Monthly diary — March

Lissa really sussed out CF and has shown me a thing or two. She quickly realised that although he tends to tank off with his head in the air, he needs to be ridden with loads of leg to lift him off his forehand. It's the sort of problem I see all the time at clinics, yet I've been quite feeble in recognising it in my own horse.

I've had several coaching sessions with Lissa which have made me realise how out of balance we've become. She could tell me much quicker than I could feel when CF was on his forehand and constantly reminded me to keep my weight back and leg on. The difference in how he's going is marked.

Hilary Vernon, a bitting specialist, also visited CF. He and his mouth are so sensitive. She recommended an unbroken half moon snaffle paired with a Grakle noseband and this seems to suit him well.

As a result, despite having only ridden him a dozen times since our crash at Hartpury (see September 2011 diary), we headed for Gatcombe where he was much improved.