Trials and Tribulations

Over the last week, I have been getting to know my new horse, Data better.  Data is a nine-year-old chestnut gelding who is a lovely horse to ride and handle.

I have had him on the yard for two weeks now, and although he hasn’t done many competitions he is a very willing horse.

My plan is to concentrate on his dressage and show jumping this year and see how he progresses.  He has qualified for the British Dressage Northern Regional Summer Finals at Laura Fry’s so we are off to a good start!

Last weekend I took Sultan to Brigstock.  He did a lovely dressage test, and we had a fence down in the show jumping but then unfortunately had a nasty fall on the cross-country course.

We were both fine and fortunately my Point 2 Air Jacket deployed in fine style with Sultan then legging it the minute he got up and it took a while to catch him!

Hopefully we will have better luck at Bramham, we have had more training with Chris Bartle this week, practicing lots of ‘skinnies’ and this weekend will not compete as Bramham follows in a few days.

I am having a nightmare deciding what to wear for the trot up at Bramham, especially as we won’t know if it will be hot, cold or raining!  I can’t run in heels – many of the other girls do – so it’s flat shoes and  trousers I think – any tips or ideas are most welcome!

Also I have to make sure that I co-ordinate my colour scheme with Sultan, who is bright chestnut – it’s a big no-no to clash!

The hot weather has been taking its toll.  I avoid riding in it so have faced lots of early mornings as a result.  I have made sure that I keep myself and my horses hydrated by drinking lots of water.

I will be going over to Sowerby Bridge to my sponsor’s at EquestrianClearance.com on Friday – we are working on my website and also editing the video series for You Tube that we filmed last month.  It’s a ‘How To’ with myself and some of my pupils and gives instructional tips and advice.  Watch this space to find out when it goes on line!

Bye for now Harriet.