New Site, New Year ... HUGE AMBITIONS!

So the polar blasts keep on coming with alarming regularity! The joys of an English winter with livestock! The horses are now all in work, only 2 left to clip. They each enjoyed a month in the field, and then some low key hacking to prevent them getting too unfit whilst allowing their brains full R & R!

Luke was the only one not to thrive on holiday, and was thererfore draughted in as part of Team Townend for Express Eventing at Excel arena in London. What a treat. It was huge fun to ride dressage to music, indoor cross country and a decent round of show jumps against the worlds best riders. Even more of a thrill Luke finished 6th! A real buzz and a series I very much look forward to being part of in the future.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy a week away in Italy, my first non horsey holiday for 4 years. Sheer bliss! I was also then very fortunate indeed to spend my Burghley bursary on a weeks show jump training with Luis Alvarez Cevera in Madrid. It was an incredible opportunity to ride 6 horses a day with nothing to work on but myself, my riding and the way the horses were going as a result. Luis' family were so hospitable and I look forward to many clear rounds to demonstrate the benefits!

The winter months are ticking by with various indoor dressage and jumping shows, before I disappear AGAIN for a fortnight in NZ to celbrate Tim Price and Jonelle Richard's wedding. It will be wonderful to spend some sunny time, with these amazing friends, before returning to 2013 with all guns blazing. I was very excited to be 14th in the BE rankings this year and am aiming for top 8 next season! Happy festivities everyone.

Frustrating Times I feel that my season has been one of 'nearly good' results not 'really good' ones. Blenheim was one of those weeks. Sprouty put in a much improved dressage performance for a respectable 54. He was a total machine XC and was absolutely flying around, well up on his minute markers only to have a pesky run out at the second of a very influential double of corners coming out of the water jump. So close was he to jumping it that I really thought we'd gone the correct side of the flag and off we wizzed up the hill to continue, before being flagged down by the judge and sent back for that very expensive second attempt. He cruised home for just 6 time faults despite this time consuming blip. Frustratingly he'd landed on a nasty exposed stoney patch two from home and a bruised foot meant we decided not to show jump him on the last day. I'm sure he'd have been fine, but best not to risk him particularly lying so far down the leader board. He has now joined Luke and Willy on a very well deserved autumn rest in the field and will be back in late november to begin some serious dressage as a winter project. Sprout has had a sort of teenage phase of late with the odd blip both XC and dressage. I will be using 2013 to really consolidate him in all three phases at 3* level before beginning our 2014 world games campagin in earnest. He is an incredibly talented horse and I will take my time to iron out this seasons frustrations, which are realistically the result of my ambition to get to the Games meaning Sprouty's career was a little bit fast tracked, so I will make sure I dot the i's and cross the t's in order to lay all the foundations for a medal in two years time. Gatcombe the following weekend was another case of NEARLY. Gill Watson's lovely Wellshead Munnings did the best test of his career to score 36.9 and hold the lead from his early draw on Friday morning. He then went on to jump an immaculate double clear just one second over the optimum time leaving him on a final score of 37.3 Would you believe that one second left me 0.1 penalties adrift of the mega competitive Kitty King on Persimon and I had missed out on a Spa break for two days at the unbelievably indulgent Whatley Manor!!! How FRUSTRATING! I have since had a trip to Ireland horse shopping and found a really nice one who will hopefully join the team subject to the vetting this week. The girls and I have been out XC and SJ on a few of our resident younger or more wayward ponies. Tomorrow I'm off to Little Downham with Gail Lothian's Latest Chance and then Tuesday before dawn we'll set sail for the last event of 2012 with Wellshead Munnings, Fernhill Rockstar and GT Cruise for Ligniere. No rest for the wicked but it'll be strange with no events to report on for a month or two. I'm aiming to round off the season with a win...fingers crossed.

Beyond Belief...

Wow I have just returned from my first British 4* and am proud to say both my beautiful boys completed.

Willy Do did an excellent test with a few little green mistakes, jumped the round of his life XC for clear with 20 time faults and even more impressively just one down in the show jumping. He has surpassed our wildest dreams finishing in 19th place and a bursary for best first timer. I could not be more thrilled for the Greenlees family his wonderful owners and for our future....eek look out World Games!!

My darling Luke did his best test ever for 41.7 into 7th, he then lived up to his Animo genes by putting in a bit of a naughty stop at the ditch at fence 7 after which he ate up the massive track, and jumped a super round on the last day with an expensive loss of concentration at the second last. I am learning such a huge amount from him, and sentimentally feel he really put me back in the game when i first returned from NZ. I'm sure he has a big win in him when he decides to join in the party on all three days!!!

I can't thank my amazing gang enough, I am lucky enough to be surrounded by the most supportive gang of friends and family and I am convinced I couldn't do it without them. My fabulous owners The Greenlees, The Taylors and Kathy B...THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, to Gill, Andrew Fletcher and Luis your guidance is exemplary, to Mo and D your unwavering support is beyond brilliant. I have the best team of girls backing me up Captain Frantastic, Bec/ Bev, and Bec/ Len...you are all totally ace, and my wee sister and bro are mega stars.

