Hungerford, England
July 17, 2014
Sorry I’ve not written in a while, here is a full update:
I have recently moved to a yard in Hungerford near Lambourn where I am trying to expand my business and take the next steps in my life. I owe a huge thank you to Nick Gauntlett for helping me find my feet when I first came to the UK but now it’s time to push forward on my own.
Finn was amazing around this year’s very tough Badminton and finished well. However as you may already know he picked up a small strain at Badminton which was discovered on a routine scan. This was very unexpected because he had been feeling so well, and disappointingly it has ruled him out of the World Championships this year. He continues to feel great and is still in full work, with the aim to be out competing in the spring if not yet this fall. I am thankful that it is only a small setback, but obviously the timing couldn’t be more unfortunate.
My young horses are going really well and have done a few pre novice runs, all very successfully. It’s great that Rascal’s owners, Mr and Mrs Patton, come and watch Rascal (Lady Valtas) regularly and are enjoying getting into eventing. My other young horse, Miss Dynamic, has always been a horse to produce and sell, and as she has proven to be a super smart little horse, it was time for me to send her on her way. Although it’s very sad for me to see her go, I am so pleased that she is a perfect match for her new rider and I am excited to see her succeed in the future.
Earlier this spring I purchased an intermediate mare from Germany and she is, in one word, amazing!! Sadly I was only beginning to get to know her, when at our third event together, she stumbled after a fence cross country and struck into her tendon on a front leg, significantly damaging it. This was an unbelievably unlucky thing to have happen, and completely devastating for me and for the horse to have our season come to a sudden halt. At this point we were really starting to click with each other and were ready for big things!! Two months on, she is now well into her rehab, and the injury is heading in the right direction. We are pleased with the healing rate and are hoping, in time, that she will return to eventing with all the promise that we left off with.
I have been asked to ride John Wrottesley’s 4 year old, Stolen Moon (Oliver), in a few BYEH classes. Oliver is showing great potential and will hopefully be liked by the judges! He has fitted in here very well and acts like he has lived here all his life.
I also have a new intermediate ride in a horse called Bruvver. With Miss Dynamic sold there was a space for a new project. The plan with Bruv is to run him round a couple of intermediates and see how we get on.
Ken (Kinnordy Rivaldo) is back up in action and is feeling fabulous (long may it last). He completed his first Open Novice at Upton House last week where he did a lovely double clear, and is aimed at Aston Le Walls Open Intermediate in early August. Although his future is being planned one week at a time, optimistically a CCI3* in the Autumn is my goal. Riding him around Upton House was a reminder of what an incredible horse he is, and I can’t help but hope to have many more rides like that.
Along with new horses and a new yard, I have a wonderful team of people helping me to achieve my goals (keep my life organized!!!). Hopefully with their help, and a touch of good luck, we will have many exciting things in the future.