I am just coming back to Earth after a fabulous weekend with the Central Team at Keysoe. I think I must be part of the best squad of riders and supporters ever and to share the experience of riding for the region so soon after the excitement of the training camp has left me overwhelmed with emotion. I have been buzzing for nearly a month now!
I got to know Sebastian very well and have never know him so forward, he picked up on the team vibe too. I will post photos asap. The canter work with Sebastian on Sunday was almost a 9 in the collecting ring and I am looking forward to training over the Summer so we can develop our partnership and post top scores at Rowallan.
I enjoyed meeting riders from all over the UK and caught up with some freestyle friends from regional clinics I have run as well meeting Julie and Langarth Ruby and Alison and Langarth Delia. We met up for a family photo shoot and I hope to post those pictures here soon too. Sebastian was rather taken with Delia but as ever his affections at the weekend were claimed by another appaloosa!
I enjoyed being team captain and helping my team mates at the weekend but what moved me the most was that the whole squad supported every rider and when I rode out to arena three for my Sunday Test the veranda was lined with a sea of red - this was almost a teary moment but it was test time! The test went well and Sebastian couldn't do enough to try and help me so there was an awkward moment when he broke on our 15m circle and cantered but he was on the aids and it was a genuine mistake. A moment later I was crying as a fly crashed into my eye and it really stung. I closed my eye but that was worse than blurred vision as I tried to force myself to focus on the test. Luckily I have had plenty of practice at blocking out pain and distraction and I wanted that test to flow. It did and we produced a lovely free walk that I later learnt had scored 8. Our medium walk is still not quite there as by now Sebastian was bubbling over. My team mate Louise later said that she was willing me to get to K so the walk would be over as she could see Sebastian could hardly contain himself.
More was to come though! I had been selected to ride for England at the Amateur Home International in October and would be part of this great squad for even longer. By now I was really struggling to hold anything together as the news sunk in. I texted my friends and managed to catch Phil with the news as he prepared to go on tour with The Lions. This was an incredible moment. When the Lions toured Australia I was in New Zealand on the brink of changing nationality. I was a long way from home listening to banter about useless POMS when I announced to a room full of people that The Lions would win this match and that an easy 3 points were coming up because Northampton hero Matt Dawson was going to kick. Not a popular statement especially when as predicted there were an extra three points on the board. At that moment I knew I was English and I had to come home. I was also determined that one day I would look down at the St George rather than the Silver Fern. Now I am crying! None of this would be possible without three very very special people, My Mum who has always believed in me and spends hours with horses, Phil who rescued me from the despair of injury and Rachel who has believed in me and made it possible for me to partner two of the most wonderful horses on the planet. There are other people to thank too I am lucky to have an incredible support team and long suffering friends who understand just how special this moment is. However as Phil would say time to get my head down and make it happen.
Friday 29 May 2009
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Central Showmaker Team
I am riding on the Central Showmaker Team this weekend at the BD Inter Regionals at The College, Keysoe. My team mates are Kim Young riding Lottie, Christel Robbins riding Grand Konan and Louise Cole riding Captain Cook.On Monday I went to team building session with Kim Moloney and Joyce Head and had a really pleasant evening. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and the positive vibes that surrounded the training camp surround the Central Team group. We have six teams and three Individuals.
We watched some videos from the viewing days and Joyce talked us through the positives explaining that as you ride each movement you are on a ten and can only lose marks. Joyce talked us through the movements explaining what the Judge is looking for and how those sometimes elusive marks can be lost and held on to. I would like to do more of these sessions- I know I should train as a judge but the whole judging process really terrifies me its so different to teaching plus I get really confused with the patterns from C- its hard enough for me to learn them from the A end.
The team captains were announced and I was honoured to be made the captain for the Showmaker Team. I am going to write a list and a timetable to make sure I am prepared for the weekend and that I can be useful to my team mates.
