Are we, aren't we...?

More weeks pass and more events lost... it has been an incredibly difficult start to the season. All the horses were prepped and ready to run with nowhere to go. It's been such a shame to lose so many events to the weather as some of the horses are still missing their first runs. However, looking on the bright side, I have had some fantastic training, including another session with Gill Watson as part of the MTBTG course, this time on Rick which really helped me progress with him and we did get an outing to Munstead Horse Trials at the end of March!

Day 1 at Munstead was the first time out with Michele Mallinder's THE ELVIS and my first ever event on Caroline Collin's SALLY DOONAVEERAGH, both competing in the BE90open. Elvis was first to go very early in the morning. I was pleased that he had remembered what he had learnt last year and started the day off with a good dressage of 29. Not long after him it was Cilla’s turn. I did not know what to expect from her as it was our first event together but she didn’t disappoint me producing a really nice test for 29.5. The show jumping was causing many problems with a tricky course because of the undulations and technical lines. Elvis, despite a couple of spooks, jumped a very clean clear round and Cilla just had one unfortunate rail where she ran down the hill a little flat. Despite both beings babies still, Elvis and Cilla both flew round the cross country, with no problems at the new water to finish in 3rd and 8th place! A successful first outing for them both.

Elvis' video.

Day 2 at Munstead with the 3 musketeers. PATCH ALI and ASHFORD CLEAVE LITTLE MAN both competing in the BE100 and UNCLE DESMOND was having a go at his first BE100+ (novice dressage and show jumping; 100 XC). Finally Jeff and I were getting our first run together and despite having been prepped for several weeks and relatively fit, he came out totally chilled and we did a quiet, calm dressage test for 28.5 which I was very happy with for our first attempt! Hurley now seems to totally know his job and produced another consistent test for 28.5. I then got to do Des’s dressage test for the 100+. He warmed up really well but slightly dropped me in the test. As it was his first event this year my warm up routine was slightly rusty with him. Luckily Des has beautiful paces which were rewarded with a 24.5 in what seemed to be a very competitive section. Unfortunately the show jumping course did not suit a big horse with many difficult turns and lines. Jeff actually jumped really well but was caught out on two notoriously difficult fences. For little Hurley it was much easier which resulted in a clear round. The cross country course caused no problems for either of them and it was great to finally feel what Jeff was like across the country having barely left the school in months because of the wet ground! He is a very genuine, gentle giant! Suzie and I were both slightly amazed when we saw Hurley had WON for the second event on the trot. What a superstar he is turning out to be. Jeff was not left out and picked up 5th place as the show jumping was very influential! Even at the end of the day, when it was the turn of the 100+ section to show jump in pretty sticky going, Des went in the ring and pinged his way round like he was on a wax surface! He made it seem easy and this confirmed my decision to move him up to Novice on the next outing. An easy clear XC meant we picked up another 3rd place of the weekend! Great to have all the horses in the top ten.

Hurley's video.

The next outing was another trip to Felbridge. It’s the perfect training venue for ‘pre-events’. I took the two new boys on the block, CRAAN BOB for the BE90 and BRIARLANDS BIRDSONG for the Novice combined training. It was an absolutely miserably wet morning and poor Bob got drenched. He didn’t seem to bothered by it behaving impeccably for a good dressage of 31 and a clear show jumping for 2nd place in a big class! It was a good opportunity to see what I needed to work on before our first event. Later in the day we went back for Rick’s turn. It was his first ‘party’ in about 10 months so I gave him plenty of warm up time in case he was a bit excited. He was actually a true gentleman and allowed me to get on and ride him without being tense producing the best dressage of 27.7. I had not jumped many course before this so again it was a great opportunity to see what I needed to do. He jumped a steady and calm round with just one pole down where I perhaps needed a little more leg. This was still good enough for 2nd place!

Rick's video.

When I received the text through from BE saying that Des was No.2 Section A at Larkhill I let out a little sigh... that only meant one thing, a very very early start! With 4 horses on the Saturday to compete I knew I would have to get the XC walked at the start of the day. I decided instead of leaving in the middle of the night I would stable with a friend who is 20mins from Larkhill. I met Victoria Rickcord out hunting with the S & W Wilts one season and since then she has been a very generous host to my team and horses when we have needed somewhere to stay in Wiltshire. Her husband Roly is a BE commentator and Edward got to enjoy his first experience of the XC ‘control box’ at Larkhill, thanks to Roly. So Friday night, Tash and I took Des and Jeff to stay. They both settled in like it was home-from-home! It is lovely to see the boys getting on so well. The next morning we set off at about 5.30am to get the XC walked as Des was on at 8.06am. That morning Mum drove up slightly later with Hurley and Elvis (thanks to Suzie for lending us the box) as they weren’t on quite so early! This was Des first ever Novice and he did a good test, just with a couple of little mistakes where he is still learning. I was not disappointed with his score of 34.5 as I thought it was fair on the day. I like Larkhill as a ‘first time’ course as the ground is always fantastic and the XC course is flowing and inviting. It is also a very good viewing course for spectators! Des tried so hard show jumping with just one pole where we got a little flat down the hill into the double but jumped through the treble beautifully. He made nothing of the XC and I was delighted how he had improved his galloping from last year to finish inside the time! I was over the moon to learn he had come 3rd in some very tough company in his first Novice. He is little but mighty!

The other three were admittedly a little keen to be out in a big, wide open space on the hill but somehow all but Elvis kept a lid on it for the dressage... It was Elvis first BE100 and although he started the test super with many 8’s, we had a slight blip mid-way where he trod on a whiteboard and scared himself and preceded to leave the arena! We managed to claw some marks back to score a fairly respectable 36 for what could have been a disaster... Jeff did a really nice test but I felt he was marked a little mean for a 30 as he didn’t really do anything wrong but Hurley scored one of the best marks in his arena for 27.5. What seemed to be a very long wait and a long time since 5.30am I finally got to jump the 3 of them. Elvis jumped well for just an unlucky 4 even though he was still mildly traumatised about the dressage board! After Hurley had tanked through fence 2 he got his act together and jumped a lovely round so it was left to the big boy Jeff to stand up for the team! He did me so proud jumping a lovely double clear to earn himself a well deserved 3rd place! Hurley cruised round the XC to finish in 4th place. Elvis was quite literally flying around the XC until we were three fences from home and decided he wanted the final say... he was then reminded who was actually in charge of the final say and completed the course with a silly 20pens. The good news is we now know he is more than capable of doing BE100! Huge thanks to Tash Wakefield who was a super groom/ co-pilot- I don’t think we could have managed without her!

It was depressing once again to learn that we were losing another event. That Sunday I was meant to be competing Skip in the Intermediate at South Of England but the weather had taken its toll.

It was an exciting week ahead with a trip to the British Dressage Winter Championships held at Hartpury College with SILKEN CREME. We traveled down the night before as I was on very early Wednesday morning and we got to do an arena walk the evening before to help acclimatise the horses to the atmosphere. It was a new experience for us but a great opportunity to ride in the main arena at Championship level! Dunny did a lovely and enthusiastic test in the Novice Silver final to finish 8th in a very strong class! Thanks to Carolyne for organising us to do this! 

Dunny's video.

Straight back to Sussex and a quick trip to Felbridge with Elvis doing the BE100 combined training as a little confidence run after Larkhill. Luckily he made it a very painless trip by winning the class with an easy clear round!

As Rick had missed his run at Portman due to another wet weather right off AND we had lost Tweseldown UA (Bob and Cilla were due to be competing) we thought it would be a good idea to pop along to Tweseldown to have another XC school as I am still getting to know Rick. As we had entered Joss for Chilham, Edward took her to give her a little practice too, post hunting season! 

Having under-gone some serious logistical planning and preparation, we were all set to take 5 horses down to Devon for Bicton International Horse Trials in April. On the Thursday, Mum and I set off with PATCH ALI and UNCLE DESMOND, whilst Bridget and Martin brought BRIARLANDS BIRDSONG. It took a good 5 hours to get there but we were blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather for the few days. It was a wonderful venue, with a stunning XC course in the rolling countryside and lovely all weather arenas. When we arrived in the evening we settled the horses into their accommodation and I rode each of them to give them a good leg stretch after the long journey. I then managed to squeeze in a course walk of the Novice just before the sun completely set! We were not so blessed to have two 8am dressage times, the first one on Friday for Des in the Novice. I was really pleased with his test, as he didn't really do anything wrong so I was very disappointed with his mark of 34.8. As it was only his second Novice I was happy with just one pole show jumping as he just caught it on a related distance where he got a bit keen. The XC was tough enough, following most of the 1* course and with two water combinations. Des gave me a really confident ride that I was delighted with and he came home just 2 seconds over the optimum time showing real potential! He coped really well with staying overnight and seemed his normal self. 

Rick and I were doing our very first event together which was slightly daunting but I was very excited! As he is a grade 1 horse we were competing in the Open Novice section. He warmed up totally chilled for the dressage much to my relief, as he can occasionally get a bit tense. He did a super test which just one mistake - added in a rather lovely flying change- for a great score of 28.8! The show jumping warm up did not go quite as smoothly. It was certainly a 'learn on the spot scenario' with Rick throwing me a couple of curve balls so we started the warm up all over again! With everyone's nerves in complete jitters (sorry team!) Rick and I went into the arena. I think the warm up gave me a reason to get my act in gear and he jumped a clear round much to our relief! It was great to finally get the chance to take the 'ferrari' out on the XC- I had to be very careful not to go too fast as he has some serious speed! It was such a great feeling to end on our dressage score and even better to pick up 3rd place in our first event together! I have to thank Bridget and Martin for trusting me with their boy! 

Rick's video.

That evening, Suzie arrived with SKIP TO THE BEAT and ASHFORD CLEAVE LITTLE MAN. No rest for the wicked, as soon as I finished competing on the Friday I gave Jeff a little school in the dressage warm up, walked the 2* and BE100 XC and then rode Skip and Hurley after their long journey! That evening we enjoyed a team dinner in the local town before all hitting the hay pretty hard! It was nice that Edward managed to join us too and thank you to Annie for coming all the way down to watch Des! Our second 8am dressage was for Jeff in the BE100 on Saturday morning. He felt GREAT and did the most beautiful test and despite being first to go, earned himself a thoroughly deserved best dressage of 21! We even managed a 9 for our halt! Our show jumping round was a little frustrating with two down, the first one I don't think Jeff quite noticed as it was rather small and the second one I slightly messed the stride up. However, I had a lovely XC ride on him which made up for it and because of his fantastic dressage with still managed a top ten with 7th place! 

Jeff's video.

Considering the entire weekend we were mostly in shorts and T-shirts, it was rather unfortunate that as Hurley and I turned down the centre line for our test, the heavens opened incredibly heavily! Luckily, it didn't affect him and he did another consistent test. Suzie and I are starting to think that actually it's not just a fluke anymore scoring 27.5 which put him very high up the leader board! A storming double clear (quite literally- new brakes in order) meant he finished 2nd! 

Hurley's video.

That afternoon I did Skip's dressage for the 2*. She was rather fresh having missed so many runs and we had a couple of costly mistakes. Although she did some really nice work the judges just seemed to focus on the not so perfect bits... Nevertheless it was another chance to ride in the dressed long arena and practice the 2* movements. That evening we said goodbye to Suzie who took Rick and Hurley home as they had surpassed themselves. It was a great opportunity for the younger horses to experience their first big, overnight show. The next morning was Skip's jumping. Having not jumped round a 2* track since October I was over the moon with how she show jumped. We just caught one rail where I came off the last corner from a double and was a fraction off the big, square parallel. The XC track was tough with lots of questions but Skip set off feeling great. There was a big bullfinch I was a little worried about but she just flew straight through it! Unfortunately half way something unusual happened. As I came off a turn to a skinny arrowhead brush I could not get Skip to lock on to it which is so unlike her as she is incredibly brave. As we have come away from the event we have been resolving the problem. We found that Skip was not actually being naughty but could not understand how to jump this particular fence. We have been re-creating the shape in the school with blocks to gain her confidence and hopefully she will begin to understand. Although not the way we hoped to finish at Bicton, Skip came home safe and sound ready to fight another day! Huge thanks to Bridget, Martin, Suzie and Annie for their tremendous support at Bicton, along with Mum and Edward! It was hard work but very enjoyable! Martin's phone calculated that on the first day of Bicton, he walked 23,000 steps, compared with the 3,000 the day before we left! 

On our return from Bicton, we welcomed the newest arrival to MJEventing, PROMETHEUS, aka Percy, who is a 5yo Sports Pony Studbook approved stallion owned by Katy Wise. Percy has started life show jumping but will now look to a career as an event stallion. He is already showing huge promise having taken to cross country like a duck to water! 

Percy's video.

Having successfully completed the BD Novice Silver final at Hartpury, it was time for Dunny to move up to Elementary. We made a quick trip to Belmoredean to have a go at two tests (which I had only managed to run through once the evening before- quickly taught Dunny simple changes) ... both went very well and I was pleasantly surprised to see we were 1st and 2nd! We can start collecting points now to qualify for the Areas!

Dunny's video.

To wrap up what was a very busy April, we set our sights on two (very long) days down in Kent for Chilham Castle horse trials. It was to be my first event on CRAAN BOB in the BE90open, joined also by SALLY DOONAVEERAGH on the Saturday and HAY JOSEPHINE in the BE100 and BRIARLANDS BIRDSONG in the Open Novice on Sunday. The day started with Bob doing a lovely dressage test. You never know at the first event how the horse is going to come out and what mood it will be in, but Bob was totally chilled like he was just at home! He even managed to catch a loose horse charging at 100mph out the dressage warm up! Cilla was then in the same arena (only one open section) and did one of her best tests. She is producing some really lovely work and her canter has improved enormously with strength. Bob scored the best dressage of the section (25.3) and followed by a perfect double clear he was unbeatable! So happy to have had such a positive outcome at our first event together! Cilla was not far behind scoring 30.5 and also did a lovely double clear! Sadly a couple of SJ time faults (unknown at the time) just dropped her out the placings but a fantastic result as she is only a 6yo and Chilham is notoriously tricky with the very hilly terrain!

Bob's video.

Cilla's video.

The next day was totally miserable weather. It rained continuously from start to finish and we were there all day! We were very lucky that the ground was great at Chilham and no worry of it being abandoned this time. Despite the weather, Joss came out beautifully for her first event of the season. I loved how she warmed up and she didn't put a foot wrong in her test. I was not surprised to see she had scored best dressage of 23.3 as she went so well. The show jumping is always the trickiest phase for Joss as she finds it quite hard. Bless her she tried SO hard and we were elated that she jumped a clear round. The galloping XC suits her down to the ground and she made nothing of the course to land the second WIN of the weekend! At this point, we were all pretty soggy and cold but it was Rick's turn. Only our second ever event together so we are still a growing partnership. I was really pleased with how chilled he was in the dressage warm up. He was very ride-able and listening nicely to me. By this point, a couple of patches in the dressage arena were a little sticky which made keeping a rhythm tricky but Rick coped really well and I was pleased we had no mistakes this time! Another best dressage meant we went into the jumping phases in the lead on a 28.8! The warm up this time went a lot smoother than at Bicton, with no hiccups! He jumped the most lovely clear round, and I can genuinely say how much I enjoyed it. After waiting a while at the XC (a couple of holds on course) we were finally off. Rick set off in a nice rhythm and I popped him into cruise control and the rest he knew what he was doing! 4/4 double clears and Rick finishing on his dressage score meant he made it a hatrick of wins for the weekend!! 

Joss' video.

I end this blog on a very high note, as I am currently leading the British Eventing Foundation Point rider league, whilst Suzie Priest's ASHFORD CLEAVE LITTLE MAN sits at the top of the Leading Horse Foundation Point league! Huge thanks to my incredibly hard working and supportive team! #DreamTeam

Ready, steady, steady... steady... GO!

A huge warm welcome from all at MJEventing! A lot has happened here since the end of last season and we have lots of new horses and people to welcome into our team. Just before Christmas we moved to our new base in Ashurst, West Sussex. Mum and I have taken over the existing yard and it has provided a super base for my horses, with a total of 57 acres, indoor and outdoor school, on and off road hacking, as well as the most enormous luxury stables you could imagine! At the end of last season I was approached by Caroline Collins to take on the ride of her young mare, 'Sally Doonaveeragh' aka Cilla. I have spent the winter getting to know her and competing at local shows for dressage where she scored over 67% and 68% in a prelim and a novice. She excelled by winning our first combined training together at Felbridge a couple of weeks ago! 

After we moved base we welcomed the second of our new horses, 'Patch Ali' aka Jeff, owned by Peter Rhodes. A résumé of Jeff can be found in 'horses'. He settled in very quickly to his new home and had a little holiday with us before beginning work. I look forward to building a partnership with Jeff and continuing his education up the levels as he gets stronger. He has also excelled winning a combined training at Felbridge! Over the winter I have enjoyed hunting with my local pack who I have been with since I was about 6. We had some great days and even managed to get away and visit some packs. I managed to fit in two quick trips to the mountains for a spot of skiing. It's great to get away and come back with a refreshed spirit! On my return we welcomed another new arrival, 'Craan Bob' aka Bob, owned by Melanie Gatt. Melanie has kindly passed me the reins on her boy whilst she is out on 'maternity leave'. Bob will stay at the lower levels so his eye is kept on the job this season! The 10th (!!) horse to start this season with us is well traveled and experienced up to CCI3*. Owned by Bridget and Martin Lyne, I have been honoured to ride their other horse along side Skip; 'Briarlands Birdsong', aka Rick. In 2017, Rick came home to the Lyne's and enjoyed a well deserved holiday. In January, Bridget and I started the time consuming and laborious fitness work for Skip and Rick to make sure they would be ready for the 2018 season. Rick is a sensitive horse and I will be taking it very slowly to get to know him. He has already achieved so much for his owners who bred him and owes them nothing. So with the team all aboard it was time to start some serious training!!

The horses and I made several trips to Felbridge for the CT's. I like to use these for training purposes to see where the horses are at and how they are feeling. They all performed well and I was feeling improvements from last year. Little Elvis and Hurley were comfortably jumping around the BE100 having stuck to BE90's last year and Des successfully moved up to Novice with a 2nd place. I also competed Lily Furber's 'Woodlands Be Classical', aka Onyx in these competitions. I have been schooling Onyx over the last 6 months for Lily so it was good to see her pick up a couple of 1st places. 

In February we made the first trip XC schooling to Tweseldown with 6 horses- Cilla, Des, Hurley, Harry (Suzie's other horse), Dunny and Jeff. It was a busy day with no breaks in between to get them all ridden! They all felt amazing and gave me no problems whatsoever, all comfortably jumping way above their expected level and tackling tricky combinations. For me, there is nothing better than having horses that LOVE XC! 

We enjoyed a yard visit from the lovely Nicola Read from Saracen Horse Feeds to do a feeding assessment on all the horses. It was pleasing to know that we have been pretty much spot on with our feeding for each horse. A particular favourite of ours is the Saracen Show Improver Pencil which I highly recommend for horses that struggle to maintain weight but do not need 'hotting up'. I'm fortunate that all my horses seem to have energy in abundance... !

At the end of February I made a road trip for training up to Aylesbury and Oxford. I enjoyed some show jumping training on Rick and Skip with Philip Surl. Philip knows Rick very well so it was fantastic to have some insight from him and invaluable advice. From here, I went on with Skip to Attington Stud for a two day training course as part of the MTBTG scheme. It was absolutely freezing staying in the horsebox in -3degrees... it was the first time I have ever slept in a woolly hat and a scarf! However, it was so worth it to have some very concentrated training on Skip and I learnt so much. The course included dressage, show jumping and heart rate monitor training. Skip was a star and I love staying away with her as she is such a pleasure to do. I think she enjoys her little sleepovers! 

February also marked the first major success of the year.On a freezing cold and snowing day, Silken Creme (Dunny) produced a beautiful test to come 2nd in the BD Novice Regionals at Wellington to qualify for the BD NAF Winter Championships to be held at Hartpury College in April! It was incredibly exciting and I am thrilled for Dunny's owner, Carolyne. All fingers now crossed!

