Country Diary 2009

28th December, Monday holiday day

2009-12-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

Jo (Mel's friend) came round with her horse today, and we went out for a ride. It was a hard frost last night, and the temperature didn't really lift at all through the morning. We left at 10.30am and there were still some really bad icy patches on the road. We had a nice hack round to Itchingfield, and Ellie was quite bright, but was very good.

She is improving all the time with traffic, and is almost ok now with a slow moving car. Still.... won't be riding up any main roads with her yet!!!!

Boxing Day

2009-12-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

They are hunting today, but as I haven't even sat on Ellie for 2 weeks decided this one wasn't for us.

Went on foot instead, and Mel & Rick came to the meet as well and we had mulled wine, and I went and chatted to everyone. Hazel and Sorrel came for the walk.

Nearly all the snow has gone now with all the rain, but it is still cold, although there is the odd cloud break, and a bit of the suns rays filter through.

I had a little chat with the huntsman to find out where they were going, and I took Rick & Mel to Hay Barn so we could watch a little bit as they all galloped round in the mud.

There were meant to be 80 mounted today, so I was pleased not to have taken Ellie, although when I was at the meet I wished I'd had been mounted.

We came home and tacked up - me on Risque - and went to see if we could find them, but found out through Lizzie that they had gone south so we weren't going to hack that far.

Had a good blast round and got plastered in mud, but a real good pipe opener for the horses. Risque loved it.

24th December, Christmas Eve Risque is 15 today

2009-12-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

Woke up and the rain overnight has melted a lot of the snow. However, the yard is still thick with ice where it has built up over the last few days of snow and freezing temperatures.

Hunting has been cancelled today.... but it is not meant to be quite so cold tomorrow so I expect Boxing Day meet will be on.

21st December, Monday Bakers Shoot Rusty is 10 2morrow

2009-12-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hunting is cancelled today.... too snowy and icy.

Went to the shoot instead......

Bakers Shoot
Rusty, Hazel and Sorrel

Everywhere is still covered with snow and ice.... the glam of it all has definitely subsided and now it is just a pain.... the horses are ploughing up the field galloping about and playing is 'white stuff' and can't be exercised because the drive is like an ice rink.

Took all 3 dogs today. Rain is forecast, and it did rain on and off for most of the day. But it is still so cold. Much off the rain is falling as sleet and we did have some hail. It is settling on top of the snow and forming more ice... it is lethal to walk on...

The dogs did great, but it was so cold came back at lunch time and got the horses in and left the 2 vizsla's at home and just had the lab out this afternoon for 2 last drives... It was nearly dark at the last drive. Poor pheasants.... :-(

19th December, Saturday Thick Snow

2009-12-19T08:22:00.001-08:00

Hunting on Foot

Too snowy to go on horses, so met on foot, and footfollowed a bit with Rusty.

Nice afternoon, wasn't out for long, as had to get my own horses in, but lovely meet with port and sausage rolls.

18th December, Friday Findon Valley Thick Snow

2009-12-19T04:07:00.000-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel and Sorrel

Today is thick snow, just beautiful scenery, all the branches are heavy with snow. Later the sun came out, with blue skies, it could have been Switzerland. It was just gorgeous.

We did 5 drives this morning, and 2 this afternoon, finishing really late. There weren't the birds there that there should have been and I think the total bag was about 150, about half of what there usually is.

This had a lot to do with the guns only trying to shoot the really high birds, and then missing, and not even shooting at the low birds.

It was a bit frustrating day for the 'keeper, but Gay and I were stocked up with our raspberry vodka and sloe gin, along with sausage rolls, and we had a really great day.... including a snowball fight with anyone who suggested we'd had a drink!!! :-)

15th December, Tuesday Ellie H

2009-12-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

Ellie
Hunting

Met just up the road from me, so was able to hack to the meet. I know it is going to be muddy but think this is a good time for Ellie to really know that hunting is all about going fast and jumping. and going fast and jumping is what we did.

Jumped loads of things, and this is really Ellie first day of doing this many fences. waaaohhh... she gave me a great ride, and what a difference sitting on a scopey horse.

