[Monthly Review] March 2013

Apologies for the late post! March ended up flying by and now I need to try and remember what happened!

The month began with a trip back to Houghton Hall for their Winter Dressage Championship which you can read about here. After this, it was clear that his canter showed problems so the saddler was booked, unfortunately the earliest we could get fitted in was early April. 

With this being said, I didn't school Pea much as I didn't want to bore him with constantly just walking and trotting and also I was a bit paranoid that if there was something serious with his saddle I didn't want to then risk damaging his back so we stuck to simple hacking. Even hacking was clear there was a problem with him cantering as he would hardly canter out hacking which is rather unlike him, so I stuck to trying to keep him fit by walking and trotting. He has been going to nicely and being rather well behaved that it's such a lovely change. He's always happy to go out hacking, despite going two or three times a week where as in the past he would get argumentative if we hacked too often. 

As a change I decided to brave it and take Pea out on the roads, through the village with a friend. I was slightly apprehensive as Pea can be slightly spooky and also a bit funny about walking on the road but he was a true star. He never batted an eye at anything that went past, even the bus! In fact, it wasn't until we were coming back down the drive to the yard that he decided to spook at a bit of snowball that was roughly the size of a football! Silly horse! I have begun to realise that Pea is often better behaved out in new situations such a shows and out hacking out somewhere new! 

April has started off well. I have had Pea's saddle sorted so it now fits, and although at first his canter was still awful, after talks with my Instructor we believe it could be the cold weather causing him to be tense and therefore finding it hard to canter. This week, with the warmer weather I have found this to be true as he has eagerly cantered, and more than 5 strides! This means that my plans for this month are to get him to comfortably canter around the arena and circles. I hope to take him out to a dressage competition at the end of the month before heading off for second round Trailblazers in May.

Thanks for reading!

Laura & Pea x

Let's be Charitable :)

Hello! Apologies for the lack of posts lately! I haven't been doing much with Pea as his saddle doesn't fit him properly so I'm waiting to get it checked as I don't want to do too much and possibly make things worse (I do get rather paranoid!) I've also been really busy with University having two projects to carry out and an exam to revise for! Oh and there's the ever looming dissertation which I have to start planning for!

Anyway, I have decided to write this blog post as this Sunday (7th) I am joining Claire Lomas on her pre-cycle challenge around Rutland Water. I don't know what I have let myself in for seeing as it's either 18 or 26 miles and I have not cycled in ages! However, it's for a good cause, supporting Claire and Spinal Research as she aims to try and find a cure or further help for paralysis. I believe this is such a great cause, and I sincerely hope that one day there is something that can be done to help paralysis as it can tear people's live apart. Claire has come shown that paralysis is not something to let ruin your lives and she has done so well, completing the London Marathon in 2012 with a robotic suit and winning numerous awards such as the Helen Rollason award for inspiration and Tesco's Courageous Mum of the year award. I am also, hopefully, joining Claire on the beginning of her 400mile cycle, along with my University, as she sets off from Nottingham to Loughborough on the 22nd, so if you're in the area (outside Nottingham Trent City campus) come and see her start!

I hope to do other things for charity, such as finally persuading my yard/riding club to run a charity show which I have tried before to no avail! 

Do you guys do anything for charity? 

Bye!
Laura & Pea x

Ladies Day at Cheltenham [13.3.13]

Apologies for the rubbish photo but that is the super Sprinter Sacre behind :)

I am new to the whole race scenario, but since starting university I've found myself reading a bit more about it due to it being such a massive part of the equestrian world and going to Punchestown races whilst in Ireland really opened my eyes up to how entertaining it can be, despite the unfortunate incidences where horses fall badly. However, Cheltenham definitely hooked me and I wish I could go back! The atmosphere is truly incredible and getting to be close to some of the top race horses in the country, possibly world and seeing them race in the flesh is truly amazing!

Ruby Walsh riding Pont Alexandre

When I saw my university had organised a trip to Cheltenham, Ladies Day, I was in two minds as to whether to go but I am so glad I did! It was a day of great laughs, friendly atmosphere and horses - what more could you ask for? We had tickets for the Tattersalls stand, yet somehow myself and two friends never made it that far and somehow found we had spent the day in the Club area! No wonder we were so close to the horses! Also, as much as it was Ladies Day, I think there were definitely more men around but seeing the range of outfits worn by people was amazing, with some going casual and others more fancy with hats - though I think fur headbands were the winners (including myself)! 

Wayne Hutchinson riding Two Rockers

I would definitely recommend anyone to go to the races, whether you're into racing or not, though be warned - once you've been, you may well and truly be hooked! I definitely am and I can't wait until next year to hopefully go again! Fingers crossed I might win some money next time as well as I didn't seem to do too well with my horses either coming in 4th or falling at the last fence :/ At least I'm not a huge gambler! 

Has anyone ever been to the races, or even Cheltenham? I'd love to hear your stories!
Laura x