"Another one of my Scottish teaching trips this week; I have been giving clinics to the Scottish Dressage Group for about 15+ years and it is always a joy to go up to help them as they are all very keen and have some lovely horses. I am made to feel very welcome and the clinics are always full, so it is a tiring three days. I coach all types - from students that are starting out on the dressage competition ladder to PSG and above. Although it can be very wild, wet and windy, I was very lucky this time and stayed dry.

We also had an Introduction to Side Saddle course on Wednesday; this proved very popular and everybody had a chance to have a go and also do some bareback riding as well. They have booked a follow up session next month, so that proves they all enjoyed it .On Thursday, I arranged a fire demo for all my staff and students so that they could learn what to do in case of fire, what equipment to use and how to avoid fires. A very worthwhile lecture was given by my fireman, Neil. Everybody was able to have a go at using an extinguisher which was great, so thanks Neil.

My best intentions of watching the first ever football game that my son and superstar vaulting team member, Zak, was playing in on Thursday went out the window. When I got to school to cheer him on and found him out of kit, I was told by the teacher that he had been knocked over in the playground at lunch time and hurt his shoulder. A&E, x-rays and doctors all confirmed he had broken his collarbone, so no sport for six weeks. Poor Zak!

On Friday night we went to a quiz for Zak’s school. A table full of people in the ‘horsey know’ and only one horse related question! We came second, losing by only half a point, which was almost devastating to the more competitive team members.

Saturday and Sunday saw the usual hustle bustle of lessons, the vaulting group and a Show Jumping day course.

On Sunday, I went to the ABRS AGM and conference up north and meet up with old friends who all run riding schools. We tried to put the world to rights but didn't quite manage it, but had a good and informative time while trying to do so.

Tuesday was our annual riding school inspection which is always very entertaining, giving Solo, Detzky and Zeus the opportunity to demonstrate how much they disapprove of those in the veterinary profession, usually including some reversing, rearing, etc. Well done to all staff and helpers for the horses being beautifully turned out and everything running very smoothly.

On Wednesday, we had another John Adams Show Jumping clinic. Only one involuntary dismount in the lessons and all horses behaved very well, if not slightly expressive! John was on very good form and as usual very helpful to all the riders with his explanations and advice. We look forward to his next show jumping clinic in November.

Now we have the Dressage demo on Saturday with John Bowen, then I think I will need a day off to recover from all the activities and be ready to start half term!"