Monthly diary — April 2015

As HQ really did hate flatwork, we've been lucky enough to find her a lovely new home. She will be turned out all summer and then in the autumn she's off to Badminton - just not as an eventer. She will hunt from Badminton House Stables without a dressage arena in sight. I'm so happy for her as she's a cracking horse - but now the search is on again for a horse that loves cross-country as much as HQ but does not detest dressage.

Meanwhile Lissa headed to Aldon with Ali and Raffa. Ali, who goes well in a snaffle at home is hard to balance out and goes onto his forehand more than ever. However, with two different nosebands and a bit combination suggested by his previous owner, Lissa remained in control of his balance and he went very well. Lissa's patience with Raffa is also paying off as she's gone from quite timid cross-country to loving it and having the trust to attack her fences. It's such a fine line with some horses - too much care can mean not enough courage.

Looking ahead, I'm delighted that Badminton has fewer entries this year - perhaps it's an indication that combinations lacking experience or fitness are thinking twice. We still need to have pinnacles to aspire to and the standard at Badminton has been dissipated over the years. Eventing's heart must remain in the cross-country and not principally down to dressage and showjumping. The cross-country test is unique and needs to be understood and executed as the art and the science that it is.