“I have once again been incredibly busy, hence the late diary. In fact, even writing one every two weeks now seems hard! Can't complain as I love to be busy but some things do end up being missed, like my diary.

Goodbye to Kenny

The weeks since Barroca have gone so quickly. I have no idea where the days have gone (I do sound old now, hey?!). I seem to start riding early and not stop until late, but again, that's the way I like it. I have had a sad time though as my most experienced horse Kenny  moved to be sold last week.  Sarah Randell wanted to sell him all winter but seems that he must now go. He will be based in Bedfordshire now and do a few OI's to keep him ticking over, sadly not with me though. I am very disappointed as he had just returned from Anna’s training and I had some great lessons with Joao so I hope he will go well in his new yard - many hours were spent this winter perfecting him!

However I have some new exciting horses. These are all younger horses or less experienced.   Fly is back and here for sale again, Columbo is a new five-year-old owned by John Huntridge, which is very nice young horse but very green, Luna a ten-year-old bay mare who has competed at 100 level owned by Mr and Mrs Carter and Dolly, my mare I bought in December is now here at last. Wow, how she has changed, thank you Vivien!  So I have plenty to keep me out of trouble.

First event

My first event back was Great Witchingham with Red in the Novice HC. I was amazed at how firm the ground was, unbelievable for March (although I did hear that it rained and rained the next day and were towed on and off!). Red was great, 29 dressage and double clear. I didn't run him too fast as the ground was firm and I wouldn't win a prize anyway. I stayed with my Dad as Mum was away having both knees replaced, sounds and looks agony, I hope my joints hold up! I always enjoy going 'home', I find it so quiet now rather than here. It's so busy which I love but I miss my parents enormously and love spending any time with them. If I'm lucky I see my sister too, however long I spend in Bury never seems long enough but I enjoy Kent so much I don't think I'd return in the near future, best of both worlds, hey?!

I went to Munstead on Saturday with Bomber who is still a little green, hence I rode him not Becky. He was next to the walk way in his test and was far more excited to see the horses going past than concentrate on his test and so had a higher score in the dressage of 33, jumped double clear and came eighth. Imp also ran at Munstead in the 100 open and was much the same, also came eighth! He seemed happy so I was pleased he was confident.

This week I have had everyday filled with teaching, riding, photos etc. We went XC schooling at Littleton Manor in conjunction with Your Horse, I was giving a masterclass and then rode a few myself. I luckily had just received the new Anky range for the summer. Wow. Absolutely amazing. Beautiful colours and a stylish fit. Doesn't get better than these outfits! As you'll see soon...

Badminton course walk

I walked the course at Badminton with Hugh Thomas the next day in my summer clothes. If you see the videos you may notice I should've had winter clothes on, absolutely perishing and pouring rain! Typical, it had been glorious the last few days/weeks but on video day all change. I thoroughly enjoyed myself though, I would like to think I am getting more natural on camera but I am sure everyone will let me know if not! Obviously I am sworn to secrecy about the course but let’s just say it should be entertaining, I shall be watching intently!

I had some great lessons with Joao on Thursday and then left for Belton afterwards. I had Imp in the novice, Red, Harry, Bert in the intermediate and Amber in the advanced. I stayed at Roger and Nicky Burts' who also have two Vislas and with me now up to three of them (Mum and Dad’s too) they looked great playing and causing general chaos. Vislas are a special breed, yes a little crazy but great fun!

A very exciting horse

Imp went as well as I'd hoped on Friday, his test was not great though, as he was  little fresh! SJ great and XC nearly perfect but stopped at the fence before the water and then jumped it well. He is slow progress but was a bigger track than I'd jumped on him in a long time so hopefully things moving forward. Bert was unbelievable the next day, a green test but so classy SJ and XC. For his first intermediate this was a tough one and he made nothing of it, a very exciting prospect!

Harry did a very good test but the judge didn't agree. This left me not very competitive for the first time in as long as I can remember so jumped a slowish double clear. Red did a great test and SJ but had a run out XC which I shall work on as it showed his only weakness now, something I can work on in the school so no problem, I'm sure he learnt from it as did I. Amber did a very good test, the walk was a little tense but her trot work and canter work are something else. I can't tell you how many people asked me if she is for sale, definitely not is my answer! She jumped a perfect clear SJ and then had a run out XC at the tricky sunken road angled brush out. This was due to steering/ breaking issues but soon to be resolved as new bits are coming. She jumped amazingly around the rest of the course, just slowly as I felt the ground was on the firm side by Sunday. She is so talented that when I find all the right tack we will be away, I have never sat on such a scopey horse and quite possibly never will again.

This weekend also saw the start of new staff, Katie, Roz and Paula, a very good team I must say and the start of new exciting things to come I hope!”