THANK YOU...can't wait for Blenheim now which alarmingly is already 'this week'!!

Photo's to follow!

So congratulations to the logistics manager....we survived, and in fact succeeded!! On the Wednesday Animator was his usual fabulous self to come 4th in the Advanced at Aston as his final run before Burghley, and Rowan made a very competent job of his second Intermediate for a pleasing clear XC. We returned from Aston at 5pm, were unpacked and repacked and back on the road for Hartpury by 6.15pm! By 11pm we had worked the horses at Hartpury unpacked and settled the ponies into bed, ready for a 5am alarm and arena familiarization at 6am!! Sprout Thursday morning test was a great improvement and I look forward to him continuing in this vein for the next few weeks before another winter of dressage training to cement his strength in this phase. On Friday I 'nipped' back to Aston to ride Latest Chance in the novice where he finished on his dressage score for 3rd place and he is now qualified to run at Intermediate. Returning to Hartpury to work Willy once before putting him away and working in for his test was an exercise worth doing when he scored a fabulous 40.6 to lie equal third!! My best score ever! We even made a couple of little errors so hopefully I can pin those down to crack into the 30's at Burghley!! Sprout and Willy's show jumping rounds were a huge high for me. They both did super clear rounds and I couldn't have been more proud of their efforts. Pictures to follow! Sprout was first to run cross country and he really gave me a fantastic spin, all bar pilot error at the second water leaving us with a very frustrating 20 penalties. That experience i put to good use on Willy Do who stormed around with just 3.6 time faults to finish 4th in a very hot section indeed. Willy seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment which is hugely exciting for his future, I was so proud of his efforts at Hartpury and hope we can repeat the process next week! So wagons roll, home we headed followed by a rare few days off the yard with one night in Scotland and two in Ireland, on a horse shopping trip. Sadly I didn't find the horse of my dreams but it was an excellent trip and I cant wait to find a world beating 5yr old in the next few months. So from Ireland I came home to head to Tweseldown for Charlotte to do an immaculate job on Jimmy, his first event for 4 years, which they took by storm with a 31 double clear. We then galloped on Friday, went to dressage training in Nottingham on Saturday, jumping in Wootton Bassett on Sunday and took 4 to Wellington to compete on Monday! The Wellington boys had an unremarkable day as far as rosettes went but all did reasonable test, I had a case of 4 fault-itis each having just one rail, and then 3 happy clears XC for Rowan, Jack and Chance who was a debutante at this Intermediate level. I didn't jump Sprout in the Advanced despite a much better test he is being saved for Blenheim. Another hectic week but all made the more exciting by the arrival of a great, great kiwi mate Nick Brooks. Welcome home Nick! So Tuesday has dawned...and all being well we should be loaded and off to Burghley sometime this morning. Watch this space for the biggest event of the year for Team Jacko. Good Luck Willy, Good Luck Luke

Aston Ribbons

Well, Team Jackson are currently on a mission! The call up for the Olympics didn't happen so we're working doubly hard at home to produce some dazzling results at Hartpury, Burghley and Blenheim!! The final team training in Surrey was a fabulous opportunity to train alongside the best riders in the world, at the top of their game with 2 international mega star trainers. Luis Alvarez for jumping and Stephen Clarke for dressage. The four days 'camp' flew past and I must admit I'd have happily stayed for four weeks!

Bryony Holloway and Paul Wedge's amazing home was all to easy to become accustomed to. We worked the horses in the outstanding facilities, watched our team mates training, analysed video's and we were then fortunate enough to enjoy the tennis courts, the swimming pool, and the gym. I'm convinced I was born to be a squillionaire, this lifestyle suited me well!!

From dream world to reality, we took 5 horses to Aston where the brave Taylor family put on a super event despite the many months of rain. Our gang really put their hands up this weekend and had some great results with Luke and Willy 4th and 5th in the Advanced, Jack 2nd in the OI and Chance 2nd in the Novice. I was delighted too with Master Rowan despite a pesky 20 penalties XC he coped well with his debut at Intermediate level. So I am willing all the kiwi's to their very very best performances at Greenwich, in particular so we can enjoy a huge celebratory party! From there Team Jackson has a slightly bonkers week with Aston on Wednesday Hartpury Thursday, Aston Friday morning and Hartpury Friday pm and Saturday. Phew. Look out logistics manager the wheels will be in over drive! In the mean time we're willing Captain Frantastic a speedy recovery from her fractured hand and longing for her return, and a huge well done to Bec and Becky for coping so admirably in her absence.

AMAZING AACHEN...

Woweeee, the life of the jet set crew. I could quite get carried away with the ritz, glitz and glamour of the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen. To have dressage, show jumping and eventing on such a grand scale, all at one show was mind boggling. For a start Joe Giannamore who owns Jock Paget's stunning horse Bullet Proof was incredibly generous in transporting the team of riders to Germany in his private jet...UNREAL. Obviously we spent the entire trip discussing tactics and work only!

