Petplan Equine
Sponsored Rider - Lorna

November and December Update

November and December tend to be down time for the horses but since they haven�t had a full competition season during 2015, they have remained in light work this year. For Marco, this is also because I feel it is better for him to now remain shod over winter and in work as he gets older.

In November, Spangle and I attended the Findon Riding Club Dressage. Her canter was not good in the test, so we requested permission from the judge to go back in the arena and do the canter again. They allowed this so I went straight back in, got the canters without an issue and they were fine. Hopefully that sorts both of our minds out so that we can do it! I think I tense up and cause Spangle to react so I need to work on my mind. Canter in the warm up and around the arena edge had been great, it is now only in tests that the problem surfaces.

The 16th December saw me fly to London to meet the Petplan Equine team and some of the other sponsored riders for two days of training sessions about PR, social media and search engine optimisation. We also had the opportunity to provide our feedback on how the year of sponsorship has gone and to plan 2016 as we had the superb news that Petplan Equine will be sponsoring us for 2016. We were treated to VIP treatment at Olympia � a private box to watch the evening performance and the Kur which was very special, as well as meeting some contacts in the media world which hopefully will prove to be very useful. It is a real honour to have the opportunity to continue to work with such a great company. Not only a company that are helping us by way of sponsorship but that have been supportive and easy to work with when insuring my own horses and making claims.

On the 19th December, Findon Riding Club held their Christmas Dressage - I entered Spangle and we went with decorations, bells and jingles which Spangle approved of, we gained 66.6% and a second place in Prelim 18 and the Winter Prelim League class. For January, we move up to Novice. Having more to think about should suit Spangle (and me!). Her canter work has been the reason that we have not moved up to Novice up until now but it has improved a lot with the winter training so I feel the time is now right.

I have continued to organise evening training and occasional clinics for Findon Riding Club members and this has been well supported. We sometimes have to cancel due to weather conditions for travelling but we are mostly rather lucky. Unfortunately the latest jump clinic has been cancelled due to the high winds so hopefully we can get another suitable date. The weather has now improved to be mild and with only a light breeze. Spangle got out for a two hour hack with some good hill work with her field mate Floss.

Planning and preparation for 2016 is in full flow and I plan to post more about that on my blog (www.endurancehogg.com) and also on my new Facebook page (Lorna Hogg - Petplan Equine Sponsored Endurance Rider). I have had fun creating it over the festive period and have a lot more to add to it.