Tour de France!

Hello hello, sorry it has been so long since my last update, there has been so much going on, technology has also been problematic at my end but think we're there now! Where shall I start?? Mike did well with Woodlander Dornroeschen at the Winters to win the Intermediare 1 FS. We have taken a few horses out to Addington and Somerford Premier Leagues to get qualifications for the Nationals, we just have a few more to get so will be aiming for Hartpury Premier League!!

Le Chateau

Somerford was also great as a warm up for the International in Compiegne, France which we did at the end of May beginning of June. The facilities at Somerford were lovely in the gorgeous sunshine, Mike rode Half Moon Delphi in the Grand Prix and I contested my first Intermediare 2 with U Rockstar who coped extremely well, it was the new test which was quite challenging for me to learn with lots of new lines, I felt that it was so good for him to do a new test, he knows the Small Tour tests so well and it really made him concentrate and listen to me! Great preparation for the Small Tour in France which was next on the agenda!! France was lovely, I had the luxury of taking my little beetle while Mike and Mum drove the truck (Dad had to be collected from the airport was my excuse ;-)) The showground was beautiful, it was lovely and spacious boasting natural sand and although it was in the centre of a large town felt like it was in the middle of the countryside. The town itself was beautiful, very cosy with lots of history, there was a river running through middle which in the hot sunshine made it feel like I was on holiday! Mike took Half Moon Delphi for the Big Tour and Woodlander Dornroeschen for the Small Tour, I took Woodlander Rockstar and U Rockstar for the Small Tour as they are not quite established at Grand Prix yet, their show names do get very confusing as they are so similar! Half Moon Delphi continued to strutt her stuff, she was in a slightly more amicable mood than Woodlander Dornroeschen who looked amazing but had her own agenda and was not to be influenced so easily!! My boys were good, Woodlander Rockstar was consistent as usual (so good seeing as he had been away at Stud doing his duties not long before) and felt nicely established in the atmosphere which was particularly eery for the Intermediare 1 Freestyle. U Rockstar was a little tense in the PSG, he was much more relaxed for the Intermediare 1 and came very close to having his first National Anthem played, he just had a slight lapse of concentration coming to the end of the two tempis which cost us the win but never the less I was pleased with him.



Rocco tucking into tea!



Both boys are feeling so strong and good in themselves, they are both working towards Grand Prix and I hope to get Woodlander Rockstar out to do an Intermediare 2 aswell before too long, the Small Tour feels well within their comfort zone now, not just the movements but also regarding their fitness, I remember what a challenge the Small Tour was for them when I started it in 2010, one test would easily take it out of them, working towards Grand Prix has really helped them to mature in strength and fitness, it has taken a while with it being such a big step on from Small Tour but I think we are getting there now!! Mum had her birthday as we were returning home from France which was a shame because we were in a rush again, her birthday treat was not having to drive the truck back bless her, no, not really, we are planning on a surprise when things are a little quieter. It wasn't long before Mum Mike and Dad were off to Rotterdam where Mike contested his first Nations Cup with Half Moon Delphi. Mike did a great job finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix Special with 71% which has put him nicely at the top of the shortlist re selection! Marakov also went well in the CDI Tour finishing with 69% in the Grand Prix Special. The Competition was hot hot hot as it was final selection for most Nations! I stayed at home to hold the fort, and was kept nicely busy with riding and teaching.

Woodlander Wavavoom has now arrived back home from his trip to Germany, he has been there since the beginning of this year. He is currently back at Stud and will be going to Hartpury PL/CDI for the Gala Evening so am very much looking forward to seeing him!! We have Hartpury Premier League and International and then Hickstead PL shortly after, we also have a few day shows lined up in preparation for the Regionals, also using the opportunity to take some youngsters out. Then it wont be long before the Nationals and the World Young Horse Championships are happening somewhere inbetween, it's go go go!!!

Ps I have managed to fit in a bit of social time as well, not easy with such a busy schedule but I have decided it is very necessary! I went to a local Point to Point which was a first, enjoyed placing some bets and met a few old friends! On returning from France I very much enjoyed travelling down South for Hannah Biggs Wedding, it was such a special occassion and she looked soo beautiful.