What a great few weeks we have had..... Express Eventing to start us of...

A new concept and format, how to watch eventing from one seat!!
A hugh arena all set up, with a proper surface and much seating.

Each of us had to ride a dressage test to music, which we had to put all the set movements in whatever order we wanted, but within a set time. Then put the music to it, so that it all flowed together ...there were some extra marks for some difficult moves which you could decide to put in if you wanted. If you went over the time you would be penalised.

Then across country course set to a optimum time. Penalties for going under or over....and the usual penalties for stops or run outs. No watches allowed.

Then to show Jumping. .....An up to height course with a time set on it, and a bonus fence at the end , which if jumped clear takes away 4 penalties. If not adds them to your score.

Its the lowest score that wins....

Prize is £5000 and use of a car for 1year.

All to play for.

With much practise and help from Andrew the test was settled on, and the music, was fiddled with until the last moment. Its important to get the changes of each song at the right times so it all looks to the viewer as smooth as possible. Harry seemed to quite like the songs as we cantered round to Candy Man ......and extended trot to " We like to Boogie"

The arena was grand and the music was loud and we had a lot of fun in the actual test ...apart from one hooly Harry decided he needed to do, and one flying change which I messed up. We lay in 6th after dressage, so needed a lot to make up to win.

Learning the course was a challenge as all the fences jumped both ways so there was quite a lot of criss crossing back and forth, and we worked out the time was quite tight. Harry was a star , and with the crowds building he seemed to know he had to be good, we sped round clear. A great feeling with everyone clapping and cheering.
Clare Balding was doing a great job in commentating and i had to interview between riders, all very exciting.

In reverse order for the show jumping I was now in fifth place. The excitement was building as the course was built, and things were close so the choice of riding the "bonus" fence was important. Time is always tight in the show jumping and this always adds pressure to the round. I have a slight worry as I feel I need more time to get to know Harry in the ring , I am so used to Wally who is sooooooo careful if a little quirky, and Ollie who is like a bouncy ball
fair ground ride, when you get on you wonder why the hell you did........and when you get off, you feel amazing....if not a little on the sick side.

Most rounds had a few problems but a couple of clears had lifted peoples places, so pressure on as I cantered in. He jumped the first two fences well and then we made a mistake. I then got a little tense in my attempt to get him exactly right and we ended up lowering 4 rails. Disappointed , of course, but still finished in 7th. Flora Harris won and rode a fabulous round to finish up with the major prize. She rode well and her horse rose to the occasion.

It was an amazing weekend, we all had so much fun, even if we all did need a huge shower on return including the dogs!!! I think that there will be a big place for this type of competition in the future as it is exciting to watch and easy to follow. It can be done at any time of the year, so off season is possible and with the prize money being more than just covering your entry fee, it becomes very attractive!!

Whoever said we are crazy??? Nooo surely not. Eight rides round Brightling....no problem.
All the horses came to stay over with Mother as Its quicker and easier to get there from Hylands and also we were on a promise of Wine, dinners and puddings on Friday and Saturday evening......so Elodie was packed and ready to go by Monday!!!

Alice was helping too this weekend, and Jo had to do some ferrying of horses back and forward in the little lorry so that Harry and Pooh did not have to spend all day on the big truck , when there dressage was not till late on Saturday. Louise also had to help by riding out on Lacey and then bathing her ready to be plaited later.

All much planning but everyone helping added to a exciting weekend.
Always lovely at Brightling as its local and a International competition, I have known it once to be cancelled in the due to too much wet, but this year of course....every thing is rock hard. They had worked hard on the ground and made the best possible job of what was a very difficult one.

We set off on Tuesday Morning with our new member of the family.... Tottie had puppies seven weeks ago and Mum had decided to keep one, so she, along with Toot, Tottie, and Jonty, were our mascots for the week.

On the way, we stopped to take Gem cross country schooling - just to confirm the water and have a little jump round, as we had missed a run due to the pus in the foot trouble. Gem jumped into the water fine, and filled me with confidence, so we continued the journey (which seemed to take hours). We are always keen to get sorted on arrival, and it was raining all the way, but by the time we arrived it had cleared up, thankfully.

We got Gem settled and then built the tent in the usual quick and efficient way, with no problems at all.........supper and sorted....

Wednesday arrived bright and sunny and my dressage was going to be on Friday. We had come a day early, in order to settle Gem, and give her time as I was very keen to get a good test. I took Gem for a hack about and then went over to the arenas. Although we were not allowed to ride in them, by riding nearby, I was hoping to get her used to the area.

Our first walk of the course proved fairly mind blowing...

Fence 3 proved the first question - two large corners on a direct line, or two spreads on a curving line, using time. Fence 5 was the first into water: on first look, a straight line drop in through water and up onto a mound. On top of the mound, a large arrowhead, needing careful riding to a big fence, then follow down into water, up a step out, followed by one stride to a tightly angled brush...almost an impossible angle.

We walked away thinking "ummmmm, and this is only the start!"

Then off we go, up some hills and a couple of large fences to a rail across a road to a corner. A few more galloping stretches with some large fences to the next big question: a ditch to a wall, then a bounce up to a skinny brush hedgehog, then five big bold strides to a huge open ditch hedge (see pic). We clambered up the wall and realised how steep the stride and jump will be.

Onward and upward to the next big question: a double of corners, which at first glance seem very big and square and narrow. By now we are at the furthest point away from the start, and it really does feel a long way.

The dogs, however are having a great time, with Tingle (the puppy) running madly about after her mother and/or anyone who was interested in talking to her..... It's a long way round Bramham, and she was making her bestest effort to make the journey without too many lifts.

After the corners, we run down the hill towards a new water fence, with two large Wooden Tuffa boots, which were beautifully designed and built, but more like two enormous trees!!

Up the hill again to meet an enormous trakehner on the lip of the hill, to a run straight down and back up again sharply. Onto the fences on the flat, 3 large houses at an angle: the line will be very important, to avoid a glance off.

By now Elodie was muttering under her breath "I knew I shouldn't walk the course, its just not good for me.... It won't put me off my lunch, but it's playing havoc with my head!!"