The horses went in two lorries..Jock took his own, Sprout for me and Knockmore Lad for Brazilian rider Renan Guerrio. Mark took his own Grass Valley, Flinstar for him to ride deputizing for injured Jonelle Richards and Nereo for Andrew. Exercising the horses on the Thursday I was blown away to be schooling alongside Ludger Beerbaum, Michael Whittaker and other members of the great and good of international showjumping. Important to concentrate on the job in hand, but a shame to miss the enormity of the occasion. Sprout felt quite at home, and sure enough all the kiwi team flew through the trot up that afternoon. Friday morning dressage for all 40 competitors in the dressage grandstand arena. Sprout was a little on edge but for his stage he performed some good work to score a respectable enough 57. I look forward to him having the strength to contain his loose athletic paces and power, at the moment he very often over revs resulting in tension spoiling the movements and lowering the marks. Make no mistake though in time he'll be very competitive on the flat. We spent Friday afternoon watching the most enormous Grand Prix in the show jumping ring. Mind blowingly ENORMOUS! Then reality check, it was our turn in the main stadium next! The vast arena was deceptive, the distances between fences very long so a normal show jumping speed for us wasn't quite enough to make the time. Sprout jumped his socks off and made us all incredibly proud with a clear round. 4 time faults spoiled the score card but something that is very easy to fix. The main thing was his impeccable behaviour under mega pressure in front of a big crowd...SO PROUD! How to make a good week great...another clear round. On Saturday morning, my darling scrawny little 10year old Irish pony stormed around the most technical of tracks to post another clear round. Again, a few time faults will be easy to erradicate with the benefit of hind sight, but overall i was blown away by his maturity. With Andrew placing 5th and Jock completing in style on Bullet Proof we ended as 4th placed team which was a nice end to an incredible week. The next stop is final team training in Surrey next week. Gutted though I am to be first reserve I am more determined than ever to work my socks off and prove that this seasons good results are no fluke, and get so good at the sport that I can never be left off a team again. In the mean time I'm here ready, willing and able to step in if needed.

Busy Babury

Well a good enough weekend at Nunney followed with 7th in the BE100 for Sammy, 7th in the novice for Rowan, 14th 2* Jack, 7th in the intermediate with Alf, and 15th in the novice for Chance. I had a slight case of damn 4 fault-itis but was very happy with the ponies, and can thoroughly recommend the long drive to this lovely new event. Having thought Bramham was busy with three, we decided to double it and take 6 to Barbury. I couldn't possibly have dreamed that we'd complete the logistical challenge of exercising 6 horses a minimum of twice a day each, and competing them all without so much as a moments hesitation. WELL DONE FRAN and her gang! So grateful to Bec, Becky, Aisling and all the owners for their support.

Firstly Master Rowan completed his last novice competition in style with a decent test, one down show jumping and a super clear XC. He has taken a long time to recover from a nasty trip in the water last year and finally feels to have put that firmly behind him. Next we had Willy Do in the 4* combined training. Unfortunately for him the wind was gale force and he took a strong dislike to the thunderous flapping of flags and didn't do his best test for 56. He is now aiming for Burghley and will compete at Aston le Walls and Hartpury in preparation. I ran Whats it all About (Alf) for Adrian and Maggie Smith and Wellshead Munnings (Jack) for Gill Watson in the 2*. Unfortunately Alf wasn't feeling in great shape and decided that after an amazing test of 46 that showjumping wasn't for him today. Jack did a fabulous test, had a frustrating 4 faults and jumped a superb clear XC to place 8th out of 102! Really, really thrilling result for Gill and some reward for all the incredible hard work she puts in to the whole team.

The final selection trial for the Kiwi's, the Irish and the American's was held in the 3* at Barbury this weekend. Luke lived up to my most ambitious of expectations by coming 9th out of 110! He is getting very consistently good scores on the flat and this was no exception on 46. We then went on to jump a great round in the show jumping, another frustrating 4 faults and a storming xc run for just 5 time to finish in 9th. I feel he has done all in his power to impress the selectors and I'm trying hard to remain philosophical now and think what will be will be! He has had 4 top 10 placings for 5 runs this year, all bar one at 3* level. Who knows?!!? With the incredible honour of being asked to compete in the Nation's Cup at Aachen, I did dressage (a little wild), show jumping (immaculate) and just 10 fences of the XC on Sprout at Barbury, in preparation for his departure to Germany on Wednesday. Never have I found it harder to pull the reins and ask a horse to stop, he felt pretty special indeed around those fences! So Aachen next and we'll have to wait and see what happens after that.....

