A New Season

With the Winter training behind us it was time to welcome owners, friends, and supporters to the yard for our annual pre-season kick off.  It’s always a nice opportunity to talk about the horses in more detail, explain what they’ve been doing over the winter, and what we’ve been working on, and put this into the context of what’s to come this season 

I opted for a slower start to the season, not making too many big plans when the weather can be so uncertain.  After hearing lots of good things about it, I decided to start the season at Poplar Park in Suffolk.  A long way but well worth it, with a proper cross-country track and some good ground.  It was great to have Feloupe (Lulu) and Kojak out, both jumping double clear to start the season.

Then it was onto Thoresby, the first big international of the year.  In the past it suffered from wet ground and SO much mud, but this year it was spot on! It’s always nice to get the first big event done and get some good prep for either a Championship aim or a 5* under out belts.  Both Lulu and Kojak jumped well, with lots learnt and gained from the trip.

It was hard to think that in the past few years we had seen Burnham Market cancel because it was too wet, and this year we were worried because it was too hard! With Lulu doing her final prep for Badminton it was always the plan to just go and dressage, and potentially jump a few but with the ground on the firmer side we opted to just dressage and keep her legs fresh for Badminton.  Kojak is one who still needs the experience, so he ran round nice and slowly, getting the experience he needed but mindful of the ground.

Calmsden was finally time for some of the younger ones to start their season.  Casallco Jumping Jack and Up and Over (Arlo) both coming out fresh in the BE100.  Two very exciting horses who’ve been given more time than others to develop and mature and its been proving to have been a great decision.

A trip to Ireland for Ballindenisk was a successful one with Kojak securing his final MER for the European Championships with a super 4^th place in the CCI4*-L, just adding a few time to his 33.3 dressage and hopefully giving the selectors something to think about. 

Before all attention turned to Badminton there was just enough time to head to Moreton Morrell, and a first run of the season for Sligo Just Touch (Crunchie) who was very excited to be back out in the Novice, along with Jack and Arlo who picked up 2^nd on his very good 25 dressage!

Next stop – Badminton!!