That week was SUPPOSED to be the start of the British Eventing 2018 season... however the beast from the east played havoc to the BE calendar, calling for all events to be cancelled before the season had even started! A nightmare!! Jeff and Des were entered for Isleham so a change of plan was in order. Such a shame for all the organisers of the events who work so hard to prepare them. 

The following week we finally got to get cracking with Tweseldown! First up was Hurley doing his third ever event and first BE100. It was just Suzie and I together with Hurley on the Thursday as Mum was busy at home looking after all my other horses. We got our timing to perfection and the day started running smoothly. I had walked the course before the dressage and I was happy with the ground and thought the course was perfect for his first BE100- nothing too demanding but fair sized fences and alternating terrain. I was really pleased with how he warmed up in the dressage. He was calm and relaxed into it very quickly. I had had a super dressage lesson a couple of days before so had my warm up exercises well worked out. I was last to go in my section so I was delighted to learn he earned a score of 26.8- a PB for Hurley! I was pleased he was rewarded with the marks he deserved as he did a lovely relaxed test with just one lack of concentration in the final halt! There is only so long a boy can keep it together didn't you know!! He followed this up with a double clear inside the time. The jumping seemed easy to him and although he was a little green still XC he responded to everything I asked of him. So proud of this boy, 6 months ago I was struggling to get him over any fence first time! Suzie and I were busy washing him off when they announced the results on the tannoy. 1st place Ashford Cleave Little Man. What an AMAZING start to the season!! Could not have wished for the first day to go any better and delighted that all the hard work is paying off. Hurley can now join the others in the 'Winners gang'! Start as we mean to go on!

I was back again on the Friday for the Open Novice with Skip. I just wanted her to have an easy, confident run for fitness to start her off as I have not jumped her much to save her legs as much as possible for the season now she is climbing the levels. She did do some lovely movements in her test but got herself in a bit of a pickle with the much more basic movements than she has been performing... She has got so used to doing things like simple changes and half passes that she went into autopilot a little! Unfortunately these movements are not required at Novice level... As I am looking at the bigger picture, absolutely nothing to worry about and I was just pleased she remembered what she was doing! Again she jumped out of her skin on the slightly holding ground in the show jumping which I think is why she just caught two rails slightly and the fact she hasn't jumped on grass since October. As always she was a machine XC. It is wonderful that she has become so amazing at the XC that at this level I am required to simply point and aim- the rest just follows! I spent most of the course just trying to keep her steady and she cruised home with a lovely clear. A very pleasing 'practice' run for Skip and I can't wait to get going properly with her! 

That night it was with great sadness the weekend competition of Tweseldown had to be abandoned as just too much rain fell. Poor Jeff missed out again! We now keep everything crossed that nature plays to our hand and no more events have to be lost to the results of the weather. It has been an action packed few months with lots of exciting new things but it is very much full steam ahead now. I have plans and goals for this year with each horse and I will be working towards achieving them. I have the most fantastic network of support to whom I am incredibly grateful including Arka Equipe and Nigel Goddard Photography. Here's to 2018! 

Over and Out!

Roger that. But before the season drew to a close the last few months were jam-packed! I had a fantastic day training at Attington EC with Skip as part of the BE training series, 'Mark Todd Bridging the Gap'. The morning involved dressage 'test riding', so we chose the test we wished to practice and Gill then judged it like a competition and we then went through it and re-did anything that needed work. I felt like Skip and I learnt so much in this session and it was a great opportunity to ride through our 2* test and be critiqued. The afternoon then consisted of jumping. We walked a course with Gill and talked through our lines and tactics. We then took it in turns to jump round and again, review what went well/ could be improved. Skip jumped super and we went away filled with confidence. 

Skip at MTBG.

In September we had to say a goodbye; 'Silken Dawn' found a lovely new home and we all wish her the very best with her new owners. She was a talented little mare with huge potential! 

Aside from the eventing, I am very busy schooling and training many horses every week all around the county. One in particular I have had the pleasure of riding is 'Woodlands Be Classical' aka Onyx owned by Lily Furber. Lily asked me if I would take Onyx out to some competitions to re-gain her confidence. We took her to her first combined training at Felbridge at the end of September where she exceeded expectations to produce best dressage of 27 with a clear show jumping to take top spot and our first red ribbon together! 

Onyx @ Felbridge.

A couple of days later we made the decision to re-route Skip to Little Downham rather than Dauntsey Park after the very wet weather and Dauntsey being on clay. Luckily it was the right choice as the ground was perfect at Little Downham and even though it was blowing a hooley Skip very much had her 'down to business' cap on. As I watched many other horses cavorting around the warm up with the wind up their tails and freshly clipped, I took a moment to appreciate how wonderfully calm Skip is in testing conditions. She has a great head on her shoulders. She felt great in the warm up and I was determined to ride a 'brave' test and really go for it to see what we could do. The test felt amazing and she didn't put a foot wrong. Really really pleased with the leg yields, simple change and medium trot/ canter which have all improved enormously. It was one of the proudest moments in my career to say the Skip finally got BEST DRESSAGE, the only one to score below 30 with a 27.1 in the Intermediate. I knew she had it in her and I was delighted to finally break the 70% barrier! I was kicking myself after the show jumping as I did not gain a strong enough canter into the first fence resulting in one down - totally my fault. However it seemed a big track and Skip was clear the rest. We waited a while in the XC warm up as we seemed to be a long way down the list. Skip casually plodded round on a long rein whilst we waited; Bridget asked me if she was ok! I said, "Of course, she is just saving her energy". When it was our time, I was right. She was in that start box like a racehorse in the starting stalls. She loves the XC so much! Another incredible clear, inside the time meant she narrowly missed the top spot for 2nd place. She is very special with a huge heart. 

Skip @ Little Downham.

Skip To The Beat | Little Downham Intermediate

Tweseldown marked the end of the season for some of the troops. It certainly was a weekend of highs and lows! On the Saturday, Elvis and Hurley were competing in the BE90open section. Elvis scored a 28.3 dressage and yet another double clear (he has not lowered a single coloured pole all season!) to finish an amazing 2nd! A great debut season for this little guy who has turned into a superstar. Hurley produced a much improved dressage that I was really pleased with, scoring second best dressage of 27! So pleased to have improved the dressage so much after just one event. He then jumped a lovely round show jumping but unfortunately having now found the 'forward gears' we had a little steering/ braking issue XC - nothing that something more than a snaffle won't cure! Other than that, he tackled a very tough track that a month ago or so I wouldn't have been sure we would have got round! Very much looking forward to next season with him. 

Elvis @ Tweseldown.

Hurley @ Tweseldown.

On the Sunday, Des and Dunny were competing in the BE100. Yet again both scored below 30 in the dressage (Des 26.5 and Dunny 21.3) making it 4/4 this weekend! Des (despite being a little opinionated in the dressage) actually jumped a stunning double clear and really listened to me. He finished 3rd in his section! Silly me picked up 0.8 time faults XC as we were cruising along having a lovely time! In his debut season he has also established himself as a successful event horse. Dunny had scored best dressage when going into the show jumping, where we jumped 3/4's of the way round the course before the unexpected happened. We jumped into the last double where there was two strides but for some reason no-one really knows why, something went wrong and Dunny and I parted company on the way out! Both ok and lived to fight another day! Luckily Dunny has nothing to prove and we just put it down to 'c'est la vie!'. She's another one to have had an amazing season with 4 wins!! Although not a perfect result on paper, all the horses went really well which is all I can ask for as they are not machines.

Des @ Tweseldown.

Dunny @ Tweseldown. 

Another little trip to Felbridge with 'Woodlands Be Classical' who pulled out another best dressage with 27.5 and a clear show jumping to land herself another red ribbon! Talk about consistency! 

Onyx @ Felbridge.

To draw the season to a close, we had a very exciting trip down to Aldon International in Yeovil for Skip's first CIC**! With storm 'Brian' attacking it was touch and go as to whether we would be able to compete. Mum and I set off early on Saturday morning driving through the very worst weather we have had all season. The roads were quite literally turning into rivers in front of our eyes and the wind was so strong over the hills of Wiltshire. My Mum was hero to get Skip there so safely, especially for a long distance trip! We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived to still see patches of 'green' grass and we managed to get in and out without being towed- bravo to Aldon Horse Trials! However... the dressage warm up was not so green... in fact it was just a mud bath rugby pitch. This was another moment I thought to myself, thank goodness Skip does not need hours warming up and can pretty much go straight into her test! I just about managed to have a couple of trot and canter transitions up the verge - don't we just love the Great British weather! Luckily it wasn't so bad in the actual arenas although the tracks were a little holding. Yet again Skip did me so proud and tried her hardest. This was by far the hardest test she has ever done with half pass, walk pirouettes and canter serpentine's. I was so annoyed at myself afterwards when I realised I had halted a bit late on my last halt transition, it was meant to be at 'I' but the 'G' was mown and for some reason I rode for the mown bit! I won't make that mistake again... Luckily it did not ruin our mark too much and we managed to hit our target (score below 50 FEI) with a 49.7 FEI! This left us in the top 15 over night out of 76. This was Skip's first ever stay away show and she coped like a super star, taking it all in her stride. We had a lovely dinner that night with her owners, Bridget and Martin Lyne at the hotel they were staying at down the road. Mum and I pulled the short straw in the lorry and I can honestly say I did not sleep one bit in that storm!! All I could hear all night was the rain hammering down on the roof and panicking about the roof taking off Skip's stable! I rushed out in the morning to make sure she was ok and much to my relief she had eaten everything up and was totally chilled. Unfortunately after all the rain, the SJ warm up did not play to Skip's strengths and she disliked the going very much which unsettled her. However being a tough cookie she pushed through and I went in the ring just hoping for her to have a confident round. She actually jumped super in the ring, just clipping two uprights very lightly where I perhaps over- rode as I was worried she would get a bit 'stuck' in the going. A positive outcome. Over lunch I was worrying about the going XC but I thought to myself I hunt all winter in horrendous mud and I never worry about it! With that I pulled myself together and off we went. Skip flew round like a rocket. She may only be small but she sure packs a punch! It was absolutely exhilarating and she jumped impeccably. We stopped the clock on 00.00 and clear jumping. Although she makes the time so easily, a lot of it comes down to the trust we have in each other and she always knows what I am thinking and is constantly looking for the next fence. It is amazing how much time this saves when the horse really wants to do it for you. She was 1/4 inside the time clear XC which moved her up into 14th / 76- yet again in the prize money this season having been places in all her starts this season. She has proved so much and we are all incredibly proud of her. Such an amazing way to finish the 2017 season! 

Skip @ Aldon.

I finished this British Eventing season in 7th place in the 'league of riders gaining the most foundation points' sitting close behind the likes of Ros Canter and Kitty King. This couldn't have been achieved without my thoroughly supportive team, including all the owners, sponsors (Arka Equipe), physio, farrier, vet, trainers and top groom (Mum!) who have worked tirelessly by my side to help achieve my goals. This season I have achieved 12 wins (from BE90 to Intermediate) and 44 top ten placings (including top 10% FEI) out of 60 runs. I also completed my first Advanced which was a huge milestone with Myrtle and completing the Intermediate Championship at the Festival of British Eventing. 

I was pleased to be able to celebrate with my team at a wonderful 'End Of Season' dinner held very kindly by Ed and Annie Allen who put on a splendid meal and my Edward for being a huge help putting the evening together. Big big thanks! 

Even though the eventing has finished (and I am very sad!) we have still been incredibly busy with lots of horses to school and local competitions. Dunny has been back out at British Dressage where she went straight out at Novice to win both her classes! She hadn't been out since Tweseldown and she was rather excited to say the least in the warm up!! 

Lastly to be up to date we had a trip to Hickstead for the Arena Horse Trials and Arena Eventing. Cumin (another pony I have been schooling this year) and Onyx were in the AHT80 and Elvis was in the AHT90 and Hurley in the AE90. A busy and very cold day! Cumin was first and scored best dressage with a 25. Unfortunately he picked up 4 faults after a little green moment at the water so he was just pipped to the post by Onyx who finished on her dressage score of 29.2 for yet another red ribbon! She is starting to make a habit of it! Elvis scored an amazing best dressage of 23.7 and even though we had the last fence down (a little speedy off the bank) he still came 1st and Hurley jumped a beautiful clear to win the AE90! All in all a very good day and pleased that I haven't become too 'ring rusty' yet! 

Hurley @ Hickstead.

Summer Fun

Straight home from Gatcombe and off to Smiths Lawn the very next day with Carolyne's duo, Dunny and Dawn. It was time to put the weekend to the back of my mind and concentrate on the new day and give the girls the best chance, especially as it was Dawn's first BE100. I love Smiths Lawn, it is a lovely, low key but very well run event in the gorgeous setting of Windsor Park. Dawn's dressage had a couple of little wobbly moments but overall lots to like and a fair mark of 34. She then jumped easy- peasy round the jumping for another double clear and inside the time! She aced her first 100, making nothing of it at all! Dunny produced another lovely test, however she was given a very disappointing mark of 30.8. As a rider, I am well aware that not all horses produce the same test every time out, but Dunny is an exception and her test is always the same consistency. Therefore, I find it difficult to understand how varied the judging can be at the same level. One week she scores 23 and the next 30 for what is basically the same test? Moving on, Dunny finished the day off with another double clear inside the time (ever reliable Dunny!). Both girls amazingly finished 7th in their sections. They both did their very best and I was delighted with how they went. I have to thank Carolyne for being so supportive after a tough day! 

Two days later (definitely going mad at this point!!), it was a 3am start and off to Aston Le Walls in Northamptonshire with Skip for the Intermediate. I was super excited to be back out on her again after her amazing win at Eridge. I haven't been to Aston for about 3 years, and I have to say I really enjoyed the event. They put on a really friendly event and I loved the live music playing in the background of the dressage which was very calming!! Skip has matured into the perfect event horse, behaving impeccably and knowing exactly what her job is. She comes out totally chilled for the dressage, bounces in the XC start box and walks back to the box on a long rein when she finishes. Just a dream! Despite having a near miss in the dressage warm up with a loose horse which proceeded to ping its rein in Skip's face when it stood on it, I managed to keep Skip settled. I was worried she was going to be spooky in the test as it was on a surface with scary boards around the outside. Yet again, she proved me wrong and didn't bat an eyelid at them! I was really pleased with her test and feel like each time out we are improving. She scored 32.7. The show jumping was also on a surface and the warm up was indoors in a small arena which Skip hated. I think she gets claustrophobic! I jumped about 3 fences as that was all she could cope with, I didn't want her being too tense when going in to jump. I had my plan in my head and knew exactly how I was going to ride the course. She jumped incredibly well, and saved our bacon at the last double where we had a slight miscommunication but somehow she jumped out clear! It just went to show how her confidence has grown show jumping. Another clear at Intermediate level- we couldn't have been happier with her. The XC was nice, just one particularly tricky combination at the water which was an owl howl, one stride to a brush jump into the water. This was very new to Skip! We set off at a good pace, she is very keen XC so I never really have to push her. As I came round the corner she just went pop- pop and into the water! SO easy. We watched some horses later making complete howlers of it- I can't believe how bold she is. I had a fantastic ride around the course and she finished easily inside the time to finish in 3rd place!! She is most certainly a very exciting horse for the future. I was pleased that Guy (Bridget's brother) who bred Skip was there to see her go so well! 

Skip's video.

The August bank holiday always brings about one of my favourite events of the year, Firle Place International. It is one of our local ones and held in the stunning grounds of Firle Place in East Sussex. It was going to be a busy weekend, with four horses competing in the BE100 over the two days. Saturday was the turn of Carolyne's two horses, Dunny and Dawn. This year, the horse trials had been taken over by Bede events, so the layout of the event was very different to usual with a new lorry park, dressage arenas and new XC start and finish. I must admit that the new layout of the dressage in particular did not play to my horses strengths as it was located in the middle of the XC with the loud speakers and crowds cheering and on quite an unkind slope for young horses. First to go was Dawn, and just as we started warming up for the dressage the heavens opened and the weather was awful! She got very upset especially as the other horses were misbehaving in the bad weather but I managed to calm her a little. Some of this tension showed in the test but considering all that was going on for a young horse she scored a 36.5 which was ok. One very unlucky pole show jumping but another bold clear XC inside the time left her just outside the top ten. This was a much harder BE100 than her first one so a positive outcome. Next was the wonder-dun Dunny. Yet again producing a beautiful dressage test to score best dressage with a 23.3. She is so reliable and consistent! I was a little nervous for the show jumping as the competition was hot on our heels but she jumped effortlessly for a clear! Knowing Dunny I knew she could fly round the XC inside the time and that she did- even managed to let out some squeals of delight and a little bronk on the way round!! Hoorah- first WIN of the weekend! Very pleased to see Dunny back on top again. 

Dunny's video.

The next day was Joss and Des. Des has really turned a corner with his dressage since I've had some training on him to help with the connection issues and it has made the world of difference. He was first to go in his section and led from start to finish, finishing on the best dressage mark of 27.8. He is most certainly turning into a little superstar and absolutely loving his new job! Unfortunately our dear Jossy was most lit up by the XC going on around the dressage and although most of her test was lovely she had a couple of moments of lapse of concentration resulting in a 31.5. She was show jumping well until the first double where she got her legs in a muddle over the first part, resulting in also having the second part down. Rest of the round was super- just one of those things! However she finished the day with an easy clear XC to pick up 7th place! 

Des' video.

Straight after Firle, it was the start of a different season; the hunting season. So far we have managed to get out a couple of times with the horses including Joss, Des and a new horse for a friend. I always manage to find myself taking horses out for the first time! 

I managed to fit in a quick holiday to the South of France before returning home in time for the Sports Pony Studbook Society grading with Dunny (Silken Creme). Carolyne was keen to have Dunny graded as a Sports Pony to be included in their studbook so I happily agreed to show Dunny off. The day started with conformation and paces, I had to stand her up and then walk/trot her before letting her loose in the indoor school so she could canter round. After this it was riding. The judges instructed me what to do on the flat and of course Dunny was perfect. We then moved to the outdoor school to show jump. Dunny showed off her perfect temperament, the weather was awful but she did not put a foot wrong. I jumped her over several jumps so they could assess her. It was then a nervous wait whilst the other mares were being graded before knowing the outcome. They also take into account competition record and suitability as a dam for Sports Ponies. We all tentatively waited in the indoor school whilst the judges read the scores and results. Amazingly, Dunny scored the highest marks becoming a Premium Mare (highest grade possible) and crowned Grading Champion of the day! This was the first day of grading and the judges continued the tour around England and Wales for the next 8 days, grading hundreds of mares and stallions. We have now found out the incredible news that Dunny was the best mare in the whole country scoring the most points to become Supreme Champion Mare!! She is such a special horse and incredibly talented! I am very honoured to have such a good partnership with his horse and have the pleasure of riding her. 

This month I was delighted to welcome aboard a new member to the MJEventing Team- 'Ashford Cleave Little Man', aka Hurley, owned by Suzie Priest. Hurley is 7 year old gelding but still lacking some experience although Suzie has done a great job of starting him. Suzie bought Hurley as a 3yo, but from what I hear he was not an easy horse to start and there was certainly some teething issues! Suzie evented herself but has kindly passed over the reins to me to get Hurley out eventing! 

Hurley is another horse favouring Arka Equipe's Lorenzini Titanium bit collection- seen here wearing the french link with short cheeks.