A couple of fences I really messed up and she just flew.... actually she is better a sorting it out than I am.... gave me such a good feel, especially when she just took off over a fallen fir tree, we were a mile off it but she just lept.... she was a bit buzzy today and overall no naughty losing the plot issues at all.... didn't kick anyone.... and no bucking..... fantastic.... have we got it sorted now?????????

Could be a cracking hunter... fingers crossed xxxx

12th December, Saturday

2009-12-12T09:39:00.001-08:00

Hunting has been cancelled as there is strangles in the area and due to lack of country with shooting and the wet a beach ride has been organised.

Picked up arnie & gail, and went down to the beach. Really cold wind but at least it is a bright day. Rode down onto the beach to see that the tide is up :( !!!!

Thought the best option was to ride along the road to the next car park where we could access the beach and join them there. No hounds, and not nearly as many people as I thought would turn up. A few people were negotiating the sea and trying to get round the breakwaters. It is so stony - well almost rocky that I think that could be a bit risky and a horse could easily trip up on the rocks so I didn't want to chance it with Risque.

The tide is still up so we did another half an hour round the roads, and by then the tide had gone out and we had a lovely canter all the way up the beach and back. The horses loved it and the sun came out a bit, and the wind dropped a little so nice jolly was had by all (in the end!!)

11th December, Friday Findon

2009-12-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel and Sorrel

Off today and it is very foggy to start.... however, the fog is soon clearing so although we started a bit later, it didn't really effect anything.
Had a nice day.... the dogs are really into it now and are definitely a bit calmer. The know what they are meant to do.

They sat nicely off lead through all the drives, but one drive at steyning valley I was chatting and stood near the guns and Hazel ran in.... she is so naughty if she thinks she can get away with it.

However, Hazel picked 1 live partride, and Sorrel a partridge and pheasant both live, during the drive beautifully. I was so pleased with them as I was stood next to Alan.

Overall I picked loads of birds today, which is great fun for me and the dogs. Hazel did retrieve a rabbit at the end!!!!!!!! but fortunately nobody saw but other than that they both did really well.

10th December, Thursday Ellie H

2009-12-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ellie
Hunting
We met on the downs and what a lovely day. The sun was shining, and the sky blue. After 6 weeks of rain it was lovely to see. Ellie was very good overall. I twas as expected... quite a quiet day and with quite a bit of standing. Thought that would do Ellie good. However, we did have some fast gallops over beautiful turf. You couldn't have asked for more perfect going. I didn't do any jumping today, there was no need, so I thought it was a bit pointless.

Overall ellie did have a couple of 'moments' when she wanted to go somewhere to where I wanted to go!!! but was able to quietly sort them out, and I was really pleased with her. Came back about 2ish - a bit earlier than normal but apparantly they were going further afield so a lot of the field left at that point.

Nice day

7th December, Monday

2009-12-11T09:48:00.001-08:00

Today they are hunting away, so didn't do this away trip so will wait for Thursday's meet and take Ellie out then. Instead, did some Christmas shopping

6th December, Sunday

2009-12-07T10:40:00.001-08:00

Gail came over this morning, and we hacked out. Mel was due to come with us, but wasn't feeling great so didn't come up the yard this morning, leaving Rick to do her horses.

Went for a good canter round and got plastered in mud!!!

5th December, Saturday Findon Shoot

2009-12-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well, today they are hunting in Lincolnshire!!!!! What a trek.... I really wonder is anyone will bother to go that far!!!

Decided to give this meet a miss, and went to the shoot instead. Both shoot days clashed today, so choose Findon, not just because it pays better, but it is better in every way, more birds, good company. etc,

It isn't actually raining yet, but it's forecast for this afternoon..... November was meant to be the wettest on record.... no surprises there.... but December seems to be following on :-(

Only Sue and I in the landrover, and Simon and David also were part of the team today, although Simon took his own vehicle.

Both Sorrel and Hazel worked really well, and we picked loads of birds. Some really good shots today. On the first drive I was behind Jacky Stewart... a right character, but he also shot really well... other 'celebrebs' were out today, Duke of Kent, Sir Richard and we got a sloe gin at breakfast... more like half a beaker which isn't ideal for me who doesn't eat breakfast!!! but think I got over it by lunch time!!!

The rain set in after lunch, and they just did the one drive. Mel had done my horses today so nice to know I didn't have to much to do when I got home.

