RARING TO GO!
The new event season is just a few weeks away and I find myself trying to juggle all the diary work and competition commitments, not just my own but those of my owners and trainers. I must fit in the drives to the gallops, show jumping lessons and outings and the very exciting cross country schooling………so much to do……yippee! Thankfully the weather has only stopped preparations for a couple of days during the snow and Continuity will be entered for the Open Intermediate at Tweseldown for his first run with my other rides the week before at Aston Le Walls.
Following discussions with my sponsor Timothy Foxx there is new kit on its’ way in the form of saddle cloths and clothing. I am proud to represent this high end and innovative brand which always has something new to tempt on their website and social platforms!
On 23rd February I will take Continuity to Aston Le Walls for a selection day for the European 2* Event Team. We were long listed last time around for this biannual competition when it was run by British Riding Clubs. It now comes under the banner of British Eventing but maintains the same organising team and top class trainers, Richard Waygood and Jonathan Chapman. I learned such a lot from the training last time I am really looking forward to the day.
My prospect for the future continues to amuse us. Today Continuum (Anton) was testing an electric tape that is supposed to prevent him ravaging the fence when I turned the fence on. He registered mild surprise where others would have shot away bucking. He tried chewing it again shortly after and decided not to go back for pudding. Not much bothers him for sure. We are having building work done and most horses would not happily walk past what he is nonchalant about……augers well for a bold event horse!
Our covered shoeing area and solarium station (Mums’ Christmas present!) is rapidly taking shape and we now have a fully concreted and mud free yard….it’s the little things in life that mean so much.
I am sure I am teaching everyone reading this to suck eggs but it constantly amazes me the number of people I come across who are not wearing HI-VIZ when hacking on the roads. If I can I do tend to stop and have a quiet conversation about the risks they are running for them and their horses but I am sometimes told “It’s none of your business”. There are many well publicised accidents on the roads ever year and countless more that do not get reported. Please everyone wear HI-VIS and give traffic a chance to see you early on the murky days and keep your entitlement to any insurance you may be paying for if the worst should happen. http://www.bhs.org.uk/safety-and-accidents/dead-slow?gclid=CNjI84fY8dECFYeT7QodOkoHLQ
Teaching wise I am very busy which is terrific. I coach for many different Pony Clubs and all levels of rider privately. I feel really lucky that I have a job I love with endless variety since each combination of horse and rider is different on any given day. I love to get calls or texts after they have competed to tell me about their day.
If you spot my sign written white lorry at an event do stop and say “Hi”, but for now I must dash as I have a 4.30 lesson ……..
Have fun! David
This blog comes courtesy of tweed fashion brand Timothy Foxx www.timothyfoxx.co.uk
