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How is it that we are already half way through the first month of 2020, and I am only just managing to sit down to update on the latter half of 2019?!?

There is so much that can be said but if I was to detail it like previous blogs we would be here a very long time! Therefore the goal for 2020 is to frequently update this page so as not to give essays to read, and I will summarise the last 7 months.

RANSOM:

In May; Ransom and I competed in our first Inter 1. It was far from perfect, and nerves got the better of me meaning that I went wrong right at the end but we got through it!

From then we have gone strength to strength with our Inter 1 tests with our current PB being just over 67%. He definitely prefers this test to the PSG; but we continue to work at that to also better our scores.

In July we headed to Sparsholt Summer Regionals to compete in the Advanced Medium class. Ransom behaved incredibly well coming 4th in the warm up test, and was out of the placings in the Qualifier but in torrential rain I feel we coped well.

Ahead of his next Championship show we headed to Brendon Stud for their final competition of their Affiliated Dressage League. This is where Ransom obtained his two PB scores at PSG and Inter 1, AND won the Advanced Plus League. This was the positive result needed ahead of the Area Festival Finals.

His next big competition was at the Petplan Area Festival Finals at Parwood Equestrian. This was our first time at the venue, with our warm up being indoors and both tests being in an outdoor arena. We were competing in the PSG and Inter 1. I first time competing at the higher level at a championship show.

Both tests were far from perfect; with Ransom being far too opinionated in the first test, and me being unable to count in the second test! We still managed two top ten placings with some beautiful rosettes; so I really cannot complain.

Our last big competition of 2019 was at Vale View Equestrian Centre taking part in the Veteran Championships at Advanced Medium and PSG. The weather was ATROCIOUS!! With the warm up being outside we got suitable soaked to the bone before both tests.

Ransom was initially a little tense by the environment of the big indoor arena; and even added a few extra moves into the PSG which were not required! This lowered our score, and dropped us a few placings. The Advanced Medium was a much more ‘together’ test which meant we finished 4th in the PSG and a credible 2nd in the AM.

With some lovely rosettes and prizes; I aim to be back again this year!

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Ransom had some down time before we started campaigning for our 2020 season. Our aim for this year:

• To compete at the Summer / Winter Petplan Area Festival Finals at PSG and Inter 1
• To compete at the Veteran Championships at AM
• To keep him fit and healthy enough to successfully compete at the higher levels.

NELSON:

This little man continues to be in great health and enjoys going to his parties – although I still have to load him in a bridle so that he doesn’t pee off with me back to the field!

In July I took him to qualifier for the Sunshine Tour Veteran class . It was a very hot day and the judge was extremely kind in not having them work for too long round the ring. |Luckily she absolutely loved Nelson, and he won his class qualifying for the Championships which were held in September.

The class was huge at the Championships with over 25 competitors; and although extremely biased I feel he deserved to be placed higher but he was still within the top ten.

During the winter months there are a lot of Arena Eventing classes at the smaller heights which Nelson absolutely loves – and surprisingly is still super speedy at! He has been competing at Pyecombe in their 70cm classes accumulating points for the League and we are currently lying 2nd due to our numerous top ten placings (including a win!) This League runs until the end of February so fingers crossed we can continue to stay near the top of the league.

In October Nelson has a mass from his back removed under heavy sedation from our amazing vet Pete Gallon from Liphook Equine Hospital. Luckily the mass was only fatty but due to its position and size; we opted for removal to keep him comfortable under saddle.

The surgery went incredibly well but needless to say the little monkey HATED being on box rest; and once this time was up I still had to lead him down to the field in his bridle as he was trying to rear and take off with me! Some things will never change!

Our aim for this year:

• Veteran showing classes
• Unaffiliated horse trials
• To look after him in his old age!

FINLEY:

What a jam packed, successful year the fantastic horse has had! Despite our eventing season being cut very short due to the typical British weather (which continues to haunt me through the last few months!)

After Firle in May he continued to go from strength to strength with a clean sheet cross country for the 2019 season, and numerous top ten placings.

Tweseldown 100 – 10th

Tweseldown 100+ – 8th

Chilham Novice – 33 dressage, 4 faults showjumping and clear xc.

Smiths Lawn Novice – Our best result at Novice this season and a huge triumph after our loss in confidence at The Festival of the Horse the previous August. The course in both the SJ and XC was incredibly tough with only 5 clear rounds SJ in my section, and we were one of only 4 clears XC inside the time to give us 8th place.