We knew Autumn was very much upon us when the day ended at the C&H Hunt Hunter Trial with a complete washout! The day started so positively with blue skies ready for the 80cm. First I jumped Andrea Stearn's pony, Cumin, (who I have never jumped before) as she is keen to get him going well XC for her daughter Claudia. We had a couple of 'airs above the ground' before making it into the start box, but once we were away he flew round the course clear! Second to go was Onyx, owned by Lily Furber. I have been schooling Onyx over the last couple of months to get her confidence back and we felt it was time she started to get out and about again. Although the first few fences took some persuasion from me, we did get over them and as we went on, Onyx became more confident and started to take me round the course. Somehow we managed a clear- perhaps not the most stylish! Mum and I whizzed back to the yard to collect Elvis and Joss who were waiting for their turn in the 100cm class. I returned in time to take my new horse, 'Hurley' round the 90cm. He really surpassed expectations and was super bold and keen making nothing of the course and going clear. I was so pleased with how he had come on so quickly! Just as Edward and I started to warm up Joss and Elvis for the last class, the rain started. At first it was just a drizzle and it gradually got heavier and heavier. Edward went first (as I wanted to watch him go round!) and I told him to ride strongly to the first fence. This was Edward's second ever individual hunter trial and his first time jumping round a 1m course, made even harder by the fact he hadn't been XC in about a year! Joss and him did me unbelievably proud by producing a really lovely clear round. Edward rode all his lines perfectly and set Joss up right for the trickier fences. An amazing achievement! Little Elvis was rather keen in the warm up, he hasn't been out XC since June and I don't think he liked the weather at all!! This was his first time also doing a 1m course but we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to see how he copes. He was jumping round easily but one little spook at a wishing well meant I had to turn a circle and re-present. Not a problem and something he will learn from. All the time Elvis is meeting new fences XC and he just has to understand what is being asked of him. However I was really pleased he jumped off the step into water for the first time and jumped a grown-up corner! Despite the weather, a good day and a huge step forwards for all the horses.

After my last blog, I am excited to report that this month Myrtle has been scanned in foal! We had planned to do an embryo transfer with Myrtle (In Vogue) next year, but due to her injury at Gatcombe we decided to see if we could get her into foal this year as after much discussion we decided we would rather breed from her than do an embryo transfer. Fingers crossed for a successful outcome! She achieved so much this year becoming a Grade 1 Event Horse, winning at Intermediate level, stepped up to Advanced and completed the Intermediate Championship at the Festival of BE.

So it was time for Munstead and it was to be a very busy day with all 4 horses competing on the Sunday, starting with Des' dressage at 8am and finishing with Hurley XC at about 4pm! In the morning it was the BE100 and Des started us off with another super dressage test. I'm not sure if it was just bad luck but I had two horses that were first to go in their sections which I don't know if it bears down on the dressage marks! However, really pleased as Des scored a 25.5; he is becoming really consistent and understanding what is expected of him now, producing fluid, soft and rhythmical tests. He jumped a beautiful double clear picking up just one time fault (I think I was enjoying myself a little too much!) but finished 4th. I was delighted than Annie could be there to watch and support, it is a pleasure to see how Des has matured this season. Second was Dawn who was very bold and ate up the course, receiving many compliments from the fence judges for her super round. She is a very talented mare with oodles of potential! She finished in the top 20 in her section. No time to stop as it was on to the BE90. It was Elvis' first event since Rackham in June (he has been busy doing summer holiday jobs!) so I wasn't sure how he was going to come back but I needn't have worried as he did a beautiful test, remaining calm and relaxed. Elvis has lovely paces and he was rewarded with a 28.3 in the BE90open section (open section as I have now been Advanced). It was then the turn of the new kid on the block, Hurley. No-one really knew what to expect as it was his first time out on grass and he can get quite excited! When I took on Hurley we had some 'forward thinking' issues but we seemed to have turned a corner and he is now very much 'forward'! It was a good start as he seemed to be warming up just as he had been at home. It was then time for the test and he remained the same. I have to say he probably did the best version of the test in all the practices we had done, with no bucking, no jogging in the walk and didn't break once in his canter! We were all very proud of him. The show jumping was very spooky but luckily both the boys tried so hard and didn't dare touch any poles for two clear rounds! I took Elvis XC first, and I must admit after going a bit slow on Des I panicked and got 1 time fault too fast on Elvis! Silly me. However, everyone was amazed at how confident Elvis has now become XC, with no wobbles and so much straighter. He finished with his double clear and 3rd place! Last but not least was Hurley. He set off very determined and the smile on his face when he finished said it all. I think he really genuinely enjoyed himself He finished his first ever event on his dressage score of 30.5 to come 6th in the open section too! Another fantastic event over thanks to my special horses who are all so talented. It is a pleasure to spend days like this with such a lovely group of people who make it all possible for me! 

Des' video.

Elvis' video.

Hurley's video.

I just want to finish this blog with a picture of the latest Local Rider Magazine, where the editor Fiona has done a really lovely article from Eridge Horse Trials featuring my winners (all 3 of them!). Make sure to get your copy! 

Emotions running high

The end of June saw us return to Farley Hall, two years after our first trip there as last year it was abandoned due to flooding! No sign of any puddles this year! I have to say a huge thank you to our good friend Natasha for coming to help us with Skip and Myrtle at Farley. Skip was having a go at her second Intermediate and Myrtle was doing the Advanced Intermediate. This is where the dressage and show jumping are of Advanced level but Intermediate cross country. Myrtle once again got her 'posh' trot on and I was pleased with how she warmed up for the dressage. She was in a very hot section full of the top 4* combinations but she held her own. As I entered the dressage arena I put my leg on *que Flying change*. A cheeky interpretation of the test meant a costly mark for our entry however the rest of the test made up for it and I thought overall it was much better than the previous Advanced test she did at LD. She scored a 33.9. She was a bit lazy show jumping and we had a slightly frustrating 2 poles but a storming clear XC which she made feel like a BE90 and inside the time meant we finished 12th which was a great result in the section. Meanwhile Skip produced a very polished test to score 31.4- I feel we are so close to breaking the 70% barrier! Just one unlucky pole show jumping as I over rode the first double which I thought she would be spooky at but needless to say she wasn't. I set off XC cautious that it was only her second intermediate, and her first one was very tough so I wanted to make sure she was really confident. I needn't have worried as she flew round, eating the course up to also come home inside the time. The course at Farley Hall was very inviting and jumped nicely, I had great runs on both the mares. After checking the scores we were over the moon to see that Skip finished 3rd! She was finally getting the results she deserved. Clever girls. 

Myrtle's video.

Skip's video.

The beginning of July took us to Brightling Park International with Joss and Des in the BE100. Both of them went well but not their usual competitive selves with some little mistakes. Des went a bit green in the dressage with a few wobbles and Joss had two fences down show jumping where she travelled a little too much through the distances. However they didn't disgrace themselves as Des picked up 10th place and Joss was just outside the top ten in 12th.

Mum and I set off very early to Upton House with Myrtle in our first Open Intermediate competition as she was now a prestigious Grade 1 Event horse. We arrived in good time so I walked the course, which was new to me as I had never been here before. Before Upton I had a really good dressage lesson on Myrtle which paid dividends. Despite following Tina Cook and Mark Todd in the dressage, Myrtle produced a beautiful test. I was SO pleased with it and didn't think I could do much better. I was delighted that our efforts has been rewarded with a best dressage mark of 26.8! However, we then had a steep learning curve with a disappointing show jumping. As they were running late, they were sending the horse in before the one before had finished. Unfortunately the girl before me fell of several times and crashed through the jumps. This really unsettled Myrtle who became very tense and upset about the situation. This resulted in a very un-characteristic 4 fences down which was a real shame but just one of those things! Luckily she got back into it by the XC and again flew round. I really feel like we are consolidated at this level XC now. 

Myrtle's video.

Eridge has to be one of my favourite events in the calendar, since the format changed a year or so ago. The dressage is in a nice, quiet spot and the show jumping is in a big arena with a fantastic atmosphere with lots of trade stands and crowds which is great to introduce to the young horses. The cross country is a lovely long, galloping track up and down the rolling countryside. First up was Dawn in the competitive BE90open section. It was only her third event and she showed such maturity and talent. Near the end of her XC we got held on the course due to a fence repair ahead of us. She was totally unfazed at having to stop and wait and just walked around quietly. When she was re-started she carried on like she had never stopped like a pro. We were very pleased she finished on her dressage score of 31.5 to come 4th! Joss was also competing the first day in the BE100. She did yet another solid dressage test to score 28.5 and after a change of bit show jumping she jumped an amazing clear round much to our excitement! I knew she would find the XC easy as she just eats up the hills so the time was no problem. Another clean sheet put Joss on top of the podium for the first WIN of the weekend! On a high, I was excited the next day to have Skip in the Intermediate and Des in the BE100. Both did super dressage tests and were lying competitively in their sections. Skip scored 32.3 and Des scored a 31.3 which I thought was maybe a little high but it was very good in the section. The intermediate show jumping was up to height and lots of combinations but it was no problem for Skip. This was the first time I felt she was really confident and knew exactly what to do and jumped a foot perfect clear. A huge milestone for us! The XC was causing lots of problems but Skip and I have such a good partnership I was not worried. She ate up the course, and gave me a wonderful ride picking up minimal time faults compared to most. Skip flew into the lead by over 5 marks making it a very emotional WIN. She has come such a long way over the last 3 years, from a horse who could not even canter properly to winning her first BE event at Intermediate level. Very very proud jockey and so happy for her owners, Bridget and Martin who have been so supportive all the way. Just as the day couldn't get any better, Des produced an easy double clear to also WIN his section in fine style making it a clean sweep 4/4 double clears and 3/4 wins for the weekend! This was very special to me as Eridge Park was the place where I did my first ever ODE when I was 6 years old. 

Following up an amazing weekend, Skip made her debut appearance in Horse & Hound magazine with a lovely write up and photograph to go with it. 

We decided it was time for little Elvis to have a go at his first BE100 so we made a trip to Felbridge for the combined training. He did his first one here back in March around the 80 where he didn't even understand what the dressage arena was. This time, he knew his job and did a lovely, relaxed test to get best dressage with 29.5. A little spook in the show jumping meant just one pole down but he jumped round with ease. He finished up 4th- a good day in the office!

This time it was Dunny's turn at Wilton. This is a gorgeous venue in Wiltshire but hours of heavy rain made the going very tricky and Dunny with no back shoes or studs made for an interesting event... I needn't have worried because she did one of her super tests to score 23.3 which put her in 3rd after dressage. A very silly mistake from me show jumping (saw a terrible stride) meant just one rail but Dunny jumped really well. The XC at Wilton has two very steep hills in the first half before flattening out. Dunny was SO careful coming down the hill not to slip and I had to take a turn between two jumps very wide so she did not fall, meaning I jumped the second jump virtually sideways but she is so honest and will jump anything. She finished clear and inside the time to stay in 3rd place! Dunny is so reliable and such a joy to compete! She loves her job!

To finish this blog installment, I come to The Festival Of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park where Myrtle and I had qualified for the prestigious Intermediate Championship! I was so excited to be competing back here, two years after my first visit when I did the Corinthian Cup. It is an incredibly special event, and a huge stage to compete on with a field of International superstars, with large crowds and a buzzing atmosphere. We packed all the lorry up and finally headed off to Gatcombe on the Thursday as Myrtle was due to do her dressage on the Friday. When we got down there, I had to time to take Myrtle for a ride and let her settle in. I love the atmosphere at these over night events, in the stable areas there is a real sense of community and lots of happy horses - they just love what they do! The next day, I was joined by my dressage trainer which was really special for me as I have huge respect for him and couldn't thank him enough for coming down to Gloucestershire to help me warm up. He has done wonders for my riding and my confidence over the last couple of years. Myrtle was on late in the day so I had time to ride her again in the morning to let her loosen up before getting her out later to prepare for our test. She was feeling 'on fire' and was certainly raring to go! As we entered our test, Myrtle could see the crowds watching and as it is a championship there is commentary in the dressage - thus creating quite an atmosphere! She did a very cheeky flying change on our first entry, however it was so perfect only one judge (there were 3) noticed. Only one other mistake was also on our entry where we set off in canter from our halt rather than trot... once back to the correct pace we continued to do a really pleasing test. Watching back, I was delighted with Myrtle's test. She was quite 'hot' to ride in the arena but we managed to keep it together and score a great mark of 32.9. That evening, we all went for a fab dinner at the local pub with much laughter to say the least! 

The next day, Edward and I took the shuttle over to the main show ground to walk the show jumping course at about 9am. I arrived over there and texted Mum back to say the ground was perfect so Myrtle would only need gentle studs. We walked the course, which was very much up to height, tricky undulating ground and a tight time limit. I had about 5 mins to watch the first couple before I needed to catch the shuttle back to get on Myrtle. Just as the first one entered the arena the heavens opened; and when I say the heavens opened, I mean a months rain fell in about 5 minutes. The ground instantaneously deteriorated. The rain caused chaos in the car park as cars were skidding which meant that the shuttle cars were held up so I was seriously rushing to get back to Myrtle in time! No time to change her studs as I had to hack her over to warm up. She jumped super in the warm up, considering the ground and the slope the jumps were on. I went into the arena happy with how she was jumping. Due to my own fault for not riding forward enough we had the second fence down as she caught the back rail. We then turned to the third fence which was a double of uprights facing into the crowds. I don't know what happened, but Myrtle stopped. This took us very much both by surprise. I don't know whether she was just a little startled by all the people or whether she was not happy with the ground. However, we got our act together and proceeded to jump the most perfect round after this and jumped out of her skin! I couldn't believe what happened as she jumped SO well. Sadly because of the stop we picked up rather a lot of time faults which was very frustrating as it definitely did not do the rest of her round justice! 

Lunchtime came, and the Intermediate Championship XC was due to start... before the heavens yet again opened. I can't even describe how much rain fell... And the thunder... And the lightening... Edward even managed to take a mud slide down the path... It was so bad that they had to hold the XC for over an hour before they could start to allow the course to drain. It was a dreadful shame, as when we walked the XC on Friday the ground was utterly perfect. When I actually set off, the ground actually rode really well considering. The drop after fence 3 I can only compare to that of the Derby Bank so when we managed to safely negotiate that I thought we would be ok! The course was long, winding and very technical with lots of skinnies and angles- not the most ideal course for Myrtle- but we set off to give it our best shot. The first real test came early on. It consisted of a stone wall, 6 strides to a 'bridge- hedge- on a wall- with a giant drop', followed by a left handed 90 degree turn to another wall, with another left handed turn to a 'shoulder brush' on an angle. I was worried Myrtle may over jump the big hedge and we would miss the turn, but I needn't have worried. She jumped round the combination beautifully and was listening to me all the way. We then negotiated the first two water combinations which posed many questions. By this point in the course, the crowds were huge but Myrtle jumped round without batting an eyelid. She popped into the waters like childs play. On we went, to another tricky question. A big wall to another very skinny, angled wall which jumped directly into the face of the crowds in the 'Park bowl' and then another tricky skinny combination at the top of the hill. We were clear 3 fences from home. The last water. I turned to the hanging log which was suspended over the edge of the water and lined up for the boat in the water. I got to the log and to my huge surprise Myrtle went to take off but then put her feet back down right in the jump! Myrtle has never looked at water before and after jumping the first 3 waters I couldn't understand what had upset her. She came round and jumped it second time - albeit a little sticky. She carried on the last few jumps clear and although crossing the line I was a little deflated from the stop I was so proud of her to complete one of the toughest courses we have ever done. I steadily came back to trot up the hill and as I started to slow more, I knew something was not right. I jumped off her instantly to see what the matter was. My Mum and Edward came running over and I told them something was not right. As we walked her back to the stable she became more and more lame. I was so upset. Seeing your team mate and best friend in pain is the most distressing situation and I was so desperate to help her. People were so kind back in the lorry park and helped to get the vet over to her stable very quickly. The vet was super and could instantly diagnose Myrtle which was almost a relief as it is better to know than not to know what the problem is. He treated her and gave her some medication to help her become more comfortable. So not the outcome of Gatcombe we wanted but nevertheless I was just thankful to bring Myrtle home, and although a little sore, she seemed happy in her face and I think she had really enjoyed her competition. She absolutely thrives on work and going to parties. One thing was that we can pretty much say that her un-characteristic stop XC was most likely due to the fact she had injured herself and was worried about jumping down a drop. It just showed what a brave girl she is and how big her heart was to dig so deep and finish the course. I admit it took me some time to get over what happened that weekend, and a huge learning curve. Horses are not machines and sadly at the higher levels, the risk of injury becomes greater. When we returned home, we had a long discussion with her owner Brigitte, and after much deliberation we decided to try and put her in foal as we were planning on doing an embryo transfer the following Spring anyway. Much to our delight, Myrtle has been scanned in foal (to a gorgeous husband!!) so now just a long waiting game and keeping our fingers crossed! I would like to also add, Myrtle is doing well and coping very well with her box rest as she is getting all the attention she so loves!! 

Myrtle's video.

A Month of Milestones

It gives me great pleasure to start this blog with news of another exciting win from Carolyne Allen's wonder- dun Dunny! After galloping around the main arena at Windsor for the Hunt relay, a week later she donned her dancing shoes and pulled off the most beautiful test to win the Elementary Dressage Championships at Hickstead with a whopping score of 73.10%! It was one of the best tests we have ever done and I was delighted at the transition she has made to this level. It was lovely to be there competing with Carolyne who was riding in the Novice Championship aboard her other horse, Yogi. 

Video of Dunny.

On a high from Dunny's win, we set off to Tweseldown with Bridget Lyne's Skip (doing her first Intermediate Novice) and Brigitte Jaquillard's Myrtle (Intermediate). Skip was first to go in her section and so I think her mark of 31.8 was a little harsh as it was one of her best tests. I can't believe what a long way she has come with her dressage, and it is now a pleasure to ride into the arena with her... she has taught me bags of patience and perseverance! Show jumping went really well but I was anxious of the white wall in the first part of the treble as Skip has taken a dislike to them in the past, therefore I probably over-rode it resulting in two down as she got a little flat. Cross country (XC) was causing problems but Skip made it feel like a BE90 and cruised round inside the time to finish 10th! This gave me confidence as her next run she was to step up to Intermediate. Poor Myrtle had a very long day waiting for her turn and she showed her annoyance by a rather 'lively' dressage test to also score 31.8. We had quite a few explosions back to the box after. I wanted to kick myself for having the first fence down show jumping as she did not deserve it but I was made up after a fantastic spin XC which was very speedy putting us up into 2nd spot!! Now we have gained a partnership together I am learning where I can and can't take risks XC, which is making a difference to our speed. So many people say they do not get on with mares, but I can truly say I love mine and I know they always give their all! 

Video of Skip and Myrtle.

No time to rest as I had 5 to prepare for our lovely local event, Borde Hill, spread over 3 days. First day was Michele Mallinder's Elvis competing in his second ever event. After really struggling with the concept of dressage, he is finally understanding and produced a much improved test to score 20.5! Although the show jumping is on a formidable hill here, he coped really well for a lovely clear round. He set off round the cross country so boldly and he tackled all the tricky fences, many which he had never seen before. We were clear all the way until the most unfortunate end! Just as I came to the last fence one of the trail riders came round the corner on his bike which shocked Elvis meaning the hand brake went on! I couldn't believe we had the most unlucky stop at the last fence after he had gone so well. Very disappointing but a great learning curve for him. 

Video of Elvis.

The second day was a busy day with both Carolyne Allen's horses Dawn and Dunny, and Edward Goodsell's Joss. Dawn was making her BE debut and she showed some real potential. After an excitable warm up for the dressage she settled down to score a respectable 33. She was a little green show jumping, we must have cleared the first fence by about 6ft, but she tried so hard to jump clear. She is very bold and we were whizzing around the XC until we came to the water... unfortunately when Dawn came over from Ireland she had a slight aversion to people (especially humans she doesn't know!). I couldn't believe it when I came around the corner to see two people standing directly behind the fence walking the course. I shouted at them to move but it was too late. Dawn had already decided they were going to eat her and was heading back in the direction we had just come.. minus me! Luckily she didn't venture too far and once the people had removed themselves from 'said obstacle' we were away again and needless to say she popped into the water and continued on to clear everything else. I was a little frustrated to say the least as she totally did not deserve that at her first event after going so well! A little debrief and we were away again for the BE100. Dunny once again did a lovely test and was a mile above the rest with a smashing 21. Following this up with another foot perfect double clear meant she took the win! She just seems to jump anything XC! This mare really very rarely ever puts a foot wrong and just loves her job. I have so much fun competing her! Last on the Sunday was Joss who was coming out for her first event this season and also her first BE100. She was first into the dressage arena (which was like the side of Mt. Everest) and for a big horse she is so balanced and rhythmical. A good score of 27 was enough to be best dressage! We love Joss but we know she struggles with the show jumping due to her inexperience and 'interesting' technique. However she tries so hard and we were pleased with her round even though she had two down. Slightly ring rusty! A super XC inside the time meant she could drop no lower than 2nd! A great start to her season! 

