Petplan Equine
Sponsored Rider - Charlotte

July to September Update

July started with the arrival of two training pupils: Ben Franks and Ollie Mann. They both came here with their horses and stayed for a few weeks to train and work on the yard to enhance their knowledge. Both got to ride a variety of horses, and competed their own horses at shows. Both horses and riders improved dramatically and when they went home, both were given a programme to follow to help their development.

We had a few new horses arrive, one being a familiar face, Hero, who I sold in January. He has come back to be sold as he is too powerful for his new owners. I also picked up two new rides, both owned by Ellie Gorton: Carlifax (Carl), an eight year old German Warmblood, and Little Pocket Rock II (Winnie), a six year old Irish Sports Horse. Carl and Winnie are real assets to the team and fantastic horses.

August saw us celebrate being at our new base for one year, and it's extraordinary how time flies and how much has happened. We moved to an area where we knew no one; and now I am starting to build up a good base of clients and am teaching on a regular basis.

On the 4th August, one of my life long dreams came true. I had previously qualified with my Pony Club, OBH South for the Hickstead Pony Club Championships. I decided to ride Cora Belle as she has been to Hickstead many times before. We had to jump a preliminary round in one of the back rings, the Petplan Equine ring and then the top eight teams got through to the main International arena. We were very early on in the day to go, which worked in our favour as the ground was very wet. Cora was fantastic if not a little wild and posted a clear for the team. The team ended on eight faults from the first round and then it was an agonising wait to see if we had done enough to qualify. It was down to the wire watching the last few teams. But we had done it and we were through to the main arena! The team then prepared for the main arena but we all had very unlucky poles. Then we had to jump off for third place; and I was elected to do the jump off. We posted the fastest time, but again had a very unlucky fence. We ended up 5th, and got to parade around the main arena. It was such an amazing moment. The years of watching people jump round that historic arena, and I had actually done it. A moment I will never forget.

Winnie and Carl have jumped some fantastic rounds, with Winnie already qualifying for the British Novice Second Rounds, and jumping round her first Newcomers. Carl has also been a star and jumped round his first Foxhunter to come 2nd. Later in the month, I competed in the British Novice with Winnie at Crofton Manor to win! I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to produce these horses which have a very bright future in the sport.

We have had a lot of nutritionists come to the yard, as I feel this is an area we have been slacking on. We decided to go with Pure Feeds, as I like that it is simple and I liked their ethos. I have been using Pure Feeds now for over a month and the change in my horses has been drastic. Before changing feeds, I was a little cynical as to whether a change in their diet could make a noticeable change, but the horses are holding much better condition, their coats are looking better, and their performance is so much better. It is peace of mind now knowing that all the horses are receiving the correct nutrition, and absolutely love the feed!

Many of you may be aware that my mum has been battling ovarian cancer, with secondary cancers, for the last few years. She has been in remission once, but unfortunately the disease has reared its ugly head again. She also suffers with lymphoedema which is a really horrible side effect of cancer. We are planning on running an open day at the yard with clinics with top riders, demonstrations and stands. This is in the early stages of planning, but in hope of raising money for Ovarian Cancer and lymphoedema charities.

In September we went to Rectory Farm. Ebbie jumped a super round in the British Novice for just two down. It was the most controlled and calm round we have ever jumped. Winnie, jumped double clear in the Discovery and then jumped her first Newcomers for just one down. This little mare is fantastic. She has scope to burn, and is brave too. In two months she has gone from no BS record, to having all her British Novice double clears, nearly all her Discovery and starting to jump Newcomers! Cora Belle was her usual wild self and we did our first 1.20 as a partnership. She was feeling a little too well, which resulted in some poles due to lack of rhythm, but I am so happy with her. She is 18 years old; and just keeps feeling better and better!