Brill Bramham

Wow, what a week. Three horses at a three star event posed quite a challenge. Thanks to my amazing team we made it...and in style. Fran and Bec deserve a special mention for the immaculate turn out of the beautiful boys, and Mum and Dad for helping me massively with logistics both human and equine! So we arrived on Tuesday in time to lead them around, graze and put them to bed. We hacked all three every morning at about 6am to give them a leg stretch and chill a little. Willy Do passed his wednesday jog with flying colours, followed by dressage lessons for all three with the wonderful Andrew Fletcher. As 14th to go on Thursday Willy shot into the lead on a fab score of 45. Such a thrill and he was only overtaken by William Fox Pitt on both horses to complete the dressage phase in 3rd YAHOO! Not to be out done, Luke's test later Thursday afternoon put him into the lead in the CIC on 41. I was over the moon to score personal bests when it counts! Gill Watson was on hand to help me warm up and I certainly have her and Andrew to thank for these scores! Sprouty had the worst of the going late on Friday afternoon, but he tried hard, and but for a couple of errors is close to cracking into the 40's. Saturday morning was a great thrill, Willy bounded around the most testing 3* track with relative ease, he took on all the direct routes and bar one slight blip exiting the water he didn't miss a beat. 9 time felt like a decent speed for him, and as he gets stronger he'll certainly get faster. What a buzz. The trouble with having 3 horses is that you don't have long to enjoy 'the moment'. No sooner had we finished Willy's XC then it was time for Luke and Sprout to show jump. This was the only time the ground really held me up. I was really gutted to finish Saturday well down the order with 4 down for Luke and 2 down for Sprout. I was in exalted company mind you, many of the big names on their top horses were having rails. I decided to attempt maturity and put it down in the great book of life under the chapter of experience, i didn't ride awful rounds and whilst there are a couple of things i'll do differently next time, I am trying not to lose too much sleep over it! Sunday was a different story...HOOOOOOORAY. I had two magic rides XC on Luke and Sprout for 6 and 3 time respectively. Whilst i set out to give them a good spin against the clock, i was also aware that we were down the order somewhat and to belt round might be counter productive in the long run. They felt the consummate professionals and that this 3* level was very much within their everyday job. For the CCI show jumping, the ground was much improved thankfully and Willy jumped the round of his life. Apart from going slightly cross eyed into the treble where he caught 2 elements, he flew round and finished proceedings in 8th place. Way beyond our wildest dreams. To cap off a happy week all three traveled home well and pulled up sound on Monday morning...so a litte pause before we have 6 at Nunney, 1 at Salperton and then its Barbury and hopefully Aachen...time to get excited!

Ribbons at last ....

Hooray, I'm delighted to report that we've had a very successful last three events. Little Downham was a very early start with 1.30am alarm clock but it was well worth it with Jack coming 4th in the OI on a 28 double clear with a few time, Cher placing 9th in her first ever Intermediate against hot competition in an OI section on a 32 double clear with a few time. Our other resident Kiwi Kate Wood came 7th in the same section but disappointment for Amy who found Fernhill Rockstar a little fresh after 2 months with no parties, and disappointment for one of my lovely ponies What's it all About when he slipped and had a run out at a skinny. No sooner had we returned from Little Downham then I set off for Tweseldown where Rowan scored a well deserved result coming 2nd in a hugely competitive ON section despite him only having 5 points to his name! He did a lovely test and jumped a super double clear to score this personal best result before he has a well earned break to round off his spring season.

A first time visit to Pontispool was a very successful one for me, much needed after a pesky week. My week of frustrations included poor Alf stepping on his shoe and missing too much work to come to compete, and Cher sustaining a nasty little cut that again meant she was sound but needed to miss a couple of vital bits of work to compete on Friday. However my remaining 3 didn't let me down...Jack won the Intermediate and Ardent Sammy won his first ever BE event on an amazing 19.5 double clear. Sprouty did a magic test to lie 3rd in the OI and I didn't intend to jump him but he is ready for the big week at Bramham now. So we are missing Tattersalls but heading off all guns blazing to Bramham with Willy Do in the CCI and Animator and Ambassador in the CIC...here's hoping we can keep up our tally of ribbons....

The great book of life under the chapter of experience....

Phew what a frustrating time its been. Just a little update for you all.... So in a nutshell Kentucky was a massively valuable learning experience sadly without the happy ending I was dreaming of. Sprouty and I did the test of our lives only to marr the mark with a very expensive mistake 3/4 of the way through taking us down from 70% to low 60%. He lost balance in the counter canter which meant I lost the canter mark and wasn't able to get him back in time to do a change so with two whole marks ruined I was out of the hunt. Overall i was very pleased with his effort and in particular his ability to cope with the atmosphere. I took a lot of confidence from that despite wishing for lack of a green error.

On the cross country he was a brave little tiger and attacked the 4* fences with such gusto that it slightly ran us into trouble. He gave it his all which in this instance was a little too much! We had a fab first third over some massive island fences and three really tricky combinations, and then had a frustrating run out at a skinny brush out of a coffin. That behind us we went on to jump the next third of the course easily before he jumped so boldly over a and b elements of the water that we stumbled up a step and were unable to stay together. GUTTED is an understatement but it'll go down in the great book of life as a lesson in patience, the importance of sticking to an outside line, the need for stronger brakes and the odd hard pull down the reins. It has made me more determined than ever to put in the hard yards that make those top riders so good at their job...experience really counted on a course like this and I'm jolly well going to get there!! After returning in a rather gloomy mood, eager to prove myself I've had to wait two whole week whilst events have been rained off to FINALLY go to a show yesterday with Luke and Willy who ran really well around a magic event put on at Aston le Walls by the amazing Ann & Nigel Taylor on perfect going...who would have thought. Thankfully Luke performed very well on home ground to come 5th and Willy slightly spoilt his winning dressage score of 26 with a couple of pesky rails but gave me a wonderful ride XC. Sprout has returned from his jet setting full of beans and having had a week of hacking and light work in the school, he thoroughly enjoyed his first gallop today...in fact he was bonkers!