First task today is to wake up a little bit more! I had a great day yesterday presenting a Freestyle Clinic at Oldencraig. I was up at 5am- Slept through the first alarm call- and on the way not long after for the 8.45 session. This time I remembered to schedule some breaks into the day but this meant my last session finished at 7pm. A long day. Luckily for me Mummy acted as driver or I would still be trying to negotiate my way out of Heathrow maze. We stopped off for a very welcome meal at The Park and then tried to make a quick getaway. Oh dear the Heathrow area is best avoided when tired. We got home at midnight and I honestly didn't think anything would keep me awake long enough to drink a cup of tea. My team clothing had arrived and the excitement was back.
Three days to go now.
Monday 18 May 2009
Countdown - Sebastian is now in the hotseat!
I have some sad news. Jack has hurt his left fore and we are now faced with days and weeks of conditioning to make sure the tendon does not suffer. I think there were several factors but the over riding feeling is that it was a case of too much too soon. Fortunately I spotted the tell tail puffiness in the tendon sheath and following a scan we are now counting down the days through the routine of cold hosing, bandaging and walks in hand. We went for a lovely walk this morning to the church and gathered cow parsley for him to snack along the way. It was a real bonding session and I could have cried as he looked so fabulous. Ginty mare is even less impressed and now Sebastian is here to distract Jack we are going to try and persuade her that Arista is a friend so she will go out and have some field time without Jack. Its a little stressful if I'm honest.
Meanwhile Sebastian has moved into the hot seat as competition horse. We are just a few days away from the Inter regional team competition then we have the Trailblazers Championships to look forward to and perhaps a few other parties along the way.
Meanwhile Sebastian has moved into the hot seat as competition horse. We are just a few days away from the Inter regional team competition then we have the Trailblazers Championships to look forward to and perhaps a few other parties along the way.
Sunday 17 May 2009
Trailblazers 2nd Round and "Canter for a Cure" with Sebastian
This weekend was fun ! I took Sebastian to Keysoe to try and qualify for the Trailblazers Championships and to get a feel for the arenas before the Team Competition next weekend. Sebastian was a cool customer though the weather was doing its best to dampen spirits. I felt the pressure in the Novice test as we didn't quite manage the warm up routine I had planned! Still Sebastian was a good boy and there was only one misunderstanding. On balance I was pleased, I felt liked we had worked together.
I was determined to up my game for the elementary test and was careful to allow plenty of time to work in as the class was running early. There had been so many withdrawals that the organisers asked people to come forward as they were ready. This announcement was nearly drowned out by a horrible downpour and I and a few other riders decided that we weren't quite ready. My good friend Maggie looked at the sky and calculated some sunshine was on its way.
The competitor who was scheduled to go made her way outside and Maggie suggested I go next pointing at the blue sky inching its way to arena 3. I wasn't convinced and stationed myself in the tunnel- Sebastian walked forward and tested the weather with his ears. The commentary box spotted us and announced we were next to go. Sebastian felt good to me as we walked out into the Sunshine ( Thank you Maggie ) and the test rode well again with just one communication error the canter trot canter was deemed a little unnecessary by Sebastian who was thinking lets get going there is rain over there...
I put him away with help from my support team and we went in such of results and tea respectively. I waited anxiously in the office for the results to be finalised. I was pleased with my Novice score of 65.9 % and worked out I was in fifth place. I was a bit cross with myself because the schedule read first four to qualify so I was pinning my hopes on the elementary ticket to Stoneleigh. 2nd place in the elementary hurrah for Sebastian and a score of 64% not bad at all and so close to a win. Kicked myself for the mark of 4 which had also cost dearly on the submission mark. Note to self must do better but Wow good result for Sebastian.
