Happy new year to you all!!. Hard to believe I'm officially 10, I just don't know where the time has gone.
Dad and I are hoping that 2012 will be a good as our first season, well he is getting on a bit.
I haven't enjoyed the wind this week, and then just when it got cold, I was given a number1, and dad had the cheek to say I was sharp!
Anyway that's all from me, I heard dad talk of a lunge lesson this weekend so will report soon....
2011
It doesn't look so big from here
Friday, 6 January 2012
Saturday, 31 December 2011
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, 2 May 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, 27 March 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, 14 March 2011
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.
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.
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