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I seem to be saying this more and more but where does the time go?! We are already a third of the way through the year and yet again so much has happened!

RANSOM

After having the majority of the winter as a bog pony; Ransom returned to full work and both myself and Pete the vet were pleased with how he was moving. In February he returned to competition at a lower level – and he was SOOOOO pleased to be out. I only entered one test where he came second.

His next outing was a few weeks later where yet again; he was amazing and scored over 70% in one test and 69% in the other to take 1st and 2nd place. We had almost reached our regional qualification points….until disaster struck again!

He came in from the field with a awful wound near to his fetlock joint. One emergency vet visit later and and THIRTY plus dressing changes the wound has now almost healed. He was incredibly lucky it didn’t get into the joint – but because it needed to heal by secondary intention (by itself) it has taken a little longer than first anticipated. He is yet again back in full work with his next competition entered so FINGERS CROSSED!!

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FINLEY

Finley has had a great start to his 2022 season after a winter of preparation with dressage and combined training competitions. I am lucky to have Felbridge as a local venue where he had multiple successes in the Novice Combined Trainings with improving scores each time out.

Our first event of the season was at Tweseldown heading straight out at Novice… and if I say the conditions were less than ideal I would not be lying! The weather had been HORRIFIC prior to the event and being one of the last to go of the whole event I was competing in bog. Finley tried so hard in every phase. A tentative dressage for his first time on grass; followed by the last two poles down in the SJ after jumping so well. He then flew round the XC just outside the time. For our first event of the year I was definitely not disappointed.

His next event was as South of England in the Novice. Another consistent outing with a calm dressage. One very unlucky pole SJ; and a super clear inside the time round a very tricky track to finish 5th. The XC commentator even complimented our round saying it was like a masterclass – therefore I couldn’t not get the video of our round!

https://www.an-eventful-life.com.au/ride/laura-k-gordon-carramore-boy-south-england-1-2022

Our next event is at Chilham; whilst we continue to prep for the Novice Masters at Barbury in July.

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CLEMMIE

Clemmie became a fully fledged member of the family at the end of 2021; and I cannot thank Simone enough for trusting me with her.

She has had a very busy winter continuing her training and building her confidence round some bigger tracks. We had qualified for the Arena Eventing Championships at Aston-le-Walls in February after multiple successes at different venues throughout the winter. This was her first big competition and she did incredibly well in both the 80cm and 90cm classes. A very educational experience for her; and one that I would like to qualify her for again this year.

Her first event was at Munstead; and I decided to start her at 90cm after a successful winter of competing. Her score looks pretty good on paper as she produced a 32 dressage with a double clear. This would of had her in the placings but unfortunately she decided to grind to a halt mid course; which led to some unplanned time faults. So many positives to take away from her first event which nicely set her up for her next event at South of England.

A rather beefy track at South of England meant I knew this may be Clemmie’s first real test. I had a new plan for the dressage which worked incredibly well scoring 30; which left us in third place. A very unlucky pole SJ and a clear inside the time XC meant we finished in the top ten for 8th place. Again on paper; this looks like a great result (which is was!) but she had another naughty moment on course between fences 2-3 where she tried to stop and nap. Luckily not quite as bad as Munstead; but I am hoping this is not going to be a regular occurrence! This is not something she is doing in training as we have been frequently XC schooling to continue to build her confidence in this phase.

Her next event is also at Chilham whilst she continues to prep for the Area Festivals at Firle in May…AND our BIG event at Bramham Championships in June.

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OTHER NEWS

I have been lucky enough to take on some lovely new clients this winter who have already progressed so much towards their goals for 2022.

I have been busy with the training liveries – where two have become permanent fixures on the yard!

OBI – He was originally with me on sales livery but soon caught the eye of Georgina who is now the proud owner of this special boy. They have only just started their journey together but already it is proving to be an exciting one!

OTTO – He originally came to me for a few weeks training before Christmas; and after a short time away he has returned on full livery to continue his training. This is to help both him and his owner progress and start their eventing partnership.

I was lucky enough to be able to take him to his first event at Munstead in the Unaffiliated Horse Trials; where he exceeded all expectations. An exceptional dressage to score 26 followed by a double clear inside the time meant we finished 2nd – Such a great start for him!

It has been so much fun to be back out eventing again. But I hate to say it….WE NEED RAIN!!!!!

It has also been so rewarding seeing so many clients and friends doing so well; and ultimately enjoying themselves. It is why I love doing what I do.

I will have more space for clients and training liveries heading into the summer months so please fill free to CONTACT ME for more information.