Wellington 105 -Double clear inside the time for 5th

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Goring 105 – 4th place.

These fantastic results this season meant that for the second year in a row we won the South East Eventer League Ex Racehorse Section. The ball was held at a beautiful venue in Tunbridge Wells; and the year we were joined by some great friends to share what was a fun evening with great food, drink, and dancing.

I was blessed with some wonderful prizes for both myself and Finley.

After a well deserved break Finley has started the winter season with some Arena Eventing which quite possibly is his true calling in life! He has been storming round the courses; and also lies 2nd in the League held at Pyecombe.

I have also registered him with British Dressage to hopefully qualify him for the Petplan Area Festivals as well as the ROR Classes at Blenheim. His first BD outing was a success giving us two scores and placings at both Novice and Elementary to start our qualification campaign.

With the 2020 season looming these are our aims:

• Compete in our first International
• Qualifiy for Petplan Area Festival Finals
• Compete in our first Medium Dressage test
• Remain calm and confident!

So that’s a wrap for now! 2020 is off to a flying start and as I continue to progress with my coaching, clinics and qualifications; I can only hope that all three boys remain healthy, happy and full of life!

Time really does fly when you are having fun and keeping busy!

I hadn’t realised how long ago my last update was, but that certainly doesn’t mean the boys and I have been resting!

With the winter being dryer than the average it has meant that the boys remained pretty fit through the darker times raring to go at the start of 2019. I was also very lucky to have by sponsorship and support from Petplan Equine continued for the third year running – for which I am extremely grateful in what I will hope will be a successful year.

Ransom started his dressage campaign in February at Step Aside Dressage. The aim of this year is to:

• Qualify for Summer Regionals at Advanced Medium
• Debut at Inter I
• Qualify at PSG and Inter I for Petplan Regional Finals

We had a great start coming 1st in the Advanced 105 and PSG classes with a couple of errors. His next two outings were at Brendon Pyecombe where we competed in both the Advanced Medium and PSG classes. With each outing he improved showing some fantastic work and getting his qualifying scored for Petplan. He came away with two firsts and two seconds.

Our next outing will see our debut at Inter I at the end of May.

Click on the link to view our recent PSG performance https://youtu.be/PfzfrqIjF9M

Nelson has also had the most fantastic beginning of the year. Throughout the winter he had been competing in the Arena Eventing at Pyecombe; qualifying for the championships which were held at the beginning of March.

Despite not being the quickest pony due to his age; he jumped a fabulous clear round coming 7th in a large class.

Typically…he headed to his first horse trials on what was the hottest Easter weekend in 70 years! I knew I had to look after him in the heat and that the ground would mean we would need to take it steady.

I needn’t have worried about him too much as he pulled out a very active and accurate test for an incredible 21.8!! This was followed by a double clear to win the class. An amazing result for a pony who turned 28 only a few days earlier!

 

My old man

His amazing test!

Nelson will be aiming for some veteran classes again later on in the year; hoping to qualify for the sunshine tour again.

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We also turned our hand to Arena Eventing at both 1m and 1.10m to have some fun….turns out he’s pretty good at it! We competed in a speed class at Coombelands Equestrian where we finished sixth; and WON the 1.10m Championship class at Pyecombe Equestrian the same weekend Nelson went to the Champs. I felt incredibly positive for our first event at Tweseldown after the winter training we had.

Our winning round in the 1.10m championship

The beginning of March saw us head to our first event at Tweseldown to compete in the 100open. Finley was super all day – and I feel we had peaked at our first event. We completed on a 24 dressage with a double clear in the time to give us 5th place in a incredibly competitive section.

Sadly my gut instinct was correct about peaking to soon as Finley was hopping lame the next day. I gave him time to come right; but unfortunately needed to get the vet involved. There was a chance that Finley had torn his check ligament. Completely devastating news at the beginning of the season. But on the advise of an amazing vet from the team at Liphook Equine Hospital we started box rest, Bute, icing and cold hosing.

After a long ten days; I got the leg scanned…GOOD NEWS! His tendons and ligaments looked perfect and the swelling was probably a haematoma after a knock at Tweseldown. I got the all clear to start a rehab program to get Finley ready for his next event which would be the 100 open at Chilham.