We very much hope that Jack, Alf and Cher get to run at Little Downham this weekend, possibly Rowan at Tweseldown on Monday (this might raise Dr Hoffmann's eyebrows) and the same gang joined by Ginger Pud at Pontispool the following weekend before Willy heads off to strut his stuff in Ireland at Tattersalls, and Sprouty and Luke go to Bramham...after about a trillion phone calls today I think we have this as plan A again, there was thinking that Bramham might ballot and so Luke and Sprout might have had to head to the Emerald Isle and Willy might yet prefer Yorkshire...its all still up in the air but for now at least ...watch this space!! The post Bramham program is along the lines of Catton, Salperton, Barbury, Aachen, Upton, Brightling, Aston and GREENWICH?!?!?! and that is just for June and July...phew too much excitement. Back to the books for now, anything to escape the hail! I do very much hope you are all well and not suffering with the hail, rain, sleet, snow and sub zero May

Wonderful Weston

I haven't competed at Weston since I did the Pony Club Champs there QUITE some years back. I wonder why I haven't been back, the ground was as perfect as I think we'll see all year, the cross country courses were inviting and educational, and aside from wishing they had more fillers and heavier poles in the show jumping I found it hard not to sing its praises. What made the weekend even better was the chance to stay with great friends, The Kemps only 20 minutes from the event...THANK YOU!

On Saturday Bec took Alderman, I took Alf (Whats it All About), Cher (Gurtera Cher) and Master Rowan for the novice. Bec had a disappointing day in the sticky show jumping ground and decided to withdraw Alderman.

I had a super day at my first event riding for Adrian and Maggie Smith. Their homebred Alf scored 28 and jumped a double clear. It was a lovely way to start on a new horse but is setting the bar fairly high for the rest of the year!

Rowan very much had a day of 'if only'. He did a super test bar one little mistake that scored 31.5. He jumped an impressive clear in the show jumping, and had a frustrating 20 penalties cross country at a tricky sunken road early on the course. He is growing up all the time and when it all clicks he'll be hard to beat!

Cher never ceases to seriously impress me and it was lovely to have her owners The Wishart's there to watch her run. She did a much improved test for a disappointing 35. I think she is so powerful it will take me a while to shift her balance into a more advanced frame. She then jumped beautifully show jumping with an unfortunate 4 faults coming out of the treble, followed by a seriously impressive clear XC. She is well ready to upgrade to 1* at Chatsworth and on to Intermediate after that. I really rate her and think she is an ideal Le Lion candidate at the end of the year. Sadly she is for sale so if any followers are interested in buying a 4* horse, either for me to keep riding (preferable) or for their own jockey to ride (2nd choice!!) do contact us.

Alf would have finished 2nd had we not been H/C, and Cher finished 11th. Willy Do returned the following day to take 7th in the OI. He did a super test for 29, had 2 frustrating poles show jumping but thankfully it was a smooth and professional round from both Willy and I to make up for my Belton head rush in this phase. He was then unbelievably classy cross country. Willy has found several new gears lately and flew around the course.

Overall a very pleasing weekend for my ponies, and a very pesky weekend for Bec who's luck is surely due a turn for the better.

Today we put Fran and Sprouty on their planes for the United States! Hugely exciting times ahead. Fingers crossed for a safe, happy and successful fortnight. Thank you to all my supporters both those coming to Kentucky and in particular those staying behind to man the fort.

Belton, Hartpury, Burnham....

So we've really experienced ever end of the emotional spectrum this week, and despite the inevitable lows that have come with making mistakes, the learning curve is super steep and I hope is setting the foundations for faultless performances in all three phases soon!!

Willy Do performed the test of a lifetime for a personal best score of 45. This left him in 6th place overnight in a ridiculously hot 3* section. The show jumping became our downfall with 4 rails after I rode like a muppet. Willy's new found strength and confidence took me slightly by surprise and I duly did not do enough to correct his exuberance. Putting this behind us he stormed around a very tough track to still finish in 25th place out of 120 starters. He will now have an easy run at Weston Park OI before the Chatsworth World Cup and CCI at Tattersalls.

I was then lucky enough to take Sprout and Luke to Hartpury to be judged by the world renown Steven Clarke. He really was a hard man to please, but the resulting work from the horses was a big improvement.

The proof was in the pudding when I scored personal bests on them both at Burnham Market in the 3* with Sprout getting a very creditable 50.8 and Luke 43. So three good tests in three attempts...long may the improvement continue. I am relieved to report that I put my Show Jumping wobbles firmly behind me with two super clear rounds. It was a tough track out of some deep mud so I was delighted. Luis was there to warm the horses up with us which was a great help.

