"This week began with a trip to the gallops for Joe (Jorrocks Curtis), Beanie (Breeze IV) and Dave (Mightaswell). I also had Bob (Good Sport II) and Jasper (Tankers Town) on board, as I had decided that they could go for a swim. Jasper is much fitter than Bob so he did four laps, came out and then did a further three laps while Bob swam three and then two laps. I prefer them to come out and go back in again as it works their lungs harder.

On Tuesday, I schooled Bob (who will soon be entered for his first event - very exciting), Jasper and Harry (Azeb), before teaching Sarah and Angela, who had both won lessons through my sponsor, Bucas, in association with Your Horse magazine. Both the lessons went very well and it is always rewarding teaching people that are keen. I had some lessons myself with John Thelwall. We worked on my position and use of the aids and, for the horses, we focussed on combining softness and energy. They all jumped well - especially considering that they had all gone to the gallops the previous day. I then went out for a bike ride – something I enjoy doing to improve my fitness.

The following day, I was up early as wanted to ride as many horses as possible before going to the Suffolk show. The horses were good to school; we were practising for the weekend as most of them are going to Brigstock. I left at one o'clock for the Suffolk show with Jasper and Bruno (Ultimate Opposition) – they were both jumping the Foxhunter. I find this show is so good for them because there is a tremendous atmosphere, so it’s not dissimilar to the big events. It’s also an excellent means of working with the atmosphere of a competition, but without the pressure. The course was up to height and both horses jumped great clear rounds – there were only five clears of which I had two, so I was very pleased. Jasper was fantastic and won the class and Bruno came fifth. It was a good result and we won a nice trophy!

On Thursday, I was up at 5.30am for the Suffolk show again with the same horses and Kenny (Kenny), who I was taking to work as an exercise for getting used to the atmosphere. Jasper and Bruno were in the 1m25, which had hot competition and the course was up to height. Both horses jumped fantastic clears in the first round and when I saw the standard of the jump off, I was not sure my horses were used to the speed and turns. They both tried their hearts out and jumped clear – Jasper fifth and Bruno sixth - not bad for an eventer! I schooled Kenny, who was quite calm and seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. I then left for the gallops and took Bruno up a couple of times – he feels very good and is getting much quicker. I was back home for 2.30pm and I rode Harry, who was great; Dave, who seems ready for his XC on Saturday; and Bob, who was surprisingly calm jumping. I then packed my gear up – we’re off to Brigstock for three days!

Friday started early, as I was off to Brigstock with Harry, Romeo (Romeo X) and Dave. The sun was shining and I felt we were in for a seriously hot day! I walked the courses and all looked good, if a little stiff (especially the 2*). The ground had been aerated and was good but I imagine after three days of competing, it will get quite firm. Romeo did his usual brilliant test for a 29. Harry was a little strong but generally very good - with the exception of a spook when another competitor came right next to my arena – very unsporting! He was slightly down the order after the dressage. Dave, however, did a great test in the CIC 2* and was fifth after the dressage (46). Romeo was brilliant and did a double clear in the Novice to win the section and Harry also did a double clear for fifth, so a very good day. We didn't get back until 9pm amd still had to pack the lorry for the next day.

On Saturday, I left at 8.15am with Dave who was competing and Beanie, Jasper, Joe and Kenny to work. The day was another seriously hot one from early on and I forgot to put on sun cream and now I am paying for it! I watched a few of the 2* competitors go XC and saw several problems on the course. I think there were also plenty of experienced horses in the section too. Dave set off XC very well and jumped the difficult combinations with class. Unfortunately, there was a combination of five elements that gave me 20 penalties jumping off a drop to a triple brush – he didn't run out, just never really locked on. He finished the course, again with class. It’s disappointing, though, that with 20 penalties he now doesn't count for a qualification. We show jumped afterwards and he jumped the best round so far ever – a brilliant clear so I am really pleased as he'll have come on a lot from this experience. I worked the others – they were all very good so I had my fingers crossed for Sunday's competition.

I had an 8.30am dressage slot on Sunday. I had five horses in the Intermediate: Joe, Beanie, Kenny, Jasper and Bruno. The boys all did good tests (Jasper and Bruno were in the Advanced Intermediate). Nevertheless, I was even more impressed with their show jumping – Joe had one down, but the others jumped clear so one down in eight rounds this weekend was very exciting! Kenny had a class round except a stop at the water, which proved very influential on both days – it was a spooky water with a roll top off a turn and up a slope, which meant that they couldn't see the water until they took off, hence the problems. Joe was clear but a little strong at times as he had not run for four weeks. Beanie was brilliant and clear and fast for third, Jasper was as good as ever (and great through the start box!) for seventh, and Bruno just got 1.6 time faults for sixth.

So all in all it was a very good week!"