The morning of driving to Chilham; Finley decided that he did not want to be caught! After 30 minutes of charging round his field Finley pulled up on three legs (My worst nightmare!) Luckily he has just had a small cut where he had caught his hind leg throwing some shapes! This would not stop us eventing!

We drove down the day before to stay with a lovely lady whom we had stayed with prior to Chilham last July. Lisa was extremely accommodating and Finley quickly settled into his stable for the night.

The ground was perfect and suited Finley well. He produced a sweet test for a 28 which I was happy with. I was aware that the atmosphere at Chilham has proven tough for Finley in the past; but he was incredibly confident and a little onward bound for one fence down. He then stormed round the cross country to go clear within the time for yet another top ten placing!

Our next event saw us head to Firle. This has never really been our event particularly as this is where our downfall was last season with having to completely rebuild Finn’s confidence in the showjumping arena. Plus I also had a mishap with a tree taking me out in previous years!

Today….Finley seemed to know best! The dressage was beautiful until he through a tantrum at the end, where I just about managed to keep him in the arena and halt at X. This significantly affected our marks and left us with a mid 30 dressage. Not something I have been used to for a while. The showjumping technique itself was brilliant despite the fact he used his own lines not wanting to listen to my contact at all. I had to tactfully ride him and just ‘point and shoot’. I then knew that I needed to be careful when warming up for the cross country; where the kind steward and starter allowed  me a running start from the warm up arena. He flew round oozing confidence and jumped our best round for a while clear inside the time leaving us just outside the top ten.

With only a week until our next event; I need to find away to control my incredibly fit and opinionated event horse without losing his enthusiasm and confidence…before we step back up to Novice!

No rest for the wicked!

I cannot quite believe that I have reached the end of yet another Eventing Season, as well as the wind down from the Area Festival Dressage Finals… but I am getting  ahead of myself as so much has happened in the last two months!

RANSOM:

We had continued in our training regime in order to be at our very best for the Petplan Area Festival Regional Finals at the beginning of October. This has included regular visits to my trainer Robbie Carpenter; who has worked wonders to improve our performance in the arena.

We had one more outing left before the Finals at Brendon Pyecombe. I rode in the Advanced Medium, and PSG classes. The AM test was a new one to both of us; and although a slightly bizarre test to ride we still came second. This was followed by a personal best in the PSG for first place. We had been working hard on the accuracy and straightness of the tempi changes which achieved high marks. A great preparation for the finals!

I was excited to find out that Ransom and I were Reserve Champion in the Affiliated Dressage league that Brendon Pyecombe hold throughout the year; which reminded me of what a successful season we have had.

We headed to Oldencraig Equestrian Centre, on what was a lovely sunny day. Ransom was feeling well and warmed up beautifully for the Advanced Medium test. He didn’t put a foot wrong, and as I came down the centre line for the final halt I was beaming from ear to ear. He gave 110% a produced a test I was extremely proud of. Although just outside the placings I knew I couldn’t have done anymore.

Robbie kindly came to warm me up for the PSG which helped tremendously; and yet again my smile was evident of how pleased I was with the test. The walk pirouettes didn’t quite come together (as this is a movement Ransom really struggles on), and lost us significant marks but we still managed a 6th place in a strong class. To even compete at this level is a dream let alone be placed in the final!

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Ransom has had a few weeks relaxing since the finals but will be out competing again soon.

FINLEY:

I managed to come off the wait list for Goring Horse Trials which meant I had my first run in the 100open in order to regain some of Finley’s lost confidence since Gatcombe and Firle. He produced yet another consistent dressage test which put us in a good position heading into the showjumping.

My aim was for Finley to remain calm and confident – and although this started well; he was uncertain going through the first combination and became a little tense. This meant we finished on 12 faults…BUT we completed and were allowed to go cross-country. Finley put on his happy face and skipped round with ease inside the time to finish in the top half of the class. I was relieved for the completion and already looking forward to our next event.

We headed into the depths of Dorset to Bricky Horse Trials in the pouring rain; which was a very long but worthwhile journey.

Bricky was a new venue to us both and one I would highly recommend; and will be visiting again. The cross-country course was long, undulating, and the perfect test with lots of questions. (Finley’s favourite!) The dressage test used was the long arena championship test which suited Finley and he strutted his stuff to the top of the leader board and a PB for the year! This was followed by an improved showjumping round for 8 faults. This was good going considering the slippy ground conditions; which was an increasing concern on the cross country course.

