H&C

10
Mar
2010

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Getting sorted at Bedgebury

The Bedgebury Pinetum

"Well the weather couldn't be better, especially after the last few weeks! I can't tell you how beautiful it is here - I know I'll say it every week now, but when you see the photos you'll understand what I mean. They will follow soon I promise! It is cold though, which I'm not so keen on but can't be too fussy!

The rate at which things are done and improved around here is very impressive. Gabriella runs a very good operation, so far this week the lunge ring has been dug out for it's drainage and new surface as has one of the indoor schools; the fields have been divided and electrified, the path to the schools has been hardcored, the outside school has been re fenced, my tack room lined and started, and duralock fencing put around the lunge ring! Not bad for a week hey? Especially when you think the yard had not been touched for two years.

The horses are really loving it and so am I. The areas for me to work the horses are so vast. Their fitness has already improved as has mine and the dogs. I take them into the woods every three days on a bike which kills me going up the hill into and out of the woods. In between I walk them flat out. They'll be the fittest dogs on the circuit... hopefully same goes for the horses too!

I've been out for more lessons with Anna which was superb. I went to Patchetts which was well worth the trip, very good indoor schools in which I practised my test riding.

The horses are all going so much better and in a relaxed way too. My results are improving massively too. I went to Oldencraig in my new area for affiliated dressage on Friday and had a brilliant day. I took Harry who scored 71% in the novice to win but was a little spooky outside. There are banners and flags and very scary judges boxes but he still came 2nd. Imp was brilliant as usual, 68% in the first elementary and won and 65% in the other and came 2nd. I actually thought his 2nd test was better, but still pleased with the result. Jasper won both the mediums with a very credible 70% and advanced medium with 68%. Really pleased with him he is still improving as an old boy!

Will be back there as much as possible, great venue. I also think I'm in the Horse and Hound this week for my results which is always nice.

I must admit when I heard people were off to Isleham for the first event I wasn't jealous, I have plenty to do here as I'm still unpacking, but I do wish it would warm up soon as the nights and wind are very cold. Bring on the spring and then everything really would be perfect."