Jack - Petplan Equine Ambassador

Well a lot has happened since my last update! After the slow wet spring the summer has certainly been hot and busy, competing at fourteen affiliated events. I think a few too many events to go through one by one so this update I'll fill you in on each horses highlights over the summer.

Jerry (Tambourine Man) finished the season feeling great with some super double clears, coming 5th at Broadway on a super 26 dressage. We arrived at 6.30 in the morning and I walked the course in the dark! Rather interesting trying to find the fences! We were early to go cross country so picked up 2.8 time faults due to the tight time and heavy wind and rain. He also jumped a great double clear at Monmouth to finish 3rd in the open.

Minnie (Key West) has picked up some amazing results in our first season together. A huge highlight of the whole season was at West Wilts in August where we scored a 13 in the dressage to go on to win! She does move beautifully and I knew it was a really great test but it was still a bit of a shock. It was wonderful that Horse & Hound Magazine picked up on it and we made an appearance. Minnie also picked up two 2nd places at both of the Calmsden events in July and October and a 3rd at West Wilts in June.

Harley (Hallo Harlequin) and I have really bonded this year. He has really taken to his first season eventing and picked up lots of late placings. He jumped six consecutive clears in the show jumping, which is incredible as it's my weakest phase. When we then had one down for being too excitable at Goring Heath and broke our clear record I think I nearly cried!

He has slightly been robbed of two wins; at both Homme House and Broadway he was in the lead heading cross country and at both events just showed his greenness and picked up silly 20 penalties. His highlights have been finishing the season with 3 great confident runs at BE100 and picking up a 4th, 6th and two 7ths. His dressage is his weak link so we have lots to work on this winter.

Unfortunately some very sad news, my beautiful pocket rocket Bella (Bellatrix) was kicked in the field and sustained an irreparable injury and I was left with no choice but to have her put to sleep. To say I'm devastated is an understatement, I have taken huge comfort that I saw what happened and was with her the whole time. It's something no horse owner ever wants to happen and something nothing can ever prepare you for. A big thanks must go to the wonderful vets at B&W Equine for such a fast response.

As this season has come to an end I've had some wonderful days eventing, with lots of laughs with great friends and supporters who helped me all season and help keep me and my horses fit and healthy. I can't thank everyone enough - it makes the early starts and long journeys even more worthwhile. The horses are all enjoying some down time, looking hairy, muddy and a little bit chubby! I can't wait to start making plans for the 2019 season and see what happens.