Mother had gone a bit quiet.. (that part was nice) but was looking a weird colour and, wandering in and out of the toilets on course already!!!

After another relatively straightforward fence, we found ourselves again running sharply downhill and back up to an enormous pair of arrowhead brush fences, set on a long, two-stride distance, looking to be a big ask, after such a long gallop uphill. Downhill, over a footbridge and then uphill, levelling out and then again downhill, over two huge open brush fences set on four stride long distance.....

Round the corner, galloping past the first water, leaving it to our right, and then taking a slight uphill to the last three straightforward, but still large, fences to the finish.

We all felt exhausted when we had finished.... how will Gem feel after galloping round.???

Thursday morning: again the sun was shining, and dressage practice was my first thought. Andrew Gould was flying up to help me prepare, and I was so grateful for his help. I rode Gem twice, and Elodie lunged her once (again near to the arenas), to try and calm her, and make her realise that she can remain calm down there too.

Mum and I walked the course again, and measured this time. We do this with a metre wheel, so I can work out where I need to be at what minute. The course is 10 mins and 20 seconds, so I have 10 min markers to remember in my head. Mother makes note of them on her new iPhone, very pleased that she is using it to make use of "the note book"...however, quite irritating, as she has to stop to do it..... she can't type and walk (I daren't let her, as she is bound to trip up, A over T, as she does that at the best of times ,let alone when gazing at the phone!!!) ....and typing with one finger.....

The jumps looked....slightly better today, and a couple of slight changes had been made after our riders' meeting. I am going over and over them in my head, working out the lines, trying to see myself jumping them. Trot up is today, so we spend five hours getting ready to trot up in front of the ground jury for 30 secs. But it's something we all do, and it's quite a show, and an important part of the competition. It's done to check that the horses are fit and sound and, in the opinion of the ground jury, are able to compete at this level. If the horses are not quite sound, or don't look very fit , they will not be allowed to compete so its a tense few moments.

All okay today though, and my dressage test is tomorrow at lunch time.

Friday was again a bright and sunny day, and I rode Gem early, to settle her again down by the arenas.
By the time I went in for the test, I felt quite calm and was actually looking forward to it, and I had Andrew's voice in my head. The test went well - it was the best we have done - and I was very pleased with her and finished on a score of 51.7, to be in 6th position. Thank you to Andrew, for helping me stay calm and positive.

One more walk of the course after putting Gem away, again checking the lines and thinking exactly where I would be going the following day. I will be running at about 1pm so will be able to watch a few go in the morning, and see how the course is riding.... last year I was first to go....so will it help to watch or will I just get more nervous?

I have decided to take the straight route through the first water.... and all the other straight routes.
Early to bed, and the course is still running through my head. Every fence, I jump, to the next... its all OK ..in my head.

Saturday is a warm, humid day. This is the worst weather from the horses' point of view.

The competition starts, and Elodie is in charge of Gem, walking, grazing and preparing her, while myself and James, Mum and my Dad go out on the course to watch the way it is jumped by the seniors. We all go to different places to watch, to gain as much info as possible.

Very quickly, the water fence started to claim victims. The straight route seemed to be impossible, and it was not the only one that was causing trouble. The corners, the skinny brushes, the Tuffa boots were the main problems, but there were problems seemingly all the way round. I watched live, and then went back to the stable marquee, to watch the screen. I was feeling nervous and anxious but also wanting now to get on with the job.

I got on Gem and she felt good. We cantered round and I immediately needed the toilet, even though I had just been, Elodie patiently walked her round again for me!! I jumped a couple of the warm up fences and then realised that Gem had caught her shoe in front with her hind foot, and pulled it clean off.
PANIC....no shoe, no run. You have to go on your time, and given that I had just 12 mins to finish warming up, we had to find a farrier and nail a shoe on. We all started praying..... why do you bargain with God at times like this??? 'If I do something good for the next year...please can Gem get her shoe on in time?'

Then there was a hold on course..... This gave me a further 10 minutes - just enough time... Mother had run to get the farrier, Elodie was walking Gem. The shoe was found and put back on, quickly.

I moved up to the start box, and my heart was racing. Counting down the seconds, the starter set me off. I was away.

Elodie had said earlier in the week...."now Gem, just go for it on the cross country, dont worry about the trot up on Sunday, I always like a challenge....."

As I set off, none of us realised how much a challenge it would be..

She felt good to the first two fences and I started to settle down into the rhythm
that I wanted. Fence 3, the corner fences, on a straight line, rode well. galloped to the next a large open fence and saw a flying stride, Gem felt awesome.

I came to the water fence. I had decided before the start of today I would take the straight approach, but after watching so many others riders having problems there I had re walked my lines and decided option two, would be a slightly safer option. She jumped in well over the first log, read my thoughts and turned right quite sharp, then back on myself to the left and tight over the log into the water again and then turned right in the water up the step and one stride to the angled brush. Gem was brilliant and we set sail forward and up ward to the next set of fences.

Up the the corners, and Gem stayed so straight on her line, we galloped round the next bend and flew over the hugh 'pole trailer'. As we galloped along and turned softly right handed, She then slipped and all four legs seemed to go in every direction. I sat in deep as at the gallop, she managed somehow to come back onto her feet, and I immediately thought she had pulled the shoe off. I glanced down, still galloping, but could not see if they were still on. I thought I should carry on and not change the pace as she now seemed fine.

Little did I know that mum and Elodie having fits watching the screen, wondering why poor Gem had so nearly fallen. ....Was it the studs, the shoes ???

