7th September - Horse Hunting

5th September

Sat in the accommodation at Leicester services before setting off on the second leg of the search. A good day yesterday 2 nice horses one of which is a serious possible purchase. 4 more lined up to see today with quite a tight schedule. I will update everyone tomorrow.

3rd September

I have just kissed Ash goodbye and packed his bag for his trip to his new home. As well as his passport he is going with a list of information, a CD of his best pictures, his favourite bit and a bag of grub. He is not actually off until Sunday but as I am away this weekend the fond farewells took place tonight. I had hoped he would go earlier in the week as I wanted to see him off myself but unfortunately it wasn't possible so Kathryn is coming to make him look smart for his new owner.

We meanwhile are off horse hunting and have 6 nice horses (I hope) to  look at. We are traveling from Cornwall early tomorrow to Sussex, Gloucestershire and then  Leicestershire where we stop for the night. Look at a horse in Leicester first thing in the morning before traveling back through Gloucestershire again and finally Somerset before getting home late on Sunday. 5 of the horses are mares and 4 Irish. Keep your fingers crossed that something may suit and we don't end up spending most of the weekend stuck in traffic!

31st August

Whilst a pleasant horsey weekend has been had there have been several disasters at home of the wet variety! Firstly I am always losing my mobile phone in the house, I just ring it to find where I have put it. On this occasion when it failed to respond I was a tad worried particularly as I was watching the washing machine going round! Yep opened the door and there was my phone, a full cycle later and rather poorly. It has been in the airing cupboard drying out and still looks waterlogged at the moment, luckily the card was ok and this was transfered to old dinosaur of a phone.

Last night I was working on the computer and started to hear water running. When I realised it was dripping through the ceiling panic ensued. Had a quick look in the roof and could see the tank leaking, feeling quite capable rushed to turn the taps on and stop cock off to drain the tank. That was fine until the handle was so hard to turn I couldn't do it. Feeling less capable I fetched the next door neighbour for assistance! Luckily it hasn't done much damage and appears to just be a loose overflow pipe. Heres hoping things don't go in threes!

29th August - Tall Trees BSJA

Went and kidnapped Pippa while Kathryn was away and whisked her off to Tall Trees for the BSJA show. It was outdoors on a surface which was great for my first jumping competition with Pippa. Entered the 80cm class to warm up. Actually thought this was a fair track with plenty of turns and plenty to look at. Indeed out of 35 starter there were only 11 clears with many stops and poles flying. Pippa although 8 still lacks a lot of experience and was green in places. She sees a jump at the moment and tries to bounce on the spot but actually I can see a reasonable stride from the bounce! For a big horse she managed to get 3 strides in the 2 strided double when she jumped in a bit green but otherwise jumped a nice clear. The jump off was not against the clock and went up a decent amount but again she jumped round making it feel easy. A first rosette for all double clears was the reward.

Jump off

I felt more than happy to enter the next class which was the 90cm amateur class. Again there were some testing lines, although she is not always easy as her head carriage is high as long as you soften in front of the fence she makes a lovely shape. I think in time she will come down to a big fence very nicely. We went first in the class as I wanted to get home and exercise mine (can you tell I wasn't expecting a clear round?) but she jumped a super round hitting a good spot to all the fences and making a nice shape. My getting home early was scuppered!

8 out of 30 made it through to the jump off which wasn't many seeing it was basically an open class. There were some very speedy jump offs, we took it slowly, in fact I got 4 time faults which was a shame as it dropped us from 5th to 8th. Although she jumped cleanly this was perhaps the most difficult round as I couldn't really settle her and get a rhythm, I was also struggling to correct the canter so we were quite unbalanced, in retrospect I should have taken more time to do this.  

So very pleased with our first BSJA show and the two double clears. Much still to work on but the jump is certainly there.

Sarnie meanwhile was not on such good form - well she thought she was! I was short of time in the evening so took her out in her own field to do some big shapes and circles, this went fine for 10 minutes then there were little squeals, this then was followed with a tantrum of leaping around, spinning and being a total twat. Calmed her and did some more circles and then we had a repeat performance only worse! Did another circle and then retreated out for a short hack! Wimp me? No just making sure she doesn't hamper her recovery!!!

No horse hunting this weekend but appears we may have a weekend away next weekend looking at a few.

27th August

Started the horse hunting process (I know Ash isn't gone but the cheque is banked!) scouring H&H , Horsequest and talking to contacts. My budget isn't stretching as far as I would like but then it never does. I am hoping I can find something with the potential to go up the grades to Intermediate at least but in order to afford this then I am going to have to produce it myself. I enjoy this but there is also a little frustration as I want to be doing things straight away!

I lightly schooled Sarnie tonight on some common land and have to say it felt like she was moving better, hope it is not just wishful thinking! We see the physio again a week on Wednesday so I am hoping she will notice some more progress. Can't wait to see if the jumping has improved but think we may be a month or two off that.

