"Hey guys, well January seems to have flown by and I cannot believe February is with us already! All the horses seem to be well and we finally have some new staff.

Show Boy

So I have gone show crazy and have done eight shows in 14 days, which was one way to kick start the year. Team Halim has a new secret weapon in Athena H, owned by Chantelle Souness, who has jumped eight classes and only had one rail down. He looks to have great potential so watch this space. Neil O'Hara’s Kellistown Cavalier has also started doing some affiliated shows and has won two Newcomers classes as well. Four days at Addington Pro/Am show was a worthwhile trip. Jen Goodman’s Who Boy had some placings in the 1.25m classes and jumped his first few 1.35 classes with just four faults. Rachael Heart’s VIP jumped six classes with one rail down including our first 1.50m class, in which we finished eighth. VIP is now going to stay with me full time so hopefully we can keep growing on this performance.

Top hat and tails

My partner Spencer is soon to do his first competition of the year. His horses are moving up a level so he had to quickly send his tail coat off to the seamstress for a quick refit. He told me he was having it taken in... I am yet to discover if this is true! It’s been five years since Spencer wore his top and tails as he has been patiently producing his horses, so I will keep everything crossed that he has a good season and gets back to where he should be. He will always be my number one.

Naughty pony

In my last blog I made a comment about the young horses and falling off - and I finally hit the deck! My five-year-old was trotting around the school quite nicely, when he whinnied and the next thing I know I'd done a full flip with tuck and landed on my feet in a perfect dismount! With London Olympics approaching fast I could not help think that the gymnastics team was missing out on my potential of a medal? The below clip makes me giggle every time I see it, I had a lot in common with young Ross when I was little. 

My fairy godmother has yet to appear so I am still on the hunt for one more yard groom, a new lorry and a few more rides. You never know...

Until next time"

Jay