was 49th to go, we tacked up in enough time so we would get down there for 15 until me, but because there were quite a few withdraws I got down there to find I only had 3 to go, mad rush to warm up and jump! Ollie did well to warm up in 5 mins! He jumped number one really sticky, had to get after him before number two which he jumped better, number three was sticky again, he was jumping everything with too much height I know that sounds weird but when you have a back bar you need a horse to spread over more. Number four caught us out he jumped it so big and landed on the back pole and crashed though it good and proper! I carried on but retired after number 5 he wasn't feeling on form and didn't want to loose his confidence, I do think its because we didn't warm up properly.

I decided to take him in the 1.10 at the end of the day. I still had Poppy, Bea, Donni and Esther to jump.

Poppy was in the 1m and just had unfortunate one down in the jump off.

Donni had two down I think Shane had been feeding him too many carrots the night before or he was checking out the ladies too much!  

Bea was in the 1.05 just having the one down in the jump off she was jumping so well I decided to put her into her first 1.10. She jumped her heart out just having the two down in the jump off just though tiredness, I was so happy how she has taken everything in her stride, this was her first big show and staying away.

 Warming up Bea

Esther was in the 1.10 she wasn't playing ball and had me off, I did hit the fence pretty hard with my leg, didn't think it would be that bad to ride Ollie next, even though I couldn't walk. Katherine got Ollie ready for me hopped on with bit of help from Kat! My leg was killing by this point I started trotting, I couldn’t see myself jumping 14 fences so decided against it, I was a bit gutted and took him for a little hack instead!

That evening had a few drinks to cheer me up and a massage from Kat in exchange for a walk to the canteen for sweets! My leg was quite swollen and walked with a limp – still sure a physio would say it was good to keep moving and it was in pursuit of sweets!

Sunday

Time to go home, there was more jumping this day but felt the horses had jumped well over the 3 days and they felt a bit tired especially Bea and Poppy the babies! We parked up and left around 12.30, we were very lucky with the traffic and got back in 4 hours!

 The girls, Bea and Poppy taking it all in on their first trip away they were so good and are ones to watch for the future.

Ollie's first stay away too!

Big thank you to my sponsors Dragonfly Saddlery & Pets for kitting me out. I have to say myself I looked very smart!

Thank you to my owners Kate, Jamie and Shane for letting me have the opportunity to ride such lovely horses looking forward to the future!

Also big thank you to my friend Kat who helped me with the horses and did a great job turning them out for me! Clare and Mum for the delicious food!  Great fun had and hope to do another showjumping trip!