On the cross country Sprout and I were flying around until a minor mis-communication at the final water gave us a very frustrating 20 penalties, especially as he was running up on the clock which would have seen him complete the day in 4th. Thankfully riding Luke I had the opportunity to ride a better line and finish in 3rd.

So as I reflect on the week I have two rather large 'if only' moments that I intend to learn from and am hugely excited to have three such magic horses more than capable of being highly competitive at the top of our sport. Look out, when I nail all three phases on all three horses in the same weekend we're seriously going to be a team to be reckoned with!

Its off to Weston Park this weekend with Cher, Alf, Alderman, Rowan and Willy Do before Sprouty and Fran board a plane on Tuesday. Here's to hitting the big time...

Happy Days

Well on the sunniest March weekend we can remember both Wellshead Munnings (Jack) and Kilcoltrim Ambassador (Sprout) gave good enough performances to come home with ribbons. Jack did a ridiculously good test in the open novice to score 23, followed by a hugely irritating 4 faults at the first in the show jumping, and a super XC for just 2.4 time to place 2nd behind Chris King and the highly rated 'Billy Bounce'.

Sprouty did a super test. He was very relaxed and tried hard for a 38 in the Advanced Intermediate. A magic double clear moved him into 7th place, with the third fastest time of the section for just 4 time faults.

With our hostess HRH The Princess Royal being brave enough to stay to present prizes at 6.30pm on both days we were only too happy to make the effort. We were rewarded with a little chat with Princess Ann both on Saturday and Sunday. Jack won a beautiful glass dish and a member of the Sprout Syndicate 'Liz Hawkesworth put The Princess at her ease about the children's parties they used to frequent together in Norfolk!

So the craziness continues with Cher and Rowan heading to Somerly tomorrow, and then Willy to Belton at the weekend.

Lincoln and Draycott

Following our happy sunny Tweseldown we trekked 3 hours to Lincoln show grounds for Willy Do's second run of the year. In order to prep him for Belton he has had a slightly different program than the others. He really gave of his best in all three phases, the nicest test he's ever done for a slightly disappointing score of 32, he tried seriously hard show jumping out of some fairly deep mud to have an unfortunate 4 faults in the very last combination, and the nicest ride i've had cross country for a fairly speedy 10 time faults. Such is the incredible depth in talent of horses and riders here in the UK at the moment, this commendable performance left us in an unremarkable 17th position! We'd better keep practicing.

From Lincoln on Sunday we had a Team Jacko 'family' outing on Thursday to Draycott in Derbyshire. Bec took Alderman, I had my first ride on Cher and Fran had Radical Approach. They all did reasonable tests both girls tactfully scoring one mark worse than me with 34 for them and 33 for me! Very diplomatic. Alderman and Cher jumped nice clear rounds, and Chesney had a pesky 4 faults. Then Cher and Alderman went on to jump lovely cross country clears for 2nd and 10th places respectively.

Poor Chesney fell foul of the fading light failing to negotiate a rather nasty skinny drop into some woods above a lake, as did many riders competing late in the afternoon. I'm sure there was something about the fence that horses couldn't read once the sun had reached a certain point.

So onwards we roll to Gatcombe today with Jack in the Open Novice and Sprout in the AI....

Business Time

This week the team have been particularly business focused. Whilst working our lovely gang of permanent residents we have been lucky enough to be given a couple of horses to produce for sale.

Donnerhall Princess: 10yr old Grey Holsteiner, 16.1 hands by Dolany Registered Holsteiner, grandsire Donnerhall (Oldenberg) 28 BE points Attractive mare with three lovely paces (would do pure dressage. Fi Fi is a very careful jumper and super xc- super genuine and will get you out of a sticky spot! Would make a fantastic JRN horse. A pleasure to do in every way. £15k






We also are sad that Dr Scott Ralph, based with us for the past 2 years, has a new job in London and is therefore selling his lovely horse Radical Approach: 16.1hh, 9yr old, Bay gelding by Radolin (KWPN) out of ISH mare. Very consistent record at BE Novice and completed first intermediate clear cross country, all with total amateur rider. Stunning paces, very scopey jump and brave xc. Chesney is a lovely horse with real character £20k.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmr6LtRJCGU&context=C4dcf107ADvjVQa1PpcFMSHpAh4zeFx8rulOvEE-9vMdtTFAIdm48%3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEz2bf2h5n4&context=C45cf5a5ADvjVQa1PpcFMSHpAh4zeFx4sjgULXdxgTaiFbecdYIQ8%3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBEETAgmXD8&context=C4916d94ADvjVQa1PpcFMSHpAh4zeFx73Ocn0vo4O7zonkQjonJ5o%3D

It is an essential part of our operation to produce carefully selected horses for sale, and something we take pride in doing well. Do contact us if you are interested in either of the above or have a specific shopping list in mind!