The rain that was forecast set in after lunch.

3rd December, Thursday

2009-12-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Risque
Belmoredean
Went and had a lesson this afternoon. It has turned colder today, but it has remained dry for most of the day, just a couple of showers.
She was a good girl and I think she produced some nice work.

Maybe time for a change in trainer? Didn't feel quite as positive with Robbie when I left....

1st December, Tuesday

2009-12-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

They are hunting today, but I think I have only ridden Ellie once since our last time out hunting and obviously I didn't get chance to ride yesterday, so gave it a miss today. Also where they are going is very wet, and it wouldn't surprise me if most places are flooded.

As it turned out, today stayed dry, and I did have a few moments of wishing I'd gone. Next time....

30th November, Monday

2009-12-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel & Sorrel

Raining again.... can you believe it.

Tried to keep the dogs in the vehicle as much as possible so they didn't have to sit for long at the drive soaking wet. I always feel a bit sorry for them having to sit for such a long period in such cold weather, and they are always shivering.

Anyway, picked lots of birds. Dogs were really busy all day, and it did dry up in the afternoon. So good day really.

29th November, Sunday

2009-11-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

Mike came over and Mel and I hacked out. Took them on a new ride, and Ellie was very good, although she did kick Mike, which wasn't exactly nice now was it!!!

torrential rain today. Everywhere seems under water!!!

28th November, Saturday

2009-11-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

They are hunting today, but as I haven't ridden all week, decided to give it a miss. Hacked out on Risque with Mel. Risque was so good, and had a nice ride. Still so wet everywhere. did more roads and a bit in the woods but it hasn't stopped raining all week. No shoot yesterday, which gave me a chance to get my neck and shoulder better. There is an outside day today, but will be picking up on Monday, so that's fine.

25th November, Wednesday

2009-11-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today my neck is bad from my fall yesterday, so what with my shoulder and back, not that clever. Decide to do stuff in the office today and not ride. I am having my shoulder injected into tomorrow, so hopefully that will start to improve.

Had to take the car over to East Grinstead to get an estimate after my 'crash' last week. Got the trailer looked at, and hopefully can get all this sorted relatively quickly. Even so, both insurance companies want me to pay my excess so that is £200 to find.

24th November, Tuesday Ellie Hunting

2009-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hunting Ellie

Was getting her ready, when let her out of her stable onto the yard so she could walk about a bit before the midday meet, when she had other ideas. She decided she should be in the field, and jumped the gate!!!! Quite impressive really.... except Panache thought that was well clever, and galloped round the field with Ellie for about 10 minutes getting absolutely plastered. Ellie was in her stable rug which had slipped and she then decided to roll in her mud bath!!! What a state!!! Got her in and had to hose her off, so she never got plaited.

Went to the meet. Went to get on and she whipped round, gallopped off and bucked just as I was in the air. She sent me flying, landing on my back and then cracking the back of my head. Managed to find a couple of people to hold her, and did get on... and off we went. The meet is at SS home, near Bridget so I was right in thinking there wouldn't be much jumping. Actually I didn't jump anything which was slightly disappointing as I would have liked a couple of easy ones. Overall she was good once I was on!!! and didn't really have any issues. It was a good day for her to come out and get used to things, as not that many in the field. Stayed till the end as it is getting dark so early now. Think the came home at about 3.30pm, with dark forbidding clouds overhead, but didn't get too wet.

23rd November, Monday Bakers Shoot

2009-11-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Bakers Shoot
Rusty and Sorrel

Took them out this morning. another day of heavy showers, although managed to stay reasonably dry. Must try and allocate some time to get Sorrel handling better. Wanted to send her for a relatively straight forward retrieve, so a blind about 40 yds and all she did was run off to the left, and when I stopped her she ran to the right. Couldn't get her to go back a t all. This si only down to my lack of training so I should make an effort.

After lunch, I came home. It was torrential rain so got the horses in and fortunately missed beating through. For about 15 mins it was just a flood.

Then took Rusty and Jasmine for the last 2 drives. Jasmine whined and howled whilst sitting through the drive which was very annoying, and neither dog got a retrieve as I had to stand a long way back so hopefully nobody heard all the noise that Jaz was making!!

