H&C

22
Feb
2010

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Looking forward to the season proper

Sharon is looking forward to the 2010 eventing season

"Another very busy week! My life gets faster and faster... Wouldn't want it any other way though. Exciting times so happy for maximum effort!

Monday morning started as the rest of the week was to follow; left for Norton Heath with three to have lessons with Anna. They went superbly. Imp has improved so much, very established at his Elementary level which he went on to prove on Wednesday at Keysoe. Jasper also went well, working on having him stretch his neck and working more over his back, he is also settling well in his walk. Kenny was more relaxed too, Anna helped me by sitting on him - I find it incredibly helpful to watch and see how she softens him and then I try and copy! I then went back home and rode lots to practise my new tricks.

We left for Addington with six the next day. Bertie went on his first outing; I wasn't sure it wouldn't be too much for him in the environment with spooky fillers but he was superb, calm and jumped straight around without any hesitation in the British Novice and Discovery. Tweedy was his usual consistent self jumping two double clears and placed. Harry jumped well, best in the 1.05, Imp was brilliant in the Newcomers and came sixth, and Jasper and Kenny went well and jumped clear in the 1.15. I didn't stay for the Foxhunter as it was 7.30pm by the time we left. Unfortunately there was a horrible incident in the collecting ring with a horse bolting and literally running over people with someone seriously hurt. I would be amazed if this was the first time the horse had done that. Not impressed - please people keep horses like that at home, they are too dangerous.

After a very late finish on Tuesday we left the next day for dressage at Keysoe with five horses. I had a great day, they went fantastically, very excited about starting Eventing again (as long as this horrible snow goes!) Harry won two classes with 70%in the Novice, Amber went well not scoring quite as high marks but finished fourth in her classes. Imp was brilliant, 69% and 72% in the Elementaries and won both and Jasper was better than ever scored 67% for third in the medium and 68% and third in the Advanced Medium - also for third and he walked superbly. I still think his best is yet to come... In great form and very relaxed. I schooled Kenny rather than competing and practised relaxation techniques!

Not suprisingly I tried to have a slightly easier day on Thursday as I was shattered, so spent the afternoon shopping for my new house. Now I hate clothes shopping but love food and house shopping so it was an ideal way to spend a revolting afternoon. I've discovered I'm a bargain hunter, which is probably a good thing. Very excited about my new house and all my new things I've now got for it. We took a whole load down on Saturday in a very large truck but still have at least two loads more I think. I can't quite believe how much kit I've got! And thats without the horses!

I've also two new additions this week; one horse and one person! I've a particularly great person started, again, Sophie Smith used to be my head girl and came to WEG and the Olympics. We are very fortunate to have her back on board especially as this proves to be a very busy season. The new horse is called Bambi and owned by Richard and Sue Cross, a very nice pre novice mare. She will be ready to event by the end of March.

I had a big jumping day on Sunday - jumped most of the yard. Bambi was great, very impressed. I even jumped Bob who is getting close to full fitness again. Charlie was an angel and Bertie is adorable and improving faster than any horse I've ever had.

I've a busy week ahead again, a demo tomorrow evening and hoping the move will go ahead next weekend. I can't wait!

Speak soon!
Sharon."