Tinseltown

We enjoyed a fun two days at Tweseldown (Tinseltown). Although Sprouty was a little frisky in the dressage he kept his lid on to score 40.1, he then had an unlucky rail in an otherwise lovely round show jumping, and then scooted around the XC for just 6 time faults. In a very competitive section this was well out of the ribbons, but his expression in this photos shows that his run XC has made the entire winter worthwhile for him.
He just loves his job, the competitions in particular. It was a special treat to be joined by some 'Sprouts'. His owners were out to watch his 2012 debut, including Robert Gayner, Liz Hawkesworth, and a rare trip away from her desk for Emily Weber. It was wonderful to see you all there.

Rowan returned the next day to take 8th in a novice section with a greatly improved XC performance. Unfortunately Bec was less fortunate and retired Alderman with some drag hunting on the cards for his homework.

Team Jacko then enjoyed a rare weekend at home, having worked all the horses we even enjoyed a Sunday lunch at the local pub!! Tough at the top. We also celebrated the arrival of a new horse that Mum and I have brought together, Sammy aka 'The Ginger Pud' is a 7yr old who has yet to event. I look forward to producing him through the grades and have high hopes of what he might turn into.

Its back to reality this week with gallops on Monday, squad training on Wednesday and Thursday, cross country on Friday and Lincoln on Sunday. Although this spring weather is helping no end.

March Madness

Phew, so returning from Ireland only a week ago and so much has happened! We firstly had a fantastic days XC schooling at Lyneham Heath with four of mine who had yet to set foot on grass in 2012, and Fran with FiFi. The ground was perfect and the sun shone, what a lovely way to spend an afternoon.


On Friday India rode Cher, Bec on Alderman, Fran on Fi Fi, and I had Jack and Rowan in the unaffilliated at Aston le Walls. Again gorgeous sunshine and spot on course and conditions. All 5 ran really well with Rowan bringing home a 4th rosette!

By Sunday we realised we were still in March and still in England as Willy and Fi Fi had to endure everything from sleet, to driving rain and high winds in the peaty highlands of Cambridgeshire at Iselham! They both did us proud though with Fi Fi doing a super double clear with a very respectable test and Willy coming away with a 5th rosette in the OI. Very satisfactory.

On Monday night I had a magic treat with fellow kiwi team mate Jonelle Richards. We went whizzing down to Cardiff to watch Florence and the machine concert. A lovely change of occupation for 12 hours...wow what a voice, Florence that is!!!

Yesterday we were back to reality with a squad training day at Hartpury college. Using its extensive facilities to run through the 4* test with Isobel Wessels as judge, and jump a 1.25m with Luis. Unbelievably experienced experts advising us, I feel so very fortunate to be a part of the squad. Only Nicholson, Toddy, Jock, Jonelle, Caroline and I had horses there so we had such great input.

I can only hope that after Luke's 8th, Rowan's 4th and Willy's 5th that Sprout keeps up with his stable mates when he makes his season debut tomorrow at Tweseldown!

Luke just misses Badminton ticket!

Dear Luke tried his socks off on all three days in bottomless mud in Ballindenisk. He did a very relaxed test, with one minor blip finding his feet in the testing conditions to lie 4th on a score of 50.6 This lovely picture shows my superstar 'Frantastic' hard at work having Luke looking immaculate despite the mud!

He gave me an incredible ride XC with a very unfortunate over exuberant jump over a road crossing to normandy bank to skinny combination. The resulting 20 penalties for missing the skinny was hugely frustrating.

He jumped as best he could out of the bottomless mud for two down yesterday, again not a reflection of his super jumping technique, but the best we could manage in the circumstances. We had a wonderful trip with fab support from owners Ann Taylor and Kathy Brown, Trainer Gill Watson and Chief manager Mum there and our clever boy finished 8th with only 11 finishing the competition its still a result to be proud of but I can't help thinking ... if only!

That's life though I guess, and I learnt a huge amount, its kick started this hugely important season so its onwards and upwards...next stop Aston le Walls on Friday, Iselham on Sunday and Tweseldown on Thursday and Friday..no rest for the wicked!

Cover Boy!!

I'm proud to show you all that Luke is gracing the cover of this months Eventing Magazine.


I do hope this is a sign of his model behavior next week in Ballindenisk. Since our Friday trip to Addington in the snow, the 'Big Boys' have enjoyed a couple of easier days, some dressage practice on grass to get them used to their competition surface again, a gallop at the all weather track for their fitness and a training day of athletic jumping work with Luis.

This weekend we're packing for Ireland, working the boys we're leaving behind fairly hard so that they have a well earned easier time in our absence.

Hopefully by the time I next write, Luke will be officially qualified for Badminton ..

So the busy week has continued despite the dreaded snow. We had a super day on Monday as gineau pig at the International Eventing Forum. Luis Alvarez trained Caroline Powell, two of the Japanese team riders and I infront of some 250 delegates. It was great experience for Sprout to behave in front of a crowd and I brought Willy and Luke along to work in the indoor as snow is restricting action at home!