Hacking can bore me,  tomorrow I have 4 different horses to hack in 3 different locations, not my idea of a really stimulating day. Ash needs to be kept ticking over, Sarnie strengthening work, Pippa I am taking out as Kathryn is away and I am starting working a new horse to me William which I will tell you all about soon. Sunday we are hoping to take Pippa to Tall Trees to do the 80cm unaffiliated and if that goes ok the British Novice. Monday is put aside for horse hunting although no firm viewings organised yet.

24th August - Ash sold

I am not doing very well - a whole week since my last update and I was thinking things would be quieter with Sarnie off serious games! I will start with the main news Ash is sold. He is still with me at the moment but next week he will be going to his new home in Wiltshire where he will be hunting, hacking and doing a bit of everything. It is a lovely experienced home and I am delighted that he is going somewhere that he is really going to enjoy life. I am now horse hunting if anyone hears of any nice young horses with the potential to seriously event at reasonable price - is that asking too much?

Last weekend was very busy, on Friday night we travelled up to Hatherleigh Horse Trials, the traffic was terrible and the journey took an hour longer than usual and I also managed to knock a wing mirror off on route which I was not impressed about.  I doubt it will be a cheap thing to replace, anything lorry related seems expensive. I must say it was nothing to do with my driving more a rogue branch that attacked us!!! Sarnie came for the ride but could not understand why she wasn't allowed to play particularly as I hacked round some of the cross country course and didn't allow her even a tiny pop!

If anyone competed at Hatherleigh and noted a bossy show jumping steward that was me! I ran the show jumping both days and kept everyone in order and I am quite pleased to say everything mainly ran to order and time. I enjoyed it although I barely saw anything of the competition even the show jumping as it required plenty of concentration. Helpig out at events certainly helps you appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes. I had hoped a busy weekend would result in a few pounds lost however the constant supply of food for helpers resulted in pounds added I should imagine - I was certainly well looked after. Mum wrote in the dressage both days so we were both pretty knackered by Sunday evening.

I took Pippa to Colraine tonight for a school and jump. I have been very impressed with her as she has jumped a huge hedge at home to get into the adjoining field, Kathryn was less impressed but I thought it showed real promise! Today we worked on her transitions and stopping her hollowing in the canter by using inside bend to keep her soft. Introduced her to some trotting poles and a small grid before having a pop round a little course.

17th August - Cornwall Trec Dressage

It was the last evening dressage competition and my original plan had been to use it to try an elementary, however, having looked at the test on the way and discovered it required rein back amongst other things I wimped out and transfered to the Novice test! What can I say except this dressage lark is getting quite fun. He did two Novice tests scoring just over 70% in both winning the first and second only on collective marks in the last test.

It didn't quite end there as I have always wanted to win a sash and that dream came true last night as he was the overall points winner for the dressage shows over the summer. It did come down to the last show but his good results on the night resulted in the win. Many thanks to Cornwall Trec for letting me use the picture and to organising such friendly dressage evenings - highly recommended to anyone local next year.

A good night got even better when Horse and Hound came on the phone asking me about my win at Colraine on Sunday.  Now I have also wanted a sash and to get a proper mention in horse and hound but I had hoped might be for eventing, perhaps I ought to keep Ash and take up this dressage lark! We were late back so poor Sarnie had to wait for her tea and when she heard all Ash's news I have say she was positively vile!

16th August

As less eventing time off is needed I managed to get a day off to take Ash for a lesson with Pammy at Tall Trees. We book 6 weeks in advance and I had booked for it for Sarnie so rather than waste it I took Ash. Needless to say as everyone does Pammy loved him! We worked on collection in the canter by doing a lot of walk canter walk transitions, that made it easier to then lengthen and shorten him in the canter itself something we needed to work on after the weekend.

The other thing we worked on was a baby half pass in the trot. I did this by asking for a inside bend down the long side and then pushing over for a couple of strides. Pammy argues that even novice horses must the have the basic understanding of a half pass so when you are turning up the centre line or back to the track in trot or canter you can move their quarters in and stop them trailing out on the turn. Ash picked it up pretty quickly and I did find it useful for then making better turns. A good session very sorry it will be my last until hopefully Sarnie is better.

Moving onto the main girl she had her second visit from Fiona Dod. I was keen to see if she found an improvement and delighted that she did. Sarnie is now straight but still slightly weaker one side, however, a lot less sore. She treated her and then we discussed the next stage of her recovery. She is now to do more hacking including hill work in trot, some schooling but only in large areas and doing large shapes, also some lateral work in walk to get her using her hind legs. Well I guess it is slightly more exciting! The main thing is with a careful program of building her up and getting her strong she is confident she will regain full fitness.

