“Last week began with lots of schooling and lessons with John Thelwall, as well as doing a bit of teaching myself. On Wednesday, I rode a couple of horses before leaving for Towerlands with Dave (Mightaswell), Beanie (Breeze IV), Harry (Azeb) and Joe (Jorrocks Curtis). The horses jumped fantastically; Dave was second in the Discovery and fifth in the Newcomers with four clear rounds! Harry jumped very well but was a little strong, so we jumped several rounds, which really helped. Joe jumped his best rounds ever and jumped clear in the 1.15. Beanie jumped beautifully and only had one pole down in the jump off of the Foxhunter. A very productive day!

On Thursday, I rode before leaving for Houghton Hall with Jasper (Tankers Town) and Bruno (Ultimate Opposition) to do the 3* test and jumping. I thought it was a great way to practice for Bramham, as it was in the main arena and had the necessary atmosphere. Bruno was a little strong and a bit tight occasionally, but generally produced a very nice test. I have been trying a different warm up and regime at home with Jasper, which has proved to work brilliantly as he did a superb test and was awarded a 37; not bad as he received all eights and some nines – a test like that at Bramham would be ideal. They both show jumped clear, so Jasper won and Bruno was eighth. I took Jasper over to the start box and played with that for a while; hopefully we'll sort his issue out quite easily. Back home at 9pm, and once again a very productive day!

On Friday, I had an early start and I schooled Bob (Good Sport II) before leaving for the gallops. I am very excited about Bob; I’ve started jumping him again now and so will enter an event with him soon. I went to the Links with a lorry load: Bruno (Ultimate Opposition), Kenny (Kenny), Dave (Mightaswell), Joe (Jorrocks Curtis) and Beanie (Breeze IV). I galloped the Bramham boys together – they all went well and then I took the other three horses up the track twice.

I had a lovely weekend and celebrated my mother’s birthday and, as I didn’t have an event, I spent the rest of it catching up with family and friends – something I particularly enjoy, as it’s a great way to relax and spend time.”