Video of Dawn, Dunny and Joss.

Last but not least Annie Allen's Des. After his win at Chilham I decided it was time to have a crack at BE100 on him. His dressage was not bad, he has lovely paces full of expression which scored him 29.3. Much to our delight he went on to jump double clear, making the step up to BE100 easy and came 3rd! He has been a great addition to the team this year showing real class. 

Video of Des.

A quick turnaround and some last minute training with the two girls, Skip and Myrtle, ready for their big day at Little Downham. I was so excited. Skip was making the step up to Intermediate and Myrtle and I were entered in our first ever Advanced! Mum and I left the yard at 4am having started at 2.30am with the two girls for the trip up to Cambridgeshire. We managed to walk most of the two XC courses before the dressage but not the last few. I had to get back and prepare Myrtle for our debut! Tailcoat on and toes painted we were on. Having practiced our flying changes so well the day before Myrtle thought they were SO exciting on the day... Anyway, we gave the test our best shot. Myrtle was little more excitable than I would have liked which reflected in our mark of 32.1 (but that did include one explosive flying change!), but, I was so pleased with her and just delighted we could do it! Although it was not our best test we have learnt so much together over the past year and have already come on leaps and bounds from where we started. It was then Skip's turn and she warmed up beautifully. A totally transformed horse. A lovely test for 30.9 which was in the top 5! I then jumped off and ran and walked the remainder of the XC before jumping. Skip's show jumping was going really well until she jumped huge over a big white oxer. We then made up too much distance running down the hill and I wasn't quick enough to get her back on her hocks which resulted in us taking the related distance down.. sadly also making up too much distance in the treble meant one more down. Although not the result I had hoped for I was pleased as it was the biggest track she has jumped and she took it on positively. Our problem is she is so keen, which is not a bad problem to have! The XC was tough, and it was going to be an eye opener for her. I had faith in her as I know her so well having brought her on all the way from BE90. After giving her a reminder and fence 1 she zoomed off. I intended to get her round with a confident clear so time was not on my mind. There were a couple of testing jumps including an enormous drop into water and out over a skinny brush and also a tricky coffin with hanging rails on a downhill gradient. Once she had cleared these two I nearly had a tear in my eye as I couldn't believe what a super super round she was giving me. When we crossed the finish clear I was overwhelmed and so proud of Skip. Even though we were not chasing the clock we were amazingly the third fastest of the day moving her up into 8th place! Her round was just so smooth. A very exciting performance indeed. The air was becoming more humid and the skies darker. Luckily I managed to jump Myrtle before the heavens opened! We did one of our best SJ rounds, it jumped big but Myrtle was pinging. Just an unlucky 4 faults. I was a little nervous before the XC as I wanted it to go well. It was Myrtle's first one and it seemed a lot bigger and tougher than the intermediate. I needn't have worried. I'm pleased to say Myrtle is just as nuts as me and if I go, she goes to! Heart and soul straight over the fences! She was totally amazing clearing the ditch and hedge which the commentator referred as the 'cottesmore leap', the London Olympic 'barge' fence, and the Burghley rugby world cup fence! There was one combination of four fences. The first was a hanging log on a mound which ran down left handed to a big brush corner, left handed again up a steep mound to a very skinny but wide flower box which then dropped sharp down hill right handed to another flower box. Sadly Myrtle jumped so big over the first box I could not make the turn for the final element which meant I had to turn a circle to jump it resulting in 20pens for crossing our tracks. I was not cross with her as it was an accidental mistake, I think she was just quite literally 'attacking' the course! We completed and what a huge milestone it was. A great feeling to know we can do it and I am now ready to have another go! Myrtle has taught me so much already that I am now teaching my younger horses. We arrived home at about 10pm but a great day and both horses sound and happy. 

Video of Skip and Myrtle.

Thanks to Spidge, Jason Bax and Lorraine Porter for the photographs.

After the highs of Little Downham, it was back down to BE100 again, this time at BCA with Joss and Des. I have to say I was not over the moon with either of their tests, as I know they can do much better! However, they mustn't have looked too shabby as they scored 27.5 and 27.8 respectively. BCA SJ is on a surface in quite a small arena. They both coped well but Des just caught the second part of the double down as we were a bit quick through it and Joss just got in a bit of a pickle with her legs as we came round the corner so 4fault-itus! I set off first on Des XC. It is a nice inviting course at BCA but Des was not jumping his usual self. As I came down the drop half way round the course he then was not happy about jumping the arrowhead that followed. It was quite out of character but I did manage to persuade him over it. Afterwards we found he had a loose shoe so I think the drop may have aggravated his feet a little making him feel uncomfortable. We gave him the benefit of the doubt! Joss the machine finished on a high note for a clear round to finish 7th! 

For the last month, I have had an ex-racehorse/ polo pony called Merlin owned by Natalie in to re-school. He is very sweet natured and has been easy to look after. It took a while for him to understand shapes in the school and using the correct bend etc but he has progressed so well that I thought he was ready for his first dressage competition. Merlin is the first of his kind that I have had the chance to re-school and I have enjoyed seeing his progression with his flatwork. We decided to throw him in the deep end for a test in a 'posh' long arena (he has never been in one before!). He warmed up totally chilled, just like at home so that was a good start. He did a really lovely test with no mistakes and we even managed an 8 for our centre lines and all his transitions were soft to the hand. We were delighted with his mark of 70.80% which came 1st! A small but most pleasing triumph! Always nice when the hard work pays off. 

Video of Merlin.

And last but not least, no better way to complete this mammoth blog than with a mammoth day! 5 horses at our local event, Rackham! It has to be said without the enormous support from all the owners, family and friends, I would not have got through this day in the very warm temperatures we had! First to go was little Elvis in the BE90. He was first to go at 8am and he got his head down and got on with the job in hand! A really lovely test full of swing and rhythm earned him best dressage of 25.3! It was then Dawn's turn for her dressage. She came out SO much better from her last outing. Nice, calm and soft. I was really pleased at how she had grown up already from her last event. Sadly the judge was rather harsh and gave her a thoroughly undeserved mark of 34.5 but the best in the section was a 31 so not far off the mark. Both these babies jumped beautifully for two double clears! This meant that Elvis won for the first time and Dawn got her first BE placing in 7th! So proud of both of them and really excited for their futures. Dawn showed some real class for only her second event! Then it was time to ride the three BE100 dressage tests. Dunny was first in her arena and scored 27.8 which I think the judge erred on the side of cautious as her test was really lovely... no different to usual! Joss followed Dunny later on and did one of her best ever tests to score 27 which was best in the arena! For a hunter she sure can move... And last but not least Dessie produced a much better test than the week before to score a wonderful best dressage in his section of 26.5! Good boy. The jumping in the SJ was tricky as the distance in one of the doubles was far too short which caught both Dunny and Des out which was a shame. I actually had to trot Joss through it! Both Des and Joss are still relatively new to this level so a couple of poles was not life threatening. I know they can all jump! It was a great team effort getting all the horses on time to each phase, with all the right kit on and keeping both the horses (and me!) hydrated, which is really important when it is hot so you can keep up a good performance. It was a really fantastic for them all to finish clear XC and inside the time with no problems. Dunny led the way giving me a good feel of the course first, she never gives me a reason to worry. Joss let me be a passenger and Des was back to his confident self! This meant a full house of placings- Dunny was 6th, Joss picked up her first win at BE100 and Des was 5th! And no better way to finish off a cracking day than with my grandma's famous picnic! 

Video of Elvis, Dawn, Dunny, Joss and Des.

Photographs by very kind courtesy of my sponsor, Nigel Goddard Photography, and Spidge Photography. Also a big thank you to my other sponsor, Arka Equipe, for supplying me with more head gear for the horses ahead of the hot, busy weekend!

Huge thank you once again to everyone, including Carolyne, Michele, Annie, Edward, Bridget, Martin and Brigitte for their support and giving me the ride on this talented bunch of lovely horses which I have such pleasure of training and competing. As I sign off this blog I look to see I have moved up into 4th place in the BE foundation point rider league... not a good month. A great month. 

Spring is in the air

An exciting competition at Hambleden Horse Trials with Tia competing in her second BE100+ on the Friday and Myrtle in our first Intermediate of the year on the Sunday. Hambleden is a stunning event with beautifully decorated courses and a very high attention to detail. We arrived Friday afternoon to walk the XC before Tia's dressage. We were the last section of the day so a late start! XC looked inviting and fun! The dressage test was tricky with new movements for Tia to handle including a rein back. I was really pleased with how she behaved in her dressage as she was the only arena running so had to go all by herself! One mistake in our counter canter where we broke a little early but the rest of her test was smart to score 32.5, even gaining an 8 for her leg yield. She then followed this up with a foot perfect double clear, making it seem far too easy! I forget she is still only a baby as she is so bold.. all I have to do is keep her steady! Delighted with her performance... it was nice that she also picked up a rosette for 10th place in a big section. She is an exciting mare indeed! A lovely day out with Kate, Mike and Mum! 

A day in between for a little respite and to prepare Myrtle for Sunday. I felt Myrtle was on good form and was very excited to tackle what looked like a challenging track. She warmed up exactly how I wanted her to before the dressage and was confident of pulling out a good test as long as I could keep it to the arena! She was super chilled which helped as she was focused on me as the rider. She started the test and did some of her best trot work which gave me a great feeling. All was going well until a little mistake in our canter, but we recovered quickly and finished with some positive work. We then walked the XC and returned to the box where we eagerly awaited the dressage scores. I couldn't believe it when I saw our mark- 23.4!! Best dressage and a PB. I was so happy that the little mistake had not cost us as the rest of her test was really lovely. She scored a 9 for her shoulder in and 8.5 for her medium trot! The week before I had a really valuable show jumping lesson which paid dividends to my mindset going into the show jumping. I felt calm and prepared. Myrtle absolutely tried her heart out and gave me a wonderful ride. I felt a huge sense of achievement when we jumped the last clear because I had managed to conquer my show jumping demons when it mattered most. I think Mum and Edward nearly collapsed with relief too!! All was not over yet and with an intense XC to complete it was all to play for. There were many questions and only about 2 let up fences on the whole course. We had two water combinations, a running waterfall fence, a bank, a quarry, drops, skinnies... you name it! All I can say it Myrtle was epic. It was far from easy but we gave it our all! She flew round filling me with confidence and when I knew we had jumped a double clear I was so happy. After adding a couple of time faults and I saw that we couldn't be beaten I just couldn't believe it. In my mind I knew one day we would be good enough but it's hard to pull it out on the day. To win a notoriously tough Intermediate at our first one of the season was just AMAZING!!! (Please see my FB page for videos).

Just to really let Myrtle's victory sink in, she beautifully graced page 49 in the Horse and Hound magazine on the 27th April. A really nice surprise when Carolyne rang me to say I had to go and buy a copy! I was thrilled to be able to show Myrtle's owner, Brigitte Jaquillard, who had been away in Spain at the time. 

In Vogue II | Hambleden Intermediate | H&H Magazine

This month we said goodbye to Carolyne Allen's, Cloon Fear Fionn, as he moves onto his next home. I have had great fun starting this super pony and hope his success continues with his new owners! However as we said goodbye to one we said hello to another; Silken Dawn. A gorgeous 6yo, trakhener x tb x connie, by the stallion Masurenfuerst (the same sire as Silken Creme). Although still green, she is a very exciting prospect and I am looking forward to gaining a partnership with her! 

Silken Dawn 

At the end of April we had a busy weekend with three horses at Chilham Castle in Kent. A very early start of 3.30am on the Saturday to get the yard done before competing Elvis and Des was worth it as both horses shone. Michele Mallinder's 'The Elvis' was making his BE debut in the BE90. He was a little anxious warming up for the dressage as it was very strange to him but I managed to get him to relax before going into the arena. He scored a 37, but in a high marking arena it was in the top 10. I was pleased with his test but lots of room for improvement! He show jumped really well for a lovely clear round. I was a bit worried that the XC would be too tough for his first ever time with steep terrain used very cleverly to make the course hard enough. After a wobbly start, Elvis got the idea and flew round the course answering every question. A fantastic start finishing on his dressage score to come 7th! 

Annie Allen's Des was back out for his third event at BE90. He was a bit cheeky warming up for the dressage... feeling cocky I think! However, he did get on with the job once we entered the arena and pulled out a PB and best dressage of 27.3! Des didn't let the boys side down and continued with another foot perfect double clear leaving him unbeatable! I knew he was a talented chap but so pleased that he has shown his capabilities so early on. He has knuckled down and really taken on his work well with a great attitude. It was the first event his owner Annie had been able to watch him at and a very good one indeed! 

Des is another one of my horses who loves the Titanium Lorenzini snaffle from Arka Equipe. One of my favourite tack room pieces!

Sunday was the day Bridget Lyne's, Skip To The Beat, made her first appearance this season in the Novice. Before Chilham I had a lesson with Gill Watson and it was brilliant. Skip and I really benefited from it and it paid dividends to our first test this year at Chilham where we scored 33.3 which was in the top ten. Skip show jumped really well but as we had slightly lacked practice we had two down - one was due to an unbalanced turn and the other was jockey error! A lovely XC round and even though my stop watch stopped half way round she was spot on the time as we took every direct route. Such a good start to her season, even picking up a frilly for 8th place! Thanks to Nigel Goddard Photography for the gorgeous pictures of Skip. Nigel always takes lovely photographs, be sure to check out his website. 

A rare weekend off meant one thing; a trip to Badminton! Edward had never been before so with nice weather and good competition Mum and I thought it would be the right time to make the journey. Badminton has always been my favourite event and totally awe inspiring. Everything about it is simply magical! A very deserved win to Andrew Nicholson. 

I was very honoured to be asked to ride in the C&H Hunt team for the Inter Hunt relay at Royal Windsor this year. My obvious steed of choice was the wonder- dun Dunny knowing what a super careful jumper she is! I only managed to get in one practice with the team on her before the competition and to say she found it over exciting was an understatement! I was a little apprehensive for the big day! So when we arrived at Windsor on the Thursday with the rest of the team first of all is the tack and turnout. The 4 of us scrubbed up very well and donned our very best hunting attire. We then had a long wait before walking the course and preparing for the relay. The relay involves two teams competing in the arena and racing round a course which is symmetrical either side of the arena before passing the baton (hunt whip) to the next member (at speed!). Every knock down incurs 5 sec penalty so clear rounds were important. We were in the main Castle arena so the crowd was full and lots of cheering and clapping. The horses were all bouncing on their toes! Dunny was last to go in our team and as we set off we were just behind the other team. I couldn't afford to take any pulls whatsoever. Dunny was amazing and flew round clearing every jump... as I made the turn to the last fence we were neck and neck but Dunny took a huge jump at the last fence to overtake the other team! What a superstar she was and such fun. She really is a special, versatile horse! Although our team overall had one too many knock downs we were knocked out the competition BUT we did win best turned out and got 4 magnums of champagne and got to enjoy the lap of honour! Big thanks to Carolyne for taking Dunny and letting me ride her. 

After a successful couple of weeks it was rewarding to see I was among some of the top riders in the British Eventing Official top 20 riders earning foundations points so far this season league in =16th place. A great start to the season. 

All systems go!!

New year of 2017 came by in a flash and we are already underway with the 2017 BE season! This winter was spent training, hunting the young ponies and having some well earned rest for the team! 

I am delighted this season to have 3 new additions to the string including two new owners. First, Carolyne Allen's, 'Cloon Fear Fionn' who came over from Ireland at the end of 2016 and we have been slowly producing him ready for the season. Annabel Allen's, 'Uncle Desmond' joined the team in March and looks forward to an exciting first season and finally Michele Mallinder's, 'The Elvis' also joined us and will be making his BE debut with us having previously show jumped. It will certainly be a new experience for the young chap!  

Over the winter we were lucky to have some new installations to the yard including new arena mirrors fitted by Tim Light ltd and a jump shed. I highly recommend Tim for any equestrian building or groundwork! We have been so pleased with the attention to detail on the building of the yard. 

It's hard to believe we are already 5 events into the season. First up was Tweseldown with Kate Purchase's, 'Star of Equites' in the BE100 and Brigitte Jaquillard's, 'In Vogue II' in the Open Novice. Both horses were extremely excited to be out again and performed many 'airs above the ground'. I was really pleased with how they both went and the fact they felt on fire! Tia scored a 32 and a speedy double clear to finish 5th! It's great to see our partnership starting to form and her trusting me as a rider. Myrtle had an easy run around the novice with a good dressage of 31.3. Sadly just as she went to jump the treble a plane came through the clouds (anyone who has been to Tweseldown will understand- it's right by Farnborough airport) which took her eye off the jump so she chipped in a stride and caught the front rail and the second as she was on a related stride that was wrong. However she jumped super and finished 12th in a tough section. Looking forward to seeing her progression through the season! Click on the pictures to see more. 

Video of Myrtle. 

In between events we did some combined training's with the new horses to get them going and all picked up placings showing great potential. 

Second event was at Munstead with Carolyne Allen's duo of duns! 'Cloon Fear Fionn' was making his BE debut in the BE90 and 'Silken Creme' came out at BE100. Fionn excelled himself with a calm, relaxed and accurate dressage test to score 24.8 followed up with a lovely double clear to place him 3rd! A huge achievement since he arrived from Ireland at the end of last year. Dunny came out in top form and produced a very polished dressage test to score best dressage of 23! A double clear left her unbeatable- fantastic to have the first win of the season so early on! Also lovely to see one of the ponies I produced (Rockwood Sam) and sold to a young girl win their first BE event together! Big thanks to Mum and Grandma both there to watch on Mother's day! Click on the pictures to see more. 

Video of Fionn and Dunny. 

At the beginning of April we set off bright and early ready for a long day at Goring Heath. This time the two bay's, Star Of Equites stepping up to do her first BE100+, and Annabel Allen's, Uncle Desmond making his BE debut in the BE90. Tia did a nice test with some positive work in the Novice test, sadly a harsh mark of 36 was a little disappointing. However, we were really pleased with her and how she behaved! She warmed up nice and calm this time for the show jumping and jumped out of her skin. Shame the jockey waited too much for the double resulting in one down! Cross country was a little more exciting and after jumping so huge over fence 3 she managed to break her martingale... = no more brakes! The course proved very easy for Tia and I had a smooth ride inside the time clear. Des tried really hard in his dressage test, just occasionally becoming unbalanced by his huge paces but he was rewarded with a 32.8. A spooky show jumping proved no issue for him, jumping a beautiful clear round. On to XC and I wasn't sure how he was going to react to everything going on... however he was a total angel jumping an easy clear inside the time like a seasoned pro! Two future superstars in the making! Click on the pictures to see more. 

Video of Des.

Two days later for a quick turnaround we were back out this time to Portman in Wiltshire. After Goring we sold our lorry so a huge thank you to Kate P for lending us her box to take Myrtle! After a slightly stressful journey taking a lot longer than expected... warm up time was fairly non-existent for the dressage. After forgetting the first halt we managed to pull ourselves together and Myrtle was very willing and obedient all things considered. She scored a respectable 31.8 in the Intermediate Novice! The show jumping ground was a little sticky and causing problems but Myrtle jumped really well making some lovely shapes. I am a little ring rusty on her still this year which resulted in an undeserved two down for Myrtle. More practice is in order! XC she was fab- again far too easy but nice for her to be eased back in at the start of the season and get some confident runs under our belt! 

In Vogue II | Portman IN

With Elvis' first event looming I have been keen to get him out to some dressage competitions so he understands what I am asking of him. We decided to enter him for Dressage at Hickstead as it is so local to us to give it a go. I did not expect too much of him just hoping that each time he improves. He was so good for what was only his third ever test and got an amazing score over 70% to win his class! He has lovely paces and a good attitude which were rewarded.

