“I’m not quite sure whether to whinge about the rain because the weather is so changeable herethat by the time I’ve typed it, it’s sunny again!

 A sunny week is promised

Build up is now of course in full swing, and despite getting the odd drenching, the weather doesn’t seem to be setting us back too much. I have been informed by those in the know that from Tuesday the weather is going to behave impeccably and we shall have a beautiful sunny Derby week – I shall want my money back if they’re wrong. If you could all pray like crazy for sun too that would be very much appreciated.

Our new ring personified

The only person (yes, we have taken to referring to our beautiful new ring as a person, so in love with it are we all) who is literally lapping up the rain is the new magic carpet in the main ring. It’s so green and perfectly trimmed that it actually looks like Carpetright have snuck in over night and carpeted the whole four and a half acres.

The definition of a cob

Something that’s always amused me is that out of our ten person show team here there are probably only about two people who aren’t a tiny bit afraid of horses. My esteemed colleague Catherine, a sponsorship and events whizz, would I imagine be very happy if she didn’t ever have to get within three feet of one again! I have just overheard her discussing with someone our prestigious maxi cob classes and it went something like this:

‘Hmm, maxi cobs, which ones are those…’

‘Umm, I think it’s the fat ones, isn’t it. Yeah, it definitely is. It's the fat ones with the buzz haircuts!’

Brilliant 

Horses or diva’s?

The weekend’s work has gone well, and we’re nearly ready to head off and try and get at least one decent sleep before the madness of the week ahead, but it hasn’t of course passed without the usual phone calls. I always enjoy peoples’ attempts to try and blag the best stables, lorry passes, car passes etc. and I have to admit that I’ve just heard a first. One poor stallion needs a very big brick stable because the poor dear is allergic to plastic! A horse allergic to plastic, unbelievable! Maybe him and the gelding that is afraid of the dark and demanded artificial lights should hang out!

Oh, and there’s a vole infestation on the bank but more about that in my next blog. Don’t forget to sign up to our eNewsletter for a chance to win some free tickets to the Derby Meeting. Simply go to http://www.hickstead.co.uk/general-information/competitions-offers.aspx  and enter the promo code BLOG2. Good luck and congratulations to last week’s winner James Peakham from Fordwich. Hope to see you all at the show.”