Well, as some of you know we have had a torrid time in 2011, and my dad had a major confidence failure and almost gave up eventing. So, in the last few hours of the year I thought I'd do a round up and where we are going next year.

Well after Withington Manor, we went to Aston Le Walls and it fell apart a bit. We did a nice dressage test, but in the show jumping I tweaked my back. Dad thought I was being difficult and wasn't too chuffed when I stopped and he went flying. He retired and we went home. After a week of practice we went to Brigstock, again we had a reasonable dressage and we warmed up well, but it was blowing a gale, and in the large arena  the jumps were blowing over. When we went in, dad was worried and quite tense, I was very spooky and on the last combination I freaked at a fallen fence and took off. Dad pointed me at the fence but I hadn't seen it and stopped dead, dad fell heavily onto his shoulder. He didn't let on but I knew he was sore because he had to get help get back on me. We completed the XC with a stop and time. After that dad decided to drop down to BE100, and we had a great run at Shelford finishing 7th with a fast XC time (we were equal 6th but the other chap was slower and was closer to the optimum time). After that dad entered us for Draycott novice, which turned out to be a mistake. For a start the ground was very hard and dad was fretting about it, we jumped tentatively in the show jumping, and had 2 down. Cross country dad was more worried about the ground, and rode like a spanner. We had 2 refusals and dad retired.

After this I didn't see dad for a few days, and I was quite worried about him, he did reappear and we started to work again. He had a large number of lunge lessons over the summer, and gradually his balance improved and his confidence grew. After 4 months of not competing (boy was I bored!!) Towards the end of September dad was missing eventing and entered us  at Brooksby BE100, (we had to go non-competitive due to my points). OMG I was so excited to be out, did an OK dressage and clear show jumping. On the XC dad held me back a bit for the first 6 fences (we hadn't jumped more than 2 solid fences in 4 months!!), but then let me go. We went clear but more importantly both dad and I had a great time.

What turned out to be our final event of the season was Oasby again BE100, (dad entered Norton Disney but was too ill  to take part). We did a smashing dressage and jumped clear. Cross country was fab, and I had a ball. We crossed the finish line, flying and after dad hopped off we heard that we were leading the section! We held the position and ended the day and the season on an all time high.

It was in 2003 at Oasby 2 that dad started eventing so he was on cloud nine. We even got our photo in Equestrian life and Eventing magazine, so,.......... next year who knows???

Dad's Aside....
As you've read it's been quite a year, we ended at a BE100 instead of a CC!*, but still managed to accrue 2 BE points a 7th place and a win!! This year has been character building, but one thing I have taken from this year is the importance of lunge lessons!! They have improved my balance immeasurably and MG jumps so much better when I'm not hanging onto him. So the lesson is this, if it starts to go wrong, go back to the absolute basics!!!

Eland and Withington Manor

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I've posted and quite a lot has happened. Dad and I have been out competing twice, with very different results.

Now Eland has bad memories for dad as he had a bad fall here (before I found him!) and broke both heels and an ankle, and every time he's been there it's been a problem.

So we went with a little bit of nerves, I did a good dressage test, and had a pole down show jumping, and then we moved on to the XC. The first 4 were fine although I did feel dad tense up a bit then we had a sharp left turn to a skinny with a ditch, and dad just froze, I thought he meant stop so went to but then he changed his mind and I had to scrabble over it, only just staying on my feet. Dad was still doing acrobatics in the saddle when we came to the next fence and I just couldn't do it so stopped, imagine my surprise when Dad flew over my head to land on his back on top of the jump. As there were a lot of people about he did a quick bow, got back on board and represented but I could tell he didn't want to continue so we retired. (the official photographer was next to us so it's all captured on the Eland Lodge website!-poor Dad)

The next day we did some jumping as Dad was quite tense about the whole thing. Because the ground is so hard we've not been cross country, just working on relaxing into a jump, a bit of galloping and some flat work, with a view to our next meeting at Withington.

Well it was a long drive down, but we had late times so didn't have to leave too early. We've been here before, last time we'd jumped clear showjumping and were going well XC til my martingale strap came off my stud girth and slapped me in the face, I was so surprised I stopped dead!!!!