The next day Kate and Mike P, Edward and myself set off to Wiltshire with Tia for Larkhill in the BE100. We were blessed with the most amazing weather Salisbury plain had to offer- blue skies and endless sunshine. Tia did a strong test which is improving all the time the more we get to know each other and she scored a 33 which was in the top 10 after dressage. She is just thoroughly enjoying what she is doing at the moment! We had ages to wait before show jumping so took time to walk the XC and even time for a cooked lunch and catch up on the Grand National horse racing in the box! Larkhill show jumping is notoriously 'hilly' but Tia coped well and maintained a nice rhythm. Unfortunately we made up a little too much distance in the double running downhill and caught the rail coming out. XC yet again she stormed round and I had to slightly go with the handbrake on as she makes up the time so easily! Clear inside the time meant Tia picked up 7th place in a huge section so very pleased! Thanks to Kate and Mike for their help and driving Tia! Click on the pictures to see more. 

We were lucky that Edward's Mum lives down the road from Larkhill and with a very early dressage test the next day we were fortunate to be able to stay down there. On Sunday, I had Fionn and Des (BE90), and Dunny (BE100). First of all I did Des' dressage. He pulled out his best test yet- very calm, consistent and obedient to score a 29.3! I was really happy that he got an '8' for his paces as he is very expressive. He jumped well, quite keen but making some great shapes. A little hanging past the collecting ring gate meant we had the planks down but nothing un-expected for a green horse at his second event. The fact he is going relaxed and doing what is asked of him is fantastic. The XC had lots of questions for a young horse; ditches, skinnies, drops and even a sunken road. Des put his pro hat on once again and did a beautiful clear round giving me a really enjoyable ride. I love this little horse's attitude! Des also came 7th! Thanks to Martin Lyne for taking Des and always being top scorer! Click on the pictures to see more. 

Video of Des.

Fionn was next up. He is so cute we all adore him. He did another grown up dressage test in a high marking section to score 31.5 which was one of the best in his section. Show jumping was a shame he had one down- just as he went past the judges box somebody walked out which caught his eye and I don't think he had clocked the back rail of the square parallel as he came down on it which is most unlike him. However a good clear XC meant he finished 6th! So far so good. Last but by no means least was Dunny. She was in such a huff having had to wait all day to party whilst the others had been! However, when she did come out she strutted her stuff and even a tiny blip in a transition (much to my horror!) was not enough to ruin our chances. She went straight to the top with a good margin on a score of 25.3! I was very nervous show jumping as I knew the one below us had jumped clear and I didn't want to let Dunny down as she always tries so hard. She jumped a super clear much to my relief so I knew it was down to the XC and I had to get the timing right which was proving difficult not to be too fast or too slow. We paced ourselves and I let Dunny find a nice rhythm, just cruising round! As we crossed the finish line inside the time I knew she couldn't be beaten. Her second consecutive win of the season! The day couldn't have ended better and it was special that our family and friends could be there to watch. Shout-out to my Gran for doing another AMAZING picnic for everyone and Carolyne for keeping the spirits up on what was a very long day!! 4/4 placings = happy jockey :)) Click on the pictures to see more. 

A Triumphant Ending to the 2016 Season

When Burghley comes around we know we are in September and the daylight is starting to lessen day by day... 

Another exciting competition and awe inspiring as always to see such wonderful combinations grace our screens for the prestigious 4* event. Fantastic to see a locally based rider - Chris Burton- take top honours.

A roll- reversal at our local Hunt hunter trials as my boyfriend, Edward, took Joss for their first XC competition as an individual. This was only the third hunter trial Edward has ever done so I was very nervous watching! They did me SO proud going clear and winning the prize for best hunt member! A very smooth and stylish round from the pair who have gained such a strong partnership together. 

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C&H Hunter Trial | Hay Josephine

With no rest for the wicked, we hurried back to the yard to do evening stables before packing up and heading off to Wylye in Wiltshire with Myrtle as we were staying over with friends the night before competing at Pontispool in Somerset. Last Winter I met a lovely lady from the EHOA out hunting who I contacted to find some local stabling and she very kindly offered to have Myrtle stay with her. We were up and off early the next day to Pontispool in time to walk the XC before my dressage. Myrtle and I were doing the OIu21 class and it was my first time here. The XC was tough with questions coming up very early on the course, including three water combinations and a very tricky line of big corners on a tight curve. Myrtle warmed up really nicely for the dressage and kept her cool when there were other horses exploding around her. A 29.8 dressage was good enough to be third best and I was delighted to have another sub-30 score. The show jumping was on a surface and a seriously tricky course with difficult lines to execute. I was a little apprehensive before but Myrtle jumped beautifully, filling me with confidence. It was to my disbelief when the last fence fell which was the second part of a double of uprights- she must have literally breathed on it! When I arrived at the XC they had a hold on course as they were changing the last water combination after three people had falls at it. After a little time I was off and at the first water at fence 4 I managed to lose my stirrup. As I was heading for the difficult corner combination I lost a few seconds of time making sure I had my foot secure to tackle this one! I held my breath and a bit of a 'wing and a prayer' moment round the final turn Myrtle flew over the last element and I was so happy! It had caused a few problems and the commentator complimented how well we did it. With so many combinations we took each fence one by one and I was ecstatic to come home safe and clear. We picked up a few time faults but most people did - I think because there were a lot of questions. After Mum had driven over 6 hours for me to compete here I was so pleased to have come 5th so the trip was well worth it!! Another placing at Intermediate level! We finally made it home that night at about 10.30pm...

Click here for Pontispool video.

September brought an exciting new arrival to the MJEventing team. After a careful search, Star Of Equites (aka Tia) was bought by Kate Purchase. She is a 5yo Hannoverian grade 1 listed mare who oozes class and talent. We wanted to get a couple of events under our belt with her before the winter so we know what we need to work on before next season. 

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Star Of Equites

Her first event with us was Munstead horse trials. Dunny was also competing here - both were doing the BE100. Dunny was up first and and as always she did a lovely consistent test- very good considering the arena was ever so slightly sloping! The judge was obviously marking very harshly as she got third best with only a 30. However, a totally foot perfect double clear meant she stayed on her dressage score and was 3rd! She has made the move up to BE100 superbly. She has an amazing attitude and boldness for a 6yo. Up next was Tia and we had no idea what to expect having only had her a couple of weeks and I had only jumped her once! Nevertheless I was very pleased with our dressage test and a good starting point. She scored an amazing 14.8 which we were all stunned by! Just one rail show jumping after a sharp turn where we got a little unbalanced but then a storming clear XC and she gave me a great feeling! We picked up 7th place which was a bonus but just pleased to have had a good first run. Huge thanks to Carolyne, Kate and Mike, Mum, my Gran and my Sister (who came along for the first time!) for a really fun day out! 

Click here for Tia at Munstead.

After Munstead was South Of England. Where there is highs there must be lows. I was absolutely devastated to have to withdraw Myrtle from what would have been our first CIC** together after she got upset in her stable by another horse and got a small cut on her leg which required antibiotics. As she was not 100% I was not happy to run her at this level. Myrtle out, that left Skip (CIC*) and Tia (BE100) flying the flag for the MJEventing team. Tia had Friday dressage which was very quiet as I was the only arena running. This was new for her but she coped well and scored a respectable 32. Early Saturday morning she jumped a beautiful clear round in the main arena at SOE where she really listened to me. We were all fired up to go XC and when we set off she was flying around the course, which I think was quite tough for a BE100 with lots of questions. She was clear all the way until we were three fences from home at the double of drops. We turned to the drops to face them and she half went down them but got her legs in a muddle in the middle which was very awkward so I made a very graceful departure due to the force of gravity going down! Both none the worse we live to fight another day and I am already looking forward to next season! 

Thanks to Nigel Goddard for the photographs.

Saturday afternoon, Bridget and Martin very kindly brought Skip to SOE to do her second ever CIC* dressage. This mare has gone from strength to strength since I started riding her and I never imagined I would be lying in 14th / 75 after our dressage with a fantastic score of 47.8 (FEI scoring)! I was so excited for the following day of jumping and it was lovely to be joined by so many family and friends to watch. The show jumping was up to height and had a precarious looking treble combination down the side of the Norfolk Pavilion. Skip gave me no reason to worry and jumped down it so cleanly. I couldn't believe she had one down in the ring as she hardly touched the pole. Just as I got to the cross country (XC) there was a long hold on the course after someone had an accident. Always nerve racking when this happens as you never know why it has happened. I had walked my minute markers and was focused on sticking to my plan. Skip took off out the start with no holding back! She loves XC!! We were making it round the course, clearing each question as it came up. I looked at my stopwatch and was amazed when I saw we were well up on time! As I approached the water, Skip was pretty keen and I was holding waiting for my stride as I needed to turn right to make the direct route out. Well Skip was SO bold she took a stride out and landed nearly half way across the water- I had no hope of turning so made a split second decision to take the long route which she jumped clear. After this was the big drop to an angled roll top at the bottom. Again she jumped so boldly down I had to turn and put in a circle before the final element which resulted in us picking up 20 penalties for crossing our tracks. Skip thinks she jumped clear and had a fantastic round with no issues. We were still only a couple of seconds over the time!! I think she has proved that she is ready to move up to the next level as she is finding this far too easy! As this was her last event I have to say a big thanks to her wonderful owners, Bridget and Martin Lyne for their continued support and giving me the opportunity to ride this spectacular horse. I was delighted to see my written feature in the B.Eventing magazine for 'featured owner' on Bridget who I have been lucky enough to ride for, for the last 2 years. 

Click here for Skip at SOE.

This time of year is one of the busiest for us, as not only are we still competing but also Autumn Hunting has started! Joss is very much enjoying being out again with Edward and also Crystal has been for the first time and found it most exciting! We hope to find something that 'floats her boat'. Watch this space!

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Joss & Crystal

The beginning of October brought the biggest news of the year for MJEventing- The big move!!! I have been SO lucky to move into brand new facilities with beautiful stables for my beloved GG's. We celebrated the new start for Mum and I with a small BBQ with close friends and family and to give them a chance to see the new yard. The weather shone for us and it was lovely to spend time with everyone! Thank you to all that came. We occasionally have spaces for schooling and competition liveries so please get in contact if you are interested!

Our first visitor to our new abode was the lovely Dunny who came to stay whilst I competed at British Dressage at Belmoredean and then Littleton Horse Trials as Carolyne (Dunny's owner) was away herself competing. At Belmoredean we were having a go at Dunny's first Novice test. We warmed up with a Prelim which she won with over 72%... she then posted a huge 74% in the Novice to win by over 5%! A fantastic first go and amazing when I still think she has a lot more to give! All prepped from our dressage competition we set off for Dunny's final event (BE100) of the season at LMEQ. It was a lovely sunny day and I was pleased my Grandma could be there to watch. She is one of my biggest supporters! Dunny did a stunning test and I was not surprised when the show jumping commentator said she got the best dressage of the day with a 14.5! Quite a remarkable score and my best one yet. Yet another foot perfect double clear left Carolyne's wonderful mare unbeatable again! I am so pleased to have gained the ride on this little superstar thanks to Carolyne, who has been so supportive and kind since joining the MJEventing team. I very much look forward to next season with her! 

Click here for Littleton video.

The following week I was back out to Hickstead to gain more points for British Dressage with Dunny this time doing two more Prelims where she was 1st and 2nd. She is so consistent and every time she is improving and never going backwards in her training which is a testament to her temperament. Afterwards Mum and I went and joined Edward for the post- cubbing breakfast at my friend's house which was a real treat- I haven't had a cooked breakfast for a very long time!! Naughty but nice! 

At this point I only had one more event to go. The season was drawing to a close but a phone call one evening from Horse and Hound magazine for the third time this season made my day! I rang Carolyne straight away to let her know that they had phoned about Dunny's superb win at Littleton. I was overwhelmed to see a huge picture of Dunny and I in the Horse and Hound magazine with the page title dedicated to us on 20th October (page 46). A lovely write up really rounded off what an amazing season it had been so far. I was very pleased to see the 'Arka Equipe' logo very clearly in the photograph as they have been unbelievably supportive sponsors to me who have made a huge difference to my career. 

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Silken Creme featuring in Horse & Hound Magazine

Last, but my no means least, was Aldon International Horse Trials. Take 2 for Myrtle and I having a go at a CIC**. Having missed SOE with her I had kept focussed on making it to this event with no hiccups! As the event was in Yeovil and with day before dressage it required some logistical planning. The lady Myrtle stayed with for Pontispool was so kind to let her stay again so that she could be spoilt with a lovely quiet stable for the night. As Myrtle had not been out for a while she was a little over excited to say the least!! We left very early on Saturday morning so I could walk the XC course before my dressage. The ground was absolutely perfect and the layout was great at Aldon. Edward, Mum and I walked the course which I thought was tough but fair and that I could confidently tackle it! Some clever use of terrain and tricky lines showed it was a true 2* track. 

In the dressage warm up we started off very calm until we cantered and then Myrtle thought it was a huge party! Luckily, I had given myself enough time to tame the wild beast so that we could enter the arena in a respectable manner! She did some really beautiful trot work at the beginning of the test that I was so pleased with. We did one of our best medium trot's and one judge rewarded us with an 8.5 for that movement! All was going smoothly until my eyes started watering (from the wind) and I by accidentally rode a little close to the boards which Myrtle knocked causing her to unsettle a fraction during my canter. This resulted in a cheeky flying change in our counter canter but Myrtle came back immediately and carried on like nothing had happened to score more 8's. Our mark was 47.8 (FEI marking) which was an incredible 8th overnight! Couldn't have been more chuffed at my first attempt especially as I know it could have been better! Post- dressage, cue Myrtle exploding like a bomb so Edward having to do MAJOR polo distractions...  Back in the box back to Wylye quick! 

Sunday morning I was feeling very nervous for the first time. I so wanted the day to go well and to end on a good note. I gave Myrtle plenty of time to warm up before show jumping as obviously she had not done her dressage that day. It was a big arena and lots of people were getting time faults. It was a very technical track including 3(!) doubles- one to another right at the end of the course! We jumped by far our best round ever together. It felt smooth and rhythmical. We met every fence spot on. As I came round from the penultimate double to the last double (of uprights) Myrtle was a little keen and just caught the rail going in with her back feet. Such a shame as 4 faults did not do our round justice I felt- however that is the name of the game! I had an hour or so before my XC so we spent that time perusing the shops (anything to keep me occupied!). My time had come and off we went to the XC warm up. Myrtle was very keen to get going and felt on fire! Just as I went into the start box ready to go the lights went red... my heart sank. Back to the warm up as a fence had to be repaired out on the course. I was so thankful that I hadn't started as being held would not have been ideal! By this point Myrtle was VERY on her toes and wondering what all the waiting was about. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... GO! Off I went into my first 2* track! Myrtle was flying and nothing was going to stop her. She took on each fence one by one. Each time we cleared the tricky combinations the smile on my face was growing and growing. I was not worried about the time I just wanted to complete my first one clear so that I would be ready for next season. As I came over the finish line I felt a huge sense of achievement. This was one of my goals this year and I had done it. I had finished the season with my horses all safe and on a high. I must say Myrtle helped me out a couple of times and was a complete superstar carrying me round. It's like she knew how important it was to me.  We finished in the top 20! A long drive home but back at the yard a lovely welcome was waiting for us with balloons lit up to celebrate our triumphant return. I am pleased to say that after a long weekend Myrtle was 100% the next day and very happy and content. She is now enjoying a well earned break. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season with Myrtle and I feel like she is my best friend who has taught me so much. I have gained so much confidence from her that I have been able to apply when riding my younger horses.   

Click here for Aldon video.

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Welcome home!

To end this MAMMOTH blog (the big move took up A LOT of time!) I must take the time to thank the people who make it all possible. First, is my team of owners. Carolyne, Kate, Bridget, Brigitte and Edward. Without them giving me the chance to ride their special horses I wouldn't be riding at all! I love every single one of the mares (yes, all mares!) and each of them have their own characteristics, but, they are all triers and extremely talented. 

I must thank my generous sponsors- Arka Equipe and KSDigital Photography. Arka Equipe have supplied me with the most beautiful and technically brilliant tack and clothing which has helped me step up my career as without my saddles and equipment it would make life a little challenging! I am so lucky that the clothes they supply me with from brands such as Dada Sport, Dainese and Accademia Italiana all fit my 'small' frame like a glove. I really struggled to find breeches that fit before they sponsored me! Nigel Goddard from KSDigital Photography takes the most gorgeous photos which I love to look back on from an event and they are lovely to be able to send them to the owners. Nigel also does 'home photoshoots' which I highly recommend as he is a trained professional photographer. 

My family is my backbone. Many people know what a heroin my Mum is and she really is the star behind the scenes making everything I do possible! She drives the box to most events and is the absolute boss and top groom I could ever wish for! Edward has been my long suffering- waking up at silly o'clock- scratching post- handkerchief- score watcher- giving me leads on young horses- leggerupperer- loving other half who I can trust to give me the most honest opinion of my riding!! And of course my Grandma who makes the most AWESOME picnics!! 

This season has been one of my best ever with 9 wins, 2nd at Firle CIC*, a top 20 at my first CIC**, 26 top ten placings, three sub- 20 dressage marks (18, 14.8 and 14.5), 9/10 BD wins so far and three H&H appearances! And to top is off all my horses made it through the season with no major injuries and all fit, healthy and happy.  

#TwoHearts

The Great British Summer may be drawing to a close, but at MJEventing we are still as busy as ever. August brought more wins, new horses and even a spot in Horse & Hound! 

At the beginning of August, dressage diva Dunny (Silken Creme) ventured out for her second British Dressage outing at Belmoredean. Once again she produced two solid tests at Prelim to score a huge 74.4% and 74.79%! This was good enough to win both classes and gain maximum points meaning that after two outings we had gained enough points to qualify for the Winter Regionals! Not a bad start to BD. 

Click here to watch her video.

After our trip to Belmoredean, Dunny was well prepped for her first BE100 at Smith's Lawn horse trials. Carolyne, Dunny's owner, was a little nervous for her first one but I assured her that Dunny was more than capable and very talented. Dunny didn't let me down and scored an impressive dressage mark of 23.8 which was the best in the section! She warmed up beautifully for the show jumping and gave the jumps ample room so I was feeling confident going into the ring. Dunny jumped a super clear round and meant we were in the lead going into cross country. I was conscious to get the time right as I know it can be easy to go too fast at Smith's Lawn as it is very flat. Dunny flew around to finish on her dressage score which was good enough to win by 6 marks! Absolutely delighted to have won her first BE100 and I think Carolyne was very pleasantly surprised! It was lovely that Carolyne's husband, Phil, could be there to watch for the first time and that he could see Dunny win. It was the first time we used the new Wilberry Wonder Pony quarter marks which were obviously lucky. 

Click here to watch Dunny's video.

Rio Olympics 2016. #TwoHearts. What a fine display of horsemanship we were treated to. Michael Jung, Charlotte Dujardin and Nick Skelton were worthy gold medal winners after showing true harmony with their horses. It was lovely to see new combinations also doing so well which is great for the sport. I only hope one day to be able to achieve what they have! 

Feeling inspired after the Olympics, Firle Place international horse trials was very busy with the four mares competing over two days. Joss (Hay Josephine) and Dunny (Silken Creme) were in the BE90 and Myrtle (In Vogue II) and Skip (Skip To The Beat) were in the CIC*. We arrived early on Saturday morning with Joss and it was the most horrendous weather you could imagine- blowing an absolute hooley and heavy rain showers. So not ideal. Joss was her usual professional self and produced another smart test for 27... Quite amazing for the hunter who in her first season eventing has never scored above a 30! She then tried her hardest in the show jumping for a lovely clear - again, amazing for the hunter who has only had one rail down all season- and cross country she made seem like a walk in the park with a clear inside the time. It is not until you see the video that you realise how windy it was! Finishing on her dressage score left her unbeatable for the second time in a row!! She is a very special horse to us, and certainly puts the chestnut mare myth to bed!! She now goes back to her day job of hunting. 

Joss's video's at Firle - Dressage / SJ - Cross Country

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Hay Josephine | Firle Place International

By this time, Carolyne had arrived with Dunny who was raring to go. It is lovely to see a horse so enthusiastic about her job! After Smith's Lawn, I did not know how we would better such a good dressage score but Dunny proved it was possible and got best dressage of 22.3! I know it's easy to say you had an unlucky rail show jumping but Dunny really did, I didn't even think she had touched it! Luckily, with another easy clear cross country (including lots of excited squeals and some rather cheeky bronking up the hill!!) and a very good dressage, Dunny also won her section! I couldn't believe it, two wins in one day! 

