Hi everyone,

What a change in the weather, no rain and lovely crisp days of sunshine, we are lucky and have not had any frosts, Mum still has geraniums flowering in the garden.

At last my boys are in work, I am delighted to say that I am now riding Forgery.  Although he has been part of my life for four years, when he was about to be broken I was expecting Archie and although I rode quiet ones, breakers were not part of my daily schedule.

Robert has made such a wonderful job on him and he is an absolute pleasure to ride.  Although I have to admit I made Andrew hack him out, he is not used to our roads with buses breaking the speed limit.  Sarah and Robert have only to cross one road and they are on common land so he has not met traffic as such.  Cameron is also coming to, it is always difficult for a horse to come to a new rider, he has been ridden one way, very successfully, and now I want him to go my way.

Andrew is really busy now but at least the show jumping entries are easier to sort than when entering for showing classes.  We have to do ours so far in advance and cannot just decide the day before what to take.

Andrew has also got into Valencia, Spain with his horses, two pupils and their horses.  This is a new show and from the look of it on the website it looks amazing.  They leave in about two weeks for six weeks.  I have applied for Archie’s passport so he and I will fly out halfway through.  My sister said she may come as well which would be lovely.

Andrew has been to Pencoed with Perth having his first show back after his holiday and he duly won the 1.30m.  Zermie had a double clear but reminded us she does not like this show and was very spooky.  Elektrik was still schooling and jumped really well.  Then he rode a horse for the New Priory Stud, he had never seen it let alone ridden it and although very spooky to start with he finished fourth in the Bath and West Newcomer Championship qualifier.  He caused quite a ripple around the ring with his technique and ability.  One to watch – if I knew his name!

Daisy Davies has come back for training and took her new six-year-old.  A very nice grey horse that she should have some serious fun with.

Take care

Victoria