The time on the course was proving difficult to achieve due to the ground conditions; and Finley needed time over the first few fences to adjust and find his feet. After this he flew round the course clear inside the time for fourth place! A well deserved placing with his fantastic dressage score. We received some wonderful prizes including local produce which was well needed sustenance after a cold/wet day and a long drive home!

We continued to work on our showjumping combination confidence before heading to Tweseldown for their last event of the season. Finley had been feeling incredibly well (a little too well!) and decided that dressage was far too boring and added in a few moves of his own! Surprisingly the judge didn’t appreciate this; and gave him a fair but substandard mark compared to how he has gone all season!

Luckily; he managed to redeem himself with a fantastically confident double clear to finish outside the top ten. Although this was somewhat annoying; I was pleased with the confidence that had returned with one event left for the season!

Horseheath was our final event of the season where I chose to step back up to the 105. This would give me an idea of how to plan my winter training and the 2019 Eventing season. Although the result wasn’t perfect there were so many positives to take away

• A fantastic dressage score
• Jumping through both showjumping combinations

However I knew he wasn’t quite on form and a day later I discovered an issue with his foot. He is now on some well deserved time off before our winter training commences!

NELSON:

I took the old man to Tweseldown’s unaffiliated horse trials at the beginning of September to compete in the 70cm class. He was feeling on top form with a brilliant dressage for 23 – A PB for me in eventing. It made me chuckle that Nelson’s age was greater than his dressage score!

This was followed by yet another double clear with a few time penalties XC; dropping us to fifth place due to me taking a long route at one combination. Nelson has had a successful year eventing being placed at every event. Pretty incredibly for 27 years old!!

Using Nelson’s age was crucial at our next competition; as we took to the show ring for the Mature Veteran Championships at Hickstead as part of the Sunshine Tour. We are complete novices when it comes to showing; and in a twenty strong class I had minimal expectations. To my complete surprise we were called in first making Nelson Champion! This was followed by third place in the Supreme Champion class; narrowly missing out on the Supreme of Supremes. We had a lovely day; and hope to be back again next year.

Nelson has also been enjoying a little rest; but will be competing in some arena eventing through the winter months to keep him ticking over.

TRAVIS:

This pony has been going from strength to strength the last few months!

After my unplanned departure at Borde Hill I have been working hard on Travis’s technique in the showjumping; as well as keeping him calm in the dressage.

He too competed at the unaffiliated horse trials at Tweseldown in September and excelled all day with a good dressage, one pole showjumping, and a clear cross-country for fourth place.

This was then followed by his first British Event at Munstead one week later; and yet another brilliant performance. De ja vu of the previous weekend but this time an eighth place rosette.

Travis’ last event of the season was at Tweseldown BE in yet more rain and mud! I was unsure of how he would cope with the tricky ground and testing cross-country but he did not disappoint. We had a PB dressage of 30! This was followed by 8 faults in the SJ, as he had never jumped out of mud before, and another clean sheet cross-country for sixth place.

This pocket rocket has been a joy to compete this year, and will continue his training though the winter with both myself, and his owner Helena. Looking forward to what next year will bring!

SMARTIE:

I was approached by Katie to take on Smartie ‘A Rainbow of Smarties’ for the end of the season as they had a loss of confidence as a combination.

Smartie is a 10-year-old coloured mare who has very low mileage and not much experience. I also took her for her first event at Tweseldown’s unaffiliated horse trials.

Our dressage showed promise. Some lovely moments in the trot but improvement needed in the canter. I had never showjumped Smartie before so did not know what to expect. We had an unlucky 4 faults at the bogey fence, which was then followed by a fantastic clear cross-country. This landed ourselves with eighth place which exceeding my expectations.

We then headed to our first BE together at Munstead horse trials the following weekend. Smartie excelled in every phase showing vast improvement with a PB dressage of 30; and two fantastic jumping rounds to finish in third place. This was the perfect run before stepping up a level at our next event.

Back to Tweseldown for their BE, and a step up for Smartie. She was a little too opinionated in the dressage which effected our score; but was fair for the work she produced. The then flew round the showjumping with the greatest of confidence for a round I was proud of. The cross-country was a huge test for her. I did wonder whether it was too much for her; but she exceeding my expectations. We had a green moment at a skinny arrowhead after she jumped too boldly over the first part of the combination; but other than that she flew round in the time.

A great end to her season; and yet another joy to ride. I have been incredibly lucky this year!