Again Dad was a bit tense in the dressage, however we weren't too bad and finished on 39. The show jumping wasn't too big but there  were a couple of lines that ran down hill so Dad had to work hard to hold me. We jumped a clear round so moved on to the XC. Withington is quite a strong track and hilly,

Well we set off quickly and jumped the first 4 with ease, then a bit of a hiccup before no.5 ...Dad had forgotten where it was!!! Once we found it, it was fine and continued round without any problem. The corner came at 8 and was an open corner. Dad slowed me right down until we both saw 3 good strides, and then it was easy as was the related skinny wishing well. We cleared the fence where my martingale unravelled without incidence then over a wall to the water, with consisted of a pallisade, 2 strides to a ski-jump into the water, 5 strides then step 1 stride to an angled skinny log. From here it was only 3 fences, a roll top with a drop a double on 1 stride with a skinny log to finish. We had 8 time penalties, but more importantly it was the best round dad had ridden, he told me where to go (mostly!) and when to take off and if he keeps riding like this there is some hope for him going up a level.

Well, I've got a couple of days off, then working back towards Aston le Walls. Sadly no photos as the official photographer failed to show!

Hi all, haven't posted for a while, but thought I'd bring you all up to date.

Dad has been getting me to gallop around a field every four days, which is great. I'd sooner do a mile flat out than dressage for 30 mins anyday!!!

Had a lesson today, supposed to be flat work, but thank goodness mainly jumping. Had great fun, but Dad did take a tumble when he set me uo to a set of planks (1.20m) really badly and then didn't tell me what to do!! I mean I do try but every now and then I need a bit of help!!!! Dad took it on the chin(well back actually) and admitted it was his fault.

So off to Eland lodge on Saturday

Speak soon!!!

Well folks after my recent injury, it was doubtful if I was going be well enough to get to Gatcombe, but with the help of some nasty tasting stuff called "penny silin", I think that was what dad called it!

I had a bath and was plaited up he day before, and left not too early for the long (3 hour) drive. Needless to say dad had got the timin wrong so we arrived much earlier than we had too - at least he did't have to flap around.

I was left on the lorry with my hay, whilst dad and Kamilla left to walk the course.

When they got back Kamilla got me ready while dad changed, and we went to the dressage warm up.

Boy oh boy was it good to be out again, I was so excited, especially as I could see some of the cross country course (and here it!) that dad was a bit worn out by the time we got to go in. I'm afraid I wasn't very well behaved, I just wanted to get it over with so we could go and do the fun stuff. The only good thing about th novice tests is that you get to canter really fast a couple of times!!!!

We changed for the show jumping, which was running behind, so the warm up ring was very busy and filled with daft people who kept getting in my way, eventually we were called through to the holding area, where again I must confess I did show off a bit!!! When the lady said who's next Dad and I decided to jump forward (literally!). We jumped jumped the 13 fences without knocking any down, which pleased Dad.

So off to cross country, and having run late show jumping, we were able to go ahead of time. We popped over the practice jump a couple of times before we were called through. We set off fairly quickly, and had a really good round. There were 20 jumps, most of which I'd seen before, so no issues. Dad was a little loose, and we possibly scared the odd fence-judge but I've got used to Dads' style, it certainly doesn't bother him so hey (or is that hay!!).

We didn't get to meet the Princess because of the dressage but we both had fun. There are some pics which hopefully dad will post later. But I now have a couple of weekends off before going to Eland.

What a plonker!!!!!

For a change I mean me, not my Dad.

We were all set for Lincoln, I had been bathed and plaited the night before, and when I was asleep I managed to cut my near fore, over the elbow. Well it swelled up and I really struggled to walk. Dad was quite worried and called the vet out... now I must confess I was a bit naughty, but I really don't like vets, so the had to give me something to make me sleepy so they could fiddle about!

I've had 2 boring days just going around on the walker, and I'm starting to feel a bit better, but don't know if I feel up to performing at the weekend.

I'll keep you all posted, pardon the pun!!!

Well here goes everyone, my first competition report of the season!!!! Dad took me to Oasby for the open BE100 on Sunday. He had walked the course on Saturday to save leaving too early...our dressage was 09.20!!

