"Well, what can I say! This month has been crazy busy, so much has gone on here at Headmore - despite us having no competitions, since all of the horses are already qualified for the winter regionals.

Weekend from hell

The month didn’t get off to a very good start with the weekend from hell! On the Saturday I was riding and somehow, I’m not quite sure how, I injured my neck eben though the horse I was riding was being an absolute saint at the time. I was told not to ride for a while until it was all settled, but it wasn’t too problematic since Gayle was able to keep the horses ticking over until I could ride again... Until she had areally nasty accident of her own on the Sunday evening, when the level-headed horse she was riding was spooked by a firework and panicked, leaving Gayle with a fractured pelvis. It never rains but it pours, as they say. Thankfully I managed to get back riding after a few days, and all the horses are going fantastically.

Pastures new

We have also said goodbye this month to two lovely three-year-olds bred here at Headmore. The first to go was Whybanquo, a Headmore grandchild bred by Mum’s best friend Anne Clark, who is out of Headmore Leanora and by the stallion Woiwode. He was bought by Charlotte Dujardin to replace Fernandez, her international Grand Prix horse, so they are a very exciting combination to watch out for. We also said an emotional farewell to another Woiwode gelding, this time out of our Rubinstein/Donnerhall mare. Wimoweh (Tank) has gone to a wonderful home up North where he will be much loved, nothing less than this young horse deserves. We wish Tank and his new owner, Joanne Graham Whelan, the best of luck.

Hats off to new rule

Now November is over, the new British Dressage rules have come into force. This means that we now have to wear crash hats up to Advanced level and in Young Horse classes, as opposed to having the choice of wearing a beagler (a strapless hat). I was expecting this rule to be introduced sooner or later. I am pleased to say I put off buying a new beagler! I am indifferent about this rule as I always ride in a crash hat at home anyway and used to compete the young or sharp horses in a crash hat by choice, and there are now some really smart crash hats available. I have just received my new Antares hat to compete in, so I will belooking as well dressed as ever in the ring next year. I have also received all of my new Albion bridles and headcollars to go with Del’s new saddle. They are very smart, and have a little touch of bling while still remaining classy.

Wheelchair driving error

On a lighter note - Gayle’s injury means she struggles to get around, so she opts to use a wheelchair if there is a lot of walking involved. I am clearly an amateur wheelchair driver though, as when we were out shopping I managed to ground the wheelchair while coming out of a shop and get rather stuck. Gayle and I had thought we’d be fine without a ramp... Oops! It’s times like that when you have to laugh or you would cry, and at least we have been keeping ourselves amused!"

Until next time

Alice