"This week, or at least the beginning of it has been dominated by WEG talk. I was told by Yogi that I am one of four joint 1st reserves for WEG, I’ve got to be honest I was pretty devastated, particularly as my horse has probably the best form of any this year. I as many are slightly unsure of the reasons why younger/ more inexperienced horses were chosen above all of the reserves but really hope they will go on to succeed in Kentucky.

When you spend the season aiming for these championships and selection it is rather a blow to not succeed, however I am a very positive person and will look forward to either Burghley or Pau whichever it maybe...

Forum feedback

Thank you for all the support and kind messages people have sent my team and the comments left on the forums. The trial leg-up mount at Badminton this year had sparked a couple of negative comments and I quote one person 'we don't want Tankers Town in the team, did you see how she started at Badminton, very scary'. For those that follow us would know this is the ONLY time I’ve ever done it and actually he trots calmly through and is as relaxed as any. So no scary starts. Just for the record it's also a very calculated leg up due to timing etc so I was rather bemused for it to be called scary! I do understand that people have their opinion but believe some comments written about the riders and their horses are quite unnecessary. Anyway enough moaning, it is unlike me to moan but it really upsets me and the other team members for that matter!

A trip home

The week has been a busy one as I went up to Newmarket for an important meeting with the bank manager so took a few horses along for the ride. The horses enjoy being back as do I as my Mum is the best cook and rather spoils us which is lovely! I also catch up with my best friends; I always make sure I see them as we are very close. With only a few horses it gives me time to really work on the areas needing longer sessions, so I spent longer than usual working on Kenny’s' submission. This is coming, so hopefully by Blenheim his results will reflect this. I collected Bomber too, after 6 weeks off he is now ready to do a bit more again, aiming for a competition in September... I managed to squeeze in a XC session at Lodge Farm, I took Fly who was excellent, jumping out of a better rhythm now, Brian who was very good, such a good jumper (also for sale as is Fly, Brian is on the horses for sale section and can see a video). I also took Nelson who learns incredibly quickly. He was straight over all the fences and ditches, into the water, off the steps etc. Delighted with him, he will be very good I’m certain.

Tackling hard ground at Brightling

The XC school was due to Brightling Horse Trials at the weekend, I’ve not been for years as was in the middle of July and was often needing rain. I was impressed with the effort they had made as the rain sadly had not touched the ground. I ran Brian who performed his usual good test, an annoying 1 down as jumped a very good round and was superb XC but hesitated (for about a second!) at a very spooky ditch under the trees. I was very pleased with him. Fly excelled himself again and scored 26 in is dressage, one down and clear inside the time XC to win. His owners have sadly said is time to sell him so if anyone is looking for a good eventer/hunter please contact me...

Saving the best

I swapped Harry into the 2* but only performed dressage as he is off to Gatcombe Novice Championships and wasn't risking anything to jeopardise this. He did a very nice test to score 49 which I was happy with. Bertie was in the novice; again I didn't plan to run him XC as I feel this horse is for the future. Parts of his test were brilliant and a little keen in others! The good bits though are very good; soon it will all be very good! He was very cheeky in the show jumping and spooked so violently at the planks that we kind of ran out, much to my surprise. I could only find it amusing though as he was simply having a bit of a laugh and I love him for his cheekiness and character I believe this makes him good. I have sadly ruined his near perfect record though! Had to happen sometime I suppose... I left early on Sunday so had time to ride when we got back (is only 25 minutes away) then combined exercise with socialising when we cycled to the pub! Not a bad way to spend a Sunday...."