The lorry had been packed the previous day without incident, well if you exclude Dad's filly getting stuck in a bog and having to be rescued by some of the nice people who look after me!!!, so we set off into a cold damp day. Got there in plenty of time so warmed up for the dressage, I thought I was quite calm, and did a reasonable test, apart from dad forgetting the test and pulling me into a circle at the last minute, and me having more interest in the XC course which I could see through the hedge! Sadly the nasty judge didn't, and we were given 39. Next was the SJ and was again fairly well behaved until we were called in and I just could not contain my excitement....well it was only a little rear, and I did stop galloping around the ring when Dad stood in the stirrups and gave me a little reminder of who (he thinks) is the boss!!!! I calmed down and jumped a nice clear, only for the cheeky SJ steward to say  "that was calmer than I expected", honestly!

The last bit is always great, and we arrived well ahead of time only 2 to go so a quick pop over ome tyres and then we were called forward, I think dad got a bit excited at this point and when the guy said go I did, little realising Dad expected me to jump the first fence only 50 yards away...... not the most attractive jump but we settled after this to jumped round at a reasonable pace, with no moments, then towards the end of the course dad slowed down, and we almost trottedover the finish, at first I thought he was lame but then I realised  what was going on, we were penalised for going too fast, so this time the idiot overdid it and we went too slow, honestly durr, still I had a whale of a time and looking forward to Friday when we can have another go!!!!

No pics as Dad was too tight and said he's only buying crackers, whatever that means.....Speak soon.

Well, the countdown has really started now, we've got our first event in less than 1 week and then another each week 'til the end of march.

Dad took me to  XC schooling on Friday, and I did get a bit excited!! It's been 5and a half months since we last had a play and I've forgotten how much I enjoy it. Apparently Dad had difficulty getting dressed the next morning....whooops!!

So next post will be after out first event.......................................

Hi all!

Dad and I are sick of this weather.... I'm supposed to have had a couple of XC schooling sessions but things have been closed!!!!
The good news we are in at Oasby (open BE100), Lincoln (open BE100) and Gatcombe (novice)

Hopefully we'll get to have a practice befor hand but if not at least I know my way round Oasby!!!!

Well sorry didn't post last week, but Dad had a bit of a holiday, and went skiing.He was away for five days so I had fun in the field. Since he's been back we've not done a great deal, but Dad has told me that we are entered for our first 2 events of the season!!!!! I can't wait, we've been galloping a few times so I'm fit and up for it. We are apparently going to do some XC schooling on Saturday as part of our preparation, so hopefully will report then.

Hi again, Dad just found some photos of our CCI1* (2009 and 2010), thought   we'd share!!!

 This was a fence Dad was really worried about in 2009, big skinny off a turn then four strides to an open ditch. Don't know what the fuss was about

This table was bigger than it looked at the top of a hill after a bit of a gallop, this year dad was a bit more relaxed (although a lot more knackered!!)

Thanks to Jo Prestwich (joanna.prestwich@sky.com) for permission to use!!!

Countdown to Oasby!!

Well, been out twice this week. Clear roud SJ at Vale View, and then a private less on on Friday. Not a lot to report, Dad still a bit tense show jumping but getting there. We had another lesson today, bit of flat work then some jumping. Had another gallop in the fields on Thursday, and a play on Saturday. I'm not that keen on the wind but Dad has been telling eveyone how calm I've been!! Especially when the wind took the door off its runners at Vale View on Friday, Dad was a bit rattled, not sure if he was worried about how I'd react, or how the yard owner would react if it had blown off!!!!

I'm told ther's not much happening next week as Dad is going skiing (whatever that is!), so won't be anything to report for a fortnight! See y'all

A relaxing week with a bit of fun at the end!

Well another fairly quiet week. Haven't been out for anything exciting, but Dad has put our first entry in...Oasby BE100open (?). Dad has decided just to start small and then build on our confidence at Novice this year and aim to be competitive at Osberton at the end of the season. Don't worry I'll work on him, I can cope with much bigger than that!.We did have a bit of fun today, the fields dried out quite well so we did some circuit training which sure beats going around a menage with Dad bouncing on my back in so called rising trot!!!! After that Dad's foals came up and both had a sit on me, the filly was fine, but the colt didn't half make a fuss to start with, not sure why, I was on very best behaviour.

Then we did some jumping, and for some reason, we ended up jumping Dads' filly's pet bear!! Hopefully photo will explain - look for him on the front pole, he didn't scare me though!

Well quiet week this week,  Dad has only been up to see me twice, he did tell me he had to go into hospital to see the vet for humans as he'd been poorly, but he is better now. We did have a nice ride on Friday though! On the plus front, it does mean that I have had several days just playing in the field.