Dunny's video's at Firle - Dressage - Cross Country

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Silken Creme | Firle Place International

No time to celebrate as Bridget had arrived with Skip who was first to do her dressage for the 1*. It was her first time in a long arena and her first ever 1*. She coped so well in the really difficult conditions for just a couple of green mistakes that can easily be rectified but otherwise produced some lovely work and even got 8's for her canter work! She scored 51.4 (FEI marking) which was perfectly respectable. Kate P was then really kind to bring Myrtle for us so she didn't have to stand on the Lorry all day as her test was not until about 5pm. Myrtle was doing a beautiful test until a marquee tried to take flight in the wind which spooked her. Thankfully she recovered quickly and scored 44.8 (FEI marking) which left us in the top ten overnight. 

Back the next day and we very lucky to have all hands on deck to help as I had 6 horses between each of them- big thanks to Lizzie and Annie for coming along especially and the rest of the team. Myrtle jumped a faultless round which filled me with confidence for jumping Skip. It was the biggest course Skip has ever jumped but she rose to the occasion! Sadly we were a bit wrong off the last corner and had the last down as my stride was not good. Skip then went cross country and I set off determined to give her a good ride. She made it seem like she has done it before and was a pleasure to ride. Not only was she clear, she was also inside the time! She always tries her best. I am so proud of how far this little horse has come and I just love how our partnership has grown together. Knowing Skip had managed it, I had every faith in Myrtle not to let the team down! She certainly didn't let me down, and another clear inside the time. As I was near the end I had no idea what the competition was looking like so when Brigitte, Myrtle's owner, came running over to us after the XC to say we had gone into 2nd place I couldn't believe it! Skip finished 15th so both in the top 20. What an awesome weekend! I am so blessed to ride such wonderful horses and have a team of thoroughly supportive owners as well as my sponsor, Arka Equipe and Nigel Goddard (KSDigital Photography) for sending me some lovely photographs. 

Skip at Firle / Myrtle at Firle

No time to rest as the next day we wanted to support Carolyne and her riding club who were holding a clear round at Coombelands in aid of The Willberry Wonder Pony Charity in memory of the late Hannah Francis. We decided to take our lovely little boy, Danny (Brendon) for a jump and as the turnout was so good we did not jump until the evening! Considering I can't remember when I last jumped him he jumped a beautiful clear round! He is such a star and we are looking for someone to take this super talented pony to his full potential. 

Click here to see Danny's clear round.

As I am not very tall - depending how you look at it - I am still lucky enough to be able to ride ponies. So when Mum's friend rung up and asked if we could back her 3yo 11hh-something Welsh section A pony, of course she said yes. So then arrived April. She is so little it's like having an overgrown dog! She has been getting used to grooming, tacking up and has got the hang of lunging. I have managed to lay over her back and get her used to weight on her back. Now she has gone back for a little break and to take in what she has learnt before she comes back for the next stage of training. It is important not to rush them when they are young as horses do not forget!! 

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As Dunny and I are now members of BD, Carolyne wanted us to have a go at two more Prelims at a different venue. We are lucky to be just around the corner from Dressage at Hickstead so off we went one Friday. We had put ourselves in a tricky position after setting ourselves such a high standard after the previous two BD outings. Dunny got on with her job and was very well behaved producing two smooth tests. She scored a huge 75.51% and 76.7%. She is very talented for only a 6yo and has a very bright future! This meant we had secured 6/6 wins so far at BD! A vast change from the weather at Firle as it was super hot- my Dada Sport Corradina breeches from Arka Equipe are great for the Summer.

Click here to see Dunny at Hickstead. 

The final bank holiday weekend of the summer brought us to KBIS Wellington horse trials with Myrtle in the OIu21. It was exciting to be riding on the Monday, the same day as the advanced as there was a great atmosphere there. Edward, Mum and I walked the course when we arrived. There were some tricky combinations and a tough water complex which included two hanging logs on one stride with a drop into the water and then a sharp turn to a jetty in the water. We watched a couple jump it and they chipped in a stride and ended up having very awkward jumps which did not fill me with confidence. Then followed a hanging log to a big corner on a tight angle and then there were two very skinny flower boxes from the London Olympics which was very exciting to jump! Myrtle warmed up nicely for the dressage but was not impressed with the big black scary writing on the back of the dressage boards as we entered the arena! Concentration back and she went on to do a nice test scoring 30. The show jumping was big and lots to look at with interesting jumps. She jumped super and the curse of the last fence was creeping up on us- so frustrating! I sat a little quietly off the last corner so we just rolled it. It was a hot day and I had a while to wait in the XC warm up. It's a thin line between making sure they stay focused but not tiring them out. Myrtle was very keen to get out the start box and I set off hoping for a clear round and not worrying about the time too much. At the half way point we were 20 seconds down but I did not panic. I rode the water just as I had planned and Myrtle positively flew it! By that point we were flying and when we came to the last fence I couldn't believe we were only going to be 4 seconds over the optimum time! A strong clear round meant we finished in 6th place!

Click here to see Myrtle at Wellington. 

A successful month for the MJEventing team, and on the evening of Firle I got a very exciting phone call from the eventing reporter for Horse & Hound magazine! I couldn't believe it when a couple of days later I got another phone call from the Dressage reporter for Horse & Hound! On the 1st September I got my first interview on page 61 in H&H, and a week later (back to back issues!) I got another mention in the South- East dressage report. This is when you know you've had a good week! 

Winning and Learning

July has been so jam- packed I can't believe it's only been a month since my last blog! After Rackham, Skip and Myrtle were prepped and ready to go to Farley Hall only for it to be very sadly cancelled due to the monumental amount of rain the south of england had in such a short space of time. Devastating for the organisers, and such a shame as I was looking forward to testing out the new intermediate track. We made a quick decision to re-route Myrtle to Eridge intermediate which was originally un-planned. We were keeping our fingers crossed for Brightling International which was a week after Farley Hall was due, but the ground was still soggy. Very sadly once again Myrtle missed a run as the 1* class had to be abandoned as the ground lower in the course had not recovered. This was made slightly better by the fact they managed to run the BE90 course which Joss and Crystal were entered for. Joss was on bright and early and very much raring to go! She produced a solid test for a good mark of 26.5. Crystal was also on best behaviour and got a 29.5. Much to my disbelief both girls had the last fence down show jumping after fault free rounds! On Joss I may have come a little tight around the corner and clipped the front rail so on Crystal I was sure not to make the same mistake again. Looking back at the video I think there may have been a sneaky dip in front of the jump! Joss flew around the XC so boldly to finish 4th in the prize money, and credit to Crystal who also finished in 10th place after a clear XC with forward movement throughout!! A good day and we were very lucky with the weather. 

Video of Crystal

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Hay Josephine | Brightling International 

The following weekend we headed to Tweseldown, this time with Dunny and Crystal. First up was Crystal (again very early!). This time she was not feeling quite herself and a bit lack luster compared to normal. We did a good test for 30.5 but it just lacked a little 'oomph'. She show jumped well just having one down after the long strided double which she then struggled to shorten for the upright that followed. I set off on the XC but I could feel that Crystal was not in the zone at all. I decided to retire her as she was not quite herself and I did not want to push her.  Post Tweseldown we found out that in fact she had a low iron count after some blood tests which would explain her lethargy. A little break now in order. 

Dunny however was the complete opposite and trembling to be out at the party! She did a very smart test for third best with a 27! A minor distance disagreement show jumping (Dunny thought she knew best!) meant we just rolled one pole but otherwise a pleasing round. After waiting ages in the XC warm up after the course was causing complete carnage I was worried how Dunny would cope as this was only our second event together. I needn't have worried because she totally ate the course up I was having to hold her back. As we ran up the hill to the first water she let out a huge buck and a squeal! She was having a whale of a time!! 4th place and in the money again. 

Video of Dunny

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The day after Tweseldown we planned a little trip down to the coast where Carolyne (Dunny's owner) lives. Edward, Mum, Carolyne and myself went for a lovely ride on West Wittering beach. I took Danny for his first ever time and he was a superstar! It was a windy day and there were so many kite and wind surfers, dog walkers and canoes and he didn't bat an eyelid at any of it! He merrily cantered behind Joss and Edward who went charging off in front of us at 100mph and jumped all the groynes first time on his own! Mum and Carolyne meanwhile had a far more quiet ride! It was lovely to see Mum riding on the beach again after so many years. Huge thank you to Carolyne for spoiling us with such a beautiful ride and for lending Mum a GG. 

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In between competitions I have been keeping up with training. I am thoroughly enjoying my dressage lessons which have been so beneficial. The rewards were seen at Eridge Horse Trials where Joss (even after her beach ride) scored a fantastic mark of 21.8 which was the best in her arena in the BE90. A double clear inside the time left her unbeatable and over 8 marks in front of her nearest rival! She is undoubtedly a very special and incredibly versatile horse. Her second win of the season.

Video of Joss

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Day 2 at Eridge, this time for the Intermediate with Myrtle and Novice with Skip. I was so pleased with Myrtle's dressage test, and I was really delighted when I learnt she got scored 25.2 which was 6th best in a very tough section. Skip also did a good test with just one blip where we broke in our second medium trot. Her mark however was a little disappointing of 36.5 but all the marks seemed to be relatively high in that arena. Into jumping mode and Myrtle was up first. The course was very long and twisty and causing no end of faults. I kept my cool and had watched a few so could see where I would need to adjust Myrtle's stride. Myrtle was brilliant and listened to my every aid which earned us a clear round- 1/3 to do so!! A huge achievement and I finally feel I am finding my rhythm show jumping! I set out on the XC very positively, the first few fences were very big and got Myrtle to really 'open up'. Due to missing so many events on Myrtle I lacked the knowledge that I needed to really get her back again to get her focused and we had a silly fly-by at fence 5 because her eye got distracted by something at the side. We carried on the rest of the course very strongly. Myrtle is great because she doesn't look at anything - nothing seems to bother her and she gives me a great, bold ride. Although disappointed at first, I took it as really good experience and am enjoying having the chance to ride at this level. We still finished 15th however as the show jumping results were very influential! No rest for the wicked and I was straight back onto Skip. At home we have been trying to alter Skip's technique jumping for the better. She can be very 'buzzy' and explosive over the jumps and does not actually give herself time or space when the jumps get bigger. Having had a spook last time out at BCA, I rode strongly around the course. We rolled a couple of poles as I am trying to get her jump out of a better, more controlled rhythm- although this seems bad, she actually needed to roll some poles in order to learn. Second fastest clear XC round put us in 11th place. A great day of learning for Skip and I am so happy how confident XC she has become. 

Video of Myrtle

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The following week, Carolyne was off to Dublin horse show so we had the pleasure of Dunny and Fern (another of Carolyne's horses) come to stay. It was great for Dunny and I to have some bonding time. I am trying to improve her lateral work and find those gears within the paces which is all coming along all the time. Did some fun exercises with Fern over the week too. 

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Silken Creme aka Dunny

In other news, I am now officially a British Dressage member, and the other week I competed in my first BD show at Brendon Pyecombe on the lovely Dunny (Silken Creme). I didn't know what to expect but Dunny did two really lovely tests and I was very pleased with her. She has such a great attitude to work. A big surprise when I found out we had won both tests!! We scored a huge 72.60% and 76.07%- a very successful debut indeed! 

Watch my tests here.

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A flying visit to the RIHS meant I could catch up with my sponsors, Arka Equipe. I am incredibly lucky to have such a supportive brand behind me and am so grateful for all they do and provide me with. They currently have some great items on sale which I would highly recommend checking out!

Rounding off what has seemed like a very long month, was Wilton Horse Trials in Wiltshire. A new event for me and I was very excited as lots of friends and family could be there with us. The 4am start was worth the stunning venue and gorgeous blue skies. I was very pleased that Bridget and Martin, Skip's owners, and Brigitte, Myrtle's owner, could be there to watch. Skip was in the Novice once again and her dressage was first. She was so calm and relaxed and listening to me I felt we could do a good test. She has come on such a long way, she is like a different horse to ride. The hard work is paying off as she scored a PB of 30.0 which was third best! A very quick dash back to the lorry to get on Myrtle who was competing in our first OIu21 (Open Intermediate under-21). I was very happy with the quality of work in the warm up and was pleased that this continued into the arena as it can be so easy to lose it! Her transitions were clean and soft and she maintained a good rhythm. I was over the moon to find out I had scored best dressage with a 28! It was then Myrtle's turn to show jump and I couldn't believe we jumped another clear round at intermediate level! We picked up some time faults but this was not un-common on the day so must've been a very tight time! Leaving the jumps up was my main aim! The XC was probably the most technical one I have done so far with many tricky questions including the biggest and steepest drop / hill I have ever done leading to the skinniest chair I have ever seen- in fact I wasn't sure I could even fit through it! There were two water questions; the first you had to jump two skinny turtles (which were actually quite big when you got close) one stride apart on the edge of the water. The second was a big hedge jumping into a wood, but in fact into water in the wood! Myrtle was loving life out on the XC and we tackled the first combinations well. Unfortunately she jumped down the drop so boldly and saw all the spectators she didn't even register the fairly innocuous looking chair! We spun round and popped it when I managed to re-gather my knitting! Flew round the rest of the course and she actually jumped the water jumps really well compared to some I saw go through them. Another great ride at this level and I am gaining confidence all the time. We finished 7th place which is my first top ten placing at Intermediate level so a huge tick in the box! Meanwhile, Skip had been waiting so patiently for her turn and she did not disappoint. Mum assured me she would have learnt from her round at Eridge and she was right. Skip did the most beautiful clear round so effortlessly. I was buzzing for the XC and what a machine she was! She made it seem ridiculously easy and took on all the new questions in her stride. Another 4th place but Skip's best to date at Novice level! So exciting! I feel like Skip and I have really gained a true partnership together. 

Video of Myrtle

Video of Skip

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Some great results this month and I am so pleased with how all my horses are going; at competitions and at home. 

A First, a First and a First!

June has been a month of many 'firsts'. It was with HUGE excitement that Myrtle gave me my first experience of doing an Intermediate! It was the first Friday of the month and off Mum and I set at 6am along with Myrtle's owner, Brigitte, to Little Downham Horse Trials in Cambridgeshire. The weather was touch and go but we managed to stay mostly dry for the day but it was so cold- for June!! Luckily I had my Arka Equipe Dainese X-Mode Core jacket to keep me warm (FYI it's currently in the sale!!). After walking the course I thought there were some big fences, especially the ditch and brush which made me feel a little queasy! Lots of questions, including skinnies, drops and two water combinations. I felt confident that Myrtle and I could tackle the course well. Unfortunately we were parked in the middle of the XC course which meant Myrtle was highly excited which lead to a few mistakes in our dressage test but the movements which were good I was very pleased with. Myrtle jumped super show jumping after I got myself in gear after having a silly rail at fence 2. We are still a relatively new partnership in terms of 'ring experience' so I was happy with our result. Waiting for the XC was very nerve racking as so many riders were coming un-stuck at various fences throughout the course which was leading to long holds on the course. Waiting in the warm up is hard as you really have to keep yourself and the horse focused and ready to attack the course to start positively. We kept our cool and set off on the course well. We soon got into our rhythm and were flying. I was not worrying about the time as I just wanted to have a really confident clear round as you cannot afford to make mistakes at this level. All I can say is that Myrtle was totally and utterly AWESOME and we had the time of our lives out on the course! Coming through the finish clear was an overwhelming feeling and I was so pleased Brigitte could be there to watch. We finished 15th which was a commendable effort for our first go. 

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In Vogue II | Little Downham Horse Trials

Next event in June was Berkshire College with Skip on Saturday in the Novice and Crystal on the Sunday in her first BE90. We had a really lovely weekend with friends which is what makes eventing so enjoyable, when it can be a shared experience with friends and family. Skip did the most beautiful dressage test, I was so proud of her. She was so professional and just got on with her job. We were rewarded with 3rd best dressage on a score of 30.5. A 'very nearly' show jumping round which was slightly frustrating but as my trainer said to me, you either win or you learn. This time we learnt and I now know Skip has a mild dislike to 'very white' show jumps so this is what we have since been practicing over! She was forgiven as the rest of her round was fault free and the XC she breezed so easily we could have been doing a 90... Cruised inside the time to finish just outside the top ten in 13th.

Click here for Skip's video. 

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MJEventing camp!

Back again on the Sunday and Crystal was in fine form. She ignored the slightly wild, bucking, charging horses in the dressage warm - up (I think down to miserable weather- again June!) and concentrated well. Kate, her owner, gave me some super last minute tips as she knows Crystal the best which was so helpful as we went on to get my best ever eventing dressage score of 18 (82%) which was best dressage! Second time in a row Crystal has got best dressage. Can't believe I got a 9 for my riding on my test sheet- definitely a keeper!! Unfortunately the tight arena of the show jumping was not best suited to her. She did a huge jump over fence 3 and I did not have time to 're-group' but we finished the course well after that. Once we finally let go of the brakes and got going on the XC we were away and Crystal took on the jumps very well for her first BE90. After her tremendous dressage score we still managed to finish 6th! So many positives to take away from the weekend. 

Click here for Crystal's video.

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Willow Crystal Maze | BCA Horse Trials

This month I was hugely delighted to welcome the newest member to the MJEventing Team. Silken Creme (aka Dunny) is a 6YO Connemara x Trakehner, dun mare owned by Carolyne Allen. Carolyne approached me to take on the ride of this lovely mare and I was more than pleased to do so. When I took her on she was already entered at Rackham Horse Trials so I didn't have long to get to know her! Carolyne gave me a brief summary of Dunny's way of going and her previous judge's comments. I only had the chance to ride Dunny 3 times before Rackham so I concentrated on the things I could improve and I also managed to go XC schooling on her. I wanted instantly to put her into the Lorenzini Titanium snaffle to help lighten her forehand and encourage her to take the contact forwards. The team at MJEventing organised a fabulous day out to our local horse trials, again, lots of family and friends and my grandma put on an amazing picnic! For once we had very sociable times and the weather was good. I was very pleased with Dunny's test, she was very forward thinking and active. She has good paces and did a neat, accurate test. We were all delighted to learn she had got best dressage with a score of 24.5! I was a little apprehensive going forward to show jump as I had not show jumped her before. She coped very well with the tricky course which saw very few clear rounds but she was one of the clear! We were in a strong position heading into the cross country so we set off determined and she gave me a very bold ride. I was delighted that she had put her trust in me to go on and win our first event together. She is a very exciting mare and I am so pleased how our partnership has started. We won very convincingly by over 6 marks which is big margin. 

Click here for Dunny's video. 

I was also lucky enough to win a video of my cross country round courtesy of 'An Eventful Life' which can be viewed by clicking here...

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Silken Creme | Rackham Horse Trials

Kate P kindly pointed out that I now have the full compliment of 'Spice Girls' - Myrtle is Posh, Skip is Sporty, Joss is Ginger, Crystal is Scary and Dunny is Baby! And they all ROCK!! 

Hard work paying off

Wow where has May just gone?!?! It has flown by and the team at MJEventing have been so busy this is the first chance I have had of writing a blog. 

First of all I must include the quick visit we made to Lingfield racing to watch my sister race one lovely Spring evening at the end of April on a horse called Dynamo. It turned out to be totally exhilarating as she WON!! So pleased for her to have ridden her second winner, this time for Richard Hughes. 

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Stephanie Joannides winning aboard Dynamo trained by Richard Hughes

As always, at the beginning of May we travel down to Chilham Castle in Kent. It has to be one of my favourite events as it is set in such a beautiful venue. On the first day I was riding Crystal and Joss in the BE80. This was Joss' debut event! First to go was Crystal and the day started off a little ropey when Crystal managed to to stand on Kate's foot with her studs in... it wasn't pretty! Luckily, Kate is a lot braver than I am with blood!!! However, she did manage to redeem herself by doing a very good dressage for a mark of 31.5. She was a little cheeky show jumping but went clear XC to finish 11th. We were delighted to have completed our second event! Joss was the star of the show. She was very cool, calm and collected and this was reflected in a 29.3 dressage and double clear to only go and WIN!!! I was so happy for my boyfriend, Edward, who owns Joss as this was his first time owning an event horse! Not bad going for a hunter! 