Off to the cafe next and what a welcome cup of tea! I caught up with friends and learnt that it was the top five to qualify after all. My tea lost its hold on me and back to the office I went, sorry to hassle the staff who had lots to do but desperate to know if qualification was mine. The staff were lovely and didn't get grumpy with the interruption they also gave me the news I wanted: Yes top five to qualify so double Hurray. Told Sebastian the good news- gave the double ration of polos and showed him the rosettes and the news that it was home time. Trundled off towards Stoke Goldington happy but tired- amused ourselves on the way home listening to Radio 2 with Alan Carr and celebrating the Eurovision. Have a feeling that if we hadn't "won" I would have found it very irritating but we were clearly in party mode and even Sebastian seemed to enjoy the music .
Next day and we were entered for the "Canter for a Cure" at MKEC. Weather was not being kind and my vision of a brisk trot canter with a little bit of walking to catch the sun and show off our pink outfits was drenched. We shivered in several layers and told ourselves as we tacked up that this was for pleasure and we would enjoy it. Hmmm if it had been a competition I think we would have been very grumpy but some how with a pink theme where our riding was going to raise money for a good cause the rain seemed to be something we should grin and bear. I told myself I wouldn't melt and that 12 miles in the rain would go very quickly if I concentrated on the journey. Sebastian kept shooting me death stares that I interpreted as "I'm a Champion, Put me back on the horsebox."
Rachel sensibly held onto the map so we had some chance of getting back to base camp and the Marshalls assured us that Pink Eqitech arrows would guide our every turn. Hurray we were off. Sebastian grew a few hands and Rachel said " I didn't mention it before but he might think we are hunting- he will probably be ok!" as we passaged along with an engagement I had suspected he might have and a purpose that made me glad I had used the comfort break Rachel suggested.
Then the Rain Stopped- Hurray! I watched the clouds chase along casting shadowy waves across the fields and looked about me at the visions in pink that were crossing the country. How pleasant to be hacking in good company for a good cause- absolutely no cattle to muster. Good job too- Sebastian , I discovered as we meandered through a farm yard is very sceptical of cows. Cue much snorting and the tale of the day Sebastian was held hostage by the big beasts and bitten by a gate. Ok moving on.
I looked around me wondering if I had any clue where I was. I recognised a corner of a field as it swept past hedgerow. I asked Rachel if we had hacked through this field before on Jack ( Circa March 2005 ) Rachel looked surprised that I would have any clue where we were and pointed out the M1 and concluded we may have done. Hmmm the tree looked familiar to me and the headland worthy of a canter. We did canter where we could and Sebastian was a very good boy- no pulling my arms out and not too much plunging. The miles passed comfortably and soon we were back at MKEC- Sebastian felt as though we could go again and we pottered about the xc watching Max and Tonto have fun.
The lure of the water was great though and we splashed through and then it seemed rude not to oblige the photographer and splash through and up the steps. Goodness knows what that photo will look like. Sebastian dashed through the water and I thought ok Jump up expecting a huge leap and he seemed to consider it and I thought "oh god don't stop!" we seemed to lose impulsion but somehow we were up the step. Moving on! Two baby steps on the way home and I thought come on Custard we can do this and kept the impulsion and the belief and up he popped. I think you have to ride him with total belief that he is going to do it, a fairly hectic canter and a lot of leg- I would rather take him in a dressage test than a pre novice though!
Home time, a quick wash down for the boys and off to Stoke Goldington to drop ponies off, Preston to drop Rachel off and meet my Mum for the trip back to Mursley. When we got back to base it was evening stables and Sebastian wanted tea. Tucked them up in bed and crashed out with the TV. A good weekend.
I was determined to up my game for the elementary test and was careful to allow plenty of time to work in as the class was running early. There had been so many withdrawals that the organisers asked people to come forward as they were ready. This announcement was nearly drowned out by a horrible downpour and I and a few other riders decided that we weren't quite ready. My good friend Maggie looked at the sky and calculated some sunshine was on its way.