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 6^th in the PSG and 5^th 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
• 3^rd in Area Festival Championships 100open
• 5^th in first Intermediate Novice
• 8^th 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

• 6^th in Novice
• 6^th in Leading horse
• 1^st 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 – 4^th
• BE Novice – 2^nd

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 8^th 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!

• 6^th in first Horse Trials – 80cm
• 1^st BE80 West Wilts – Qualifying for Championships
• 5^th Cotsworld Cup 80cm
• 5^th BE80 Tweseldown
• Double clear in first BE90 Munstead
• 1^st 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 2^nd 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!

• 3^rd UA 80 Munstead
• 8^th UA 80 Tweseldown
• 9^th 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:

• 2^nd UA 80 Tweseldown (PB dressage of 27)
• 4^th 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!

And just like that the Eventing season is over for Finley and I. He is now on a mini holiday until the beginning of November but I pleased with how it ended after the trials and tribulations we have faced this year.

FINLEY

Our event after Tweseldown was Moreton – A new event to us and what a lovely event too! The best grass arenas I have ridden on, Showjumping on a surface; and a bold cross country track. The weather was ridiculously hot; and I was so grateful for early times.

We achieved a top ten finish after a lovely dressage (31); one pole showjumping, and a clear within the time cross country – despite almost jumping the start box!

Our next event was at Wellington in the 105 – Another consistent dressage and cross country round; but the lack of brakes in the SJ meant that it dropped us from 3rd place to out of the top ten. Due to a large number of events now showjumping on a surface the lack of grass jumping really did show – something I need to work on.

West Wilts Novice was a a frustrating event – yet another great dressage test; and a super confident SJ round (on a surface!). The cross country was BIG; with a couple of testing combinations later on in the course – however for a reason I do not understand he went incredibly green and stopped at the third fence

My last two events were definitely the best way to end the season. Bricky 105 showed that I still do have my brave cross country machine; and after our best dressage of the season I was so pleased with him storming round the longest, and trickiest course we have faced this year for a clear inside the time.

Tweseldown was THE PERFECT END! A 30 dressage; double clear inside the time left us in 5th place. I am still so proud of how we have progressed – especially in the dressage. For the first time in a few years Finely did not have a tantrum in the arena; and consistently was in the top ten after the dressage phase.

With the dressage ever improving – we started our campaign for the Petplan Area Festivals at both Novice and Elementary. This started with some amazing results at Felbridge with a double win; and over 70% in our first test. We now have to finish our Elementary qualification after his well earnt break!

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RANSOM

I have been working hard at getting Ransom qualified for the Petplan qualifiers at both PSG and Inter 1 – and I am pleased to report that we have gained our qualification and are ready to work hard these next few months in order to be the best we can be.

With each outing we were improving with our scores – but I was frustrated at the fact that I was not able to ride the test I know we can get in training and at home. However; our last outing in September at Pyecombe proved that we are both still heading in the right direction with some of the best marks from a judge who has previously scored us low at the lower levels.

The frustration is never with Ransom; only with myself as I am grateful for every test we complete at this level!

NELSON

Nelson is still in work; and has been freshly clipped as he tends to get hairy all year round now due to his age! We have been having a couple of jumps on grass and he still feels really well – I will be having a look at the Arena Eventing Calendar to see if there is anything I can take him to.

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OTHER NEWS

I was so excited that I held my first two day ‘non-residential’ camp at Tweseldown in August. It was a great success even with the restrictions which had been put in place with two days of flatwork, showjumping and cross country. It was lovely to see both old faces who I teach regularly; and new ones – I am already planning for next year so watch this space for 2021!

I was lucky enough to be given the ride of the little Palomino pony pictured above at his first 80cm hunter trial. Ellie is owned by Charlotte; and as a combination are quite inexperienced with Ellie only being five; and Charlotte only ever competing at low levels.

Since becoming their coach they have improved a great deal with confidence and ability – so I was pleased to be trusted with her steed. He behaved very well to complete the 80cm at Munstead in terrible weather conditions – he did not have an issue with the jumps themselves…just the puddles that we came across!! He finished with much confidence and scope around this level – and I am looking forward to continuing the journey with them through the winter.

With the changing of clocks, and dark evenings looming; it may be that a alot of riders will not have the time or ability to keep their horses fit and ridden during winter. I am available for schooling / riding / and general exercising during the week so please do get in touch References available.

Due to COVID a lot of the training and development I had planned has been put on hold but I am now hoping that I can finish my BECC qualification soon; as well as my British Dressage Judges Exams. Needless to say I have learnt a lot about Zoom and Teams – which I am sure I will be needed to use for the foreseeable future!

So here is to the start of winter – lets keep everything crossed it is drier than last year. Keep safe and well!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

2020 had started incredibly well with the boys fitness, training and early competitions – however with the horrific winter weather, and now the COVID-19 outbreak the season for everybody has now been put on hold for the foreseeable future.

