When 2014 started my plans were to continue to put a foundation on my youngster Patrick with 2 major diary events – a May clinic with Martin Black and as much time as I could fit in with Dave Stuart during his UK stay through July and August. Both provided more challenges and progress was made although not absolutely as planned. Horses constantly remind us that they are in charge of the timeline and whether it’s the length of a learning curve or a health question they invariably have the final say which is what happened bringing our summer to a premature end. As frustrating and disappointing as it was I always try hard to accept that the universe may have other plans and that a few of my angels may be steering me to other (safer?) places and what is the point in lingering over the negatives anyway as they will not change, time to get back up, dust off and move on.
2014 also brought the opportunity to connect with a particular friend from my past. Many years ago he helped me back into the jumping world after enforced career and family breaks had left me somewhat rusty. His quiet and simple approach to cross country training in particular probably was probably one of the turning points in my approach to horsemanship in general though I didn’t maybe recognise it at the time. Now he is helping me with a different approach to horse health and hoof care in particular. If you didn’t catch any of Nick Hill’s clinics here then check out the calendar for 2015 as he is returning.
Lots of changes have been made in the layout of the paddocks ready for next year. There are now a set of permanent turn out pens. My resident 3 now have a simple track system around the perimeter with stone and gravel not only to benefit their hooves but to keep the “muck run” operational through the wettest part of the year. The excess earth taken from the track has been put to positive use in 2 places – a new super-sized bank and the Coton Canyon which now needs some landscaping works to add finishing touches. A few new jumps, a bridge and a pool/sunken road are currently bedding in ready for summer clinics.
As for 2015 targets – once again it will be to Progress my Horsemanship. With Martin again in May and Dave in July and August there is now the awesome opportunity to ride on Buck Brannaman’s first ever UK clinic at Aintree in June. Just hope that 1) I can get enough homework in place before hand to be able to make the most of it and 2) that the universe and my angels are willing to let me take part – I may not tell Patrick about it too far in advance just in case he has other ideas!
Wishing you all a wonderful year, hope to catch up with many of you along the way
2014 also brought the opportunity to connect with a particular friend from my past. Many years ago he helped me back into the jumping world after enforced career and family breaks had left me somewhat rusty. His quiet and simple approach to cross country training in particular probably was probably one of the turning points in my approach to horsemanship in general though I didn’t maybe recognise it at the time. Now he is helping me with a different approach to horse health and hoof care in particular. If you didn’t catch any of Nick Hill’s clinics here then check out the calendar for 2015 as he is returning.
Lots of changes have been made in the layout of the paddocks ready for next year. There are now a set of permanent turn out pens. My resident 3 now have a simple track system around the perimeter with stone and gravel not only to benefit their hooves but to keep the “muck run” operational through the wettest part of the year. The excess earth taken from the track has been put to positive use in 2 places – a new super-sized bank and the Coton Canyon which now needs some landscaping works to add finishing touches. A few new jumps, a bridge and a pool/sunken road are currently bedding in ready for summer clinics.
As for 2015 targets – once again it will be to Progress my Horsemanship. With Martin again in May and Dave in July and August there is now the awesome opportunity to ride on Buck Brannaman’s first ever UK clinic at Aintree in June. Just hope that 1) I can get enough homework in place before hand to be able to make the most of it and 2) that the universe and my angels are willing to let me take part – I may not tell Patrick about it too far in advance just in case he has other ideas!
Wishing you all a wonderful year, hope to catch up with many of you along the way