The competitor who was scheduled to go made her way outside and Maggie suggested I go next pointing at the blue sky inching its way to arena 3. I wasn't convinced and stationed myself in the tunnel- Sebastian walked forward and tested the weather with his ears. The commentary box spotted us and announced we were next to go. Sebastian felt good to me as we walked out into the Sunshine ( Thank you Maggie ) and the test rode well again with just one communication error the canter trot canter was deemed a little unnecessary by Sebastian who was thinking lets get going there is rain over there...
I put him away with help from my support team and we went in such of results and tea respectively. I waited anxiously in the office for the results to be finalised. I was pleased with my Novice score of 65.9 % and worked out I was in fifth place. I was a bit cross with myself because the schedule read first four to qualify so I was pinning my hopes on the elementary ticket to Stoneleigh. 2nd place in the elementary hurrah for Sebastian and a score of 64% not bad at all and so close to a win. Kicked myself for the mark of 4 which had also cost dearly on the submission mark. Note to self must do better but Wow good result for Sebastian.
Off to the cafe next and what a welcome cup of tea! I caught up with friends and learnt that it was the top five to qualify after all. My tea lost its hold on me and back to the office I went, sorry to hassle the staff who had lots to do but desperate to know if qualification was mine. The staff were lovely and didn't get grumpy with the interruption they also gave me the news I wanted: Yes top five to qualify so double Hurray. Told Sebastian the good news- gave the double ration of polos and showed him the rosettes and the news that it was home time. Trundled off towards Stoke Goldington happy but tired- amused ourselves on the way home listening to Radio 2 with Alan Carr and celebrating the Eurovision. Have a feeling that if we hadn't "won" I would have found it very irritating but we were clearly in party mode and even Sebastian seemed to enjoy the music .
Next day and we were entered for the "Canter for a Cure" at MKEC. Weather was not being kind and my vision of a brisk trot canter with a little bit of walking to catch the sun and show off our pink outfits was drenched. We shivered in several layers and told ourselves as we tacked up that this was for pleasure and we would enjoy it. Hmmm if it had been a competition I think we would have been very grumpy but some how with a pink theme where our riding was going to raise money for a good cause the rain seemed to be something we should grin and bear. I told myself I wouldn't melt and that 12 miles in the rain would go very quickly if I concentrated on the journey. Sebastian kept shooting me death stares that I interpreted as "I'm a Champion, Put me back on the horsebox."
Rachel sensibly held onto the map so we had some chance of getting back to base camp and the Marshalls assured us that Pink Eqitech arrows would guide our every turn. Hurray we were off. Sebastian grew a few hands and Rachel said " I didn't mention it before but he might think we are hunting- he will probably be ok!" as we passaged along with an engagement I had suspected he might have and a purpose that made me glad I had used the comfort break Rachel suggested.
Then the Rain Stopped- Hurray! I watched the clouds chase along casting shadowy waves across the fields and looked about me at the visions in pink that were crossing the country. How pleasant to be hacking in good company for a good cause- absolutely no cattle to muster. Good job too- Sebastian , I discovered as we meandered through a farm yard is very sceptical of cows. Cue much snorting and the tale of the day Sebastian was held hostage by the big beasts and bitten by a gate. Ok moving on.
I looked around me wondering if I had any clue where I was. I recognised a corner of a field as it swept past hedgerow. I asked Rachel if we had hacked through this field before on Jack ( Circa March 2005 ) Rachel looked surprised that I would have any clue where we were and pointed out the M1 and concluded we may have done. Hmmm the tree looked familiar to me and the headland worthy of a canter. We did canter where we could and Sebastian was a very good boy- no pulling my arms out and not too much plunging. The miles passed comfortably and soon we were back at MKEC- Sebastian felt as though we could go again and we pottered about the xc watching Max and Tonto have fun.
