On Monday, I was up early to go to the gallops before it was very hot - I’ve got three work experience girls in the yard this week - one, Bea, came galloping with me so we could ride a few at once. I didn’t do too much as they need to maintain their fitness rather than get fit.

I schooled and jumped my new horse ‘Tweedy’ (Silbato), who was excellent. I am very pleased with him so far. I hacked Brian (Opposition Express) – an amazing horse for a four-year-old, who leads the others past everything, he is very confident and brave.

I also went to Manor Farm with Joe (Jorrocks Curtis), Harry (Azeb), Brian and Tweedy. It was all a little last minute but Brian needs to go to competitions now and it seemed to be a good place to go as he had a clear round. He was superb – it was his first ever competition and he had a spook at the first jump then jumped two clear rounds. He is so laid back and I really love his confidence. Tweedy was also an angel and jumped straight around the courses very nicely – I am very impressed so far; two more tests to go – hacking and XC, both of which I’ll do tomorrow and Thursday…

Thursday is an exciting day as lots of fun things happened. I went to Little Downham with Romeo (Romeo Z), Brian, Tweedy and Kenny. It was seriously hot; I thought there was plenty of breeze in the car park but it soon disappeared on the course! Ely is a great place to school as there are lots of small fences and good waters. Brian, again, was an absolute angel, he really is fantastic; he is very willing and keen whilst being careful. He jumped everything brilliantly and is ready next time to be completely on his own – for the first few times I like to have a lead, in this case Romeo – just in case I run into difficulty.

Then it was Tweedy's turn – he is a super talented horse, with a phenomenal canter and jump. I think with the right training he could be unbelievable. He is green and needs confidence but it is well worth the input and he is a very exciting prospect, so having passed the hacking test the previous day, he ticked the cross country box.

I had asked Owen Moore to jump Kenny through the waters to see if I'd missed anything in my approach, speed etc. He went very well so I will see at Barbury if this session helped. He is a lovely horse and I'm sure everything will fall into place soon. I was back home by 3pm and left straight away for Banbury as I was collecting my new horse Impulsive, an eight-year-old Irish TB.

On Friday I rode the new horse Scampi (rather an odd stable name!) - he has lots of spirit and feels a very fun, jolly horse with lots of character. I couldn't resist jumping him – he was great, I am so pleased. I am very, very lucky – I have waited a long time and worked very hard for this time (i.e. to be spoilt with good horses!)

Max (Richard) came and trained Rachel (my head girl) with Jasper (Tankers Town) for the start box next Sunday at Barbury – she's exceptionally calm so it will be great I'm certain. He also helped me with Bomber (the youngster) who's still a little unsure – hopefully now he'll be a bit more confident and I've got lots to work on...

This weather is too good to be true - it is the best thing about working outside in the summer – all the bad days in the winter are outweighed. Today I jumped most of my horses - I practised angles and narrows, ready for Barbury. I also jumped Imp – I can't get used to calling him Scampi! - who was great but will need to get used to me and the different commands I use.

On Sunday I schooled a couple of horses - I nearly got on Bomber again but I should probably should wait until after Barbury this week though as it is the final trial for the Europeans and I hope to get there in one piece!

I watched the tennis final and as an athlete I can completely understand Roddick’s despair at coming second – yes an amazing achievement and he gave it his all but it is still not good enough and very hard to take. As Federer said, I'm sure he'll be back to win next year, or at least I hope so although it would be great to see Murray win! Practise makes perfect but you need that bit of luck and I sure hope I have that this week...

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