“The topic of the week has to be the weather. I haven't seen so much snow in England as long as I can remember. We still have some here now; I was told that if it's in the hedgerows we'll get more... I hope not! It has to be said though, that I have no idea how we coped without an indoor school. I am genuinely sorry for keeping on about this, but remember I didn't have one until this year and I remember scraping the snow off with the harrow last year and riding as many as possible before it froze again! Not this year! Only thing is, everyone else has a few days off or can go to the pub because they can't work and we are working hard still! I would much rather that though. We are using the walker too now, and hopefully our big, covered one will be in after Christmas. We are grateful for anything to give the horses a day off from riding once a week as our fields are either frozen or flooded.

Jasper’s treatment

I went back to Suffolk Sunday night as I knew the snow would be coming and wanted Jasper checked over again. He has had some treatment, so hopefully we will have him back next year.

I also had my three boys to pick up; as the weather was supposed to be so horrible I didn't want them to be out in that. I am very soft when it comes to leaving horses out in the winter and they also have massive warm Bucas rugs on. The boys look fantastic, they have been at Mrs Sue Cross' and she has looked after them superbly! We had a little snow up in Bury but not too bad. The weather reports were not good from Kent but the indoor schools were the only way I could work my horses. The school at my parents was pretty solid. I was happy to be snowed in at my parents, but thought it rather unfair on the two girls at home as they had plenty to keep them busy! So on Tuesday evening I decided I would leave at about 10am the next day, hoping the roads would be thawed out. How wrong could I have been?! The reports from Kent were that it was snowing but not too badly but I was worried as the M25 reports were horrendous.

An icy drive

Nevertheless I set off with Becky, my six horses and two dogs. The journey was not too bad to start with, apart from the lane was very icy but I could go slowly. We even made good time to the M25 and no hold ups, brilliant! It was even more unheard of when I travelled 56 mph all the way to the Dartford Bridge. I was a little unnerved when we saw the 70 minute delay signs after the bridge but when I saw the queues of lorries turning onto the A13 and off the M25 I was very concerned. I can't tell you how the picture changed within 15 minutes; one minute we were driving on a good four lane motorway, the next barely one lane was open with no gritters in sight and I was lucky to be going 20mph. It was frightening - I was so worried the about the horses being stuck overnight on the road, as when one person stopped, we all did, and there was no way around. I was horrified that this was one of our biggest roads and it was barely passable at 1pm. I understand the conditions were hard but when we got onto the A21 within a few miles, the gritters and snow ploughs were out in force and the roads were nearly normal. We were very happy to be home! I was not leaving for some time and my lorry hasn't moved since we landed!

It was worth the journey though as I was able to ride everything as normal nearly. We jumped them Friday, Harry and Bertie for the first time in a while, they were very keen! I am getting them ready for a world class equine pathway day soon.  

Christmas panto

All week Gabriella’s staff have been practising for the Christmas pantomime and the end result was amazing. Serious lights and sounds, a very good production! Sadly the weather wasn't kind though and poured with rain. However, we needed this to remove the snow - if it hadn't rained we never would have been able to hack out even now. We went to the South East Eventers league ball Saturday too. It was a really good night, well organised and good fun. We had a rodeo bull which we all had a go on; being very competitive it was taken quite seriously. In a dress though, it isn't that easy! There were some very good awards and prizes on offer. Sadly I didn't win any but will try hard next year!

I have a new edition to my team at the end of this month, a new head girl named Harriet. I’m looking forward to her starting, bit I’m also looking for a new working pupil asap, please contact me info@sharonhunteventing.com. I have some lovely horses so it's a great opportunity for someone.

Somehow, I now have to do some Christmas shopping before next weekend as I’ll never have time just before Christmas! Let’s hope there’s no more snow.”