Competing in the Heat!

It has been so hot the last few weeks that keeping my horses comfortable and happy has been paramount.

I went show jumping at Port Royal with Snowy, he jumped a lovely clear round in the 1.20m class, but it was so hot that I decided to save him for another day and not wait around for the jump-off.   Whilst it is good for horses to get used to competing in different weather conditions and all types of ground, if they are going well, and it is not an important competition it is best not to overdo things and leave on a good note.

I had a lot of horses waiting to be ridden at home so I came home early to carry on schooling and getting the yard done.

The Sunday just gone, I headed to Aske Hall with Snowy to compete in the Open Intermediate class.  We got 35.9 in the dressage and were clear across country, however we incurred time penalties and then had a fence down in the show jumping which put us just out of the placings.  He went very nicely for me and coped extremely well again in the hot weather.

Following his post Bramham holiday, Sultan is back in work.  He has appreciated his little break and is ready for his next adventure.  I haven’t decided where we will head next, but watch this space to keep up to date!  The aim is to go to Osberton 2** at the end of the year.

Zeus is going well still and appears to be settling in and has also stopped trashing his stable which is a relief.  Some horses take time to settle and it is very rewarding to see him relaxing and enjoying his surroundings.

Data is busy learning his half pass ready for the Riding Club Elementary team dressage competition in a few weeks.

On a non horsey-note I had a fabulous time in London last Tuesday as we were invited to a charity dinner in the Long Room at Lords Cricket Ground, a room steeped in sporting history.  The event was in aid of Children in the Phillipines, to get them off the streets and give them an education.  It was a very worthwhile cause and a lovely day.

Well that’s it from me until next week!

Harriet