Following a busy event season, it’s time to batten down the hatches for the darker winter months, so to keep morale high, I took part in a mountain bike Enduro race where out of 90 competitors I was placed 33rd after 6 hours solid riding, so fitness levels are very much still being tested!
Next season looks to be an exciting time as I have secured the ride on two more horses; one at Novice and one at 100. So, watch this space – I am really looking forward to progressing their experience and hopefully getting some decent placings.
At the beginning of November, Mum and I took a trip to The Monart Sale and in doing so I fulfilled a bucket list entry of Mum’s. Not only that, but we are now the lucky owners of a grandson to Contender. Anton (as Grandma and Mum have named him) and so he is currently being long-reined and shortly we should be on board. I’m very exciting about this as my top horse, Brad, is a also a son of Contender.
The following week saw the British Dressage Convention at Hartpury, which provided some great inspiration from Ferdi Eilberg in keeping the riding of horses simple and beautiful. It was also wonderful to see flying changes discussed and ridden in such a calm, positive manner by Gareth Hughes. As well as fulfilling our continual personal development accreditation, the day provided many valuable benefits to my teaching and understanding of horsemanship.
The month has concluded with an outing to Bury Farm with Gawain, Brad and Rowan to do the ‘dancing horses’ stuff to keep them all up to scratch. This was Gawain’s first affiliated dressage outing where he was placed in both his Novice tests, having achieved his first ever competitive counter canters! Some colourful rosettes for all three horses, decent scores and nice comments were very welcome.
Anyway, just time to send you all my best wishes in advance for Christmas and don’t let the mud get you down! Crack on!
David
This blog comes courtesy of tweed fashion brand Timothy Foxx www.timothyfoxx.co.uk