The step up and hedgehog loomed, this fence had taken its fair share of victims.. She bravely leapt up the step ,but on landing, slipped very badly in front, having no grip at all and skated strongly forward and with her back end following now up on the very narrow bank, had her head jammed in hedgehog....I sat tight thinking........."Oh S........... how are we getting out of this. Somehow her front end lifted and knocking me in the face, she managed to get herself and me over the hedgehog and we landed still upright on the correct side having incurred no penalties. My mother was now screaming at the screen yelling "kick on Gemma!!!!!"...."Get a stride and go'... of course I could not hear from there , but thats exactly what I did and somehow with no reins, I just kicked and said "GO". She picked up the stride and jumped the hugh ditch hedge four strides later. (picture below)

That amazing little horse just galloped gayly on, as if we were out for a jaunt on the downs, had a hugh grin on her face and was ready to tackle the next big question.... the corners. I could not have wished for a better line and these enormous square unforgiving corners rode like a dream.
Continuing on down the hill and round a soft corner to the right, we are now heading back, but still a long way to go.

Over the Tuffa boots and through this water, with no problems, up again, Gem is galloping relentlessly ,but I am not having to push. I am amazed that my minute markers are coming up on the stop watch exactly on time, so I am still on the clock. Over the hugh brush double of fences and past the first water there is a sharp turn left, and I slow her down on the approach as I am concerned about her slipping. True to form she loses her toes, and nearly goes down again , but we are on it and I have the last three fences. Never think you are home till you are, the second last fence had a victim, and he fell at this fence having cleared all the rest. But Gem was careful and we galloped through the finish, exactly on the time, and then I struggled to pull her up she was looking for more fences to jump!!

Elodie and Mum were there ready to help wash her down straight away, and a team of vets are there to take the horses temperatures and heart rates. When I jumped off, straight away looked down to find 3 shoes gone....My brave little horse had galloped round with just one shoe, no wonder she had slipped. Later having looked at the pictures, we realised they had come off in the first water, she had gone round the whole way and not given in.

Horses who really want to do this job are so brave , and little Gem is one of the bravest.

We had a job to cool her as it was just so hot and although there was a fan, all the horses coming in were all sharing it . After a good 30 minutes her temperature had dropped to nearly normal, so we returned to the stables to now assess the damage done and to work out how we were going to get her through trot up tomorrow at 8.30 am.

With the adrenaline gone, Gem was now feeling very sore in her feet, and my neck and back were killing, where she had caught me in the hedgehog moment. Luckily there were no other problems, ie swollen legs or bumps and her general health was good.

Everyone was exhausted by now, but everyone had tasks to do....... this was certainly going to be a challenge, and one which as I was now in second position, was one which had to be achieved.

Elodie then set up camp outside Gems stable and started immediately to cool Gems feet with ice. I got on the phone to find a farrier to come and put shoes onto her. Now this is not a straight forward task as its very important to get the shoeing correct. Gem had difficult feet to shoe, hence why she lost them in the first place and a nail banged in the wrong place can make a horse very lame.

Mother was off to the shops to buy bowls to put gems feet in, to hold ice and water and anything else that was needed, also she was in charge of watering and feeding Elodie, (very important) and tiding up all the stuff that had been used that day.

Father was sent to local shops to buy as many bags of ice as possible, not for the Pimms, but for the feet!!!

Jack and lora were caught napping in the lorry......it had been the last night at uni for Jack and I think they got home at 7am!!!

No party for us tonight, we were all busy getting ready for the dreaded Trot up.
The Farrier was found and duly spent some time nursing the shoes onto Gems feet, with pads and gel.

We left her at 10.30 pm, tucked her up, and cool packed her feet, and fell into bed ourselves...worried what the next day would bring.

Elodie, Mum and me were up at 5am to go and look at Gem. We decided to walk her straight out onto the road way so we could see what we had, as the trot up is on the hard in front of the House. This is so the ground Jury can see that each horse is sound and fit enough to do the show jumping phase. Sometimes if they are not sure they will send you to a "holding box". Here another vet looks at the horse and you, the rider, can discuss what you think may be wrong. Then you have to trot up again if the vet thinks that the horse is basically ok. If they think that it would not be fair to show jump the horse then that is your competition over.

Elodie trotted her up and Mum and me looked to see how sound she was........

Not too bad, just a little sore but almost 100%. Fantastic news, but still had work to do. More ice onto the feet, and walking to loosen her up. Also Plaiting her and make her sparkle.

8.30am came very quickly, and the trot up is done in reverse order, so the tension rises as your turn approaches. A couple of horses were sent to holding, and I felt more nervous that ever before in a trot up. It really meant a lot to get her through and to finish the competition.

I actually started to feel sick as I lead her to the Ground Jury
I stood her up and and said another quick prayer....

There was a massive cheer and clap as they announced ..."Kings Gem.....Pass".....It was so lovely to know we all had so much support ....it was now my job to produce a clear round.

I phoned Peter Murphy straight away and confirmed I would be needing his help for warming up for the show jumping. Elodie took Gem back to the stables and I went and walked the course. We were given our times, and i got on about half an hour before mine. I watched a few jump first, you can always learn a lot by watching to see how the course is riding. The two I watched were two of the not many clears, but it was great to watch as I then knew it could be done. Sometimes if you get a little tense a horse can feel it, have a pole, and then get tense too, causing more problems. Every pole is very expensive, and can drop you many places. There was no pole in hand between myself and the leader, so should I go clear the pressure was on him.

Peter remained very calm and told me Gem would be clear," how does he know," I thought. I kept wanting to jump a warm up fence, but was told strictly when to and what to do by Peter....

As I went in the ring I was completely focussed on my round, getting the time, and Peters voice in my head....

It was completely quiet, everyone seemed to be holding their breath, and Gem seemed to know how important this was, as she cantered from fence to fence and making the most effort I have ever known. As we came to the last and she skipped over it, I could not believe it ...she was truly awesome that day. A huge round of applause went up and I felt an amazing sense of achievement.

As I came out the ring so many people came to say well done, and the last competitor, Donatien Schauly entered the ring. However, whatever happened now, I was so so chuffed with Gem, she had been a complete star and I could not have asked for more from her. Donatien jumped his clear, one of only seven, to win, but as he is French I became the Under 25 British Champion.

I could not have done this without my fantastic team behind me, and it is me who receives the prize, but it is to them I owe thanks for all their hard work and care. We had a Fantastic week this year at Bramham, and Kings Gem was our star.

