Petplan Equine
Sponsored Rider - Rachael

May and June Update

May began with Sleet’s 15th Birthday. A few days later I took Sleet to Eland Lodge hunter trials. He set off out the start box like a horse possessed! The boy absolutely flew round and we finished clear (as usual) taking 8th place out of around 30 competitors in our section. I was very happy as it was our first cross country of the year.

The weekend of the 17th May I moved my horses to a new yard! This was very exciting, stressful, but exciting!

24th May was the Area 12 side saddle Summer Show. We did some great classes; 1st in the intermediate equitation, 3rd in the open equitation and 3rd in the ladies classical all on Kingsclough Masquerade (Marcus)! I also entered the most hilarious class on Kirsty Fiona Heathcote’s 'Destiny' to take 2nd, to Kirsty herself, in the champagne challenge!

On the 29th of May Sleet and I were a feature on the Eland Lodge website. It began as a joke with the photographer, saying that with all the photos I have, I could probably make up the entire cross country track fence for fence! Just one fence off! But none the less, it made a quirky story and I will endeavour to get that last shot!

My Little Wing Man (Tristan) went out to play on June 7th at Long Eaton riding club. He was very good in the ring, coming 4th in the youngstock, 2nd in the cob class, and a fantastic 1st in the coloured class, which was the biggest class of the day! He’s growing up fast!

14th June was our first HOYS qualifying class with Kingsclough Masquerade! Marcus was a little lazy in the ring I have to admit, but his behaviour as always was impeccable, and obedient for the judge ride. Unfortunately we were pulled 8th out of 9. So not a great day results wise, but couldn’t fault the horse!

On the 11th June Sleet got a fat leg and I suspected a check ligament, so called the vet, they couldn’t come out until Monday, so suggested turning him out for 24 hours to keep the swelling down. The boy then started showing clinical signs of lameness in both fronts when presented to the vets on the Monday. The vet took some blood work which showed that Sleet had EMS. Luckily we caught it early so the vet was not too concerned and we will be able to manage it.

25th June – Petplan Equine organised for me to go down to Centaur Biomechanics with Russell Guire because they are doing an article in the customer magazine, Paces, on it. It was an absolutely amazing day and I loved every second! Russell is an absolute career crush and it was an honour to be involved! Sleet was perfectly behaved and I was so proud of him!

On the 27th June I had a lesson with Alwyn Varley at Wellow Equestrian. A bit of fun with a serious side! A lesson with some old college friends, by our old college instructor, a real blast from the past! Sleet was great, worked really well, and flew over the jumps like he was five again!

At the end of the month on the 28th June, I had the Derby county show with Kingsclough Masquerade. Well... what a day! We were pulled 3rd in the line and moved up to 2nd!! Shame it wasn't one higher to qualify but there have been several comments saying it should have been ours, as Marcus went foot perfect, gave the judge a lovely ride and the conformation judge loved him. Either way, I was so happy and we had a great time!!

Rachael’s top tip

When starting out side saddle, and from that point onwards, always make sure you have a good instructor. It is very easy to lose 'sight' of your position, and how you're riding when your sideways, and a lot of people can collapse to one side or twist without even realising! When schooling have someone on the ground to be your eyes, or set up a camera at the end of the school and watch it back! Self assessment is a vital tool, and gives your brain great visual feedback to be able to correct weak areas.