I have to say when it comes to the management of horses I always find Winter difficult; both physically and mentally. It always seems that these months are filled with plenty of graft and not much else. On the plus side the flat-work lessons, with David Elms, and my showjumping lessons, with Willie Halliday, continue to go well.
Gadoralda D (Mollie), our KWPN mare, is really coming on and I have high hopes for the eventing season in 2019. For the most part she is a very amiable horse. She does have her moments though and these are areas that we are working on:
Willie thinks that this mare could go far on the showjumping circuit. Not sure how brave I am in terms of the bigger classes. Could I cope, like I used to, if you walk the course and can’t see over the jumps? Given Mollie’s surprising success at Trawden Show this year, I hope to take her to some working hunter classes including Keighley Show next year.
Our homebred Spanish (PRE) mare, who is just starting to come into her own. This little mare has been ridden by other people over the last few years. At times, we have also considered selling her but only if we could find the right home. However, if truth be known, Mrs B has always had a hankering to ride and compete her. we both knew that we had to find the right way to connect with her.
Things are definitely progressing well. She has joined some of the lessons and has shown some real talent both on the flat and jumping. I am hoping to event her next year in the hope that Mrs B will take on the ride and have some fun with this pocket rocket of a mare.
Our homebred Spanish (PRE) gelding, Bud, has continued his schooling on the flat and jumping during 2018. Mrs B has done the majority of the work with him and he is starting to progress particularly on the flat. For the most part, he is very honest when it comes to his jumping. I learned recently that when he puts a stop in it tends to be last minute and can catch you unawares. I think my fall from grace made Mrs B feel a little better, given that he has done the same to her in the past! In the main, it tends to be because he has lost momentum on the approach and this is something we need to work on.
Both the Strutties, as we call them, enjoyed a trip to Croft Top Equestrian Centre to compete in the Intro section of their unaffiliated dressage competition. This was as much about the travelling, the standing around and general behaviour. I have to say that they both did us proud. Yes, it was only at Intro level but we will have plenty of time for them to move up the classes. Aurora was placed 3rd and Bud 6th in a reasonably large class. Plenty to like and lots to look forward too in 2019. If my ring-craft improves as well then that will help too! I blame my age.
