At last! I have had a few outings now that lockdown has been eased which makes for a happy team at LGED.
Prior to the ease of lockdown I entered a fun online Virtual Eventing competition held by Munstead. This allowed for us all to have some fun and interaction from the comfort of our own homes. I entered a new ride for the 2020 season – “WITHNOTALOTTAPRACTICE”. Thankfully he behaved himself and we came away with a 2nd place on a score of 28.8.
I continued the online competing by entering both Ransom and Finley into several of Dressage Anywhere’s monthly competitions. The May competition saw Finley come 2nd in the Novice and 6th in the BE test on scores both over 68%. Ransom came 3rd in the Advanced Medium. Junes competition saw Ransom coming 4th in the Advanced test, and lastly in July Finley came 2nd again in the Novice.
The opportunity to compete has definitely kept me motivated and focused – I would therefore recommend anyone to give this a go. It doesn’t matter if you do not have an arena; and there are so many classes to choose from. Head to www.dressageanywhere.com to take a look.
With the weather being so warm (or at least the majority of the time) Nelson has been enjoying a leisurely few months with the occasional hacking when the weather is cooler. He is feeling incredibly well so hopefully we can continue competing during the Autumn/Winter.
RANSOM
Ransom had a lockdown birthday turning 23; but I am pleased to report he is feeling incredibly well! We have had some great training sessions with Robbie Carpenter; and more recently Sarah-Jane Lanning, where I have picked up some great tips in order to improve our scores at Inter I.
We went to our first competition in over 5 months at Parwood Equestrian where we competed in the Advanced Medium and Inter I. He behaved incredibly well in the heat and I was pleased with both tests; although we were very ‘ring rusty’ for the Inter I having not competed at this level in over 7 months. We came away second place in both classes with lots to improve on before our next outing.
FINLEY
Another one of boys to have a lockdown birthday with him turning 12. I would like to say another year older and another year wiser – but although he has improved in soooooo many ways he still likes to keep me on my toes!
We have been training ALOT in order to improve this year, and this involves being both on a surface and on grass due to eventing now being on multi surfaces. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by some amazing training venues in the South.
- Coombelands
- Felbridge
- Hickstead
- Tweseldown
Just to name a few! And I have taken full advantage of every single one; both for myself and for those I train.
I managed to have a training session with my fab jumping coach Caroline Jeanne before Tweseldown which is exactly what was needed; and I have also started training with Andrew Gould to improve Finley’s flatwork – What a difference he has made in a short space of time, and I am excited to see what untapped potential we still have with him.
We FINALLY made it to our first event of the season in nearly a year due to the horrendous weather ruining the end of the 2019 season.! Better late then never at Tweseldown Horse Trials. I put my brave pants on and entered the Novice; and was incredibly pleased with our first run putting a lot of our practice into play.
A lovely dressage test to score 31, followed by a bold and balanced showjumping round. The cross country course rode incredibly well with Finley ‘jumping’ clear…HOWEVER a napping session meant that we crossed our tracks and missed out on the top ten placing we would have had. Lesson learnt to think that he will completely change his ways; but I am focused for a better result at Moreton.
IN OTHER NEWS
I have been incredibly busy with my job as a Veterinary Nurse; as well as teaching privately and with my clinics which are a growing success. See clinics for more information.
I have just finished my first camp of the year teaching the Juniors of Petersfield Pony Club. Although different from the usual camp; it was great to be able to give the children something in what has been confusing and challenging times. We had extremes of weather – from the very very wet; to the very very hot! Reaching over thirty degrees on the last day.
I had a fabulous group of children who worked extremely hard; and showing marked improvement. They were also lovely enough to get me some super gifts which were much appreciated after a long week!
I am keeping everything crossed that we are able to continue training and competing; but will most certainly not take anything for granted. Ensure that you all remain safe but most of all healthy!
LG Eventing and Dressage 