"Well the season is upon us, the thoughts of the wet, cold, frozen, miserable winter have gone, and I wake up each morning and embrace the overcast, dull and cold spring! However the paddocks have dried up, the school needs a light harrowing, and we are back in business with a capital B.

Last year there was an air of skepticism; clients didn't know quite how the finances were going to pan out, but this year whether they have got the money or not, people seem to be going for it and embracing the new season (hooray, say all independant producers of horses, like my good self).

Baileys my sponsor seem to be happy, thank the lord. People like Baileys who back people like me, are the very life rug of equestriasm. With the London Harness Horse Parade and the South of England Carriage Driving Fair under our belts, and the first show of the season way down in local Yeovil, we are already putting toe to tarmac and beating up the miles on the motorways. My diet (although I am not a welcomed member of Weight Watchers) has worked well, and I am now three stone less than when I wrote my last blog. Anybody who tells you that Weight Watchers food is a "hearty and nutritious alternative" has lied to you. It would have to be a dark day indeed when I agree to eat cat sick in a bag!

The four Dutch Warmbloods are all driving well, clipped out and look fantastic, summer coats bursting through by the day now. The young black Hackney stallion is growing in confidence and competence and is showing more than a little interest in the polo ponies that regularly rattle by on their road work... Wayne the new boy has worked out well and it is great to have somebody that is competent with not only the horses but also drain rods and fencing; a real treat.

The British Driving Society's Clinics and Classes teaching initiative seemed to have had good results countrywide, and people are still eager to improve their 'lot'. We have put a tandem (two horses in a line, one in front of the other) together here at the yard - not an easy combination but one that I have been aching to get back to for some years now. They are going really well at home, but to get them out in company, well that will be another accomplishment.

The area where we live and work has now become a National Park, with all the red tape that that entails, so we look forward to the filling of illegal swimming pools, sneaky photographs being taken of grazed set aside land, and another set of men telling us how to live our lives, work and behave in our county.

Well next time we will be in the thick of it, and showing up to our necks. Get ready for bitten tongues, temper tantrums, good judging, bad judging, motorways, mayhem and more. Until next time."