22nd November, Sunday

2009-11-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

Fittleworth Common
Ellie

Met Gail and Carrie for a hack this morning. Had asked Mel if she wanted to come but she was busy today, so just took Ellie.

We had only just got on when it started raining, and after 10 mins it was absolutely torrential. I would never have ridden in rain like this.... it was just awful and windy.

We thought it would stop but it didn't. the horses hated it, but we carried on. I was so cold and wet.

went and had a hot bath when I got home, everywhere is flooded at the moment.

21st November, Saturday Hunt Ball

2009-11-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

They are hunting today, but because of the ball tonight and I have a hair appointment this afternoon gave it a miss. I could also have gone on the shoot, but wanted to enjoy tonight and not have to rush around too much!!

Amber & Holly came this morning for the weekend, so all the pennies add up!!

Had a lovely time at the ball and realised how many people I know now.

Raining again - really heavy

Fields are looking muddy now :-(

Risque and

20th November, Friday Findon Valley

2009-11-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel and Sorrel

Raining again. Started off really horrible this morning, really windy as well which is horrible when you are on the downs.

I was with Gay and Beth in the land rover which was great.

Had a good day, had loads of retrieving and Hazel worked her socks off. Such a good little dog.

19th November, Thursday Van crashed into trailer

2009-11-22T09:08:00.002-08:00

Royal Leisure
Risque
Medium 62

On the way to the show we were waiting behind parked traffic to go up Henfield High Street, when a van suddenly started reversing back into us. I had thought it was someone just pulling out of their parking space until I realised there were no reversing lights on and suddenly it clicked that there was no one in the vehicle. It was heading straight for me so I tried to pull out into the on coming traffic but they wouldn't let me out. I was at a steep angle at this point and the van crashed straight into the side of the trailer. Fortunately Risque was ok, but pretty shock up. The driver had parked on a hill, and not put the hand brake on, gone to the cash point opposite and I was the one the damn van hit!!!! I got names and addresses but I was really late by the time I arrived at the show. I had about 10 mins to warm up, and Risque was really sharp, so really needed more time, but did the test anyway.

Got 64% which I was pleased with, at least she was ok.

18th November, Wednesday

2009-11-22T09:08:00.001-08:00

Ellie
Kens

Very windy so Gail didn't come. Only let me know at the last minute which was annoying. Anyway, Lynne and I went and really pleased we did go.

finished at 1.05m parrell which was a decent fence for them both

17th November, Tuesday

2009-11-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hunting had been cancelled today as the huntsman has a bad back.

Jacky came over for a dog training session with Betsy who was boarding / training here last week. That all went well so really pleased, and Jacky seemed really pleased which is the main thing.

Took Risque for a dressage training session at Belmoredean, and she did go well. It helped that she heard the hounds in the kennels when we arrived so she was probably hoping that she was going hunting.

It wasn't a bad today weather wise, which is just typical when I'm riding indoors.

16th November, Monday Bakers Shoot

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bakers Shoot
Hazel and Rusty

Took Rusty for a run out as he hasn't been out this season. Actually he was very good, but did whine whilst waiting at the drives which is very annoying. Hazel was a good girl and worked hard. Not great weather again. Raining although dried up later.

15th November, Sunday

2009-11-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Downs Ride
Took Ellie and Risque, and Mel rode Risque and met Gail and Carrie with Beanie and Arnie and did the ride from Findon up to Chantonbury and round. Gave all the horses a bit of a blast, and it is a nice quick 50 min ride, with a fair amount of cantering on lovely turf.

All the horses were so well behaved, and Ellie is getting like an old plod!!! Just need her to be like this out hunting.

Did some more training with Betsy and she has done great, and is being collected later.

14th November, Saturday

2009-11-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

They are hunting with the VWH today, so won't be travelling there.

Shooting at Bakers, but have said I will go on Monday. Thank god I made that decision as today was the most horrendous weather. Gale force winds, and rain ! So much rain again.

Mike came over in the morning and we had a whizz round down to Dog Barking and up through Madgelands, and escaped the worse of the weather. Ellie was very fresh, but went great, it was all that windy weather with leaves blowing everywhere that wakes her up!!

