"Hi all. I think we finished the last blog at the end of February with Zak’s fast approaching ninth birthday. We had a lovely day with a bit of a party followed by bowling and a nice meal. Can’t believe how each year birthdays seem to get a little more expensive as his tastes become a little older - namely electronic devices...

On the 11th March we held a BHS pilot scheme, training police officers how to put on a head collar, lead, turn out and catch horses. We explained how different it would be handling the horses in this controlled environment to outside on the road for example, but I think it was still very useful for them to get a bit of hands on experience.

It went very well, with all the horses playing their part superbly, including Jaya (one of our slightly more reactive horses) who came out to show the difference in how different horses may react to different people!

On the 15th March my mother and I attended the ABRS Regional Training Day at Greenwich, where we had the opportunity to view the Olympic sites for the Equestrian disciplines. It was a very informative visit and we look forward 2012, if we are able to get tickets that is.

On the 17th March Sarah and I headed off to Warwickshire again for the next part of our Vaulting Coaching Courses. We are really enjoying being able to offer this new discipline to clients (and students/staff) here at Contessa. The horses too are taking to it exceptionally well.

We’ve had several day courses running from our new Spring Planner such as An Introduction to Rider Fitness, a Dressage Day Course and a Pole work Day Course. All went very well as did a rather busy John Bowen Dressage clinic on the 25th.

In this blog, we thought we’d give you a different perspective of Contessa by getting one of the students to write a piece. Let me know if you think it’s a good addition and we could maybe make it a regular feature! This snippet of life at Contessa comes from Sam, who we sadly said farewell to this week as her training here came to an end.

"I came to Contessa in July 2009. My time here has been hard work but very rewarding and lots of fun. I will be taking lots of good memories, including my first lesson with Tina when she told me that if I wanted to ride on her lessons I needed to improve my fitness! I’ve worked really hard and although I’m still not quite ‘canter fit’, I'm getting there.

I’ve taken part in three John Bowen dressage clinics that have really improved my riding and were great experiences. I’ve also done four John Adams showjumping clinics which were brilliant for my confidence, especially as I was terrified – thank you to Charmer for looking after me! I’ve had some amazing lessons on some brilliant horses. I will never forget my experience of riding piaffe on Pik Dame and Deskant.

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for being so patient with me in my lessons and for all their help and listening to all my dramas. I’ve met so many great people and horses, especially my favourite Luke and I hope to keep in touch and see everyone again soon."

Thank you to Sam for all her hard work, we wish her lots of luck for the future. We’re very busy at the moment with lambing. We’ve had a couple of years off and it’s lovely to see them bouncing around the yard again, although it’s increasing Paul’s workload significantly, including night feeds. We have some real characters, including Jade’s adopted favourite, Hercules!

We’ve got a busy weekend to look forward to including an Easter Egg Hunt and a Dressage Competition. Next week Jade and I are out competing again and I’m hoping my horse will be a little less wild than last time! Watch this space..."