“Once again I have to apologise for the lack of blogs recently! I was so, so busy preparing four horses for their Barroca three day events.  I am now on the road, just about to enter Spain so have a few hours to catch up on things.

The last couple of weeks have been spent galloping, XC schooling, dressage and jumping lessons and running/ cycling for my fitness. The horses have had their manes, tails pulled and bodies and legs clipped. The lorry has been scrubbed, in and out although I did run out of time before we left to spring clean so that was done in-between Le Mans and Tours, I never have been very good at sitting still!

Kenny stays with Anna Ross-Davies

The last few days before we left were rather busy! I dropped off Kenny at Anna Ross-Davies’ as he is there for schooling while I’m away, which is very exciting for me as he has been going very well this winter and hope for some good results this year.  He was third at the combined training at Felbridge just before we left having done a good test and jumped clear SJ. Amber won the section with a 26 dressage and clear SJ. Harry was third in his section and Becky rode Bomber in her first official competition and won her section, 28 dressage and clear SJ, bodes well for the season ahead!

Lessons with Emile Faurie

I also had a couple of dressage lessons with Emile Faurie who was quite inspirational. The horses went fantastically, he also really liked them (Harry and Amber) which was nice to know. They produced some superb work so will be aiming high next week! It has given me a few new concepts to work on. He was very complimentary about how ‘through’ the horses are, so thanks Anna!

They are jumping exceptionally well too. Had the last few lessons with Joao working on some pretty difficult turns and distances and they responded brilliantly. I have a lovely team of horses now, I am very lucky.

Could you be my next working pupil? 

I am looking for a working pupil when I return, if anyone is interested please email me, there is space for a horse. I am looking for someone who I can train and produce, so must be ambitious and keen! Also to be able to ride to a reasonable standard already please.

Well, we are driving just a short way today compared with yesterday! I have a great groom/ helper with me, Denise Williams, who has her HGV so is sharing the driving. Her first day with me was yesterday. We started at 4.15am and finished travelling at midnight! Not usually such long days, I have tried to reassure her! We basically drove the whole of France so that takes rather a long while; today is Spain, tomorrow Portugal. So far so good although I haven’t brought Imp as he had a big back leg yesterday typically and when trotted up wasn’t 100%. I’m sure he’s just banged it, but three days on a lorry won’t help it at all. So I just have three now, Bertie who will compete in CIC1* and CCI 1*, Harry and Amber in the CIC2* and CCI 2*. I can’t wait to get there!”