Monthly diary — April 2013

Suddenly he became severely but intermittently lame. He was found to have ossified cartilage in his shoulder and Navicular, yet somehow he’d never showed it until now, testimony to his courage. He’s returned to his owners and we’re all gutted.

On the upside, the mares are all coming on after four BE100s each. Raffa (6), is still a baby but has started taking on the cross-country and is a joy showjumping. Daisy (7), is feeling strong and confident and will do her first Novice shortly. At one event, Lissa gave her a little reminder which sent her crossly full tilt round the final three showjumps.

Before the cross country I borrowed a double bridle to give Lissa some brakes and they reached the start just as a hailstorm hit, yet they still achieved a good round. Another outing, Daisy had me laughing out loud during the dressage as she cantered when asked to trot and stopped dead when asked to canter. She’s such a character.

Lissa’s other ride, Jack, is going well and they and Cry Freedom and I, are running back-to-back at Withington – it’s Lissa’s first Advanced and a challenge for us both. Back home Destiny is recovering well from her splint injury – probably inflicted by Daisy, the boss.