“The first weekend of February was marked by BETA. I caught up with some of my sponsors – Ariat, Baileys, Anky and Aviform. BETA is a good place to talk about the year’s plans and the events I'll be at. I’ve also given more talks, which I’m really starting to enjoy. Speaking in public was a little daunting at first, but I’m getting more confident.

Towards the end of February, I had team training at Solihull Equestrian Centre. We had lessons with Tracie Robinson, who helped tremendously with the horses' softness and relaxation, and jumping lessons from Henk Nooren. He was very particular and paid great attention to detail, with exercises for both the horse and rider. After two days of intensive training, I felt both the horses and I had really benefitted. We went home that evening and the next day left for Wiltshire with four horses to have some more intensive dressage lessons with Jane Gregory. After four physically and mentally exhausting days, I returned home a dressage rider! I only wish I didn’t live on the opposite side of the country - it takes me four hours to get there.

I’ve been working hard on improving the horses’ fitness levels and been going to the gallops twice a week as, living in a flat area, I feel fitness is something we have to work hard at.”