“I was supposed to be at Lion d'angers this week with Harry but no space appeared so Harry will now have a month off and I will find an early 2* for him to do instead. So this meant I had a free week, but in my normal style I managed to fill each day to the max! I had two days at home where I was riding the young horses, Buddy and Flash who are really progressing. Buddy is much more relaxed now for having a rider on and Flash has been jumping a little course of fences. Red, Bambi, Kenny and Jasper are also in work but the rest are having a much deserved holiday after a long hard season. I too have cut my work down to have a couple of rested weeks before Pau.

Amber gets scoped

I took Bomber, Brian and Nelson up to Suffolk to have a holiday at Sue Cross's for a couple of months. I am very grateful to have a lovely big field with a shelter for them. I also took Amber to Rossdales to be scoped whilst galloping at Newmarket. This was because I'd felt she'd made a noise whilst galloping and as she is due to do a 3* next year I wanted to make sure her wind was okay. This was fascinating they took some amazing pictures of her larynx opening and closing whilst at work. The good news is that her larynx work perfectly and there is no need for any operations. I would recommend this for anybody who has any concern about they're horse's wind as it is a simple and easy procedure to do. While up in Suffolk I made the most of going to Rachel Upton's XC course to practise the water with Imp and Barrat Watson. He has helped me with a difficult water jumper previously. But of course he behaved perfectly, the good news is, he is obviously improving. As I only had a few horses up in Suffolk I had time to go and see a physio, something I haven’t done for a long time. And also went swimming back in the old pool I used to use, I'm definitely fitter than I was as I found it easy to swim the distance I was used to. I picked Romeo up from his holidays; he looks very well and should be ready to event again next year. I also picked up a five-year-old, grey, gelding from Charlie Nathan to try/ school. He is a very nice horse.

Jasper’s feeling well

Went to Norton Heath on Saturday to do some Affiliated Dressage with Red who was in the Novice and Elementary, he scored 65% in both. Some parts of the test are lovely where he relaxes and some bits still needs some training, corners, accuracy on circles and general submission. But he is improving with every test. Jasper and Kenny were in both Medium classes. The first test was outside, Jasper was obviously feeling very well and spooked at the puddles, boards and signs. He was well behaved other than this and came third. Kenny's trot work was lovely but slightly strong in the canter to finish just behind Jasper. This was the same with the second test indoors; again Kenny's trot work was brilliant scoring some 7's and 8's but tension spoiled the canter slightly. When I get the canter he really will do a superb test.

As we've had so much rain this week I took Kenny and Jasper to Mike Robert's gallops on Sunday. These gallops have a nice long pull up a hill and about 7 furlongs. Before Blenheim I took Kenny three lots of three times around the bottom circular and up the hill and he was quite tired. This time they did it easily and could have done a 4th time but as its getting close to Pau I decided to minimise risk and not go again. I have also been cycling around the woods as much as possible. I too am getting fitter but I'm sure I'm fighting a cold and I desperately hoping it won't come out before Pau.

Could you be my new head girl?

The week has also been spent interviewing and trying to find myself a new head person as Sophie leaves in two weeks; ideally I'd like to find someone before she goes but it has to be the right person. If you have the right experience and are interested, I'd love to hear from you. Please email me via my website.

There are now only seven days till Pau so the countdown is on. I have a well planned week ahead!”