“My first event of the season kicked off at Isleham, and my first horse unfortunately brought my first fall – not the ideal way to start, but always best to get the first fall of the season out of the way! Charmed, one of my advanced rides owned by Mrs Pene Parker and a fantastically scopey mare, went very well in the Open Intermediate and finished 11th for her first run since Bramham. Romeo, a superb youngster, was second in the Open Pre-Novice and Azeb, another very promising prospect, came ninth.

The following weekend, the sun shone at Poplar Park. As usual the ground was very good, as were the courses. My horses were very bright with the cross country course running next to the dressage arena and my marks reflected this! For some, it was their first event so hopefully they'll be more settled next time out. Romeo Z was a complete star and won the OPN; Kenny, a very capable horse, was 12th in the Intermediate and Tankers Town jumped a brilliant double clear to finish 11th.

Next stop was Lincoln with the Novices and Intermediates. I had decided to take Tankers Town for a practice run and hadn’t planned to run him in the cross country, but I was delighted that he did a good test, was clear show jumping and the lead before the cross country. Charmed went very well and finished tenth in the OI and Ultimate Opposition, a very talented horse (owned by Miss Rosie Bailey and Mrs Jane Bailey), was 13th for his first run of the year.”