Thanks to ES Photography (www.esphotography.co.uk) for kind permission to use these photos

Thanks to ES Photography (www.esphotography.co.uk) for kind permission to use these photos

Dressage

Show-Jumping

Prizegiving

Well, we have much to catch up on, we have been having a very busy time.... and we now have two beautiful foals, one from Kings Gem and one from Cult Dolly Mix, both by Chilli Morning. They were born within a week of each other, both chestnut colts and gorgeous.

We had some bad news in that Ollie hurt his leg, and had to have some time off for a little while again, so he was unable to go to Bramham, after running at Withington in the OI, and feeling quite amazing again. I was very disappointed but in hindsight, things happen for a reason and I think after seeing and riding the course at Bramham, it was better that he did not run. Hopefully, I will have him back by the end of the season.

The youngsters have all been very good, and I have had some lovely runs, including riding some of Robin Dumas young horses, as Millie, his daughter, had had a fall which had put her out of action for a while. The horses are all very well schooled and brought on carefully, so my job was most enjoyable and we had some great successes.

Lacey did her first 1* at Hambledon, and went double clear, just finishing with a few time faults, which was very good, as it was quite twisty and had some big fences which she would not have seen the likes of before. She has been very consistent and a good girl, even if she is rather bossy and Mother spoils her!!

Jessie had been going well, and working towards Gatcombe, when she leapt onto herself, by spooking, and became immediately extremely lame. She had basically very badly bruised her foot, and is still not quite right to date....

Sorrento went extremely well at Ardingly, but pulled a shoe off, and then became quite sore. Giving him time to recover, he will be back soon.

I have been practising like crazy in the dressage and Andrew Gould has been helping me to try to improve my performances, especially with Gem. Also, we have been taking her show Jumping to practise, as the clear rounds are just so important. Work towards Bramham has been intense, and I have thought of little else. I so desperately want to do well there. ...to be able to prove that I now have a real partnership with Gem, and to show everyone what an awesome little mare she is.

Two weeks before Bramham, on Saturday morning we went off to hack her over the land at home...within a few steps, my heart sank......she was dead lame. My world felt as though it was falling apart, to lose Ollie with injury, now Gem....I just felt terrible and so worried about her. I called Jimmy, my farrier, straight away and asked him if he could come and have a look to see if it was trouble with her slightly troubled feet.

I felt so down-hearted, as if everything was going wrong. Asking the questions of myself: was it me? What am I doing thats wrong and causing these problems?

Jimmy came to the rescue and, on taking off the shoe, found an abscess in her foot. This was the best possible result, as it causes a lot of pain, but as soon as released, the pain is immediately relieved.

We all crossed fingers and hoped that by Tuesday or Wednesday the shoe would be able to go back on, and work could carry on. Bramham is a hilly course, and fitness is very important. We took her to a last minute dressage show, and the following day a show Jump round.....clear.

Shoes on Tuesday morning, and lorry packed, off we set...Tingle joins us today, along with Jonty, Tottie and Toot, Elodie and Mum, and a lorry full of everything.....Stop on route for one last practise into the water and a few x country fences......up the M1 we go.....

A question....
How can it take 3 hours to travel from my yard to Dartford tunnel one Wednesday afternoon in March, at not a rush hour time of day?.....
Answer.....M25.
YUK YUK YUK YUK
A question.
How do you stay sane in this situation, with your horses on the truck and still a long way to go?
Answer......You have a completely insane mother and a totally mad Elodie.

Why do those two insist on playing games all the time and then talk such drivel??? There I am trying to quietly go off into my own little world and they are nattering away like a pair of demented chickens. Lord help me.

Eventually... we got there...at ten thirty pm, at the edge of the country. We perched the lorry there in this random field, and found our stables (luckily on site). Settled the horses in, after battling with force 29 gale with our rugs and other essential things, in temperatures which would challenge a polar bear. Then into our lorry we climbed, and under our duvets, attempted a nights sleep. This proved quite difficult, initially because we had eaten, between us, 400 different varieties of Haribo each, so we were all hyperactive, and then the big freeze. Even mother at her age was cold!!! (yes, I am ducking as I say that)...

Lacey decided today was the day to have a try at my sense of humour. She had been chatting to Ollie and had decided, on his advice, to get the best possible effect: head vertical in the air, at high speed, or at the stop, not moving at all doing an impression of a donkey....would be the best.....after all it was April 1st!!

In the end, when the test happened, I was lucky enough to be able to get her to stay in the arena, it was not a good test, but I guess it is the first of the season. The show jumping proved a challenge too and she was a wee bit careless. I think I just need to re-establish the rules, and she may have to come to naughty school for a week, before the next event.!! She was good cross-country though, and really felt better in the second half of the course. No placing today, but lots to work on..

Gem also had her test today and again we had a biting east wind, but despite this she did a reasonable test. The other two horses, Jessie and Poo, are competing tomorrow, so I took them each for a school today.

There is always lots to do on these days and of course walking the course is very important. The event is very popular and there are many competitors all at different levels. It is an International as well, with a 2** and 3*** CIC. We are still battling with the weather, but all in the same boat.

Friday, and the two intermediate horses are on. Both tests are reasonable and, going onto Show Jumping, the ground has become deep in places, after overnight rain. This is causing quite a few faults, but Jessie jumped her little socks off and did a clear round. Poo just had one down, which was brill in the conditions. I was very pleased with them both. Julia, Jessie's owner, has come up to watch, and it's so lovely to have her support. To the cross country and, as always, there is a proper course at Burnham, and it needs riding carefully. This was Jessie's first time out for almost a year, as she had been poorly, so I set off thinking 'not going to push', but to let her run at her speed. She felt amazing today, and jumped a fast and clear round, which leapt us in second position. A fantastic result on her first run out for such a long time. Poo also went well and took on his fences boldly, but at the top of the quarry, we had a big skinny brush, on a related distance on a curved line to two skinny barrels. As he jumped the brush, he slipped on the turn and missed the stride to the barrel, so i turned a circle quickly to keep him safe. Unfortunately this is expensive, with 20 penalties. Never mind the horse went well, and all are safe This is very important to me.

