Well, the sun continues to shine and it’s set to stay like this until at least the end of the month so I hope everyone is happy! What a lovely change it makes to wake up every morning knowing it’s going to be a proper summer’s day.
It does make for some pretty sweaty riding but I, like most, have been getting up at the crack of dawn to get them all ridden before the heat really sets in and the horse flies drive everybody mad.
Last week I collected a very exciting new horse called Soltair Justice (Leo). He was 10th at Weston CCI* last autumn and so my plan is to get him there for the CCI2* this year. He is a lovely big horse and I have just entered him up for our first event, the novice at Smiths Lawn at the beginning of August.
I have already taken him showjumping where we popped round the 1.20m at West Wilts and just had a pole in the jump-off, which was an encouraging start. We then went cross-country schooling at the wonderful Rosamund Green Farm where I just had a little play around getting to know him. I will take him back there once more before our first outing. So fingers crossed we will have some fun for the rest of the season.
I also took my hunter-turned-showjumper, Joey, showjumping where he picked up a third in the 1.10m. He is sadly for sale as he is slightly too small for my 6ft2in brother to hunt all day, but somebody could have a lot of fun with him as he is super careful and speedy against the clock! It has been really good for me to have something else to jump regularly because I don’t jump my eventers much at home and I jump Joey most days, so it helps keep my eye in.
Sleepy foal
I haven’t introduced my two-month-old foal, Kiwi, to you yet. She is by Honour Cruise, a lovely young Cruising stallion who is competing with Oliver Townend at the moment, out of my fantastic little ex-hunter, Lily. Lily is a half-sister to Louie (Bankon Louie) and Totty (Totten Lady) and although only 15.2hh she was the most phenomenal hunter, first for my eldest brother Harry and then for me.
I was very spoilt to have her and I think that I will struggle to ever have another hunter like her so I hope she has passed this braveness on to little Kiwi! They come and stand in during the day as the flies are just so bad and Kiwi spends most of her time sleeping (above).
Health and safety at graduation
Oh I am now a graduate! I had my graduation ceremony on Monday in Exeter and it was a lovely day. I am pleased to report I didn’t fall up or down the steps on my way to give our very enthusiastic chancellor a hug! It was a special moment and very exciting to wear the gown and board… we did even get to throw them up in the air like they do in the movies! Although I’m surprised it’s not been deemed a health and safety hazard as one smacked me on the head and they aren’t soft.
I am not eventing this weekend, but am off to Cornwall for a few days instead to make the most of the glorious weather while I can. My next event is Wilton open intermediate with Kitkat (Another Breakfast).
Rosie