13th November, Friday - Findon Valley

2009-11-14T01:19:00.001-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel and Sorrel

It was torrential rain today. Got soaked. Sorrel was cold and hated sat out in sheet rain. Everyone was a bit fed up, and after lunch they just did one drive and called it a day.

Rain, rain and more heavy rain :-(

12th November, Thursday

2009-11-14T01:15:00.000-08:00

Ellie
Turtles Farm

Took Ellie today over to Roz at Turtle Farm and we are going to go round her canter track. I thought this might give me an opportunity to 'sort her out' if she starts her bucking, but she was as good as gold.

Actually, she was brilliant and still only 4 years old. The good thing about her is that she doesn't get stressy, and tied up at the trailer no problem while I tacked up, and was completely chilled. She only got a bit lit up when a couple of horses where galloping around in the next field, but at least she didn't buck.

11th November, Wednesday

2009-11-14T01:14:00.000-08:00

Betsy arrived today for boarding / training, so did a bit with her today just working on her picking up a dummy but she wasn't very keen. Lots to work on.

9th November, Monday

2009-11-14T01:12:00.000-08:00

Did the horses early and went to Bec's for supper tonight, and stayed over, coming back Tuesday. Nice to have a catch up, and helped her load Bentley into the lorry on Tuesday as she is taking him to the vets for a knee operation. Hope it all goes well for him. Such a shame when he was just about to go intermediate.

7th November, Saturday Opening Meet Risque + Ellie

2009-11-08T02:32:00.001-08:00

Opening Meet Knepp Castle

Risque and Ellie

After the last few days, today is sunny and remained so all day. Got both horses ready and plaited first thing this morning and put Ellie back out and hope she wouldn't roll and rub her plaits out.

Took Risque to the meet. She hasn't done any Autumn Hunting, so I wondered if she would have been a bit sharp, but she was perfectly behaved. I didn't think there were quite the numbers that there were last year, but certainly a lot of familiar faces at the meet.

Set off, and went with about 10 of us round the first load of fences. It always seems a bit manic at the first fence as everyone queues waiting for their go, so joined up later, and Risque went really well. As I was on Rsique I didn't jump any of the hedges, but she jumped all the timber really well, and she gave me a brilliant ride. She is just such an amazing horse to ride. Had a fab time.

As they headed up towards the pub for a half way 'rest' I took Risque home and got Ellie. Fortunately she still looked presentable and took her to the pub. They had already left, which was fine, as I didn't want Ellie to stand around for too long and be a pain, so off we hacked to find them. It did take longer than I thought, but actually was good for Ellie to go somewhere new on her own, and do a fair bit of cantering before meeting up with the last few people that were still out.

She never bucked at all whilst we were on our own but did get a bit lit up when we met all the hounds, and did have several bucking moments which was a bit of a shame, as I had thought she might take it all in her stride, so I still have so much still to do with her. However the couple of jumps we did were great and I know she can be a well mannered hunter, when is the question!!!

Sadly, she is terrified of the quad bikes, and as I am always at the back because she bucks, we always seem to have the quads coming up the back of us. Hopefully one day she may get used to it!!! Anyway, we stayed till the huntsman blew for home and then back to the pub again and then home.

Great day.....

6th November, Friday Findon

2009-11-08T02:26:00.000-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel and Sorrel

It is much cooler now, and the temperature I suppose is more normal for November. Put my shooting jacket on for the first time this season, and still I wasn't that warm. I think it was about a 300 bird day, and would normally have had more to pick up but there were a lot of dogs out with the guns, so we always let their dogs pick the dead birds around the pegs and just do anything further back. Sue, Beth and me in the landrover and steve was also out. Started raining at about 3pm and got quite cold. Drove home in quite heavy rain but the dogs both did well so had a good day.

3rd November, Tuesday Ellie AH

2009-11-08T02:21:00.000-08:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

This is the last one before the Opening Meet on Saturday. We met at lunch time, and hacked the short distance to the meet at one of the Masters house in driving rain. In fact my saddle was soaked just in the short time it took me to get on. It wasn't long before I was really wet and there were driving wind and rain. Ellie had just been clipped yesterday, and we had to stand for a while and she was stewing up which is always hard when we are all stood together and I haven't really got any room to move.

