Anjuli's Autumn Hacking Adventure!

My first proper ride and we had fun in the sunshine making the most of the stubble fields. Anjuli was really good and I couldn't stop smiling!
I was feeling confident today after a good regional training session with Jennie Lorriston Clark yesterday on Grace and then I worked with Sabrina today building on the work so that by the time I got on Anjuli I was able to relax and enjoy every stride. Jack was enjoying the sunshine today too and we also made the most of a hack through the fields.

Well worth the wait!

I have owned Anjuli since she was six months old and I met her the day she was born. Today I sat on her for the first time. I was very nervous as the last time I got on such a baby I had a nasty accident but no need- Mark and Ben have done such a fantastic job that Anjuli stood still and stayed calm.

I got on and off a couple of times and she was rather surprised that I was so very pleased with her! I was relaxed enough to notice that she has a wonderfully comfortable saddle- Thank you Ted at RB.

I haven't felt such a connection to a horse since I rode Ginty she feels very similar and next time we are going for a walk. I am taking baby steps because she is a very sharp mare - well possibly we'll manage more than walk Ben is a great one for motivating riders out of their perceived comfort zone and I am more than happy to have my arm twisted.

I am thrilled because in my head I thought I would get on when she was really tired after a serious schooling session when she wouldn't move a muscle instead I got on after she had been for a hack . Anjuli was relaxed and happy and totally unfazed. Its the first step and I am looking forward to the rest of the challenge.

X Factor Dreams and looking ahead to Summer Season Challenges

The past month has been a bit of a blur! We did the double again at Moulton though did not achieve the crucial qualifying percentages which meant though we went forward to the viewing day we were not strong contenders. I did enjoy the experience though and quickly refocused on the Regionals. Jack and I had a misunderstanding in the canter tour! I over corrected in the medium canter and Jack produced a lovely though quite undesired flying change and though he obligingly changed back for me I had lost my cool so that when I asked for more engagement in the counter canter I wasn't quiet enough with my aids and we ended up with some lovely but again not wanted tempi changes. Hmmm so no Nationals this year for me!

Anjuli meanwhile was going very well and we decided to let her have a half term holiday before bringing her back into work at the all new MB Equestrian.

This report is late because I have moved house and had to wait to be reconnected...

So now to the future. My next big outing is the X Factor Charity Dressage to Music Gala at The Hand for Children in Need. We were selected last year but Jack caught a virus and had the winter off. Fingers crossed we are chosen again. Other goals are to qualify for Winter and Summer Regionals. Watch this space!! Alison