15th August

Another busy weekend. Today was Ash's first BD competition at Colraine. He hadn't had the best preparation with yesterday off and not as much work in week as I would have liked.

First test today was Novice 27 which is a test I quite like. He was perhaps a bit forward having warmed up in the indoor school and then come outside for his test. There were a couple of mistakes in it where I needed to prepare him a little better but we had some lovely work.

He finished with 67.9% to win the class overall which I was delighted with. It was nice to have our unaffiliated form confirmed at affiliated level.

I guess it is far easier to say it looks softer when you are not riding it!

I took the opportunity while I was at Hartpury to catch up with Sports Performance Coach, Dani Olding. Following our session at Barbury we probed into my values and beliefs trying to find tools so that I am more positive in my own ability. I got useful tips and ways of changing the way I view things. A good way was to step back and see myself from a strangers viewpoint which can be more realistic than the terrible things I see in myself! Also there is no such thing as failure only feedback. Have some homework to do so hoping to train my brain a bit better.

9th August - Tattersalls Videos

I bought the DVD from Playback Sports of Sarnie at Tattersalls, this arrived a few weeks ago but they have also just uploaded it to You Tube so I can share it. The report for the event is in my May blog - Click here

Dressage http://www.youtube.com/user/Playback.../6/GOaqqN3o7Dk

Cross Country http://www.youtube.com/user/Playback.../5/qNrM1TIL8hs

They only missed out about 3 fences. They started at fence 2. You will see she was adding the odd stride which I think is part of her not being 100% at the time. However she made a fairly tough 2* course look easy. Problem fences were 4 the quarry where there were lots of stops going in, 10 which was steps up, log to corner and the last water where 9 fell and nearly 20 had penalties of sorts.

Show jumping http://www.youtube.com/user/Playback.../4/zBFuTVlqwgQ

Not at her best here and an uncharacteristic mistake nearly causes me to go splat! A brilliant round from her considering she wasn't finding it easy.

8th August - Cross Country Schooling

We took Pippa to Chyverton cross country course for her first taste of the fixed obstacles. Always a bit of a nervous moment as some horses are just not cut out to enjoy cross country. Sarah and Kenny joined us to offer us a lead if required which is always useful on a first trip.

Her first sight of cross country fences was not promising as she was sure they were going to eat her! We circled in and out of some palisades before  going down to the start area and suspiciously popping a pole on the ground. We then came to a small pheasant feeder which resulted in much uncertainty, we edged up to it and had a snort (her not not me) and I gave her a pat before popping it. She then seemed to click that these terrible things were jumpable and started to gain confidence. We kept it small but with my leg on she jumped all of them first time including the bright red mushrooms. She made nothing of the small shallow ditch but the small trekanner she must have given 4 foot on the first jump. (Pictured below left is second attempt by which time it was safe to be a few feet nearer!)

At the water she teetered on the edge for all of a second before going in and was soon happily cantering through and going up and down the small drop. The most frightening thing was the water filled ditch but with Kenny holding her hand she soon understood it wasn't going to eat her and there weren't any crocs in there! She confidently popped the coffin and finished up cantering around a few fences just to get in a bit of a rhythm.

For a first attempt at the solid fences I was delighted with her as she showed herself to be brave but also have a real brain. Despite her size she is quick on her feet and nimble so I think brought on carefully she could a very good prospect.

7th August

It seems a million miles away now but this time last year we were on cloud nine having ridden a clear round at Gatcombe International to finish 13th in the Advanced (pictured right). Gatcombe was never in our plans this year but I can't help having a little feeling of missing out when I look at the results.

Next weekend we are off to Hartpury to get a feel for the event as I have never been before and this year if Sarnie had been fit it was a toss up between Hartpury and Blair (I am not making the same fact finding trip to Blair!) It will be good to walk the CIC*** course. Also whilst at Hartpury I have booked another session with Dani Olding the sports performance coach. Having identified a load of negative beliefs about my riding I now need to move onto the next stage and learn how to control them.

I have just registered Ash with British Dressage and entered the dressage at Colraine next Sunday. He is going to do both Novice tests so hopefully will start gathering some points.

Sarnie is walking out each day which we are both finding boring, Sarnie generally just switches off but occasionally livens things up with a spook at a blade of grass that may have moved - the tractors were boring but grass moving can be quite dangerous evidently! She is also doing her exercises twice a day. She is particularly keen on the carrot stretches, as you can see from the pictures she is certainly using her muscles to make sure she can reach as much carrot as possible!

4th August - Introducing Pippa

I am delighted to introduce you to Pippa who I hope you will be hearing lots more about. Pippa is a recent purchase of a good friend of mine (Kathryn) and I will be helping her produce Pippa and doing some competitions with her maybe even some eventing. Pippa is KWPN and 8 years old although got very little mileage on the clock as she was a broodmare up until she was imported last winter. She then went to a show jumping home as a project where she did a couple of British Novices. The one slight disadvantage for me is her height she is 16.3 but actually I don't feel over horsed so I am very hopeful we will have lots of fun together.