After putting all the horses away and walking the 3*** course again ready for tomorrow....I will walk it again in the morning to make sure of all the lines...we all returned to the lorry for some well earned supper and a little pre-dinner drinkie. Mother had put the Lasagne in the oven, so it was doing its thing, and while we were waiting, she asked Elodie to pour her a Bacardi and Coke. Elodie, still on Portuguese time....and measures... made the drink, and passed it over. Seemed to go down well, and then another.....Elodie still in charge of measures, and after a third glass of nine tenths Bacardi, and one tenth coke....it seemed to be having an effect. Having had not a lot of sleep, and lots of walking, and not much food, Mother passed out quietly on the table and was of no further bother to us. So that's how we do it......must remember for next time!!!

Saturday started with walking the course again and in my head making sure I knew exactly where to go. There is a line of skinny brushes set at very acute angles, some big corners, and a bounce into water and line up a step to a skinny house. The others were all big fences needing some respect as always.

The show jumping was first and the course was up to height and by now the ground was sticky and holding. Gem ended up with 8 faults, she seemed to lose her jump in the middle section but then regained it at the end thankfully. I was disappointed but a lot of horses had faults so I needed to put this behind me.....

Next was the Cross country, and Gem started well, although strong today. As we went over the road crossing, she tanked off down the hill towards the skinny brushes. Seemed to be ok, lined up, and then chipped out at the third, as quick as you like. I turned a circle and jumped the fence and continued. Unfortunately, of course the damage was done. She jumped well into the water so I was pleased with this, but gutted about the mistake.

After giving her time to recover from the run, we packed up all, popped horses back on board, and started for the journey home.

As we went round one of the first roundabouts.....the tack locker door started to have a moment. It decided that it didn't want to play the game of door any more...preferring to become a windscreen. it popped up, just as we went round a bend, and managed very cleverly to time it so that the passing oak tree helped it in its quest and just caught it enough to whip it off and send it whistling back down the road at speed....bouncing along the road, but luckily missing the car following, and then landing in an embarrassed heap in the hedge.

By now Mother had pulled up safely, but still in a tricky piece of road. Elodie and I were sent out to collect the offending door and various parts of the side of the lorry it had taken with it in its bid for freedom. Various bits of equipment had left the boat too...... We dragged it all back to the lorry by now in fits of giggles, at the thought of it. It was like a comedy scene from "Some Mothers do Have 'em".

Life is never boring in the Puffa truck, you always have to have your wits about you!!

We are off again to our favourite event of the year... Barocca. Packed up the lorry, which had a pallet of bedding, 40 bags of Haylage, 10 bags of feed, 69 boxes of Capri Sun, 39 loaves of bake-on-the-day bread, 99 litres of water, 3 cases of Rose Wine, 2 bottles of Bacardi (mother), numerous other boxes of food, six suitcases, airer, camp bed, tent with two bedrooms, duvets, three people, three horses, rugs, tack etc, and 659 pairs of shoes.!! (mine and Elodie)

We set off at 3 pm on Friday, and got to Dover by 5pm. Mother was a bit twitchy about the weather, as it was very windy, and she had been on to us all day to hurry up. Her fears were justified, as we were told 'no sailing for horses on the next ferry'. 'Just keep coming in and asking' we were told, 'Its up to the captain on each ship'

8 hours later we were boarding our vessel at 1.30 am......a long wait with a long way to go.......

We were debating what we should do: whether to stable at Calais, as the horses had been on for so long, and we had not got very far!!! In the end, we trucked on well into the night to make progress through France. As soon as it was light we stopped and got the horses out for a walk and pick at grass, cleaned out the lorry and fertilised the French landscape. Onward we went, and arrived at Dax in Southern France still in the light, to walk the horses round the race course and another pick of grass. They had had a long trip this time, but were very well and happy. We had our meal in our truck and settled down for an early night, all quite tired.

Next morning, we set off fresh as daisies, only to be brought to an abrupt halt before the border by the French police. Lines and lines of lorries waiting to be allowed to continue on their way, held up over night because of the extreme weather in the form of wind!!!!! Luckily, we were only held for half an hour, and as we were allowed to the front of the queue, we then had a awesome drive through the mountains with no lorries to follow. We arrived in Barroca, just south of Lisbon at about 7pm, in the peeing rain and wind, that was to remain with us for the first week. .

Monday morning dawned bright but soon clouded over to begin the deluge of rain that was about to come. The land was already very wet, due to 3 months of continuous rain.....they have never seen such bad weather. The horses were all very well and spritely, in fact Sorrento was actually off his little trolley. Every thing is just SSSSOOOOOOOOO exciting. Tonight was our first evening out, so after supper in the truck...we hit the bar.

Everyone seemed to have the same idea.......It seemed to be the whole winter thing....lets get out and party. Lots of music, dancing and a few little drinkies later.....it was a good night. Elodie enjoyed it to the full.....of course....arriving back in the truck at about 6 am....via the back door (the ramp) as she forgot the side door arrangement and would have had no hope with the combination lock!!! She had forgotten as well that her bed was now in the tent....beside the lorry........

Tuesday morning dawned ....rain. Elodie had a 'slight' hangover but, ever the professional, was out there 'doing', and taking on the chin the one or two comments made by her stable friends.... (all, I have to say, in similar situations!). Many sunglasses were worn, despite the rain!!! The horses all had a serious school today, working them on the flat to now establish the rules for the next few days: on the bit, no spooking and listening to the aids (ummmmm). (Kings) Gem seems to have settled well and seems to like being out here, despite the rain, Sorrento is getting to settle after a few days of routine. We have to put his haylage outside his door so he can look at everything as well as pick at his food!!. Tonight is an early night.

Wednesday dawns.... rain... Today, we have to school the horses again and a hack too. It's difficult even to walk them out in-hand and graze, as the land is so wet. The Portuguese have never known weather like it, and the area where we work the horses (which every other year has been watered every evening) - this year is a swamp. The organisers are concerned that the ground will be too wet for the competition and so our mood is a little low, having travelled so far to run. The Lupi family are doing every thing they can to work the ground to make it rideable for us. We are just hoping that the weather will turn. We join the others at the bar for the evening....