Click here for Crystal and Joss's videos.

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Day 2 we returned to Chilham with Myrtle in the Open Novice and Skip in the Novice. Unfortunately after my dressage on Skip I decided she was not quite herself so I withdrew her as I did not want to push her to make a mistake jumping as she is so talented. This meant Myrtle was left holding the flag for the team but she did not disappoint. We did a pleasing dressage of 30.5 and had a very unlucky pole show jumping as she was distracted by the next competitor who cantered past the jump. However, we picked up one of the fastest clear cross country times to finish 6th! She gave me a super round and I couldn't stop smiling! 

Click here for Myrtle's video.

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I am very proud to have been awarded a 'Technical Merit' by British Eventing for accurate riding sponsored by Airowear for my double clear on Joss. 

Post - Chilham we spent the only day of the year watching TV all day. Badminton cross country day!! Full of thrills and spills it was so exciting and inspirational. I only hope one day I will be doing it! Michael Jung was pure class and deserved the win. 

During this blog I am sad to write that last month we had to say goodbye to our lovely boy, Laddy who has moved on to his new home. I had a fantastic winter hunting with Laddy who was a good steed to me and always brought me home safely. 

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Laddy Liam

Mid- May eventing, this time at the riding club ODE at Coombelands with Symphony Sport Horses 'Danny' (Brendon). It was his second ever event and we were eager to see how he went after winning Munstead UA. Yet again he did the most super dressage to score 24. With no studs, he is unbelievably balanced for a young pony and produced a polished test. Unfortunately I was kicking myself for having a pole show jumping as it was totally my fault for seeing a dreadful stride as he jumped so beautifully! He went clear cross country so confidently, jumping straight into the water and over all the ditches. He never looks at anything! He finished a very respectable 4th- another top ten placing and in the prize money!! This really is a pony of the future as he has it all- looks and talent!

Click here for Danny's video.

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Symphony Sport Horses 'Brendon' | FOR SALE

Last, but my no means least as we had the busiest weekend of all. Borde Hill horse trials on the May bank holiday! On Friday I rode 7 horses including the 4 to be competing and managed to walk 3 cross country courses. It was probably a good thing as it meant I got a great night's sleep! First of all I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to help and support me last weekend as the help was invaluable. Saturday was the turn of Crystal (BE80) and Joss (BE90- stepping up a level). Joss did a lovely relaxed test but we had no time to debrief as I had a quick change on to Crystal. Sharp transitions and into the arena among the rumbles of thunder! Once again a very pleasing test and she responded well to all I asked of her. The day couldn't have gone much better with both horses gaining sub-30 dressage's (Crystal - 26.3 and Joss - 25) followed by TWO double clears! Crystal found her mojo and flew round the cross country to WIN! Kate, her owner, and the rest of the MJEventing team were so thrilled. She is a little tricky at times so this was a testament of patience and perseverance. Not forgetting Jossy, who finished 3rd in her first BE90. What a lovely and kind mare she is. She has really put to bed the myth of chesnut mares because she is so brilliant.

Click here for Crystal's video. 

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Sunday we hallowed as a 'day of rest', giving us time to re-load the lorry and prepare Skip and Myrtle for the competition on Monday. Unfortunately I became under-ther-weather but I was determined to compete. Once again Skip was in the Novice and Myrtle in the Open Novice. Typically, Bridget in the trailer was parked at the bottom of the hill, and we, in the lorry, were parked at the top of the hill. The problem you ask? They share tack! And with 45 minutes between dressage tests and a 'very' good 5 minute walk to the dressage, Lizzie our dear friend was assigned with babysitting Myrtle at the dressage whilst I rode Skip. I think by the end, Lizzie had most of her upper body licked to death by Myrtle who is ever so endearing. Skip is still new to this level and still struggles a little with the lengthening and shortening of the canter, however it is improving all the time. I was pleased to learn her score of 33 which I thought was very fair as we did some beautiful, unplanned flying changes down the final centre line but she was awarded 8's where she deserved them, including her leg yielding. Myrtle was extremely pleased to be out again and the canter in our warm up was edging on being 'over exuberant' with the hind quarters! I have been having some fantastic training with Myrtle and this helped us produce the second best dressage with a score of 28.5 in a hot section. Very chuffed to have broken the 30 barrier having been on 30 a few times! 

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In Vogue II 

Some time after allowed me to go back and re-walk a fence I was un-sure of the line I was going to take. It was a step up to a triple brush on an angle but it meant navigating ones way around a huge tree to the step. This was a tough question, for Skip especially who has never jumped a triple brush. By this point I was flagging on stamina as I was not feeling 100% and finding it more difficult than usual to breathe. Skip went on to jump yet another double clear which I was so pleased about as Guy Avis (who bred Skip) was there with Izzy Taylor and he watched our rounds. I was amazed how bold Skip was, as it was definitely the biggest and most challenging course she has done yet. Myrtle and I are really gaining confidence together and she jumped really well. Just one pole show jumping in a short double but a super easy clear cross country. Skip was 6th in her section and Myrtle was 5th! 

Click here for Skip and Myrtle's videos.

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3/4 sub- 30 dressage scores, 3/4 double clears and 4/4 top ten placings! To say I was chuffed would be an understatement. I feel incredibly lucky to ride these 4 gorgeous MARES! (Kate and I have nicknamed them the spice girls... guess who is who!). It was a great event and I couldn't walk round the corner without bumping into friends every 5 minutes which was really lovely. I had a huge group of friends that came along as the event is literally round the corner from us and we enjoyed tucking into my grandma's wonderful picnic at the end of the long day (anyone who know's, my grandma's picnics are the king of picnic's!). 

I am really pleased with how my horses are all going at the moment. I owe a lot to my team around me, and of course my wonderful sponsors Arka Equipe who provide myself and my horses with the highest quality clothing and tack. 

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Arka Equipe Lorenzini stirrups and Prestige Venus- K monoflap dressage saddle

First Win of the Season!!

So far a very unsettled start to the season with events being cancelled left, right and centre. Such a shame for the organisers who put in so much effort to prepare the courses. We sadly lost a run at Hambleden this month as it was abandoned at 6.15 am (we had set off at 6am)- Myrtle was a little confused!

Back at the beginning of April, Mum and I set off with Myrtle to Portman horse trials at 6am having done the rest of the yard before we left (it was a very early start!). It was a beautiful day and we were joined by some family friends who live locally to the Wiltshire event. Myrtle warmed up beautifully for the dressage and did a solid test where we were rewarded with a 30.8 dressage in the Open Novice among tough company. We had one rail show jumping as I was a little slow off the mark round the penultimate corner (so pleased to have jumped the tricky line downhill) but we went on to jump clear cross country inside the time which left us in 8th place! Myrtle was ace and gave me a fantastic ride around our first novice together.

Just as we finished back at the box the heavens opened so we sheltered just in time!

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Wearing Dainese breeches and body protector from Arka Equipe.

Video of Myrtle and I at Portman ON can be seen here. 

4 days later I was back to Wiltshire, this time for Larkhill horse trials with Skip. Larkhill is a lovely open and inviting course which was perfect for Skip's second ever novice. Whilst warming up for the dressage all the tanks and army vehicles drove by which didn't seem to bother Skip much. Unfortunately, the flower pots outside the arena however were blood-sucking trolls and resulted in a few un-scheduled 'airs above the ground'. 35.8 score, could've been worse! It turned wet and very cold before our show jumping and the course was causing a lot of problems as it is on quite a gradient. However it caused no problems for Skip who jumped an immaculate clear round. I was over the moon! Skip went on to finish on her dressage score leaving us in 7th place after storming round the cross country. Superstar, top ten placing at her second novice! Huge thanks to Bridget and Martin Lyne who own Skip for all their help at Larkhill. 

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Skip To The Beat | Larkhill

After Larkhill we had a quieter weekend where Edward and I took the opportunity to do some fitness work with the horses as well as exploring some new country over the South Downs. The ground is always perfect and the views breathtaking. 

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Laddy Liam

With Chilham looming we thought it would probably be a good idea to take Joss show jumping. We have never show jumped her round a course (she is a hunter!) so I was pleasantly surprised when she jumped a lovely clear round at Felbridge the other week and was not spooky! We also took our pony Brendon (Danny) for some show jump training at Coombelands ahead of his first ever event at Munstead unaffiliated. He really is a super pony with oodles of potential for a rising 5YO. Here is a video of him training.

Myrtle has also been busy training. Last week I had a fantastic dressage lesson on her to practice the new novice test and we have also been to Pyecombe to jump a clear round around a 1.15m track. Myrtle wears Lorenzini titanium bits for both dressage and show jumping. Here is a video of her training. 

Last but definitely not least is the report on Danny's debut event at Munstead UA. He was entered in the Intro (90cm) on Sunday as we were meant to be at Hambleden on the Saturday. Little baby thrown in the deep end! We were early on, fourth to go so another early start. Danny warmed up nicely for his test, a few little neighs to other horses just to let everyone know he was there! We were in the furthest arena so he really had to concentrate and not worry where everyone else was. I was so pleased that he produced a lovely, balanced and rhythmical test with just one little mistake with an over enthusiastic canter transition! He focused the whole test and this shined through with an amazing score of 27.3, to put him 5 marks ahead of his nearest rival! This allowed us one fence show jumping which he only had down at the second fence as he was a little green starting but then he totally understood what he was doing and jumped a foot perfect round. Quick change for cross country and much to my amazement he was still full of running. For his first event I was expecting him to find the whole experience quite tiring for a baby. He flew (literally) around the XC so easily that I was still shivering when I got back from the cold as I had such an easy ride! (It was a freeeezing day- luckily had my FAB Dada Sport Quismy Down Jacket from Arka Equipe to warm me up). Inside the time which meant he was unbeatable leading from start to finish. Superstar. He is such a talented pony and a pleasure to ride. Couldn't be more proud of him winning his first event, he has come such a long way since we got him last summer. He is now very sadly for sale and ready to take someone all the way. 

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Welcoming the 2016 season

The 2016 eventing season is underway, and the team at MJEventing are looking forward to an exciting year ahead! With two new horses joining the team, along with their owners, the first couple of months will be gaining a partnership with the new rides. 

I have spent most of the winter hunting the ponies along with my boyfriend, Edward. This is some great 'downtime' from the competition season and a chance to recharge my batteries. We were lucky this year to visit some really fantastic places and meet interesting people. Laddy has been a faithful steed and carried me through the season to finish all in one piece. 

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Laddy

Back in January I took on one of my new rides for the season, In Vogue II aka Myrtle owned by Brigitte Jaquillard. She is the first horse I have taken on that already has some experience and I am very excited about the year ahead. Myrtle and I have been busy training in dressage and show jumping which was reflected when we went to our first event together at Ilseham Horse Trials where she scored a 29.3 dressage and double clear. We only started at BE100 (open) as I had only been cross country schooling once on her and wanted to have a smooth first run and get to know her. Mum and I were very pleased that battling the snow, sleet, rain, wind and freezing cold was totally worth it. Credit to the organisers for pushing through mother nature. We were due to run at Tweseldown but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the weather but a week later after some glorious sunshine we headed there for some cross country schooling. Myrtle was FAB. We finished having jumped most of the intermediate course and I had a huge smile on my face! 

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In Vogue II

The brief encounter of good weather we had, we took the opportunity to head to down to the beach to give the hunter's a good dose of sea water on their legs. Needless to say they loved it and I enjoyed being able to have a good canter with no mud in sight!! 

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Joss, Laddy and Harry at the beach

Bringing us up to date, Easter weekend was Munstead Horse Trials. This was my debut event with Kate Purchase's mare, Willow Crystal Maze aka Crystal. Crystal requires a different way of riding from my norm, which is a great challenge for me. I enjoy finding what brings out the best in each horse. Pre- Munstead I took her cross country schooling and had done a combined training on her as well as some show jumping so although a little apprehensive we were ready to tackle our first event. On Good Friday we were blessed with the most gorgeous day, with blue skies and sunshine for the BE80(T). I had a great team that had come along to support and help which I am ever thankful for (quick shoutout to Lizzie, Edward, Mum, Kate and Mike). Our debut couldn't have gone better. We did a 31.8 dressage which we were delighted with. I know there were lots of things to work on but as a start it was a big positive. She then went on to jump a double clear and came through the finish of the cross country looking most pleased with herself! 

Click here to watch Crystal at Munstead.

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Crystal | Munstead

Day 2 and the weather couldn't have been more different. I guess that is England for us! Mum and I headed back this time with Skip for the BE100plus. Last year Skip finished with a Novice run so I wanted to drop down for the first event before she moves back up to Novice again. Skip has been hunting too this winter with her owner Bridget but amazingly it has only taken me a couple of schooling sessions to get her back for the dressage. I have also had some fantastic training on Skip for the first time and although still very young, she is a very exciting prospect indeed! She has a  a great mind and totally remembered what eventing was about when we arrived as she was as cool as a cucumber even walking past the cross country. The dressage warm up was very busy which can make her a little tense but we held it together and pulled out one of our best tests to date (best novice test) for a 31 which put us 6th after dressage. A very rewarding test for this mare as I know how much potential she has. We will ignore the first fence-itus issue in the show jumping and concentrate on how beautiful the rest of her fault free round was! She sprung round. I am very happy at how easy she is making the height at novice. We made a quick change for cross country and she set off in a high gear indeed! I let her jump out of her bowling pace so she settled into a nice rhythm and made the time nicely. Having not been cross country since her last run in October, she is a very special mare to jump such a spectacular clear round. I wanted to use this run at Munstead as training before going on to a proper novice. 

Click here to watch Skip at Munstead.

Once again I am very proud to have my sponsors on board for the 2016 season, their help and support is invaluable to the running and success of MJEventing.  

End of the season

Since my last blog the British Eventing 2015 season has come to an end, but before that I managed to squeeze in two more events. 

Back at the end of September, Skip and I were up early to head to one of our local events, South of England held at Ardingly. This was to be Skip's last BE100 before moving up to Novice. I was second in the dressage warm up so it was nice and quiet where I was joined by Bridget and Martin (Skip's owners) and my Grandmother.  Skip did a very calm and controlled test to score one of her strongest marks, 30.5. The ground in the warm up for the show jumping was very tacky but Skip coped very maturely and jumped fantastic. She went in the main ring and jumped the first three fences so cleanly. As I came round the corner to the double at fence 4, the sun was still very low and I don't think Skip saw the back rail on the parallel so caught it as she landed. At the end of my round I could not be disappointed with her as she jumped so well with just 4 faults.  After a little break my Mum managed to come and watch me go cross country. There were a couple of fences I was wary of, including a bright blue corner and some steps down to an angled roll top. Skip showed no hesitations and flew round the course so easily and gave me a easy ride. She is such a pleasure! We finished with a top ten placing in 7th. Since using my new Lorenzini titanium three ring bit, I have had so much more control jumping without affecting the way she jumps. A must have this Christmas from Arka Equipe!! 

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Skip To The Beat | SOE International

Meanwhile, our young horses from Symphony Sport Horses have been to grid work training at Sands Farm. Laddy and B have both been and it has improved their jumping technique enormously. It starts off as a line of poles, and gradually builds up to a line of jumps with cross poles, bounces and oxers. They have to think on their feet quickly with sharp reactions. It gives them lots to think about and focus, something so important to young horses. I have been lucky enough to be asked to ride a horse called Crystal, owned by Kate and I took her to grid work one week to give her some jumping. She is a relatively green 7yo but with a super jumping technique. She flew through the grids and I look forward to some more outings with her. (There is a video on my Facebook page.)

Rounding off the season was a big decision to move Skip up to Novice level for her last event. I was so gutted with the cancellation of Larkhill as I know that is a very nice 'first Novice' track. We studied the Eventing mag and by judgement chose Broadway Horse Trials which was a few weeks after SOE on the basis it was not far from Bridget's brother's yard so we could stay overnight. On the Saturday, Bridget and I left on a road trip with Skip and arrived at Guy's yard around tea time. I rode her when we arrived to stretch her legs and just run through a few movements in my dressage test. I was very lucky to then meet 'Briarlands Matilda' (ridden by Izzy Taylor at the Blair European Championships) who is currently out on holiday at her owner's yard. I couldn't believe she made Skip look big!! The next day we were up early and on our way to Broadway which was about 45mins away. I got straight on and warmed up for my dressage in a nice quiet spot. It was lovely to be at a new event and I must recommend it as it was run so smoothly and efficiently and the layout was great and not too spread out. I was second in my arena and I entered as the hounds at the kennels were barking like mad over the hill and the cross country was going on right next to me. We kept our cool, however we had a slight blip when someone fell off and their air bag went bang! Not ideal! We scored 37.5 which in our arena and for our first Novice test, was not a bad first effort! Looking over the threatening black clouds, Bridget and I had breakfast and walked the cross country (which was very very hilly!!). The first few fences were very encouraging and inviting but up to height. Several fences had enormous drops which I was preparing my parachute for! Towards the end of the course was the water jump which was a combination of a log to a step down and then a barrel jump in the water. Skip has never jumped in water until this point! 

We were joined by Guy and some friends for my show jumping, (which was a little nerve racking!!) but nice to be supported. The warm up was a little busy which makes Skip a bit up tight so I did not over jump her. The course was very 'up and down' the hills and lots of turns back and fourth, and the last fence was brown plastic planks downhill! Skip jumped the MOST foot perfect round and responded to everything I asked of her. She loves to be dared at her fences and just pings off the ground. This was the first time I had jumped her since SOE, proving how good she is at jumping! I could not stop smiling after we jumped clear! I was feeling very positive going into cross country and after holding on for dear life having taken off (literally!) over the drop fences we were cruising along. We had a slight hesitation at a skinny box arrowhead but luck was on our side and we were given a clear! A super super way to end the season with a double clear and Skip's first BE point! She is a total superstar as only a 6yo, I am so excited about her future as she is showing endless talent. We  couldn't stay long as we head off to Izzy Taylor's yard to pick up 'Briarland's Birdsong', Bridget's other horse so Skip had a companion on the way home. Arriving home and the realisation of a fantastic and successful weekend sunk in. The 2015 Eventing season is over which is a sad time but I have achieved two of my aims this year, the first was to ride at Gatcombe (let alone the Festival of British Eventing) and the second to qualify Skip for Blenheim (and then to win!!). 

Nothing could be achieved without the generous support team around me including Arka Equipe who have supplied me with the most beautiful pieces of tack and clothing made from highly technical and quality materials. Huge thanks for their on-going support and I am proud to be an Ambassador for them.

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Karolina, founder of Arka Equipe 

Nigel Goddard from KSDigital Photography supplies me with gorgeous snaps from competitions which I can share with my owners and supporters and use to reach out to a wider audience. Not only that, but he also does photo shoots for you and your horses on commission which I highly recommend.

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Elvis and Twiggy

Symphony Sport Horses continues to be a growing success producing quality horses and ponies. I am lucky to be able to ride and help produce these lovely horses. 

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Danny | Symphony Sport Horses

And last but not least, my owners (Bridget and Martin Lyne, Sue Bunn and Ellie Brown) and my family who could not go without a mention for all their dedication and help to my eventing career!  

As I write this, we have just got back from the C&H Opening Meet with Laddy and Joss who were fantastic. I now look forward to a Winter of lots of cleaning tack!! 

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Opening Meet 2015

Blenheim Win!

Autumn is upon us as, the days are getting shorter but there is still time to cram in as many events as possible before the end of the season! (And not to mention the start of Autumn trail hunting for the young ones!)

Back at the end of August was Firle Place International where I was riding Skip in the BE100 on the Saturday and Elvis in the Novice on Sunday. Skip did a very good dressage to score 33.8 in her arena and then jumped very well to just catch the second part of the double out as she jumped the first part so big! Her huge jump slightly caught us out on the cross country as we had two skinny houses on undulating ground and as she jumped the first so big again we ran out of room to jump the second so I turned a circle to represent in a better spot! She is still only 6 and relatively green so nothing time and patience won't solve! It was lovely to be joined with many friends and family to watch that day and the fact we also missed the thunder storms that were forecast! 