Yesterday I took her to the Cornwall Trec Group dressage as this was the perfect quiet evening competition to get her out and see how she behaved at a competition. She was a very good girl, she is very green on the flat still but has 3 nice paces that just need to be channeled. Her behavior was spot onand she tried hard in her test scoring 64% to come 6th. As you can see some bits were nice and some bits lacked concentration and balance.

Tonight I took for a lesson with Caroline Creighton at Colraine. I had not jumped her before tonight and was a little worried how I was going to cope with a big horse that is so different to my two. For something so green on the flat she was actually very easy and has a good brain on her. We started off working in trot and canter over two narrow poles. Narrow poles were used as they test the straightness and accuracy, it is better than a long pole where you have more room to play with.

We then moved onto to some small fences on related distances and doglegs. I was pleasantly surprised how well Pippa managed to adjust her stride and think for herself (then she is a mare!) We then did an upright to a narrow fence (Pippa's first). An important indication of how well she may adapt to cross country style questions and as you can see she stayed totally straight.

We finally put all the exercises together in a little course. Poor Pippa by this time was fairly pooped but jumped round nicely.

So I am very excited to have such a nice horse to add to the team particularly with Sarnie out of action at the moment.

2nd August - Sarnie to the vets

Drove her up to the Weigersma's yard to meet Liz Brown and discuss Sarnie's ongoing treatment. Discussed the symptoms and what Fiona Dod had found (see 30 July blog). Liz was fairly confident that the problem was in Sarnie's sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint or SI joint is the joint in the bony pelvis between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis, which are joined together by strong ligaments. If this is weak then her hind quarters are unstable and they will not be strong enough to support the work she is doing.

She has treated her with a number of drugs (such as tildren) to ease any pain, support healing and regeneration. Poor Sarnie had to be sedated before Liz used a couple of huge needles in through the top of the hind quarters down to the joint, I am not needle shy but couldn't look at one point.

So for now Sarnie is on controlled exercise of mainly walking in straight lines for a month to help build up the hind quarters along with the exercises Fiona gave me to do. Fiona is looking at her again a fortnight today so at this point we can adjust the program to fit the improvement or not she has made since the last visit. Long term I am hopeful we can get her back to peak fitness but there are no guarantees.

1st August - Cornwall Dressage Group dressage

Yet more dressage for Ash! Luckily he had been shining his halo since his lesson and promised his best efforts (swot). We had entered two tests Prelim 19 and Novice 22.

I was idly looking at the entires and was asked how my first test had gone. When I replied I hadn't been yet it was pointed out I should have been in the arena 10 minutes ago - whoops. Actually don't think it was my fault (this time) as I had been given the wrong time. Anyway a quick change and tack up and I was fitted in at the end of the class. He warmed up nicely but when doing his test struggled a bit with the arena which was a little uneven in places. However the judge liked it and gave us 74% to win the class by 13 marks!

Novice 22 was better I got him a bit more engaged and the medium trot was improved since our last Novice test. The second medium canter never really came back and I was aware of crossing the diagonal towards the caller at speed hoping we didn't leave the arena and run her over! The main area to work on is my halt up the centre line which in both tests scored a 5. He seems to go crooked and then cross as many legs as possible which is not a good finish. Anyway I was delighted with our best ever Novice score 1 mark short of 70% which won that class.

The next step for Ash is affiliate him and hopefully get some points before I advertise him again.

Tomorrow we are off to see Liz so Ash can have a day resting on his laurels and also some respite from Sarnie abusing him!

30th July

Had a different chiropractor out to see Sarnie today as I had a feeling she wasn't quite straight again and wanted no red herrings when I see Liz on Monday. I couldn't use Leigh as she has been on holiday and not due down again before I see Liz. Fiona Dod practices locally and came recommended http://www.jointzchiropractic.co.uk.  It is interesting as different people even doing a similar job pick up on different issues and this was the case with Fiona. Now I would like to give you a full explanation of what she found but I have to say it might be a bit like Chinese whispers and not too accurate! She found her quite unstable in the hind quarters which showed up when she pulled Sarnie's tail sideways as she was walking, on one side she balanced normally gainst the pull and on the other she didn't balance so well!  She has treated her and given me a series of exercises to help stabilise her behind. Quite interestingly there was slight muscle wastage in the left hind quarter but equally a little in behind the front right shoulder where she is not using herself properly. Looking back on the tapes when she has been taking a fence out in front it is this right leg she really dangles.

So I am hopeful that maybe someone different has been able to pinpoint and help improve Sarnie, however, we have had a number of false starts in finding the niggle so I must wait and see if Sarnie tells me she is feeling better. Off to see Liz on Monday and will get her to speak to Fiona direct and then try and work out if this is the issue or just a by product of the problem. Watch this space!