I could not have had a better end to the season as both Finely and I had managed to win the Exracehorse League as part of the SOUTH EAST EVENTERS LEAGUE. Not only this….we also came 6th in the Novice League.

The celebrations were held at the High Rocks Inn in Tunbridge Wells; which i attended with my most loyal supporter and groom. (Mummy Gordon!) This was a fantastic venue, and the most amazing evening. My prizes were incredibly generous and I was completely overwhelmed by their generosity.

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I am now even more determined to continue our success next year; and am looking forward to getting into full winter competition mode after a mini break to Disneyland Paris with a good friend!

What better way to spend a cold and wet August Bank Holiday weekend then updating my blog after a night of drinking and dancing at a dear friends wedding reception.

The last few months have been incredibly busy, and with the added freedom of being able to drive the lorry I have been able to increase the amount of training that both Ransom and Finley have been getting to help boost their performance (and mine!) At competitions.

RANSOM

Ransom’s boot camp was going well with an outing at Pyecombe Equestrian being a huge success. We competed in two Advanced Medium tests with two wins! We even managed a PB in the same test only 5 days previously he scored 7.5% less! It has become obvious that he certainly does not want to slow down.

We then entered the Pachesham Equestrian Festival of Dressage after qualifying earlier in the year for the Advanced Medium, and PSG Championship classes. The heat was extreme, and did affect our work; but overall Ransom behaved incredibly well coming a credible third in the Advanced Medium, and winning the PSG!

We received some fantastic prizes including clothing from Huff Equestrian, Earrings from Gemma J jewellery, and a gorgeous sash.

Training continues with Robbie Carpenter who certainly works wonders with both Ransom and I. This was noticeable at our most recent outing to Pyecombe where we competed in the Advanced Medium and PSG.

Ransom was much more rideable in the arena; showing improved straightness and self carriage. Although some judges cannot see past his conformation I am continually thrilled with how much more this little horse gives in every outing – and we still managed to come away with a 1st and 2nd place. All this competition practice will hopefully set us up well for the Petplan Area Festival Finals in October; and my end of year goal of competing in an Inter I class.

FINLEY

Finley has been incredible as I continue to battle with performance anxiety on his behalf – it has been a tough few months!

After the long bout of hard ground and heat it was thought that Finley had a niggling concussion injury which meant I had to withdraw from Farley Hall mid June, and missed out on our run at Eridge in July. It was decided that he would have pads put on in front to help with the ongoing ground conditions; plus a steady strengthening rehab program.

With Finley back on form we headed to Chilham Horse Trials at the end of July for another run in the Novice. As I had early times on the Sunday morning we decided to stay the night before at a local yard. This was Finley’s first stay away show and he settled incredibly well.

As I walked the cross-country course I knew that it was going to be our toughest course to date. I was also suffering from a shoulder injury after partially dislocating it only a few weeks earlier so knew that a couple of the combinations would be tough.

I shouldn’t have worried as Finley acted like a complete pro – a beautiful dressage test, a fair show jumping round followed by a super speedy clear (where many were getting excessive time faults!) to finish SECOND only 0.1 behind first place! The most amazing result before heading to Gatcombe for the Corinthian Cup.

Sadly Gatcombe was not the positive memorable experience I was hoping for….

Finley coped well with staying away again and settled into his temporary accommodation.

Arriving on site at Gatcombe I knew it would be a huge ask of him; even in the atmospheric dressage arena. He however exceeded my expectations in the arena and produced a beautifully calm test scoring lovely marks from both judged finishing in the top half of the class.

The show jumping arena was nothing like I imagined or had experienced before…EVER! It was terrifying even to watch with busy tradestands, sponsors marquees, spectators, attractions, and the cross-country course. All this was far too much for Finley. And although we got round the showjumping he took a huge knock of confidence at the combinations which meant that we could not go cross country.

The knock on effects of Gatcombe have been significant for Finley as we headed to Firle International Horse Trials. I couldn’t even appease him in the show jumping and for the first time ever he completely shut down on me and refused to jump a combination.

Worried that I may have ruined my super event horse; I have taken the decision to not pursue my one star goals for this season. I need to concentrate on building his confidence round a lower level with only a few events left this season I am hoping we can end it on a positive note.

With lots of training and exercises round combinations at a lower height; we headed to Felbridge to take part in the combined training in the 100cm class. I am thrilled to report that Finley was a lot happier feeling confident and forwards in the show jumping meaning we achieved a clear round. This; combined with a great dressage meant we won this class! Completely exceeding my expectations of the day.

