H&C

23
Mar
2010

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Badminton 2010 on Horse & Country - Badminton bike rides and T-shirt weather

Jasper's Badminton preparaions are under way

"I've not had any events this week but it's still been incredibly busy! I've been everywhere, out xc schooling, lessons with Anna and also dressaging at Oldencraig.

Had a good week too, some great lessons at Bury farm, working on my warm ups for the tests, trying to achieve maximum softness and suppleness as quickly as possible. I had my first lesson with Bertie who was excellent; he learns so quickly, I find him so rewarding to train. Can't wait until his first event next weekend. The others were good too, Imp, Jasper and Kenny.

We practised what we'd learnt on Friday at Oldencraig and I was delighted with the results. Imp was 1st and 2nd in his elementaries with 70% and 69%, he is becoming so consistent. This is what slightly worries me that he always gets these scores every time out now but only scored a 38 in his novice test at Poplar with a test as usual!! Kenny was excellent in his 2nd elementary and scored 71% and won, which I was delighted with as he is really settling now. Jasper was consistent too and was just below the winner on 68% in the medium and won the advanced medium so really pleased - he was a little strong in his canter so lost a few marks there but great otherwise.

I went xc schooling locally too, to a very nice course suitable for young horses, Lodge Farm. I took Brian who is a superstar in the making! Very brave and straightforward. This is also true of Bertie who has only had two schools but really developing quickly. Bambi had her first school for a while and was very good, she is a lovely mare. Has a few BE 100s then will upgrade quite quickly I hope. I also took Tweedy and Imp to practise drops, water etc and just steadily popping round is really good for them, especially Imp who needs to relax and be more confident within himself. Definitely a very beneficial schooling session.

I've been working hard on their fitness too, the woods are ideal for this, we hack for over an hour trotting and cantering, they are slimming down and looking much fitter already! I've also been cantering Jasper as the preparations begin for Badminton. Hopefully the weather will continue like this and stay warm and dry so our canter field is great ground for him. I've even been riding in a T-shirt this week, something I've not done for a long time.

Really enjoying having lots of visitors this week, David and Sue Howard, Harry's co owners came down on Saturday which was lovely, we have a very good work experience girl named Leanne who is very helpful! And Sophie's friend Liz also helped us for a couple of days.

The dogs are having an ever increasing spoilt life, they went to the beach Sunday at Hastings which they loved, no end of great walks for them! Those coupled with our bike rides in my Badminton preparation is doing us the world of good."