We went miles South, and was probably out for 4 hours. It brightened up and the rain stopped, and it was good for Ellie to get through the naughty bucking and settle, although she was really tired hacking home.

We followed the old railway line for miles on the hack home, but I did really enjoy the day.

1st November, Sunday Mel arrives

2009-11-01T02:48:00.000-08:00

Today Mel starts as a new livery with her 2 horses Tia and Roselle. They seem to have settled in, and were very good in the field, and just started grazing. This will be a little extra money for me and it all helps.

Mum is in hospital having her hip done and will visit today.

Weather..... OMG.... driving rain, almost galeforce wind.... absolutely horrible. Risque lost a shoe yesterday so can't ride her, and had intended to ride Ellie today but because of the weather will give it a miss..... just ghastly..... :(

31st October, Saturday Bakers Shoot

2009-11-01T02:17:00.000-08:00

Bakers Shoot
Hazel & Sorrel

Today is drizzling a bit but still mild so put on coat and hat and then was too hot!! We have 7 drives to do and then off for a late lunch. I know what it will be like with not much picking up. However, that was a bit of an understatement!!!!

Hazel picked 2 birds all day and Sorrel none. Thank god I have the picking up at Findon, otherwise this would be a bit dire... but as it turns out I think it did the dogs good to sit up at a drive off lead and work on their steadiness. I also did some whistle stops and more heel work, so it was really beneficial. Sorrel ran in twice yesterday for the first time, so it won't do her any harm.

I had intended to come home and swop dogs over and take the other 2 out but there was so little retrieving to do I thought it would probably wind them up too much just sat and nothing else so didn't bother.

Then off to the pub so actually had a great day and nice to see everyone again.

30th October, Friday Findon Valley

2009-11-01T02:11:00.000-08:00

Findon Valley
Hazel and Sorrel

Although Sorrel has only just finished her season, I do really like taking 2 dogs, so risked it and took her. Actually, it was fine, and no problems at all with the other dogs so I'm glad she came. It is overcast today but still mild. Gay and Beth along with Steve are out picking up today, so had a lovely day again. Sorrel and Hazel did well, but it was a family day so only 100 birds, so not as much picking up but they still had to work hard.

Lovely to come here.

28th October, Wednesday Ellie AH

2009-10-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Out at dawn this morning. Mild again and the horses are still out at night. I was really cross as my alarm went off an hour too early!!!! considering how early I was getting up anyway!!!! (It turned out that OH kindly reset my clock on Sunday when the clocks went back, and I did as well.... oh well....)

We were up on the Downs and it was stunning views. Ellie was fine at the meet, but as we hacked to the first draw we went through a load of horses in paddocks that were going mad, so Ellie was passageing around snorting with her tail stuck up in the air. As soon as we got in the field the other side we had several large leaps. Hung on... but not nice. She is a funny mare. 90% of the time she is as good as gold and 10% she is absolute nightmare... no middle way for her.

24th October, Saturday

2009-10-28T09:33:00.001-07:00

Rained last night, and all day today.

They are hunting this afternoon, and I am tempted but stick to my plan of just hunting Ellie once a week, and she has already been out this week. It is half term so there might be a lot of people out this afternoon and don't want to be stuck with Ellie on some woodland ride with her leaping about.

23rd October, Friday Sorrel still in season

2009-10-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

They are hunting at dawn at the back of me this morning and I was tempted but have already said I will go to the shoot. The horses heard the hounds and that lit up Risque and Ellie, so they have sort of exercised themselves in the field this morning!

Findon Valley

Hazel

Sorrel is still in season so just take Hazel.

Briefly thought about taking Rusty but because we have to stay in line with the guns during the drive, Rusty will probably whine and that would annoy me so decide to leave him at home until we start doing pheasant.

Hazel was very good, and worked very hard.

Her eye is much better, but think it still might be a little sore.

We haven't had any more frost, and although we have had more rain this week today is cloudy but with sunny spells and not too cold.

20th October, Tuesday

2009-10-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Sands Farm

Took her to another gridwork session with Donald this morning. She was very well behaved although, a couple of the other horses had a little spook, and she was ready to copy them. So... out hunting try and stay with calm horses and that should help her keep calm.

The grid was exactly the same as 2 weeks ago, so in a way that was a bit disappointing as I thought it may have been a different combination, but she jumped well and was well behaved so that was the main thing.