Thursday....oh, it rains again... Today, Gem has her test and so does Sorrento. The organisers have moved the 2** to the grass arena as there are slightly less competitors. The 1* is on the sand arena, which is water logged. It is a big arena with flags and many things to spook at. This is a good test for both the 1* boys. Gem is on first of our horses. She does a lovely test in the mud and I am very pleased with her: without too much tension, she was on a score of 51.7 and after 2 days of competition she was in 11th place. Sorrento went well also, just a little spooky in the arena but basically did a good test. He was on a score of 53.1 and after two days of dressage, lying in 15th place. I was pleased with all horses today. We walked the course for the first time today and had a couple of worries on fences in both courses. ...hope that these can be sorted over the next couple of days, after discussions with the rider reps and the organising team.

Friday dawned.........rain.......... now everything was becoming a little tiresome with everything soooo wet, nothing drying. All bandages and boots sodden..wet, sandy or muddy....we could get nothing dry.

Never mind...Lets go jumping. Managed to rope Mother into jump erection, which I know on balance would sound a relatively easy chore for someone of her experience and calibre at this matter, but.....there were a few small hitches....:-

Firstly, show jump practice is situated on Barrroca football pitch.....currently a lake. This, for sure, is not Old Trafford.

Secondly, jump poles of varying lengths and a general lack of matching wing-stands. Anyway, she wrestled with them to build me a small range of fences to practise, in the general trench foot conditions.

Having managed this, I cheerily cantered past....quite forgetting the splash effect..... "oh no," I thought (too late)..."Gem, quick, think of a get-out clause"....but as I turned to look behind me, my worst fears were confirmed: Mother, covered from head to toe in wet, orange, sticky sand.....and very very wet...looking like some abominable yeti from an unknown source. I realised that it was all too late.....I may not live to finish the event. Please Please God, don"t let me forget Mothers Day!!!!!!

The day continued .....rain. But, chin up.....We have Poo to do Dressage...... He did a good test, but was marked harshly I thought. At the Riders' meeting in the evening, It was decided that the cross country should be changed to the Sunday, and Show Jump on Saturday. They are hoping that a drier day on Sat will allow a better and safer day cross country on Sunday. They are doing everything to give us a good competition and to get the best ground possible under very difficult conditions. We are all just hoping that the rain will ease and we can get the run we hope for. We hit the bar.

Saturday....Dawns......cloudy.....no rain yet. The Show Jumping is relocated to the driest part of the course, up at the far end between the trees. It actually works out to be an awesome arena, as the soil is so sandy it has drained, so it is giving but not muddy or wet. The organisers keep rolling the arena, and the going is perfect, which is just amazing. We did not get wet all day, and even saw a tiny smidge of sun. The horses all went well, Sorrento and Poo just had one down each and Gem did a lovely clear round. I was delighted with them, and we all had such a good day. Gem finished today in 4th, and Sorrento in 19th, and Poo in 55th. We ended the day on a bit of a high and felt positive for tomorrow. Early start tomorrow, as trot up first thing with all horses, and then to the cross country, but it was Saturday night....and to the party we went.....ever professional ,of course..... .

Sunday, dawned.....not long after Saturday evening, strangely..... and no rain.

Trot up all done, all horses good, smart and happy. To the cross country.... Sorrento first: He was amazing, after I worried over a few fences,, such as a tricky corner at 3, another corner later, and a log to drop and sharp turn left. He proved the long trip to be worthwhile and gave me a fantastic ride. Poo was also awesome, and in the muddy conditions, proved his worth, and made nothing of it. Sorrento moved up to 13th place, and Poo to 20th. Not bad improvement through the competition, and we finished with some prize money, well done boys!!! Now for Gem: She was absolutely amazing..... She jumped so well, and made nothing of the ground, skipping along - she was relaxed and enjoying her cross country again..... She made the time without me pushing. She was brilliant today - the only horse clear within the time!

When we had finished all the horses, we made sure that they were all good for the evening, and went to check on the scores. We were amazed to see that Gem had moved up to first place!!!!! Because she had made the time, she had moved up, and I was so so pleased and delighted and it made all our hard work worthwhile!!! She was a complete Star. Sunday Night.....oh dear.....we may have to celebrate..............

Well...Monday dawned, and it was a monsoon.

All feeling just a tiny bit jaded.... due of course only to the fact that we all now had the Barroca Bug, nothing to do with the previous evening's light entertainment schedule......but all to do with cold, flu, cough....you name it....between us we had it. Pouring rain dampening our spirits slightly, as everything seemed to be wet, filthy and sandy, but never mind, mother insisted on playing cards.......all I wanted to do was hibernate. Horses all had easy day, we just walked them in the rain......

Tues... dawned...slightly better.... no rain yet. Rode all horses today on the flat - I need to establish control again, and get all my movements back at the right time and in the right place. We got them all done in the am, had a quick lunch and then hit the local fab shopping centre, as did most of the other mobile village people, where we walked round and selected all the things we would like to buy ....and then chose a few that we could afford!!!!

Wed.....ahhhhhh, dawned brighter, things were looking up weather-wise. The whole Barroca team were out working hard on the courses for this week's competition, as the course again was waterlogged. They were confident that things would be ok and the forecast was looking better. Nicholas Hart and his team worked through the night to rebuild the course, to go on the best available ground....I don't think enough thanks can go to them for working solidly to produce three more courses which were all on pretty much perfect ground.

Today again I worked hard with the horses on the flat, and also to prepare them for the trot up in the afternoon. It seems a lot of preparation for a minute of trotting round a plant pot, so that the Ground Jury can decide if your horse is sound enough to compete. However, we all dress up and look our best and it has become something of a fashion show, and is also a very important part of the competition to ensure the soundness of each horse......we are glad that it does not include the soundness of the riders....as I believe most of us would still be in the holding box!!!!!