29th July - Robert Pickles lesson

Dressage week continued with a Robert Pickles lesson at St Ives. I was looking forward to Robert assessing him and also a bit of help progressing his work. We started off by walking, trotting and cantering round for him to assess Ash. He thought he had a lovely head carriage, 3 nice paces but just needs to stretch his frame and lengthen his stride a little.

We started working on a small circle and leg yielding out making sure he was really crossing behind on reaching the track we would then do a transition from whatever pace we were in and back again. While doing this I was trying to get him to lengthen his neck and soften by using bend to help us. By using the inside hind leg and allowing the shoulder to free up his paces immediately started to open out a bit.

We then continued by working on the canter. We cantered down the long side and asked him to step sideways to the inside a couple of steps then on the other side we went down the quarter and asked him to step out a few strides, this again got the hind leg really operating. We then half circled back to the track and held some counter canter before dropping back to trot and asking for a bigger trot. The clips below will give you some idea.

We then worked on opening the canter up a bit by asking for shoulder fore as we started down the long side then some medium canter and back to shoulder fore. He found this more difficult but tried hard and coped.

So his halo has been polished again! I was delighted with the way he went and if things carry on like this I may get converted to dressage!

27th July - Evening Dressage

Another very pleasant eventing at the Cornwall Trec dressage. I entered Ash in both Novice tests this time including Novice 35 which was a pretty 'busy' test! I am afraid the video camera was not brought out as it was a bit of a Cornish evening with some occasional drizzle. First test was was Novice 30 and we were first to go in. I can't believe how his dressage comes on each time I ride him and how hard he tries - Sarnie could learn a bit from him! He made one major mistake with a wrong strike off when changing leg over X otherwise it was pretty good. I was actually disappointed with the mark of 65% but the fact that he won what was quite a strong class was very good.

I put him in the lorry for an hour to stuff hay whilst I tried to learn the next test. In the end I wimped out and had it called as my brain mangled after a day at work refused to take it in. It was pretty involved with 2 canters on each rein and number of confusing changes of direction. Ash's brain coped better than mine and did another flowing test. You can't say he wasn't consistent as he got exactly the same mark for exactly the same result. So two red rosettes and the usual look of utter contempt from Sarnie on our arrival home!

A very dressage orientated week continues with a lesson booked with Robert Pickles on Thursday and a Cornwall Dressage Group Show on Sunday. I am really starting to feel that Ash is going to make a fantastic dressage horse to do BYRDS or similar on as he is so easy and straightforward. I may affiliate him and get some points to add to his sale CV!

Sarnie meanwhile has totally forgotten how to go on the bit! We may just be hacking but that is no excuse to go everywhere with her nose poked out. We are booked to see Liz Brown (vet) on Monday next week to continue investigations into whatever her problems may be. We have also tried some different shoes to see if that helps. She has gone back to a traditional shoe but the sole filled with rubbery stuff to help support the foot, my inclination is that it is not foot related but it always worth a try.

24th July - Falmouth Show

For the third week in a row we did some showing, despite the success we have had I think it is time to retire as it is too subjective and just doesn't quite give me the same buzz! Another early start with the Small Hunter class the first of the day. I was little disappointed with the result as we were 3rd, the two above us although bigger horses and quite nice did not give the judge nearly such a nice ride as Ash. The judge complimented Ash on his ride and how well put together he was but found him not substantial enough for his liking. At the end of the day the judging is subjective and I was pleased with how Ash went.

He did make up for it later with a win in the competition horse class. Had to do a show and a jump, he looked quite suspiciously at the little cross pole wondering why it was so small so gave it a few extra inches for good measure.

For Ash this week looks like being a dressage week with a Cornwall Trec competition on Tuesday, a dressage lesson with Robert Pickles on Thursday and another dressage competition on Sunday. Meanwhile poor Sarnie is just hacking which bores her and me silly. Hoping to see the vet if not this week the following week for further investigation.

21st July - Caroline Creighton training

This is a good opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to Symm for the training bursary that I won through their sponsorship of Hambleden Horse Trials. It makes a huge difference to me to be able to train with in my opinion one of the best trainers around on a regular basis. Even if I am not having any sessions with Sarnie for a while then I am sure there will be other horses to take (watch this space).

This week luckily Caroline was in Cornwall at Colraine. Unfortunately on this occasion it was less of a training session and more of a investigation into whether Sarnie was uncomfortable or not. We walked and trotted her up and agreed she was sound so warmed her up for jumping. We put a small course up of skinnies, a double and some uprights. We popped round making sure to maintain a good forward stride, this she did fine so we put them up to about 1.15. Twice going into the double she got a bit deep and dropped a front leg, now this is not Sarnie and we all agreed there is something not right when she pushes off to jump. The question is what?

