Looking back at the date since I last updated my blog – A LOT has happened since then. From absolute devastating heartache to overwhelming joy. It would be an incredibly long read to detail the last year so instead I will summarise.
THE LOSS OF NELSON
Losing a pet is never easy but Nelson was more than that – he had been a family member for over 25 years; and the day we had to say goodbye was one of the hardest days of my life.
He became unwell in November of last year; and despite rallying several times he eventually took a turn for the worse in December when we said our last goodbyes. I don’t think the void of loosing him will ever go away; but I owe everything to him for the rider I am today. I have so many amazing memories of him over twenty-five years; and for that – I am grateful.
RANSOM
Ransom has had a tricky year; and at 24years old owes me absolutely nothing.
His first competition this year was in April; where we continued to compete at Inter 1 and PSG to get his qualifications for the Petplan Area Festivals. With qualifications gained we headed to the Area Festivals at Parwood in May where this super little horse came 6th in the PSG and 5th in the Inter 1. Little did I know that this would be his last major competition.
In July I noticed that he wasn’t quite ‘right’ and after a visit from our amazing vet; Pete, it was thought that the arthritis in his left hip had progressed. This was last treated eight years ago – so he has done incredibly well.
With the hip treated; Ransom started with his rehab and was progressing well. Until… he managed to get cellulitis in all four limbs which meant more stress for me! This was then followed by ligament strain! So for now Ransom is living his best life as a hairy bog pony with no pressure. He will have the winter to rest; and only time will tell.
FINLEY
Through the sadness and heartache this horse has truly made my year. I could not be prouder of what we have achieved together – and again if I was to go through it all in detail; we would be here all day!
- 11 events completed – 9 of which were top ten finishes
- 3rd in Area Festival Championships 100open
- 5th in first Intermediate Novice
- 8th in first International
- Completion of first CCI2* finishing in top half of class.
It has been a long ambition of mine to compete in an international competition and I’m so pleased that Finley has been the one to make this dream a reality. Now knowing what to expect from an International at that level I know what we need to work on to improve; and hopefully be more competitive.
Due to his great results this season he has been placed in several eventing leagues.
SOUTH EAST EVENTERS LEAGUE
- 6th in Novice
- 6th in Leading horse
- 1st in Exracehorse to Eventer – FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
The SEEL ball is in a few weeks’ time and it will be great to get dressed up and celebrate with friends.
ROR – RETRAINING OF RACEHORSES
- BE100 Points League – 4th
- BE Novice – 2nd
I have been training hard to embrace Finley’s inner dressage diva; and the results are evident. He is so much stronger and straighter than before; which has ultimately helped his jumping technique.
He too attended the Petplan Area Festivals in May. The biggest dressage competition to date and he did me proud in the atmosphere. The Novice and Elementary classes were huge; and we finished a credible 8th in the Novice, and the top half in the Elementary after a slight wobble in confidence halfway through the test.
He has been having some well deserved time off; and already I am planning a winter of training so we can come out better than ever in 2022!
CLEMMIE
After the loss of Nelson; I was very kindly approached to have a young, green little chesnut mare in for training. She showed potential in all her paces but had very little education; and so for the next two months I started to produce her for her owner.
After this period I time I was then lucky enough to be given the opportunity to have her on loan for a year – 6 months later and she continues to go from strength to strength!
- 6th in first Horse Trials – 80cm
- 1st BE80 West Wilts – Qualifying for Championships
- 5th Cotsworld Cup 80cm
- 5th BE80 Tweseldown
- Double clear in first BE90 Munstead
- 1st Rackham Hunter Trial 80cm – Qualifying for Eland Lodge Championships
Excited to see what will come in the next six months; already having her British Dressage debut in the hope of qualifying for the winter championships and Prelim and Novice, AND her arena eventing debut also qualifying the British Eventing Championships next February by coming 2nd at Pyecombe.
Never would did I think that I would have a pocket rocket chesnut mare to look after!
OTHER NEWS
As well as the new ride on Clemmie; I was also lucky enough to have some familiar rides to compete on again this season for their wonderful riders who I thank for trusting me with their horses.
First up is Ellie – the dancing unicorn who I introduced to his first year eventing. He did not disappoint with three out of three events being placed!
- 3rd UA 80 Munstead
- 8th UA 80 Tweseldown
- 9th BE80 Tweseldown
He has been going from strength to strength in his dressage with his owner Charlotte; and he will be a fantastic event pony.
Next up is Travis; the little pocket rocket who has had some confidence issues this year as well as being diagnosed with gut ulcers. I’ve been working with his owner; Helena and although this has been a year of building Travis up from the basics he produced some fab results:
- 2nd UA 80 Tweseldown (PB dressage of 27)
- 4th UA 90 Coombelands
We will have a winter of confidence training in the hope of being back out doing what they both do best next year!
Having the pleasure of riding other horses and being part of their training (both the good and the bad!) I’ve decided to now focus more on training, retraining and rehabilitating horses and ponies; and am lucky enough to have the facilities, support, and trainers to help me do this.
I’ve had some super horses in this year; and am now busier than ever at the start of winter. If you would like to discuss having your horse in for training, retraining, rehabilitating, or competition livery. See my SERVICES page and feel free to CONTACT ME. References are available.
With the easing of the lockdown restrictions this year training, and clinics have resumed as normal. This also meant Pony Club Clinics and Camps; which were fun and enjoyable as always.
I work closely with Petersfield Pony Club, whose Horse Trials Team qualified for the Grassroots Championships at Rectory Farm in August. I had the pleasure of going as team trainer, as I coach some of the team privately. They were all AMAZING and their hard work paid off as they WON overall and had multiple individual placings!
Days like this prove how rewarding coaching can be – and with that being said; you may remember I started the BECC (British Eventing Coaching Course) at the start of the pandemic. Well after what seems like forever I am now a fully Accredited Coach!
So that’s my jam packed year summed up in a short space of time. 2022 is getting nearer but with just SEVEN WEEKS LEFT there is still so much to cram in! Lets go out on top form!
LG Eventing and Dressage 