Today, James is arriving, so I am very pleased and excited to see him. We managed to borrow a car and Mum and I went off to the airport to collect him. It was incredibly busy at the airport, and there were many Portuguese Policemen running about, ordering everyone NOT to stop and wait to pick up people...... They did not seem to understand the importance of the arrival of my James and the sight of him running along by the side of the car and trying to leap in, after lobbing his case in first, like some bank robber in a thriller film. This sent us all into hysterical giggles ........I cant think why!!!!! But why is it in films they seem to get their whole body in the car and it drives off at high speed.....instead of leaving their legs behind, and therefore having to run like some possessed bunny rabbit being chased by a mad yapping terrier!!??? Will James ever be the same???

All horses are ok and tucked up for the night and we go on a New Zealand night out, which involves cook your own dinners (brought with you) and your drinks, put on table and share every one elses!!!! It was a great eve and we all chatted round the tables, drank a few glasses of vino and retired to bed not too late......

Thursday, beginning to get serious now as we have dressage for Sorrento and Poo today. Gem is tomorrow. Both horses went well and I was very pleased with them both. We were in the grass arena and there were plenty of flags and spooky things for them to look at. Sorrento ended on a score of 44.7 and in about 8th place, and Poo on a score of 47.8, in about 11th Place.

I schooled Gem again today - she has been a bit hot this week.....I think the thought of the cross country fences was still in her mind....I need to make her concentrate for the dressage tomorrow, I am so keen for a good test.....

Today we walk the course which is still being put together, but the guys are working hard to give us the best ground and fences. We get a good idea of where everything is, and there is just some more stringing for them to do.

Tonight I am VERY VERY excited, as it's my birthday tomorrow, and as its Cross-Country day on Saturday, we are going out tonight with everyone to my favourite restaurant just up the road. .....

We hit the bar first, to meet up, and then about 30 of us hit the restaurant!!! We had THE MOST amazing prawns, cooked in garlic, and plenty of wine. The waiters were amazing, and looked after us so well, making sure we were all very well oiled!!! After the prawns, we had beef, which we all had to cook ourselves on hot plates with salad, fries, and fruit.

By the first lot of prawns everyone was indeed seemingly having a good time ....possibly to do with the vino consumption...but I am sure much more to do with the company!! I am not sure that James quite knows what has hit him - his legs have only just caught up with his body, and now after quite a few bottles of wine, he seems to be losing control of that too!!! Elodie has been working her way steadily through at least one cow, and washing it down with the vino. She starts to get louder, but as yet has remained ever the professional and has managed to stay firmly on her seat.... However it is only 10 o'clock!!! Mother is behaving too, and has only got on the table once to dance. The evening is going well. The waiters seem intent on making sure that we all arrive home not being able to remember a thing, but we are a well practised lot and all our eventing friends and the Portuguese family are still up for more when we get back to the bar at midnight, and I have Happy Birthday sung to me in the most amazing dulcet tones!!! Now to the music!! Elodie still managing to remain in the correct vertical position - (despite the 39 bottles of rose)- we were all impressed by her control, but she still asked for "Ga Ga"....."can we have some Ga Ga" at least 679 times. James and I retired to bed, and left Mother and Elodie dancing and singing....we hoped they would not notice our departure too soon.....

Friday....little puffy clouds in the sky and a breeze ...and no rain....Amazing. I jumped both the boys and this time managed to keep mother smiling, as the football pitch now did not resemble a lake. Then, on to Gem's dressage in the arena with the surface. The test went well, although towards the end she began to get a little tense and the marks reflected this. I would so like to be able to get her to relax during the test and not worry so much about the movements. It was a more difficult test than last week, so I was not displeased with her at all. I wish I could get into her mind, and tell her that during this bit we don't have to go so fast!!! She was on a score of 51.9 and lay 14th after dressage. After walking both courses again, and checking up on all my lines, we had an early night .....a busy day tomorrow.

I got up early to walk the courses again and check on the lines and distances. The ground by now was pretty near perfect, just between fence one and two it was slightly wet, but during the day they were rolling, so by the time the 3 star ran, it was really pretty good to perfect.

Sorrento ran first and did really well, and coped with all the fences well, finished within the time, as did Poo, who jumped very well again and was a star. Felt very safe and coped easily with all the fences. They finished day two in good positions.

Gem was delayed at the start of cross-country, but I managed to keep calm and kept her calm too. I always try to find someone to chat to, and walk round with...its always hard when you have got yourself prepared mentally to go and the horses heart rate up. But it's part of the sport, so you just learn to deal with it. We set off, and Gem once again felt fantastic. There were plenty of questions on the course, including a big drop into water.(see pic) and a box, 3 stride to brush/drop, 3 strides to the skinniest skinny on a sharp down hill. She jumped so well, and was one of only two (the winner was the other) that went clear inside the time. I was very very pleased with her - she was a star. It was fantastic also that Chris, her owner had come to watch, so I was delighted to have his support today too.

Saturday a good day done, and we can't believe we only have one more day before we leave......and after another night of just a little partying and dancing...and one or two little drinkies...Sunday dawns again....bright... despite again not long after saturday night. At least today we can walk around with our sunglasses on without the wipers attached. The horses all looked stunning after their make-overs, ready for the final trot up. Their coats glinting in the sunshine - it's a feel-good time when they all come out well. Still, with the final part of the competition to do..and so important for the final placing....we all know how important it is not to roll a pole. Sometimes it's hard to remember that these animals have just completed a test of endurance, and now have again to perform a test of accuracy, with tired limbs. Today was not to be my day, as each horse rolled some poles, which at the time was frustrating, as the places then fall. But, looking back and on reflection, all horses have been so good and have performed very well and I am very pleased with them all. Sorrento finished in 14th place, Poo in 11th, and Gem in 8th.

And then....suddenly...I had this feeling rush through me....One of slight panic, Blood hot then cold....Heat bumps....shortness of breath, heart racing........oh No.....its Mothers Day.........how am I going to get out of this one....??? I bet all the others have sent messages....Son, God-daughters, others who like to stay in good books....This could be expensive....and she has got to drive me home!!

I love you Mummy!!!

We had two fantastic weeks of competition early in the season and we all go home happy and tired bunnies.