I am currently on the wait list for Goring Horse Trials so fingers crossed I get in; otherwise our next outing will be at South of England Horse Trials.

NELSON

This geriatric ginger has been having the time of his life this summer!

The incredibly hot weather has meant that his ridden work has been minimal. However we have still managed a few outings.

We headed to Tweseldown to compete in their unaffiliated horse trials. I had to work very hard to contain his excitement during the dressage test; as he has taken to leaping up and down on the spot! He scored a very respectable 32 which was followed by a double clear to finish SECOND in a large section. We even managed to collect some ‘too fast’ penalties which I didn’t think was possible!

We then swapped eventing for the showing ring as we competed in the Veteran class at the Horsham and District Riding Club Annual Show. Nelson wowed the judge who wanted to take him home! He won his class; and was chosen as overall veteran champion. This qualified us for the Sunshine Tour Championships at Hickstead which are in a few weeks time.

TRAVIS

The trials and tribulations of educating a baby are real!

Helena Dunlavey’s Travis “Global Traveller” has been progressing well with his training. His first horse trials was at Tweseldown back in June. The dressage was a little tense and wobbly but a 34 was pleasing considering this was his first time on grass.

The show jumping was slightly exuberant which cost us two poles, but he made up for this by storming round the cross-country clear inside the time to finish 15th. A very good start to his eventing career.

His next horse trials was at Borde Hill. This was a big test for him; but he stepped up to the occasion well. The dressage was calmer, and the show jumping was going incredibly….too well! He got rather tense and strong towards an upright – the combination of him jumping me out the saddle, heading down hill, picking up speed, and an abrupt turn to the left; meant i dismounted to the right and was unable to go cross-country!

The highs and literal lows of youngsters!

Travis has also been competing in combined training, where he continues to improve with every outing. His jumping technique is much better, and he is now tackled cross-country training like a pro! His next event is at Tweseldown in the 80cm class.

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OTHER NEWS:

Earlier on in the year I had a moment of madness where I signed up for a 10km charity challenge with my work colleagues (Grove Lodge Vets) to raise money for two worthy charities:

WADARS – Worthing and District Animal Rescue Society

Canine Partners

The 10km Gauntlet Games took place on an incredibly hot day in July. The whole team did incredibly well and completed the challenge raising over £2000. I managed to finish in good time; but unfortunately sustained a shoulder injury at the third obstacle (a partial dislocation with torn ligaments and cartilage!) Exercise is definitely not good for your health!

I have also been doing a lot of instructing over the summer months; and was kindly selected to be team trainer for Petersfield Pony Club at the Dressage, Showjumping, and Horse Trials Qualifiers. They had numerous teams and individuals entered who all did incredibly well; with some qualifications for the National Championships.

Their Junior Camp was held at the end of July; just before I headed off to Gatcombe. I had a fantastic ride who certainly excelled themselves; jumping a huge show jumping course at the end making me a very proud instructor!

So not everything has gone to plan these last few months…as things rarely do. But it is OK to deviate from the plan. To regroup, retrain, and rebuild confidence. That is exactly what I am doing in order to have a fun few months ahead.

The start of the 2018 season has definitely NOT gone to plan for a lot of people this year! I have not known a winter like it, and a do NOT want to see another one for a very long time!

We were all set and ready to go to Tweseldown when I got THE text the every one dreads “ABANDONED”. Sadly this only started a trend for the beginning of my season.

Gatcombe = ABANDONED

South of England = ABANDONED

Goring = ABANDONED

I was not going to let this ‘dampen’ my spirits; and therefore had a plan B each time. We headed to Brendon Stud for some dressage after Tweseldown was cancelled competing in a Novice and Elementary test; coming 2nd and 3rd respectively. I was pleased with this considering Finley had minimal turn out the last few weeks.

Our next detoured show was at Felbridge for some showjumping in the SNOW! We competed in the 1.05 and the Newcomers where he flew round our biggest course to date going clear in the 1.20m jump off. Our winter of preparation had started to pay off.

After Gatcombe cancelled we headed for another weekend of dressage and showjumping. First stop was Brendon stud where we came 2nd in the Novice, and 4th with a disappointing score in the Ele.

