With Cava going to his new home, a shopping trip was in order. I travelled in the Eurotunnel to France and went to Holland searching for a new horse. I was quite open minded as to what I was going to get, but in my head I thought a 6yo that has done a little bit would be good for me at the moment. On our way to Holland, we stopped overnight in Belgium and saw 5-6 horses there. We then went from Belgium to Holland for two days and I lost count of how many I tried there! Whilst in Holland, we had a phone call saying there were a few nice horses in Germany – so did a quick trip over the border to have a look! After a long four days, seeing some lovely horses, I decided to go with the first one I sat on!
Peter Rajmakers yard in Holland
Meet Ed, my lovely new 6yo! He is by Papillon Rouge. He jumped on the Sunshine Tour as a 5yo and hasn’t done much since then, and was only cut 8 weeks a go! I knew as soon as I sat on him that I really liked him, but thought I better be sensible and make sure there was nothing else I liked more. Ed has all the ingredients to be a successful horse, so I have high hopes for him.
Ed on the sunshine tour as a 5yo
I was meant to be going to Vilamoura at the end of September, but due to unforeseen circumstances I couldn’t go – its absolutely gutting after working so hard preparing for it, but there will be another time!
I had an email from British Showjumping saying I am eligible to apply for their Step up to Gold Programme – which I then applied for. I have been invited to their selection day in Hampshire in the next few weeks. The Step up to Gold Programme is a Sport England and Newbridge Sport Horses funded programme. The aim of the programme is establishing riders at 1.35m/1.40m Gold League Level. The programme consists of training days with Matt Lanni and a regional coach, sport science including horse physio, saddle experts, vet talks, anti-doping talks and travelling abroad workshops, strength and condition coaches with individual training programmes and coaching and organisational support at international shows abroad. Only two riders from each area (there are four areas) get selected each year. I have decided to take Ed as I think he will be more than capable – but hopefully luck is on my side and I ride well on the day! It is quite a big ask for Ed, but I believe he will be great for the programme – so fingers crossed!
I haven’t had so much luck lately. I decided to take Ed and Zippy to Wales & West for their End of Season Derby show at the end of September. Whilst tacking Ed up on the Saturday he stood on my foot which resulted in a hairline fracture after a trip to the A&E! Wish I could say I was wearing sensible footwear at the time, but I would be lying. Hard lesson learnt. Worst thing about the day was having to get a taxi to A&E because no-one was free to take me because of the rugby…I felt so loved! Then having to spend the rest of the weekend in Wales with a fractured foot after we lost the rugby wasn’t my idea of fun!
October will be a busy month – I’m off to Arena UK for their Halloween Spooktacular show with Ed and Zippy and going for a few days training before hand up country.
Hopefully October will bring better luck than September!
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