"On Monday I schooled some of the horses and rode my youngster Bomber, who was an angel – Sam has done a great job, he is now really relaxed and rideable. Some of the others had a day off following a competition but I did take Romeo (Romeo Z) to the gallops and he did a four-minute and then a five-minute canter. It was quite warm so I decided a clip would help the future champion so Romeo is now streamline and shaved too!

The following morning I woke up early as Tara (my Hungarian Vizsla) had seen something terrifying in the garden. I'd like to tell you she's an amazing guard dog but secretly she's scared of her own shadow. I schooled Harry (Azeb) first and he was awesome – I hope to win my class at Knaptoft this weekend – no reason why not... Also I schooled Romeo who is looking good for the Novice championships. I took Amber (Red Amber) out on a hack and the same for Tweedy (Silbato) – the ground is great now around the tracks and stubble as it has rained so much. I jumped Brian (Opposition Express) who is off to a competition tomorrow before his Young Event Horse debut on Saturday. I also rode Bomber who was relaxed after Sam had jumped him, I am really pleased he enjoys jumping so much and is very natural too. I had lots of admin work to do in the evening (yawn…).

Unfortunately the rain was torrential on Wednesday; my breakfast definitely takes longer when the weather’s bad! I put all my waterproofs on and braved the elements to school Amber. She was great and relaxed quite quickly – I really hope this is a new partnership reforming. I really enjoy riding her again, many thanks to the Kyles for their efforts. I then found some clean dry clothes and left for The Jays to get some target practise for the weekend. Brian jumped two clears in the clear round class and just had one down in the British Novice, so hopefully he’s all set for Saturday’s Young Event Horse class. Tweedy and Imp (Impulsive) both had the same fence down in the Discovery but jumped good rounds - I decided this was enough for them as they are jumping a lot over the next few days. It was good to get them out and the weather was kind too.

I then went swimming – something I've not had so much time for recently. There is something really liberating about the water – I love it and it makes me feel so much better especially as quite often in the afternoon I can feel less energetic, so swimming is perfect. I left feeling suitably exhausted.

On Thursday I schooled Tweedy before John Thelwall arrived. I then jumped a few ready for Knaptoft. Imp, who was first, was brilliant. He is so good to train and really tries hard and we're really developing a great partnership. Amber, who John really helped me with, was next and we worked on flatwork and some jumping. I appreciate how important it is to keep her relaxed yet concentrating, as she's a 'busy' mare and will occupy her brain if I don't! Harry was excellent, as usual. Beanie was, as he often is, cheeky, but working on my turns and balance around the corners really helped with his obedience.

Lastly we jumped Kenny who was very good, I tried a new bit as he is still quite strong in the hackamore and this has a combination effect. I will try it tomorrow and see how we go... I jumped Romeo too and it was very helpful to work on balance etc and he jumped well (then more cantering up hills ready for Knaptoft and Gatcombe!) And finally, I schooled Brian, who is coming on daily and should do a nice test on Saturday. Tiff jumped Bomber who was very brave and very bold for a slightly worried horse. I then packed ready for three days at Knaptoft...

The following morning, I was up at 5am to leave for Knaptoft – I had Beanie and Kenny doing the Intermediate, Harry the CIC 1*, and Amber came along just to work. We arrived at 8am; I walked the courses – the Intermediate had plenty of questions as did the 1*, I thought it was a bit bigger than a Novice and was virtually the Intermediate course but with a double of corners too! The ground was great though the going was hilly, which tires them.

Beanie did a great test for a 28 – his best at Intermediate level, also SJ clear (one of the few, the ground was sticky and a it was decent track). He started the XC fantastically but sadly took a dislike to the coffin, which was very spooky – it was not big but sited in a difficult position going downhill. He jumped the first part and spooked at the ditch. I blame myself for not schooling him after Barbury, as he is a sensitive horse. Maybe a Novice between the bigger runs would be wise as he is still young and green. He finished well though. Ken was great – he did a good test; one down SJ - as I was trying a new bit that he didn't like too much - but clear XC and very confident. I was particularly pleased as a spooky coffin can be his Achilles heel XC. He finished in a very credible 8th position. Harry performed an extremely grown up test for a 44.7 in the 1* – very good amongst flapping banners, marquees etc. He has a serious brain, very mature, takes it all in his stride. I have so many people commenting on what a lovely horse he is! We were back at 7.30pm and turned the lorry around for the next day…

On Saturday I was up early again – just before 6am to leave again for Knaptoft. The weather looked as though it could rain and the forecast wasn't good, we've had more rain at the summer events than the winter! After a little detour we made it in time (not good at planning around road works). I quickly tacked Tweedy up for the BYEH five-year-old class, he did a super test and SJ round. He was just outside the top ten so I was very pleased as there were lots of entries. In the meantime, Harry jumped clear SJ and went into the XC in 2nd place. He was awesome, as he ran in pouring rain and it was a decent track. I really have high hopes for him – he has such natural ability and fitness. We were inside the time without really trying and finished well whereas most were very tired. We came 2nd – hopefully good enough to be selected for Lion six-year-olds but we'll see… We were only beaten by a small margin by an older horse with several points.

The day continued well as Brian was green but very good in the four-year-olds. His test was a little inattentive as was his jumping, but his raw talent is obvious. He gained okay marks but needs to be more established for better results. I love his attitude – he’s cheeky but enjoys his work. I look forward to Sunday’s competition. Hope the rain goes away and the ground is not too bad… I had an early night as I am tired from the driving and riding!

I was up at 6am again on Sunday to leave for the third day running to go to Knaptoft. I had Amber, Imp and Romeo. Sadly when we arrived we nearly had to be towed in, as there had been a lot of overnight rain. Such a shame as on Friday the ground had been so good... I decided to do the dressage and then walk the course again to see the damage! Imp performed a lovely, relaxed test for 30; Romeo was a little on his forehand still, not quite able to really 'sit' yet so he scored 36; Amber was very settled, her basic work is now excellent but the changes of pace, lateral work etc still unsettles her so she scored 38 but better than she has been in past tests. So lots of potential...

I walked the XC course and was very disappointed to see deep ground that was quite holding for a reasonable amount of the course so I decided to withdraw and as I was jumping at Towerlands on Wednesday, I decided not to show jump them either. I was looking for confidence giving rounds, so if my horses had been more experienced – or not new partnerships – I'd have run them. I felt for the organizers – what a difficult summer again. I was back at a reasonable time so I hacked Jasper (Tankers Town), who very much appreciated it!"