We then headed to Coombelands on the Sunday for the 1.05m and Newcomers where he jumped to brilliant rounds. (Video below)

Our eventing season FINALLY got off to a start at Chilham Horse Trials at the end of April.  This was far from ideal as I knew how testing, and atmospheric it could be there but such is life!

We were incredibly lucky to get the run at Chilham as the weather was horrendous! I was competing in very soggy conditions but the event team did a fab job with the ground. Finley had been waiting for this moment for two months and he certainly stepped up to the occasion. A lovely calm dressage test followed by one pole showjumping, and a speedy clear to land us fifth place in our first event of 2018! I couldn’t have asked for a better start and definitely worth the wait.

Our next run was in the 100cm at Tweseldown as I was unsure how he was going to cope with the Novice run at Chilham.

The weather couldn’t have been more different, but Finley stepped up to the occasion again with a lovely dressage, double clear, and yet another fifth place!

We then stepped back up to Novice at Borde Hill on the May Bank Holiday Monday. The ground was extremely hard and testing with the show jumping course causing lots of issues.

We pulled out another consistently good dressage. We had a few poles show jumping but I was pleased to get around considering the carnage that followed! The cross country course was quite tough, and I was nervous but he flew round making it seem effortless. I should never doubt him! We accrued a few time faults but I wasn’t going to push him on the ground. We finished just outside the top ten which I was really pleased with.

Finley’s most recent outing was to BCA Horse Trials to compete in the Novice class.

Despite looking after Finley to the best of my ability he came away from Borde Hill with a bruised sole in one leg and cellulitis in another! He has been having five star treatment in order for him to compete.

He performed a pleasing dressage (although I know it could of been much better!) To be lying third going into the showjumping phase.

The jumping was a lot more fluent and effortless compared to Borde Hill; but he had a naughty moment which resulted in knocking the first part of the double and costing us the clear round we so nearly had! However all was forgiven as he stormed round the cross country course clear within the time for FOURTH place! This qualified us for the Corinthian Cup held at Gatcombe as part of the Festival of British Eventing; so I am now going to be practicing hard until then.

NELSON

Nelson turned 27 in April and to celebrate I took him eventing to Munstead Horse Trials.

His face was so happy all day, and so was mine as this was the first time out eventing this season.

He bounced his way to a 32 dressage and double clear to come second! He loved being out eventing so much that we plan to head to Tweseldown for their next unaffiliated horse trials.

RANSOM

Ransom has finished qualifying for the Petplan Area Festivals at both Advanced Medium and PSG.

However his last outing to Pachesham was quite frustrating. He warmed up beautifully performing every movement; but as soon as he went in the arena he became quite unresponsive.

The movements he did perform well were marked highly which was one positive from the whole experience!

 I decided to head for lesson with our trainer Robbie Carpenter in prep for our first Area Festival and he gave me some great advice to help with Ransom. I have been putting this into practice at home and so far it seems to be working!

We headed to our first Area Festival at Pachesham to compete in the Advanced Medium class. Although we obtained our qualification to compete at the finals our test was still far from perfect with a few very expensive mistakes.

Ransom is now on competition boot camp so they we cant start to develop the work he finds so easy in the warm, in training and at home!

IN OTHER NEWS

Easter week saw me teaching for me old pony club ‘Petersfield’ at their Mini and Novice clinics. These were a great few days teaching two great groups of girls who improved so much in a short space of time. I am going back to teach Junior camp in the summer for the second year.

I also have had the pleasure of riding two young horses as they start their eventing careers with two girls I instruct.

The first is Ramona. A seven-year-old Warmblood cross who is owner by Georgina. I took to her first event at Munstead Horse Trials. She is incredibly green and very wobbly; but the more she is being expose to the better she becomes.

We were lying 4^th after the dressage and went clear show jumping. Sadly; the water jump was far too scary and ended our cross-country round. She has since been back through the water and is now much braver at getting her feet wet at different venues.

Then there is Travis. A six year old Connemara who is owned by Helena. He is starting his training from scratch and is coping pretty well at the moment.

I took him to his first dressage competition held at Belmoredean. This was a big ask for him as not only was it indoors – they were both long arena tests. He did everything I asked and managed to come away with two rosettes in a large class! His next outing will be to the unaffiliated horse Trials at Tweseldown in a few weeks time.

LASTLY…. I had decided it was about time I could drive myself around in the horsebox; and so I have been secretly beavering away with revision and lessons. I am pleased to announce that I passed my test FIRST TIME!

NO HOLDING ME BACK NOW!