So, after a very successful regionals Felix has had a quiet few weeks so I could concentrate on Bodyguard for his first Premier League of the year and his call up for GB at Keysoe CDI.
Bodyguard was brilliant at Mysercough Premier League; I am very excited to say I have joined FMBs Activo-Med rug and leg straps as a sponsored rider so Bodyguard had a lovely massage and magnet therapy rug on before his tests, after our long journey to Lancashire.
This was my first ever solo trip without Gary or Annabelle so I was a little worried about how I would cope, but my very good friend Vicky Glasow joined me on our competing trip, riding her horse, Villu.
Bodyguard felt the best he has ever felt in the arena, even on the first day when normally he becomes tight and tricky for me to ride, he didn’t at all. We made a few costly mistakes but I was just so pleased with his way of going and relaxed ‘rideability’ in the arena.
Although our scores didn’t really reflect how he felt and the improvements on the second day, I was pleased to finished 7th in both the Prix St Georges and the Inter 1, with all four tests scoring just over 65%.
I decided to compete with him in a snaffle so I could keep the feeling I get at home whilst in a competition, which worked really well. Plus, I managed not to worry too much about Annabelle, as I knew she was having a lovely couple of daddy days!
I was most grateful to my wonderful trainer, Rhett Bird, who came up the day before we left for the Premier League to fit in some last minute training. He has kindly agreed to do the same before the Internationals to give us the best chance possible of getting inside the top ten, which would be amazing.
I am pleased to say I have had my first sit on one of our homebred youngsters, Channel, who is by my very own stallion, Cyden Cadans M. She is so willing and hopefully I look forward to reporting more news on her next time.
I took out Jo Graham-Wright’s homebred, Gemini, for her first outing, as well as my nephew’s pony, Ruby, and they both excelled themselves. Gemini on her first ever trip anywhere was amazing, gaining 74.6% and 76.8% in her two tests, winning both, with Ruby close behind with 72% and 70.6%.
My very good friend and long term sponsor, Lili Brooksby-Dalby of Fur Feather Meds came over to stay for a few days with her lovely boy, Fons. Lili and Fons accompanied me to the competition where I took Gemini and Ruby and it was lovely to be able to give a bit of help back to her in return for everything she does for me.
Sadly this year I am going to have to put up for sale a couple of our homebred mares as I just can’t ride them all. Mares always have to go first as it isn’t really fair to make Bodyguard travel in the lorry with mares during the summer months when they come into season. I’m not very good at advertising though, so they will probably still be with me in a year’s time!
I have been exceptionally lucky this month to be offered sponsorship from Nikki Moxon Equestrian, who is going to provide me with gorgeous long riding boots from both Konig and Petrie.
Nikki stocks various different sizes and colours of boots so rather than having to wait weeks for delivery she always has something to fit. I remember thinking I was Cinderella the first time I visited her store as I could have come home with ten pairs!
I look forward to reporting on our second opportunity to represent Great Britain, this time at a CDI in the UK, where I will be wearing the GB flag with pride.