Monthly diary — February 2015
Lucinda Green
Read all about what legendary eventer Lucinda Green has been up to this month.
After 28 days teaching in the US, Australia and NZ, I’m glad to be back. The clinics went well, and it will be interesting to see how they compare with the Petplan clinics starting next month. I also managed to visit the spectacular Grand Canyon (it's been on my bucket list for years) and an old eventing friend in NZ. Lissa, who looked after HQ for me, was less than enamoured when I returned. Initially she loved HQ but this had certainly worn off after a month, reporting that she wasn't sure about her attitude. To be fair, HQ certainly has a hitch on the flat, rearing and bucking all in one, as soon as she’s put under pressure. She can become snarky and tells you if she dislikes something. However, I feel she has maybe been asked too much too soon and still has a lot of physical developing to do. While I’ve been away she’s just ticked over on hacks and even in the few days I’ve been doing more with her, her eyes look bigger and brighter again. So, we’ll see… I still love her personality and her jump, and feel there’s a good horse in there. You have to be a bit arrogant to feel you can be the one that might bring it out or you would never try anything - there is no perfect horse. Only time will tell, but either way, HQ’s a very good, sensible hunter…
Tip of the month:
Across country you need to be ready for trouble at all times as you never know when it may strike. Being able to feel when you are in that ‘ready for trouble’ balance going into, over and landing from a fence, is vital. Avoid perching forward in the last few strides of a jump approach as this is a recipe for run outs or hitting the deck - use your dressage seat (with shorter stirrups) in those last few strides.