One strange thing though, since I've owned him, Dad has always leant to the left, which took a bit of getting used to, however, now he is sitting up straight!!!! Now whilst this will mean I'll have a better idea of what on earth he's trying to tell me, it's a bit confusing at the momment.

Well that's my news for this week, speak soon.

Well, what a week!

So brief round up of the events this week, after our dressage outing on Sunday, I had an easy day Monday, then schooling (again) on Tuesday. And Wednesday, in fact I'm getting a bit bored going in the school doing flat work around the jumps, 'cos the lights aren't good enough, and I know there are gremlins in the shadows. Trouble is Dad thinks I'm being naughty, whereas I'm actually saving his life!!

Thursday I was lunged, then Friday off to Vale View for a jumping lesson which was fun, on Saturday we went to another yard for outdoor cross country schooling (they even had a water complex!!!)

So that takes us to the JAS competition at Vale View today!!

Dad had entered us for two classes, the Novice (1.10m) and the Open (1.15m).  He went to walk the course early on and then came back for me (only a couple of miles from us).

Warmed up enthusiastically because I could tell this was a competition, and in we went. For some reason Dad was a bit tense, (first affiliated competition for some while!!) so he falpped a bit into the first and I knocked it down. It was then a circle to the left then a skinny to No.3, wavy planks, round to the right to 4 an oxer, then for some reason Dad lost the plot, missed the sharp turn to no. 5, a large oxer, and then tried to get me to jump it on the most ridiculous angle, which was impossible, so we glanced off it!! When we represented Dad did his flappy thing again ...it is sooo distracting, and I tried to stop but we went through it, next thing I know Dad had his arm up and we retired! Dad popped me over an upright a couple of times and then popped me back on the lorry

Just before the next class we went back in the ring, Dad was now even more tense, and if we weren't on a good one he got really tense and we ground to a halt!!!! His groom (middle daughter) gave him a good talking to and things improved. In we went and he was so much more relaxedwe sailed over the first five then down to number 6 which you had to double back to get to, 7 another oxer, then round left handed to 8 a brush fence, 5 stides to a corner, then again double back to a gate. No 11 was a double of arrow heads on a left curve down to a wall, as I went over this I noticed a big spooky sign that wasn't there on Friday so I jumped left, and then realised Dad was pointing me at a roll top, jumped this but was a bit unbalanced round the left  turn to what turned out to be a triple so Dad waved his hands around again and I stopped we circled, I jumped the first part and Dad went tense again so, second refusal, finally Dad got his act together and rode properly without going for impossible long strides and we were fine, we then had 5 strides to an upright of planks, then a 180 degree turn over last, an plank upright with a water tray. We finished with a couple down, the 2 stops (only get 4 faults in JAS) and loads of time.

So not the best start to the season, however Dad has realised we did a lot more competing over the winter last year, and the problem is his nerves, so hopefully he'll "man up" and get on with it.
Well, thanks for reading folks

If there are any not to embarrassing photos, Dad will work out how to load them

First BE entries of the year are in!!!

Well, Dad has finally entered the JAS competition at Vale View. We're doing 2 classes - the novice and the open novice.
we've competed twice recently, 30th of December when we did an eventers trial, and yesterday when we did a couple of elementary trailbazer tests. Dad wasn't terribly happy with any, in the jumping someone had put a scary timing beam at one side, and I swear it was out to get me, and at the dressage they had swapped the layout around, so I was a bit too preoccupied looking for something to spook at rather than listen to Dad. To be fair though he did made a mistake in the second test. That'll teach him to try and remember 2 complex tests without a caller!!

Just over a week to JAS

This will be our 3rd season competing at JAS (Jumping and Style -Dad had to look it up first year and nearly withdrew after finding the S was style!! I do try to help him out though). Had a dry run at Vale last week which was fun, apart from the scary monster pretending to be a timing beam, and Dads' steering- nothing changes there. Going to Vale at the weekend for some show jumping and dressage. Keep you posted!

Happy New Year

Well hope you all had a good one, and wern't too hung over this morning. Dad came up and we had a bit of a play in the big arena. We did some flat work, he is so pleased the way my lengthened trot is coming, although I'm dreading him trying to do it in sitting trot. Some fast work, and a bit of work on his balance, and getting off my back.



He was quite excited having just re-registered me with BE again, although I understand that we will be stayng at Novice level this year, rather than over face me (ha him more like) by going up to intermediate too soon.