Sadly we have decided to w/d from Wilton OI and make no more entries until we have established the problem and given her enough time to be treated / recover as she needs. She is too precious to patch so I can continue at 11 she can have the time to sort whatever the problem is out. Basically I suspect that means the rest of the season is written off. I have contacted the vet who should be down in the South West in a couple of weeks and until then Sarnie will just be on quiet work in straight lines. Her blood tests have come back basically OK so at least that is another thing ruled out.

Ash in the meantime is probably going to feel the effects of Sarnie's lighter workload with his picking up. I am still keen to sell him, now to help fund Sarnie's treatment! In the meantime I am concentrating on showing and dressage as I think this where he excels and I am sure he will be a stunning BYRDS or top class alrounder. Falmouth Show for him on Saturday and dressage the following weekend.

19th July

Had vet take some bloods today to eliminate anything viral. Results should be in by the end of the week. I am having a lesson with Caroline on Wednesday so will take Sarnie to see her in the hope she can see something that I might be missing or suggest a way forward. Horses who would have them!?

18th July - Area 48 show

Having talked over Sarnie's performance at Camborne we decided another BSJA show next day would give us a good indication of whether she is just rusty or something else is up. On this basis we decided to go to the area 48 show which was on a surface and have another jump in the 1.20 open. It was nice as we took the opportunity to catch up with friends and it was a very friendly welcoming show with nice courses.

To cut to the important bit Sarnie again had 2 fences down just clipping the back rail twice with her hind legs. I can't remember the last time she has 2 fences down in two classes / shows running, it is not quite normal for her. So frustrating to try and work out what the issue is or am I riding very badly?

Pictures look OK and nice to see her ears still pricked.

17th July - Camborne Show

There were good bits and bad bits at Camborne. Took both horses to a competition together for the first time and they were impeccably behaved. Ash was continuing his showing career whilst Sarnie went to jump. I was little worried that sods law would intervene and the classes would clash but as it happened the showing was further forward than we thought it would be. Ash was tacked up polished and jumped on in 10 minutes flat. He was entered in the Large and Small Unaffiliated Hunter. Again he was beautifully behaved, I had put him in a simple Pelham to make the appearance a bit more professional, I am not sure my fumbling for reins did the image much good!

We were pulled in randomly and the judge rode, Ash gave a her a lovely ride and even managed to remember how to trot up in hand. We walked round again and he was pulled in first! Delighted to win under a good judge who totally loved the ride he gave her. So the anticipated clash of classes didn't happen although the championship and show jumping was going to be a close run thing. In the end Mum sat watching the showing with Ashley ready for me to come back and hop on.

The Foxhunter / 1.20 track walked very big. It was then realised that the course builder had built a 1.25 class instead so everything was lowered! I went early (trying to remember Mum and Ash waiting patiently!) A nice big ring with plenty of atmosphere which should have suited her but found it hard to really get her in front my leg. Coming into number 2 I could feel her attention wavering and just clipped it in front, jumped the doubles and next few fine then came to a style and never got high enough properly knocking off the top pole. She jumped the last few nicely. It is unlike Sarnie to have 2 down and a 1.20 is well within her scope. We are both a bit rusty but thoughts still persist as to whether she is 100%.

Couldn't worry too long as she got popped back in the lorry and I went to find my show horse. He was asleep by the show ring so I hopped on and had a quick canter before we went in for the championship. This was a strong class but again Ash did not look out of place and showed himself off beautifully. He really starting to get the idea of a good gallop as well. He wasn't placed with the affiliated hunter winning from the cob.

Packed up for home but Ash wasn't the only winner on the lorry. We took home Sarnie's field companion Melissa who at 30+ had won the veteran class! Sarnie who to this point hadn't realised she was on the show field proceeded to have a paddy on the way home that Melissa was beside Ash and not her!

13th July - Cornwall Trec dressage

I am pleased to report Sarnie is in good health following Barbury and we are currently working on plan b (or is it x by now?). Today was Ash's turn to shine with another dressage competition at Chyverton run by Cornwall Trec Group. These mid week evening competition are a great way of getting out and practicing tests in a relaxed atmosphere. I entered a Prelim and Novice using the long arena. When I came to learn the Prelim test I discovered I did not have a copy which was a good start. Luckily one of my few useful skills is an ability to learn a dressage test very quickly so quick read through on arrival sufficed.

You may remember at Constantine Show I lost my glasses? So I have spent the last week squinting at everything while I wait for the new ones (budget versions!) to arrive. Went to get my velvet hat out the box and what was in there but my glasses - obvious place why didn't I look there!?

