“Happy New Year everyone - hope all people and ponies had a good festive season. So despite the winter supposedly being the “off season”, December has been very busy.

New year, new ponies

We seem to have a lot of horses in, which is very exciting for the new year but means there is a lot to do. Also Elodie - my head girl - had December off to recharge her batteries, which makes my life a bit harder. All in all though I am very excited about this season as we have some seriously lovely horses, most of whom I had last year with one addition - Arctic Soul (Spike), who comes with a new owner, Philip Kerr. I am also lucky to have a great team of staff (headed by Elodie, aided by Alice and joined by newbies Louise Andrews and James Bracegirdle).

Inspiration at Olympia

Most of the horses have had their end of season holiday as well as a few quiet days over Christmas and New Year so that we humans could enjoy a little festive cheer! They are all in full work though and I have been to a couple of dressage shows and to some showjumping classes, all with good results. I managed to get to Olympia courtesy of my saddle sponsors, Childeric (thank you Trish!) which was amazing. I love to watch the jumpers and to see a massive class like the FEI World Cup live is very exciting. It inspired me and I am now itching to get out jumping.

Needing some winter sun

I am, however, going on holiday to recharge and do some sun worshipping - can’t wait - so it will be a little bit longer until Team Tattersall is back in full swing. There is already lots planned for when I return, including some training with the World Class Development programme, some dressage, show jumping and combined training. I am really looking forward to getting going, but right now I am off to pack my suitcase…”

Gemma