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!