The lure of the water was great though and we splashed through and then it seemed rude not to oblige the photographer and splash through and up the steps. Goodness knows what that photo will look like. Sebastian dashed through the water and I thought ok Jump up expecting a huge leap and he seemed to consider it and I thought "oh god don't stop!" we seemed to lose impulsion but somehow we were up the step. Moving on! Two baby steps on the way home and I thought come on Custard we can do this and kept the impulsion and the belief and up he popped. I think you have to ride him with total belief that he is going to do it, a fairly hectic canter and a lot of leg- I would rather take him in a dressage test than a pre novice though!
Home time, a quick wash down for the boys and off to Stoke Goldington to drop ponies off, Preston to drop Rachel off and meet my Mum for the trip back to Mursley. When we got back to base it was evening stables and Sebastian wanted tea. Tucked them up in bed and crashed out with the TV. A good weekend.
Monday 4 May 2009
Happy Campers AND Team Selection
I enjoyed BD Central Region training camp and am almost lost for words to describe what a positive experience it has been. I said ALMOST!!
Sebastian was a pleasure to take to Central Training and settled in the moment he was unloaded and shown to his new home at Bury Farm in stable number 24. Good start I am not especially superstitious but I do feel happy if I have a number 4 or 9- 49 would be my lucky number and I am also happy if the number will add up to 4 or 9 or virtually any tenuous connection in fact....
My bridle number was 40 so far so good.
The reception on Friday evening set the scene for the weekend- the atmosphere was positive, friendly and rather special. I met up with many people I had met before through freestyle and it was fun to find out how they were getting on with their horse and to reassure myself that they were still happy with their freestyle ...
Saturday morning I had my first ridden session with Nick Turner and WOW it helped create a learning platform for the whole weekend. Nick understood what I needed help with and the areas of my partnership with Sebastian that needed attention. Nick helped me out of my comfort zone and reinforced the work I had begun with Sabrina earlier in the week to make sure I didn't restrict Sebastian and allowed him to work through to the contact whilst actively encouraging him forward. Hmmm some of the corners were a little scary but it was tough love and the work afterwards was worth a few uncertain moments!
Session Two- James Burtwell
Rachel, Hayley and I were firm friends by the afternoon and made our way to arena 2. Sebastian was by now completely in love with Hayley's mare Spotty and I don't think I could have gone to a different arena if I had tried.
We worked in with the focus on establishing correct positioning of the horse in walk trot and canter and then moved onto some suppling exercises: leg yield to canter on both reins and then the more taxing shoulder fore, travers on 1/2 20m circle to medium trot strides. The Travers really helped Sebastian to work through and accept the contact. We cooled off thinking about the walk halt transition and mine did improve and so did the walk. Clever boy Sebastian.
Party Time
The arena at Bury Farm was transformed for an evening dinner with Kim's very own Central Bafta awards. I was really pleased that Joyce Head received an award because I find her a very fair and helpful judge and her comments reflect the test in a positive way.
Sunday Nicola McGivern.
Rachel came to watch Sebastian who figured plaits and white bandages meant he was now a serious dressage prospect and he excelled himself. Nicola set the scene for the training session and made it possible for the group to be bold and ask for exercises that would challenge the horse and make the rider aware of the training goals ahead. Notably for Sebastian this was the introduction of half pass. Rachel and I were thrilled because Sebastian was more than willing to give it a go!
Test Time.
I felt that my work in time went well and that Sebastian was on my side and this came through in the test itself. I felt that my accuracy let me down and I am going to cringe when I watch the video as I know I threw marks away and during the test I was mentally kicking myself as well as worry a little that I might not remember where I was going. Note to self learn the inter regionals tests inside out and backwards!!
Sebastian and I posted a respectable 65% and were not far behind the winner on 66.2%. I will improve my test riding on Sebastian! After this weekend I feel we have a much stronger partnership and I trust him to work with me and he is even starting to repay that trust by working with me. The contact issues are still there but we have our homework.
SELECTION- Sebastian and I have made the Central Region Senior Squad and next stop is the Senior Inter Regionals Competition at Keysoe. Its getting serious now.
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