The week started with lessons at Bluegate with Ian Woodhead – Joe (Jorrocks Curtis), Jasper (Tankers Town) and Beanie (Breeze IV) all went exceptionally well. There is also an organic farm shop - the Blue Eggat - the end of the road, which makes the best bread so I bought up half the shop. My mum has had both knees operated on in London – she sounds quite poorly and I really hope she'll feel better soon…

The next day I had three more lessons with Ian. All the horses were excellent, so it was a second good trip. I then met with Jane Buchan from Baileys Horse Feeds - I have regular help to keep the horses looking as good and performing well. I bought more bread, taught some lessons in the evening and also managed to block my computer – hope this doesn't last too long!

Wednesday was a beautiful sunny day. I worked Romeo (Romeo Z) in a double bridle so he should be ready for his Novice Regional Final this weekend at Milton Keynes; I also worked Jasper who was bright but obedient as usual; Kenny was superb and Joe (Jorrocks Curtis) likewise. I then left at 10.45am for Bicester, or so I thought, to see a horse for sale. Planning is not my strong point and I had no directions – I also chose vanity over practicality with the cars and drove the convertible sports car (without sun cream - my shoulders may lose a few layers of skin now). So I had a postcode and can say from experience how badly other sat navs compare to my lovely Subaru’s in-built sat nav – I certainly won't use the fancy car next time. I arrived an hour and a half late. My poor owner Sue Howard, who came with me, had to become map reader/ secretary/organiser. But the horse was well worth seeing.

The following morning I took Beanie and Joe to the gallops, both galloped well even though it was incredibly hot. As it was so hot I decided to swim Jasper, Dave (Mightaswell) and Bob (Good Sport II) – they all swam well and worked very hard, especially Jasper as he has most of his body out of the water, unlike Dave who resembles my friend the hippo!

I schooled the other horses at home in the afternoon and went for a run with the dogs who need walking now mum is incapacitated – it will be a good way to improve my fitness over the next month.

On Friday I schooled and jumped the horses at home in the heat and with the horse flies, which are about in abundance due to the woodland next to the arena. A good downpour usually gets rid of them though.

Saturday was another beautiful day – great for the tan, not so good for the ground though. I schooled Jasper before leaving for Milton Keynes with Romeo for the Novice Regional Final. I’m not used to taking only one horse so I brought Joe and Ken along for the journey to school at the competition, which proved to be well worthwhile as they can both get slightly tense in the dressage at events.

Romeo performed a very nice test to score 33 – it was much better than at Longleat – he currently has a double in but I’m not sure this will stay forever but it helps his balance for now. He then jumped clear in the show jumping and a very good clear XC (if a little strong) for 5th place – so all set to go to Gatcombe now for the Novice Championship.

On Sunday I woke up early even though I’d had a late night – typical as I always sleep well when I have to get up and vice versa. Nevertheless, a day off at last. I had the family over for a BBQ – I’m becoming a mean chef! I’m not quite up to my sister’s excellent cake making efforts yet, but I will get there…

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