The Irish purchases have been delightful this year. When you buy a nice young horse you hope you are buying a nice person too and I am happy to report they are all just that.
They have been easy to break and are going well, hacking out and popping fences. Not much interest from potential purchasers yet, but I have not properly advertised as I’m waiting until after the new year when measurement is done.
We have two stunning small hunters and a lovely intermediate working hunter pony as well as the nicest lightweight working hunter I have seen in a long while.
I will give them all a little break now over Christmas holidays so I can concentrate on hunting with the children.
Keeping the ponies fit
Getting and keeping the ponies fit has been very time consuming so I hope they get a lot of pleasure this season. I am now sharing Harry’s ponies by hunting them myself so that’s a bonus.
We have finally moved house. It’s been the longest move in history but the yard is really taking shape now and I am enjoying it very much. Saving for a new arena surface is on the agenda for 2015.
We have been hacking out a lot more than at the old yard and it is so good for the young horses.
I am finding out as many show dates as possible to plan the 2015 calendar as the juggling act is already beginning. Many shows are announcing judges already which is such a help.
There is a lot of chat about who has lost qualifiers and potential new shows. It will be good when Grandstand Media releases all the information about the list of qualifiers for 2015.
Judging alongside my father
I have been asked to judge at quite a few shows next season, which I am really looking forward to. I am especially looking forward to the hunter classes I am now entitled to judge alongside my father.
To be honest I am very surprised he has not been invited onto the Sport Horse Breeding (GB) judges panel. I think they are missing an opportunity by not asking him for his expertise.
2014 has been another fabulous year and I could not be a happier person going into the Christmas period. I have a wonderful new home and yard with some beautiful horses for sale.
The season was incredible and for Alice to end up with not one but two BSPS supremes and be in another HOYS championship was fantastic.
My highlight however was her individual show on Hightopps Jazz in the blue riband championship. I would do anything to be able to show my dad and watch it over and over again.
Loraine