Warmed up for the Prelim test and he produced a lovely obedient and accurate test. He is a pleasure to do dressage with! Only two horses before our Novice test so a quick read through (a lot easier with glasses) Novice 22 to learn it. It included counter canter which he has not done yet so a quick practice of that and in we went. I actually thought bits were better than the Prelim, the medium trot was hurried but I have seen at home that this will develop in time, the rest he really tried hard with. The counter canter was good as was the mediums in canter. (Video malfunction on Prelim so only Novice test)

The class using the long arenas was a pick a test class so the placing were decided on the percentage. Ash scored 69.5% in the prelim to win it and was 4th with 64% in the Novice test. Very pleased with him. Sarnie however was not impressed at home due to the fact that she had to wait for her tea and he was boasting about red rosettes again! 

8-11th July - Barbury Castle Horse Trials

Horses and eventing in particular is a bit of a roller coaster sport,  perhaps I ought to keep budgies instead - then they would probably get bird flu! Are you getting the impression it wasn't the best weekend?

We arrived on Thursday afternoon to what I have to say is one of the friendliest and best organised events. As a rider it is not my favourite course as you go round and round in a relatively small space  but it gives spectators a wonderful viewing experience. I was lucky to have some friends come with me to help (poor Mum and the dogs had been relegated to coming up in the car as there was no room for them!) so Sarnie was settled down in record time. I wanted to give her a little work that evening so tacked up and wandered down to where the horses were working just below the main arena. It wasn't very clear how to access this area as it was in the middle of the course and I took a few wrong turns! I eventually made my way onto the course and started to go round the owl hole fence. We stepped over a microphone wire that I was vaguely aware was there and then I don't know what happened she appeared to slip and sit down on her hind quarters for a second before recovering but in the process removing a hind shoe. I presume she somehow got caught up in the cable.  So no schooling for Sarnie and we walked back to the stables. The farrier had gone home for the evening but was due back in the morning.

Friday morning I was up early and pleased to find no heat or pulse in the foot which was a relief. Grabbed the shoe and found the farrier who popped it back on. She was plaited and I gave her 20 minutes work in morning just to loosen her up and she felt fine and went well. The trot up was at 2 and the test was at 3.08 so I made sure I was down and ready to trot first. Ever get that deja vue feeling? I was sent to the hold box as she wasn't quite right behind on the firm surface. The vet came over and I explained about losing the shoe, she checked her joints and hoof tested her but could find nothing. We represented and the vet explained that what had happened, the ground jury allowed us through but said they would be watching the dressage closely and if she looked wrong at all they would spin her at that point.

I was now running late so my wonderful assistants took Sarnie back to the stable for polishing whilst I donned top hat and tails. Went and warmed up, certainly on grass she felt fine. We were warming up at the same time as William Fox Pitt on his Kentucky winner Cool Mountain who followed our test. Mum reckoned William should be paying me for making his test look so good!!  The judges were marking very harshly but I was pleased with my test and scored a 73 which although a disappointing mark eventually left me nearly 20 places off the bottom which was not a bad result in that company.

I iced her foot that night where she had lost the shoe (I know closing the door after the horse has bolted) and then went and walked the course for a second time with my trainer Caroline. On my first walk the course had looked very big particularly as I think the last few events I have done have been BE100s with Ash! On  the second walk it mellowed to a big testing course that was probably jumpable. I have pictured a few of the fences that were most significant to me.

The white fence was number 4 and approached off a turn, the picture doesn't do it justice as it was huge with a drop on landing. You then dropped down the hill to the first technical fence two wells which could be jumped straight off 2 strides or a curved line of 3 strides. They were numbered separately and although I intended to go straight a bad jump at the first and you could have circled.

Perhaps the fence got the riders thinking most was the owl hole, this in itself wasn't huge question at this level but it wasn't until you jumped through it that you would know you had your line right for the two offset houses on a positive 4 strides. Quite a few circled after the first house as they were numbered separately. My intention was to ride straight but turn if we had a bad jump at the owl hole. The ditch at 13 wasn't one to look at too closely but rode well.

The water involved a big table (not pictured) to a huge Hippo, stride 6 foot drop into water and then smaller hippo out. There were a few duckings here but I thought Sarnie could do this ok. The one that worried me most looks a straightforward in the picture but the triple brush was very narrow and situated at the bottom of a steep incline. My initial thought was to do the long route but when walking with Caroline we discussed not trying to jump it straight but slightly from the right (as pictured) to give us a bit more to aim at. You then turned a sharp left up the hill to another fence. All in all it was a testing course but no single section or fence was outside our capabilities, whether we could do it as a a whole was a bigger question.

Saturday was a rest day and I took her out in hand for some grass and then met up with Caroline to check she was ok again. Although not lame she wasn't moving well behind still so I went and found the vet I use who was working at the event. She looked at her and felt she was sore over her quarters and had probably wrenched herself. There followed frantic phone calls to see if my physio who was local was available, she was not but a friend of hers was. Winston Williams came and treated her finding her quite sore but worked on her for half an hour and was quite hopeful she would be ok to compete next day. That evening I trotted her up again for Caroline and although improved she was not 100% and we decided to withdraw. It was a big course and our first time at this level so certainly not the time to go ahead if she was not 100%! I was gutted we have put so much into getting to do a CIC*** and this event in particular (trying to forget the actual cost) for a simple accident on the first day to ruin it all.