This has given me yet another opportunity to reflect on our goings on over the last few months – and our training going forward until we can compete again. I have made the decision to continue to ride during these times as the horses were fit a raring to go. Plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to improve.

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RANSOM

I only managed to get to one competition before lockdown with Ransom which was in February run by Step Aside Dressage. I was aiming for my qualifying scores for the Veteran Championships to compete at Advanced Medium and PSG. The rather horrific weather led to another soggy warm up but Ransom performed well obtaining the double win; and our scores needed at AM.

Our next outing was meant to be stepping back up to PSG and Inter 1 to get those all important scores; but sadly Ransom had Cellulitis which put him out of action for that week. I am pleased to report he is now happy and well and working hard to improve his pirouettes and tempi changes.

Practicing our 1 time tempi changes

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NELSON

We continued with our Arena Eventing at Pyecombe in the run up to their championship show which was held at the end of February. Having previously had many successful days at Pyecombe; I thought that their early February competition would also be just that. Nelson was flying round the course and was all set to win the class until he promptly dumped me at the last fence! This goes to show that after 25 years he still likes to prove he cannot be trusted 100%!!

However he did redeem himself on championship day coming 8th in a large class as well as overall 2nd Reserve Champion. Not bad for a 29 year old.

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FINLEY

Finley had been the busiest of them all; with his training being ramped up ahead of the start of the Eventing season.

He was also very much still enjoying the Arena Eventing at Pyecombe; and with the introduction of their 1.10m classes; it gave us more to focus on. Finley yet again flew round at this height winning the class; and also picking up a second place in the 1m.

We had also qualified for the Championship show; where he gave me the most AMAZING round being one of only two clears. Being the superstar that he is we managed to be 7 seconds faster; and were crowned champion. I was lucky enough to win a sash and beautiful rug (as modelled by Finley below)

Whilst having fun with the Arena Eventing I knew I also had to focus on improving our dressage especially as he was now registered with British Dressage. I was able to get in two more Affiliated competitions – the first being at Step Aside where he produced two amazing tests. The highlight being the 70%+ score in his Novice, and a credible 66% in the Elementary.

I also substituted Ransom for Finley at Pyecombe’s first outdoor event of the year; where he yet again produced two beautiful tests. However this time he was not the judges favourite; leaving us in third place. I have learnt by now not to worry too much about this as I know how well he did perform; and more importantly I was happy.

We did manage to compete in our first unaffiliated Medium test after an incredibly educational lesson with my fab trainer Robbie Carpenter. Finley is very green at this level but has the potential to produce a nice test. I was aiming for a 60%+ score, so was pleased with just shy of 64% knowing that we deserved a few extra marks for certain movements. I could not have asked for more!

We were raring to go for our first event of the season at Tweseldown; but sadly this was not meant to be due to the constant torrential rain that we had been having. Therefore the event was abandoned and we have yet to event. THANKFULLY….before lock down I was able to go and school round the BE Novice course where he flew round the whole thing.  Bitter Sweet.

One of our last outings before lock down was back to Hickstead to school round their  incredible all weather course. I have been holding a lot of clinics there (and will again when all systems are go!) Finley was awesome and jumped his socks off including some of the intermediate fences. A great place to have left our training before lockdown.

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OTHER NEWS:

I attended BETA International at the end of January, which was incredibly informative. I was able to browse a lot of new and exciting products from some companies which I use on a daily basis; as well as listened to some fascinating talks held by the Society of Master Saddlers. This gave me more of an understanding; and I hope to attend some of their training days later this year to further develop my knowledge.

I also attended what has turned out to be the last International Eventing Forum held at Hartpury College. Another very informative day with the main focus being that of Horsemanship. Some brilliant demos and talks were held by some of the best in the sport: Andrew Nicholson, Robbie Power, Adam Kemp, Eric Smiley, and Gillian Carlisle who spoke in depth about Thoroughbreds / RORs; which of course plays close to my heart.

To keep busy during lockdown I have been putting my artistic skills to the test and have been upcycling old palettes and jumps so that I have something fun and interesting to train over. This includes revamping my pre existing planks, making showjumping fillers, shoulder brushes, and an arrowhead. I am just waiting for more paint to arrive so I can make them as ‘professional’ as possible!

Lastly; it has been important to keep up with my own fitness so that once this is all over I will be ready to compete and train. This has included some wonderful runs and walks in my local countryside as well as some killer home work out videos!

So what ever you have decided to do during lockdown and these unprecedented times; I hope you are able to visit your four legged friends to help keep you happy and sane; but most importantly I hope you all remain safe and well.