Tag: clinic

Knight with shiny trailer

I was booked onto a XC clinic today. But The Buddymobile is still at the garage. Thankfully my friend became my knight with shiny trailer as she offered to take us.

It was at another new venue for us. I was a little apprehensive to start off with as our last XC outing wasn’t the best. After a shaky star t and a bit of a peptalk, we were soon flying (in a good way). And finished on a really good note.

It was very undulating, so felt wonderful to let Buddy gallop between the fences. We conquered tyres (Buddy’s nemesis) and even ended up giving another combination a lead up and down the steps.

We’ve got a 8 weeks till the Champs, so lots of training and competition on the cards for us.

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Burning calories

Back home after another fab BHS Clinic at Forest Edge. One night in the lorry, two lessons with Jo Winfield and lots of lightbulb moments.

It was blissfully quiet and relaxed. I’m so glad we decided to stay last night. Buddy had a very good night judging by the amount of shavings on his rug. I had a cozy night too. I love sleeping in my little lorry.

We both worked hard in our lessons today. Buddy had to work even harder in our jumping lesson with some bending lines. We were also working on the quality of his canter between jumps. He was ravenous afterwards. He burnt a lot of calories it seems.

Two halves

Today we headed back to Forest Edge Arena for a BHS clinic with Jo Winfield. We haven’t been back there for a while. Buddy soon made himself at home.

We had a 9am lesson so meant a rather early start for us. Then we arrived super early as traffic wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. Better that way than late I guess.

Our first lesson was flatwork and a bit of a washout as Buddy didn’t feel right. Wasn’t sure if he’d tweaked something or it was because he hadn’t had a chance to loosen up.

Thought I’d take him for a hack round the forest so said I’d change my saddle from the dressage to my jump. Jo suggested I come back first. The difference in him was marked. So it seems it could be the saddle that was the issue. Or maybe he’s just not a fan of early morning work…

Second lesson this afternoon and Buddy was back to his normal exuberant self and by the end we were jumping round a course of 90s. Such a relief I can tell you.

I will get him checked over, just to be on the safe side. I’ve got the saddle fitter out soon so will stick to my jump for now. And looks like I may have to start saving my pennies for a new dressage saddle. Buddy has expensive taste in saddles. Anyone need a kidney?!

Jump high

Took Buddy for a jumping clinic over at WHW. It was with a new instructor, Simon Grieve. I get nervous with new instructors. I’ve learnt that if I tell the instructor, it helps me. I needn’t have worried. He put me at ease and couldn’t have been more supportive.

Lots of different lines and jumps today. Buddy was a superstar. Bit forward at times, but once we agreed on the appropriate pace, he flew everything.

So proud of my little boy. When it’s good, it’s really, really good.

Nicola

First clinic of the year. And it was with European Eventing Champion, Nicola Wilson.

We headed off to WHW this morning and after a detour due to the a closed road and having to stop twice to retie Buddy’s haynet, we arrived.

Buddy rarely eats while travelling, but today he was eating so vigorously, he pulled it off. Twice. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Second time I saw him do it on the camera. He’s so funny cause he stood starring at it.

The lesson was great. Really enjoyed it and learnt lots. Well once I got over my initial nerves and Buddy’s enthusiasm. One for me to work on as I know I get tight for the first 5-10 mins in a lesson. Once we start jumping, I totally relax.

We jumped a mix of show jumps and XC jumps. Buddy excelled himself. Even if some of my lines were more than iffy!!

Need to keep going and I know it’ll come together in a competition situation again.

Making plans

I’ve booked my first clinic for 2022 today. And it’s with European Champion Nicola Wilson. Well if you’re going to learn, why not from a champion?!

I met her at The Rolex in 2015. She was so generous with her time. And a really down to earth person.

I’ve been feeling a bit down about my horsey journey recently. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved much this year. We’ve been a bit thwarted. I totally get it. There’s been a lot going on. It’s been hard to fit everything in. My focus has had to be on my business and my parents.

I adore Buddy. That hasn’t changed. And never will. But I’ve definitely lower the intensity in his training in the past couple of years. I’ve realised that I’ve been hesitant to set goals in case next year is more of the covid sh1tshow we’ve had so far.

Booking the clinic made me want to set goals again. So that’s what I’ve done. Horsey goals are set for 2022. Bring…. It…. On….!