We stayed on for Sunday and watched some of the action. It was nice to see  what I had walked so carefully being ridden. I also had interesting session with Danielle Olding who is a Sports Performance Coach. The mental side of riding and achieving is something I really struggle with and I have been impressed with the effect such coaching has had on the likes of Pippa Funnel and Sharon Hunt. It was interesting to find how your brain is implanted at an early age with beliefs and values which may be no longer appropriate to the adult life. We started to look at techniques to change these and make them more appropriate for my current life. Have a look at http://www.sporthorsenlp.co.uk/welcome.html , I am certainly intending to have a few more sessions as I think they could be very beneficial. She is prepared to travel so I may get some prices together and see if anyone is interested in arranging for her to come down to Cornwall on a monthly or two monthly basis. If anyone is interested let me know sjb@carnarthen.wanadoo.co.uk

Frustratingly on Sunday Sarnie felt fine if a little confused when I hacked her out. On arrival home we trotted her up and she was moving fine and back to normal so she will have a few quiet days before cracking on again. Not quite decided on our plans for the rest of the season but Blair may be on the cards.

7th July - We are packed (ish)

Grub and clothes are packed just waiting for humans, horses and dogs in the morning. Will try and keep the website updated but if not will put updates on my Facebook page, if you are not joined please do so. Positive thoughts needed at 3.08 on Friday for our dressage hoping the main arena atmosphere does not fry her brain! Sarnie had today off but has been polished and trimmed tonight (I think she knows something is up!)

6th July - Count down to Barbury

The butterflies are taking hold as the countdown to Barbury CIC*** is well underway. I took Sarnie for a pop at Colraine today as I though only one proper jumping session since Tattersalls maybe wasn't enough?! She was a bit lackluster but that is quite normal when schooling in hot conditions, she saves her best for the competitions. We leave on Thursday with dressage on Friday and jumping Sunday. It should be a nice social event with friends coming with us to help and also meeting other people up there. I think the anticipation of how big and technical the course is going to be may be worse than the reality - I hope so!

Ash did some dressage schooling today and all I can say is Wow! We started working on mediums and although he can't hold it yet he has the most awesome medium waiting to come out. He is a horse that actually makes me enjoy dressage - Yes I could be ill!

Finally I am sure you all remember Kenny who I took round a few Intros at the start of the season? Well I am delighted to say he won the Intro at Winkleigh this weekend on a score of 26.5!!! Huge congratulations to his owner Sarah for doing such a good job with him.

3rd July - Constantine Show

Ash made his debut as a show horse at Constantine Show, we always thought he would make a cracking small hunter so we would put it to the test. Friday night was spent madly searching for correct showing kit, I found I didn't have a tie to match my shirt, luckily Zoe promised to bring one - we looked presentable in the end!

Sadly entries weren't high but Ashley behaved impeccably, he was however a little perturbed to see cattle being shown in an adjacent ring. He behaved  beautifully in the ring and gave the judge a lovely ride winning the class. I was delighted how well he went a real natural. The Championship I though he stood a good chance but at the end of the day it is subjective and we weren't called forward.

We then entered him in the Novice Working Hunter where he jumped a clear round (despite the judge thinking it was the Open and building for that!). We were called in 3rd and again he gave a different judge a 'superb ride' but he remained where he was a she thought the ones above were more to type. I think he enjoys this showing lark and he certainly looked the part!

A few before the class and the novice working hunter. Thanks to Daniel Ferguson for the pictures.

The only disaster of the day is I somehow managed to lose my glasses, I apologise if the website makes even less sense than usual!

Sarnies treat for the day? Cantering on Bodmin Moor - not impressed!

2nd July

Disappointing news I have withdrawn from Glanusk OI this weekend. Sounds a lovely event with a cracking course but having had a chat with Lucy Wiegersma this afternoon we decided that it was better to save her for Barbury. Despite the organisers best efforts the ground is firm (what else will it be with all this dry weather?) and to run her 2 weeks running on firm ground is not worth the risk. We have had quite a bit of rain in Cornwall but elsewhere in the country has not been so lucky.

So I have spent this evening trying to find other things to do this weekend. Really wanted to show jump Sarnie but nothing on so we are taking Ash to Constantine Show tomorrow mainly to do the Small Hunter!! Now showing is not a favorite of mine but Mum has always been a bit partial and Ash is a nice Small Hunter so as a one off I am going over to the dark side and doing some showing! There is some BSJA later as well with classes for Ash so all won't be totally lost. I will let you know how we get on.