"This week began with an early start; I had all the horses to work that I hadn’t ridden while I was at Badminton. I worked my way through all of them, which took all day while my lorry was delivered to the mechanics – hopefully she’ll be back soon!

Tuesday was a really good day. At 9.30am the Horse & Country team arrived – a producer, sound engineer and cameraman/director, all of whom were very friendly and professional. I have predominantly experienced TV interviews relating to the World Games and the Olympics, so this was a little new as they were asking me about eventing and my experiences in much broader terms. I had a great day and really enjoyed it. It takes a little while to warm up to the camera, but once I was used to it the whole situation felt very natural.

I schooled Harry (Azeb), who was a little strong as he is not used to the camera, but it was great experience for him and the others – Kenny and Romeo (Romeo Z), both of whom demonstrated some grid work for the camera. The H&C team was extremely helpful and brilliant at giving direction and I am very pleased to be involved. H&C is such an excellent channel.

On Thursday, I was up at 6:15am and left for Aston-le-Walls in a borrowed lorry (thank you, Jim Ratcliffe!) with Romeo (Romeo X) in the Novice and Kenny (Kenny), Beanie (Breeze IV) and Dave (Mightaswell) in the Intermediate. We arrived at a very firm Aston, but they watered the course and I was surprised at how effective it was later on in the day. We also show jumped on a surface – great idea, and it saves any jarring. Romeo did a very good test, 29 and clear show jumping but I withdrew him from the XC as he was running early in the day and the going was still pretty firm.

The others did good tests, so this was promising. Kenny and Beanie both had one down during the show jumping and went clear XC – I didn’t go too fast as it was still pretty firm by the time they ran. Dave had a runout at a big triple brush arrowhead – something we can work on in the school. The day was very good except for the queue at the show jumping. The poor steward (who often has a thankless task!) had got in a muddle and by the time my three horses had jumped, it was 6:15pm and I didn’t XC the last horse until 7:20pm! We were so lucky that the rain held off and the light remained good enough.

The next day I was up early for lessons with John Thelwell; I enjoy new ideas and methods of training – the horses went well and I've plenty to work on. I then had a radio interview for BBC Radio Suffolk – they were asking me about Badminton and my future plans.

The weekend was marked by disappointment for me with Chatsworth unfortunately being cancelled due to rain. I really felt for the organisers after all their hard work – the weather can be so cruel! I decided to make a virtue out of my new-found free time and stopped at the gallops on the way home. Jasper (Tankers Town) felt very good – I am still deciding where to take him for a three day – and Bruno (Ultimate Opposition) was great and is feeling fit for Bramham."