Monthly diary — July

It just shows, the jockey does matter. However, wearing a new US-style figure-of-eight noseband, CF then did his best ever cross-country. Whether it was the noseband or an early lost front shoe, I don't know, but he was SO connected and not madly pulling.

For Lissa's Danny, Barbury was make or break. We'd agreed that if his showjumping was questionable, we wouldn't run him cross-country. His dressage was OK but he didn't look happy over the bigger fences, so we pulled him. After much soul-searching, Lissa has decided to find Danny a new home competing up to Novice level where he's comfortable. She adores him, so it's a tough decision.

However, we both had cause for delight and frustration due to Lissa's young mare's performance in the Young Event Horse class. Her dressage was much improved compared to Houghton, but she received even worse marks. Her showjumping was beyond question though – she's so clearly in her element, it's thrilling to watch.

As for the Olympics, the pressure is now really building for our team members. They will all be trying to carry on as normal while keeping everything crossed that they and their horses remain in one piece. Everyone is only too aware how easily things can change, especially after Piggy French's sad departure from the team following her two horses both being injured in a month. Even those who do make London may find the pressure is too much. The Olympics is unique.