New Year: adapt our goals

It has been a while since I published a blog for a variety of reasons-a move, mud-fever and general winter issues!

I was told just before Christmas that I had till the end of February to find a new yard as the current owner decided to close down the livery yard. With three horses, a limited budget ( I can only afford three with DIY), a requirement of an arena which needs to be lit (I ride between 5:30-7:30pm) and hopefully turnout (with a 5 and a 6 year old its necessary!) I was concerned. Luckily I was offered a slightly different set up back where I originally was when I first moved to the area. A new 40x45m arena had been installed with lights and the boys had outdoor living in a corral style yard. A date was set for half term to move them, husband had the week booked off work (😊)and luckily it has all gone smoothly.

Tinker had to have a month off during January due to severe mud fever, and Kasper had an issue with his saddle that I had to wait till half term to get sorted so he had a good three weeks off. It was all eyes on Gilly who I have started having lessons with Nicola Cooper up in Shipham. Gilly had always rather tagged onto lessons with Kasper and I felt it was about time if I wanted to get 70% or have a decent attempt at Elementary regionals we needed refinement. We went back to basics establishing straightness and engagement. We lengthened his neck more in the warm up and developed his up-hill competition frame which has allowed me to contain his bigger paces that he pulls out the bag in a different environment. He won his last competition (alongside snow and -5 winds) on 67%+ at Elementary which is progress especially as his first test is always usually a bit cautious, so I am excited to get some more training in and be consistent at the high 60s going into the Summer. We also tried some Medium movement in our last lesson, definitely wobbly in places but nearly there. So the focus is to gain our final 1 point from a qualifier, work towards the harder elementary tests and aim for Medium after the Regionals. Tinker who is fully sound and raring to go got a lesson last week. I was really pleased with how he just picked up from where were before the New Year and ‘mud fever gate’ so I just need to get out to do some low level unaffiliated competitions and get more organised for the Summer-luckily its Easter holidays soon. Kasper has his PSG booked in for mid-April that has had to be postponed since December. He is feeling fitter than ever however strong minded as hell so hopefully a few training sessions beforehand will get us up and running.