"So, back from Badminton, all in one piece but totally gutted. I thought I would just let all my H&C fans know what happened and how Kings Gem is getting on. 

Badminton worth the effort

Badminton to me is the best event in the calendar and it is a privilege to be part of something so sacred within the eventing world. My team and I worked hard to get there this year and the feeling when you arrive is worth every minute of effort.

It is no secret that Kings Gem struggles a bit in the dressage, but she tried so hard during her test and I was thrilled with how she performed. Unfortunately the judges did not share all of my enthusiasm and we finished on a score of 58. This was not going to trouble the leaders but as I said in my interview with Jenny Rudall we were pleased with the improvement.

Cross Country on reflextion 

Cross country day at a three day event is always a mixture of emotions; excitement, nerves and a certain pressure to do well. I had a good draw so was able to watch a few of the other riders go before I had to get on. It seemed to be riding well and the only change I made to my plan was to go long at the corners as everyone seemed to be doing this without greatly affecting the time.

I got on about 40 minutes before my time so I had enough time to get up to the practice area and have a good warm up before setting off. Eventually it was time to go through to the main arena, I was counted down and we were off!

I had the most amazing ride; Gem was fabulous, taking on all the fences and making it feel easy (almost!). We were up on the clock and still feeling fit when we made a really unlucky mistake at the log at the bottom of the quarry. Gem is so brave and took off over the log but somehow wrapped her legs around it and couldn't get her back legs down to land so we took a tumble. I was so cross and absolutely distraught. We had been having such a good round and she was real class through all the other difficult fences, to fall three from home was hard to take. Having said that, I now know what a really great horse she is and we are both fine and ready to fight another day. 

Gem is fine

Gem is currently out in a big field full of grass having a well deserved break and getting fat. It has been hard for the whole team to get back to it but we are keeping ourselves busy and have five horses entered for Hambledon at the weekend so onwards and upwards and I will keep you posted on how Chico Bella, Wolfgang Penelope and the rest of gang get on."