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          Firle Place International | Skip To The Beat

The following day, Elvis was very much on his toes for the dressage so it was a little tense. However he jumped a super show jumping (despite having two down). I was so delighted to jump through the bogey treble clear which was causing no end of problems running down hill away from the collecting ring! Cross country once again he was faultless and flew round no problem just picking up a couple of time faults. We finished up in 12th place! 

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     Firle Place International | Brighton Rock II 

After Firle I decided to take Skip back there to cross country school on the Wednesday whilst the course was open to have a jump round the novice course on her. The ground had become a lot deeper since the rain but she gave it her best shot and I'm pleased to say she jumped the whole novice course! The height of the fences is no problem to her, it is just making sure she understands the question being asked of her.  Click the link for a little video of her schooling. 

Next out for cross country schooling was Buttercup, aka 'B', this time at Coombelands. Mum was teaching a client so I decided to pop along too. B is only 5 and this was her first ever time cross country. Once she had jumped the first couple of fences and realised what she was meant to be doing, she totally loved it! She was so bold jumping skinnies, ditches, trakheners, water jumps and banks all for the first time and in very neat style. She is a very willing little mare and will be a fantastic horse for someone to take on and compete. You can see in this video how confident she was!  

At the beginning of September, Mum and I travelled with Skip to Goring Heath horse trials near Reading. I was the very last to go of the day, due to go cross country at 6.50pm!! Thankfully it was a beautiful day so it was still light! This time she was ever so slightly un-settled in her dressage test (partly thinking that the dressage boards which were different to usual were totally terrifying!) so we scored average marks but she then went on to outdo herself with the most perfect double clear! She was so easy cross country, neither of us were remotely puffed afterwards! Click the link to view her video.

In between competitions I have been taking my youngsters out for some Autumn trail hunting which does them the world of good. They have to learn lots of manners and to be well behaved among other horses. Levi, Danny and Laddy have all been out now and are starting to learn the ropes from Joss (Edward's horse) who is an expert. It is great to be able to take them out with a more experienced horse.  

The last week has been fantastic. Skip went and had a go at her first Novice combined training at Felbridge. We made a couple of mistakes but I was very pleased with how she went overall. The jumping course was up to height and very spooky but she made nothing of it. We were so unlucky to have the first part of the treble down but she has never jumped one before and I perhaps lacked a bit of power to help her through. Nevertheless a super round and we achieved the aim of seeing whether she was up to jumping that height course which she clearly is! 

Last but not least, was Blenheim Palace BE100 Equilibrium Eventers Challenge. Skip and I had qualified for this having gained enough foundation points over two consecutive events this season. In this competition I had to jump a course of show jumps, followed immediately by a course of cross country fences all in an arena and timed. The closest to the optimum time and clear was the winner. However the last fence on the course was a 'joker' fence which was a skinny at 1.10m and if knocked, you incur 6 faults rather than 4. I was 19th to go, and I had Skip's owners and her breeder Guy Avis (Bridget's brother) watching as they were there to also watch their horse in the CIC3*. The course was very bright, colourful, spooky and twisty but Skip took it on so well. I was not sure how she would find the triple brush as she has never jumped one before but I took a wide line to give her enough time to get straight. I had such an amazing ride on her, it was so much fun! She jumped foot perfect and cleared the joker no problem! My new Lorenzini titanium three ring bit (available at Arka Equipe) has made a huge difference to our jumping as I have more control and Skip responds so well to it. Although it is slightly stronger than a snaffle, it is not causing her jump to flatten at all, if anything she is pinging even more as I can now use more leg. We were over the moon with her! I was only the second clear of the class and I had gone into the lead. I never imagined that after 50+ horses I would still be in the lead! We had a mounted prize giving and the sponsor said how much she loved Skip's round which was very touching. We had a lovely day out at the horse trials and I was very pleased to be coming home with my first Blenheim win!!  

Summer Blog

Where to start, so much has happened since my last blog! It has been a very hectic summer. 

Since, Levi has been to his first ever show at Crockstead where he did an indoor dressage competition. He was a total superstar and only went and won with 68.7%! It was a good day because we also took Jambo (who has now been sold) who won her class with a whopping 78%! Levi has also been cross country schooling where he jumped everything first time, including going straight in the water and over all the ditches. He is definitely one of my favourites, he is such a dude!
Click the link to his video.

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Latchmore Levi 

At MJ Eventing we have welcomed new arrivals to the string at Symphony Sport Horses. These include Brendan (aka Danny), a 14.2hh New Forest x 4YO, Laddy Liam (aka Laddy), a 15.1hh Connemara 5YO, and finally Buttercup (aka B), a 15hh TB x ID 5YO. They are all coming on in leaps and bounds, hacking out alone and in company, doing pole work and small jumps. Laddy and Danny are also slowly accepting the hosepipe! Fortunately a good time of year to get them used to it. The yard is looking very full now!

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 We have had a few competitions which have mostly all been very successful. The first being Eridge Horse Trials where Elvis posted one of his best dressage marks of 32.3 at Novice (even the judge said at the end of the test what a good job we had done!). He went on to finish 6th with a clear XC inside the time. The course was great fun to ride and Elvis was still full of running up the notorious last hill! On our way home we were lucky to be invited to visit 'Sam' who now lives behind Eridge Park with his new owners. It was lovely to see him looking so well and in such a nice environment. He is one very special boy! 

Click the link to see Elvis at Eridge.

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Brighton Rock II | Eridge Horse Trials

After Eridge, it was final preparations for the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe so I jumped Elvis and Skip at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead. We were blessed with good weather and the horses both jumped well. Skip jumped in the 1m and 1.05m classes, whilst Elvis jumped in the 1.10m and 1.20m classes. It's a great opportunity to practice jumping on grass in very big arenas. It was lovely to be joined by my sponsors from Arka Equipe that week who had come to support me and have a catch up with the other two ambassadors, Georgia Lovett and Emma Brooks. It's an honour to be part of the team! I also got some new gorgeous goodies from Lorenzini- titanium stirrups, bits and spurs. I am a massive fan already! All my young horses and Skip have been going so well in the new bit which is incredibly lightweight. All have become very soft in the mouth and completely un-fussy. It causes them to salivate more as it is bio-compatible with the body. I find the round ended spurs perfect for a sensitive horse that just needs gentle encouragement. Check out Arka Equipe's website for all new Lorenzini products.

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Skip To The Beat | Royal International Horse Show

On the 7th August the big day had finally come, we had borrowed a lorry and it was all packed so off to Gatcombe we set at 12pm avec Elvis! Mum and Jackie set off in the car in front of Sue, Edward and I in the lorry. Well it was the MOST horrific journey, it started as soon as we hit the M25 the traffic was awful all the way, we crawled along the M4 until the moment we had a blow out! Sue managed very carefully to pull over onto the hard shoulder where we waited 2 and a half hours for rescue. We finally pulled into the stable park at Gatcombe at about 8pm. This was not ideal! We got Elvis off the lorry and settled in as soon as possible. This was his first time ever staying away from his home at Stuccles since the day he was born! 

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Brighton Rock II | Gatcombe Park

Saturday was dressage day and we did a reasonable test to score 44.1 (FEI marking) with only one mistake where he broke in medium trot. That afternoon, the 5 of us walked the cross country course in the boiling hot sun (thankful I was not jumping that day). The course looked bold but very inviting with lots of undulations in the terrain making it tricky. The water jump was at the bottom of a long run down a hill where you then had to jump over a house in, and then sharp turn left out over a log step. The first and last two fences were part of the 3* course which meant they were well up to height! That night was the drinks party where we caught up with friends, Bridget and Martin Lyne who had a horse with Izzy Taylor in the Intermediate championships, and Julian Thorpe who's horse was competing also in the Corinthian Cup ridden by Helen Millichamp. 

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Brighton Rock II

Sunday I was up early to get Elvis ready to jump that morning. Unfortunately show jumping did not go to plan. Elvis was very tense as there were large crowds around the arena and made it hard for me to keep a rhythm so we had more fences down than we should have. I think he was too busy looking for the cross country course! As the starter counted down in the start box for the XC we had got to 15secs when the course went red, twice! My heart was racing. Both riders in front of me had fallen off at the water! When I finally got going, it was the most amazing experience. I have never ridden around a course with so many people watching and being on the big screens! Elvis was totally awesome, he flew about 20ft into the water meaning we had a hand brake turn to get out! We finished clear inside the time around our first time at Gatcombe. A very positive way to end and I was so grateful to everyone who came to support me including Karolina and Lucas from Arka Equipe, Jackie, Sue, my long suffering Mother and my boyfriend Edward. It was an amazing experience to ride among the best riders and horses in the world. Oliver Townend's 4* horse Armada was stabled just down from us and Andrew Hoy was our neighbour!

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Brighton Rock II | TopSpec Corithian Cup 

We travelled back on Sunday and I had one day to sort everything out before heading off to Windsor for Smith's Lawn horse trials with Skip in the BE100. It was a really lovely day out and I had Bridget's grand children as helpers who were very helpful indeed. Skip did one of her best ever dressage tests but she just struggled with the right canter so we lost a few marks there but we still got a mark of 30.0! Considering in January she practically could not canter on the right leg at all she has seriously come a long way! We had one silly rail which was my fault show jumping I just waited a little too much. Frustrating as she jumped mega and did not deserve 4 faults on the sheet! She flew round the XC with not a single hesitation and inside the time. She is such a superstar! Huge thanks to Bridget and Martin for their help that day and driving Skip and I there. 

Skip To The Beat | Smith's Lawn horse trials

And last but not least, this weekend just gone we took Joss (Edward's horse) and Skip to dressage at Belmoredean. Joss did her first dressage test which was Prelim 13 and came a very respectable 4th in a class of 20! She goes beautifully and has lovely paces, however she thought the judges box was a little terrifying having never seen it before! And yes, I do have a habit of looking like a pea on a drum... 

Click the link to see Joss's dressage.

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Joss | HDRC Dressage

Skip did Prelim 18 as a warm up test where she came 6th so I could familiarise her with the arena as it was her first time here too, needless to say she also found it terrifying! I then had a go at her first Novice test, Novice 34. I couldn't have been happier with how she went. We lacked a little in the medium trot but I was pleased she did not break into canter. I have not practiced medium across the diagonal much, only down the long side at this point to help hold her straight whilst she is learning. Considering I had practiced the test only once on her, I was thrilled to finish 3rd! I hope to move Skip up to Novice eventing very soon, but I am cautious not to do anything that may frighten her as she is so talented, but she is also a mare so can be more sensitive.   

Click the link to see Skip's dressage.

The weather this week has made a turn for the worse making it hard to work the young horses. Winter is definitely creeping up on us!

Moving on up

It has been an incredibly busy time of year for the team at MJ Eventing, hence the slow blog update! I shall start with the exciting news of introducing the newest member to the team; Levi. He is a 14.1hh new forest pony that I will be bringing on over the next few weeks. He has a super sweet temperament and I am looking forward to seeing his progression! 

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Levi

Back on July 20th, we travelled (incredibly early!!) to Farley Hall horse trials which was a new event for me. Elvis was a very good boy in the novice with a much improved dressage score of 36.3.  The show jumping track had a few tricky combinations with a triple bar to planks on a related distance and then a strong treble uphill. Unfortunately we just had the first part of the double down but otherwise clear. I was confident going into the cross country because I thought it was a course that should really suit him. As he is a big horse, the bold, galloping course suit him the best. The bogey fence on the course seemed to be fence 5 which was a big open ditch with a brush behind, this had the person in front of me off and the person following me! Luckily Elvis flew it with no hesitation and round the rest of the course. Three fences from home I looked at my stopwatch to see I was well inside the optimum time so I actually slowed down to the finish so not to incur time penalties for going too fast! We finished just outside the top 10 so it was a very pleasing day. 

Nigel Goddard from KSDigital Photography captured some cracking photo's of Elvis and I through the water complex which can all be seen on my Facebook page.

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Farley Hall | Brighton Rock II

After Farley Hall, it was hectic at the yard preparing for the Hickstead Derby meeting. I jumped Elvis and Skip at Hickstead but I also was riding Twiggy and the other horses throughout the week as well as preparing for Rackham horse trials which was on the Saturday of the Derby  meeting. For the first time I had a go at jumping Elvis in the Foxhunters (1.20m) at Hickstead which was a big step up for us! I am so proud of how far we have come together in the last year and a half. On the Sunday I jumped in the Novice speed derby in ring 2 which was SO much fun! It included walls, banks, ditches, skinnies, gates and water trays. Elvis totally nailed the bank to rail combination perfectly! We had a couple of fences down but the experience was brilliant. Skip just jumped in the 1m classes at Hickstead as it was her first time at the show and she is still very inexperienced! It was a very good learning curve for the both of us as we are still getting to know each other. I love going to Hickstead, and now being based there and being able to just hack over to the rings is a real privilege and makes life so much easier! It was lovely to spend the week among family, friends and owners.  

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Hickstead Derby Meeting | Skip To The Beat

Loving my gear (Shirt, belt, saddle, saddlecloth, bridle and breastplate) which can all be found at Arka Equipe. 

On Saturday at Rackham I had Skip To The Beat and Strike Up The Band in the BE100. Skip had a new experience of doing her dressage directly next to the cross country with people screaming which she was not too sure about! She then went on to jump well but unfortunately struggled with the distances resulting in a couple of un-characteristic poles down however she was super cross country inside the time. I was very pleased with Twiggy's dressage and she scored a 30.8. I did not feel Twiggy however was quite right jumping, she was not jumping like her usual self. Afterwards, we found out she needed some adjustment to how she is shod as it did not suit her. Fingers crossed she will be out and about very soon! 

And finally to bring you up-to-date, this weekend we were at Brightling International Horse trials. I had the most fantastic weekend and I can't thank everyone who helped me enough. On Saturday afternoon, Bridget (Skip's owner), Edward and I headed to Brightling in East Sussex for Skip in the BE100. Considering she is still technically 5 (not 6 until August) she behaves like she has been doing it her whole life. We had perfect weather conditions and Brightling has beautiful far reaching views over the countryside. She warmed up for the dressage very relaxed. I am now beginning to work out exactly what is the best way to warm her up and that is actually not doing too much! 15-20 mins suits her. She did a very nice test and was totally focused. We just made one mistake, she just broke at the end of the first canter before the marker but I was very happy with her test. We scored 32.3 and the best was only 29.8! Bridget and I then walked the cross country; I thought it would be a test for Skip with lots to look at and understand. Needless to say, I needn't have been worried as she then jumped a perfect double clear and inside the time. She was so confident cross country, it is like we have both just clicked together and she trusts me. I think her hunting with Bridget in the winter has really helped her be bold across country. Our efforts were rewarded with 4th place, meaning we have qualified now for the BE100 Blenheim eventer's challenge and gained a regional final. 

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Brightling International | Skip To The Beat

Straight from Brightling, Edward and I made a dash back to Warninglid in West Sussex for my best friend's Summer party before she leaves for travelling in the next week. The day ended perfectly around close friends. Unfortunately we couldn't stay too long as the 4.30am start was looming over us!! The alarm was definitely not welcome on Sunday morning but the thought of taking Elvis to do his first CIC* was very exciting! My dressage was at 8.56am so this meant getting to Brightling at 7.30am. This wouldn't have been so bad if my show jumping was not until 5pm! The weather was miserable, none of us had come prepared for the rain! We only had shorts and shoes with us! Elvis and I did our test in the worst of the conditions and this meant the judges had their windscreen wipers going bananas! We had a couple of hiccups in our test but overall I was actually pleased how he went. Our score was a little disappointing but for our first one I wasn't too disheartened. After warming up in the lorry, I couldn't wait to walk the cross country so I set out on my own (no-one else wanted to go out in the rain!!) in mum's mucker boots, shorts and some ripped waterproof trousers- this was all I could find!! The course was long and with lots of hills, combinations and three water jumps! The last water had an enormous drop in, even Pippa Funnell walked up behind me and said, 'That's a big drop for a 1*!'. I know Elvis likes Brightling but nothing could prepare me for the round to come later. Somehow, we managed to pass the hours by until my show jumping, talk about a lazy Sunday! Obviously our practice at Hickstead had paid off, as he jumped a near perfect round but such a shame he caught the last part of the treble combination as the distance was just a fraction too short for him. I changed quickly and we went straight to the cross country. All I can say is he was totally AWESOME!! I have sorted my braking issues out and now we were flying! After my round I couldn't stop thinking how much I wanted to go round again! Coming up the last hill I had a minute to go on my watch and I knew we could make it. He ate up the ground and we stopped the clock 5 seconds under the optimum time the finish line. We finished 24th out of 74.  Very happy jockey!  

I feel very lucky to ride these two lovely horses and I am really enjoying progressing with them up the levels. Huge thanks to Sue Bunn and Bridget and Martin Lyne for letting me ride them.

A full album of photographs taken by my sponsor, Nigel Goddard from KSDigital Photogrpahy and my (talented!) boyfriend can be seen on Facebook. 

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Brightling International | Brighton Rock II 

On a roll!

Last week I was given some of the most exciting news, Mum had found out that Brighton Rock II (Elvis) and I had qualified for the Novice Restricted Championships held at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe for coming 3rd at South of England horse trials earlier in the year. I am absolutely over the moon that Elvis and I have achieved this! Couldn't have asked for a better morning! 

Last weekend it was the turn of Jamboree's (Jambo) first Intro event at Mattingley Unaffiliated horse trials. With leisurely lunchtime times, Edward, Mum and I travelled up with Jambo in the morning and I got straight on to do my test first. Jambo is lovely as she does not take very long to warm up and went very nicely indeed! I was pleased with her test and I think she tried very hard and responded to my aids very well as she is obedient. We scored a very respectable 24.5 which was one of the best in the section!

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Afterwards I ran round the cross country very quickly to make it back in time for my show jumping. I thought the course asked enough questions of her with trakheners, two water complexes and some drop fences. First of all however we had to get round the very spooky show jumping which had meerkats, waves and walls and lots more! Jambo was a superstar and didn't look at anything. She is also a careful mare so we jumped a lovely clear round. Setting off on the cross country I knew if we could get clear inside the time we would have a good chance of a placing. This was her first Intro course but she jumped round easily and nothing seemed to phase her at all. Later on when we went to look at the score board I was delighted to see we had gone clear inside the time to win!!! I was thrilled with Jambo's performance and for her owners, the Irwin family who knew how talented this little mare is. Extra carrots for Jambo that night!! 

Jambo's video can be viewed here and an album of photographs can be seen on my Facebook page.

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This week we enjoyed a little break to visit the South Of England county show to do some retail therapy and support the Crawley and Horsham Hunt in the inter hunt relay. It was lovely weather and nice to catch up with friends and I also bumped into the new owner of Sam who said  she was getting on very well with him which was lovely to hear. 

On Thursday we found out that Strike Up The Band (Twiggy) had been accepted into section N at Berkshire College off the waitlist. This meant last minute preparations for Twiggy's first BE100! We were not so thrilled when we found out she was very last to go of the day and that I wouldn't actually be going cross country until 6.40pm (and Berkshire is about an hour and a half away + m25 traffic). Nevertheless I was very pleased to be out eventing again and enjoyed the challenge of stepping Twiggy up a level. She did a very calm, relaxed and accurate dressage test which was rewarded with 30 penalties. The show jumping was causing lots of problems as it was in a tight arena with many sharp turns. I was not so happy with our round as I did not feel she ever properly 'settled' around the course but she didn't do anything wrong bless her. We were so unlucky at the bogey penultimate fence which fell so late I thought we had cleared it! I was confident going into the cross country, although it was her first BE100 she is good cross country and is a very scopey mare with lots of ability. We did jump clear inside the time, however she was slightly green this time as I could tell by the way she jumped. We were very pleased with her as she has literally only done one BE90 before this! Keeping with form, Twiggy and I finished 8th again! Great to have another top ten placing. 

We made it home just after 9pm and finished up evening stables and unloaded the lorry all ready for the next trip out. Monday morning, Twiggy had the physio and it was great to see that she was in very good form considering she had run the day before. 

Twiggy's video can be viewed here. 

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