Packing the lorry for our journey home now seems a little sad, we all love Portugal and the whole event, despite the rain, and it seems now a long way home. We go out for our last night to the traditional gathering in Bar Lupi, and sit with our friends before the drive home. Catching a few hours sleep, we leave at four am, to drive to France for the overnight stop. We arrived home on Wednesday morning at two am.....crashed out...and unpacked in the morning.

Now onto riding the others for the next event!!!!!

After a rather hectic Christmas, and a battle with the elements with a week of snow, ice, and wind....we decide to set off with six....yes six...horses to the local show jumping arena. I managed to get my Mother to come to my yard on Boxing Day and help prepare........................

She helped me jump all the horses (in between showers), cleaned tack and generally 'do". We did the horses between us, as all the girls were off, having a well deserved Boxing Day break. Then, I said to her, as a reward for all her hard work , that I would take her to see the beautiful "Roo" (Chilli Afternoon), who now lives in the barn with the brood mares up at the saw mills. We go on the Pod. Its a bit like a quad bike, but has two seats and a sort of roll bar thing.

Off we set , through the woods, up the paths and round the trees, with the dogs running full pelt beside us, barking madly at the sound of the roaring engine and my Mother's rather loud screeching noises. "Whats her problem?" I thought, "I am only driving it like I normally do!" - I could not understand why her knuckles were white and she kept muttering that she was going to die!!! ''Please GEM, look where you are going....... ....not at the dogs behind us!." she screamed.......as we approached a large tree root on our left, (only about a foot high) and an oak tree on our right, with a steep drop to the right too.......and then the lake, where earlier there had been a land slide.... I wish she would learn not to over-react!!!

So, having brought four of the horses back with us to her home, as it is closer to the show, we are ready for action first thing on Sunday am. All the horses thought that going to a party was extremely exciting, and so having put on my "extra stick on velcro" jods, and prepared Agnes for the worst......the rides began.

Dolly was not sure where she was going, or what she was doing. It was her first time indoors and so had a few rails but was willing and not spooky. Her second round was much better and I was pleased with her. She will be a little star.

Lacey had the second fence ,which was a annoying, but she was making sure the camera man was watching, and so not concentrating. A sharp reminder, and the rest of the course was done very well. Again her second round was far better and she just touched a rail in the jump off, but a fast time.

Sorrento jumped very well and did a beautiful clear, and ended 3rd ....he was much less spooky today, and as a result careful...so I was very pleased with him.

Harry was unlucky and just had a rail. He is very clever, and knows that rails don't really hurt when they fall. I may have to have a little practice again with him before the next time...I also need to get used to him, as he jumps very big and slow, so we need to gel together. He has not been indoors for a long time, so he did well for his first time. We had to keep giving him coffee and whisky and telling him he would be tucked up in his arm chair by the fire soon!

Gem wanted still to go VERY VERY FAST!!! I managed to get a small amount of control by our third round....we are working on it. Her enthusiasm can never be knocked......but she goes a little bit like my pod driving.!! (guess who said that?).

Jessie was a little star, after not being out since June. She jumped beautifully and was unlucky just to have one rail. She has an amazing jump which I almost struggle to sit on, so with a little more fitness I am hoping we will be competitive again.

So, by five o'clock we were done, and we travelled the horses back up to my yard. Elodie had brought the other 2 horses down with her in the morning in the little lorry. She had stayed to help all day, and we needed it as it was mad, trying to be ready for all the classes on time.

I went back that night with Mother in the lorry, as I was having a day off on Monday. As the truck was empty, Mother decided to practise her truck racing for when she goes on top gear.... and she wonders where I get it from!!!!

We have just returned from two days training with the World class Delevopement team, up in Solihull. This time I was able to take four horses, so Gem, Austin, Jessie and Lacey were the chosen ones.
Gem and Austin need to really practice their dressage(so do I)....and we all think the same about it......ie Lets get it over and done with as soon as possible!!! Gem has decided that speed will make the circles seem much more exciting.....and surely there must be a jump somewhere???

Austin just thinks life is one big comedy show and spooked and dodged sideways at speed and could not hold a contact for two seconds......but it is day one..freezing and EVERYTHING IS VERY EXCITING!!!!!!!
Lacey and jessie were little stars however, jessie tried her little socks off, and Nick Burton fell in love with her.
Lacey loves going out to parties and actually really put her thinking head on and really worked hard...she obviously won all the gold stars...but thats only because she belongs to my mother and she was awarding them!!!!

After a freezing night, (but we stayed in the hotel)(no heating in lorry as its blown up) another day of dressage for me.....and like Gem I was looking for some fences. In the end I had to settle for the poles on the ground, which Angela Tucker had set out within the dressage arena. A very clever exercise and Austin excelled himself today and felt AMAZING. He is going to be a star I am sure.

Both Jessie and Lacey were again very good girls , although Lacey decided moving side ways off the leg meant "lets see how high I can buck"and then"oh....is that not what you meant.......it was jolly good fun though!!!"

No body noticed when I sneaked into the other arena and popped Gem over a couple of fences.......it was so much fun......
Somehow Lacey won the gold stars again today..........(its that mother again awarding them) I cant argue as she drives the lorry ....etc etc.

Today I went to dressage at Royal Leisure....

It was Austins first time and he thought that the white boards were jumps! Well, he said "On tuesday I went over poles in the dresaage arena....so thats what I thought they were there for"
He was a good boy though really and had a placing... not bad for his first test.

Gem was a star though today....she went round with a hugh smile on her face, even though there was not a jump in sight. I have to say though, still would have liked to go at 390 miles an hour if possible ,with her head up and tongue hanging out the side of her mouth, hair blowing vertically up in the air.I have to say I would agree that it so much more fun to be in a BMW 6 series convertible .....roof down....i pod in.......shades on.......
Than my green astra.....going from 0 to 60 in 0 point 3 hours.......

But we came home with a red one... and a blue one.......so Elodie was very pleased with us!!!!!!

Thank you Elodie for putting up with me and my mad mother......you may stay. We love you...