Mattingley (UA) - 5 June 2015

Mattingley unaffiliated ODE

Dressage divas this time, they were hanging up their posh white boots for the day and turning into event horses. Entered Madam into the 80 this time just to give her a confident round across the XC, she has only started XC jumping this year so it might take a little time. We started off great this time with a dressage score of 26 a lot calmer than Munstead being first time on grass, so I was really happy with the mark. Show jumping she was on form feeling like she wanted to go XC. She jumped clear, was worried she was not going to respect them as I moved her up to 1.10 BSJA so looked very small. Warming up XC was a lot better and went flying out the start box until we got past number two she wasn't too sure going through the scary woods to get to the next field but after that we was on our way with a few spooks at fence judges and people walking by. We just had the one step back at the water giving us 20 penalties which was a real shame but straight through the second water and we finished missing out on 2nd place, really happy to finish and she felt great.

Ruby who I ride for Anne Clarke also did the 80cm we had a much improved dressage of 31 and clear show jumping but had a disappointing stop at number 4 just went a bit green with lots of things to look at by the fence. Always another day and she’s coming on well.

Poppy was in the 90 scoring another fab dressage of 25 and clear SJ going around like a pro but XC caught us out. She felt super jumping across country just need to keep practising going into boggy wet puddles! It was a shame but that's horses for you! I feel she and Madam will make great event horses but it just going to take time and they’re all the better for it when they’re given the time. Their next events will be BD and BSJA shows until another unaffiliated ODE comes up.

Poppy, Kirsty, Madam and Peanut with Kate O'Mara's (Poppy and Madam's owner) Mum!

Dressage Masters Hickstead - 14 May 2014

Off we went to Hickstead again, it now has to be my favourite venue for dressage!

Early start doing my first test at 8.30am. I did ask for early times as I was going on holiday to Dubai at 5pm.

Poppy was in Prelim 17 for her first test, I came out the ring feeling like she had down the best test she has done. We had 70.58% to come 2^nd.

We also did another Prelim test (19) finishing on a score of 70.91% to be placed 2nd again a very consistent day from Popstar we have now qualified for the Hickstead Championships on 31st May we came 9th in the league table!

Madam was entered into two Novice tests (38 and 39), she also felt like she had done the best test apart from a couple of mistakes, having a little spook and a bit wobbly coming up the centre line we scored a 67.90% to come 2nd.

Next test, she felt like she had enough by then and was being a little grumpy warming up. We scored a 61.72% just having a little disagreement about coming back to trot.

My next British Dressage show will be at Hickstead again with Poppy in a warm up class before the Championship and Madam in the Novice class.

Hickstead - BD Masters - 9 April 2014

Can you believe I've never been to Hickstead to ride or spectate?!  So I was very excited to compete there with Madam and Poppy who are owned by Kate Woodhouse. 

Poppy was entered for two Prelim tests and Madam for two Novice tests. This is my first year doing British Dressage and really enjoying it - this was my third BD competition with the girls 

It was a early start leaving at 6.45 am but had to do all the horses at home before we left. Luckily I had my mum and Kirsty  to help and both horses were plaited the night before. I always plait the horses the night before if I have an early time. To make sure the plaits stay in I use Lycra hoods which cover their neck and face and they keep them stain free. Thank you to my sponsors Dragonfly Saddlery and pets for supplying them.  I've had them for well over a year now, they were particularly handy when taking Corby out competing and to the BRC Dressage Championships as greys show all the stains! At £31.99 for the version I have it really does save me a lot of time and means that I get an extra half an hour in bed which helps when it's a really early start!

The first test was at 9 am with Popstar first to go. I was lucky not get eliminated - I left Poppy's boots on, which the very nice judge told me. First test we scored 67% and the second Prelim we scored 70% she won both her classes. I was so pleased with her - a very grown up Poppy!

Popstar - Photos Spidge Photography

Madam was next we scored 64.11% in her first Novice test we had rein back which I've only just started teaching her. We won the the restricted section and 4th overall. 

The second test felt a lot more relaxed we improved by scoring 67.41% and came 6th overall and 2nd in our restricted section.

Swanky (Madam) - Photos Spidge Photography

A very good day with the two beautiful black mares!