Wednesday saw a flying visit to Aston le Walls for dressage coaching with Andrew Fletcher on Rowan, Willy, Luke, Sprout and Jack. I was really particularly pleased with Willy and Luke, and as Ballindenisk draws closer I can't wait for Luke to make the most of his winters work with a good test in Ireland.

Then yesterday we went to Addington for the team New Zealand combined training. I have hopefully attached a video for you to see dear Sprouty doing what he does best, jumping a beautiful round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ffDCE-3OyM His dressage was marginally less satisfactory, given that his canter work went slightly sideways (unintentionally!). The trot was much improved.

Luke and Willy jumped well too and behaved in their tests!! The squad system is an incredible opportunity to experiment in a competition atmosphere, a fabulous chance to be part of the set up and I can't wait to make the most of every squad session we get as we carry on through the year.

So as soon as possible we're going to dash out Cross country schooling, then another session with Luis next week, and some test practise with Gill, on grass if we can possibly manage it, and Tues 21st should hopefully see us setting sail for the emerald isle.

Snow Mice

My 4* snow mouse...Kilcoltrim Ambassador!!

Well we've had an easy run of winter so far, I guess I shouldn't be complaining about the wretched English weather! Thanks to our new smart neighbours Austin and Katherine O'Connor, with their fancy indoor school, today is the first day our ponies have missed any work due to weather.

The big boys still went out for a roll, everyone went on the walker and we've all spent the rest of today catching up on paperwork, telly watching and chocolate eating!! This week, weather permitting we have a lecture demo tomorrow at the Eventing Forum with Luis Alvarez, a day of dressage on Wednesday at Aston le Walls with Andrew Fletcher and a Team New Zealand Combined Training on Friday at Addington..so away with you snow!

This is hopefully the first of many 'official' Team photos that I might be part of! We had an ace day at Hartpury where the squad members all brought a number of horses to jump a difficult track built in the amazing indoor at Hartpury by our jumping coach luis Alvarez Cevera.
Although this was not an affilliated competition, it was a fiercely competitive day, with selectors, fellow team mates, owners and trainers watching closely. I was delighted with my boys jumping lovely clear rounds, with an unlucky 4 faults down the last line for Animator in the 1.25m.
This training day was followed by a days racing at Cheltenham watching the awe inspiring BigBucks winning his 15th race on the bounce. Then two days dressage coaching in Nottingham with Andrew Fletcher.
We're now at home in the big freeze, willing the spring to arrive soon.

WINTER TIME

Wow. Its been a seemingly very quick winter. I can't believe its now 2012 and we're making entries already for the season ahead.

To back track slightly I had a nearly brilliant but REALLY DISAPPOINTING Pau 4*. Sprout and Luke made the long journey happily enough. The both performed reasonable but not exceptional tests for 62 and 55 respectively. Whilst I was hoping for 5 marks lower on each, they didn't let me down themselves. The cross country was similar to last year...HUGE and technical! Sprout's 4* debut as just a 9yr old was 90% foot perfect. Unfortunately we made a slight error at the second water resulting in a 20pens at a very skinny house on a bending line, where he eyed up one of the spectators umbrellas as a fence instead of the little house, then disaster struck 3 from home at the last water where his exuberant jump into a double meant he caught a knee on the final element decanting me onto French soil....GRRRRR how massively disappointing. The little horse coped with all the technical questions quite brilliantly, and gave me a fabulous ride everywhere else. I felt sad to have let him down as both errors could have been correctable with slightly different approaches. Still he finished fit and well and excited about next year. He really is an incredible horse with every chance of a starry future. Luke's luck was also out, he benefited from my earlier ride on Sprout jumping a fabulous clear around the XC, only to incurr a puncture wound that would prevent him from competing in the show jumping and having to withdraw from the event. GRRRRRR again!

So after a month in the field for all the horses and a little away break to Norfolk and Ireland for me, the team and I have slowly brought the horses all back into work. We have sold RiverMill, The Comissioner and Ghareeb's Diamond to new homes where we wish them all the best, and welcome The Harry's Master from Ireland for India Wishart to compete. Dressage has been my major mission this winter, having improved well in the show jumping last year, I specifically want to score better in the first phase this year. As well as help at home from Gill Watson, i've been trekking up to Nottingham fortnightly to work with Andrew Fletcher.

Being part of the NZ High Performance squad with 2012 in mind has given me wonderful access to extra coaching to compliment Gill's, both on the flat with Andrew and over fences with Luis Alvarez. WE shall see the results of this winter of jolly hard graft, I hope in evidence at my competitions this year. We are starting the year in earnest at Ballindenisk CCI3* on Luke in late February in order to secure his Badminton spot. Sprout has been given the great honour of joining Caroline Powell and Andrew Nicholson on the NZ team in Kentucky at the Rolex CCI4* this spring.

So already I feel as though we're nearly through winter and into the 2012 season at last. I hope the weather doesn't let us down, having been so kind...and can't wait to see you all out there and 'at 'em' this season. Fingers crossed and good luck that we have a happy and successful year and that all our dreams come true!!