Monthly diary — July 2015

After teaching in Vienna I headed to Luhmühlen. The track was not really 4* level - the result of the sad death of a rider last year and a horse the year before - so the competition was really a dressage and show jumping test. While this caution is understandable I don't think it is healthy - some people have now qualified for 4* competitions who may not yet be up to the mark. This only sets the system up for further accidents. Tragedies do happen from time to time - they will never be eradicated and certainly not through easier courses. I cannot think of one accident that I know about that happened because either the fence or the course was too difficult.

Back in the UK I watched Lissa compete in the PN at Farley on a new horse - a chestnut mare called Minnie, who ironically features in my Petplan Masterclass DVD. She was very scared of water and while standing at the edge, dropped to her knees (with a rider on board) and sniffed the water. Then she stood up and waded in of her own accord... astonishing. With Lissa, she achieved a double clear but was too fast to be placed.

Then it was off to Shanghai for three days to visit a regional eventing team. Their aspirations are to do well at the Chinese National Championships which are 1* level, held every four years. I was impressed with the horses and riders especially given their lack of XC facilities and minimal opportunities to compete. It was strange though teaching in an open-sided covered school during a monsoon with paddy fields next door.

Back home, I finally fitted in an evening race stewarding - my first since Boxing Day. With a quiet month ahead I hope to fit in more.