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.......................................