Loads of typing to do in the office the last couple of days, so haven't had a chance to ride Risque as well. Will ride her tomorrow and give Ellie a day off.

19th October, Monday Ellie AH

2009-10-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Well it is a dawn meet, and although cold there isn't any frost. Yesterday was the first morning I had woken to a frost this autumn and the temperature was definitely a few degrees colder yesterday. It is a slightly damp morning, and we had some drizzle for a while but the hounds hunted really well.

There were loads of people out, I guess because it is half term. If I had realised there would have been that many it may have been better to have gone out Saturday. Ellie had her moments again - several big leaps when she just bottled over, and it was hard at the beginning to keep her calm as we walked and then stood in the woods and she just really needs to get going for a bit at the beginning. She is still doing her bucking a lot, and again she got someone in the leg. Running out of friends rapido!!! at the moment. :(

17th October, Saturday

2009-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Mike & Arnie came over this morning, and I took Ellie and we hacked out. Does Ellie good to go out with another horse, and she was doing her bucking stuff again.

She is so much stronger now, and actually her paces have really improved. She was able to walk out really well today, where as a few months ago she would have had to jog to keep up.

She only does the bucking when she gets going - like a bit of cantering, or when we popped over a little log. It isn't really unseating, it's just not ideal when hunting and there are people behind - a bit disconcerting for them to say the least!!!!

Horses are still out at night with double rugs. Dry again, but temperature is really dropping now at night.

16th October, Friday

2009-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

The shoot has been cancelled due to lack of birds.

This is really bad, and feel so sorry for the 'keeper. Not really sure what has happened, but there is talk of a disease that has killed some of the partridge.

I think they will shoot next week, so perhaps I'll find out a bit more then.

15th October,Thursday

2009-10-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Ellie is having a day off, and I gave Risque a jump in the school.

Lovely day again and the horses are still out at night as there is loads of grass, the ground is great and it seems silly to keep them in. They have extra rugs under their new zealands so they should be warm enough.

Today cut the hedge (with OH) round the deer field as a lot of the brambles were touching the elcetric fence so that was a job worth doing.

Lovely warm day again, although cold at night.

15th October, Wednesday Sorrel in Season

2009-10-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Ken's

Gridwork session with Beanie. Had 5 bounces!!! and then later had a fence with 3 strides down to an upright that finished a 1.10m. Really pleased how she jumped.

Totally chilled. Perhaps she's knackered after yesterday!!

14th October, Tuesday Ellie AH

2009-10-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Dawn meet on the Downs. Beautiful morning, with just the 'hardcore' group of us, probably about 10 in the field. Lovely day, clear skies, with a bit of mist sitting below us, with the sun sparkling off the sea. Super turf to canter on. Ellie was really good. Only got in a tiss because the foot followers are driving behind us, and I'm trying to stay at the back incase she kicks someone!!! You just can't win. She really is still terrible with any traffic and the quad!! well that's a whole new issue.

13th October, Monday

2009-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Risque
Belmoredean

Well Jamie turned up and put another shoe on her which meant I go still go to Belmoredean. Had another lesson with Robbie and yes, she does move better after we spend all the time trying to get her to go.

It was hard work again for me, to get her really forward and in front of the leg. It doesn't particulary make riding a pleasant experience!! just exhausting. I would agree that she was going better at the end, and even had a bit of medium trot, but boy is it hard work.

11th & 12th October Sat & Sun - Hazel sore eye

2009-10-11T08:22:00.001-07:00

Coombelands
BE Event
Went to see Beccy and Fury. They have really early times in the intro, so arrived at 8am and helped her get ready. Watched her dressage and SJ, and they went clear X country to get 2nd so that was brill.

When I got home I noticed Hazel has a really sore eye this morning, so took her straight off to the vets as I was worried she may have something in it - like a bit of black thorn when she was working the cover yesterday on the shoot. The vet can't see anything in the eye, and she has been given pain killers and eye cream but it hasn't really helped. I do hope she will be ok.

They are hunting on Saturday, but decided to take Ellie next week after her last performance out hunting earlier in the week. I expect it will be busy and I saw the landowner at the BHS agm and she said it would be a long hack to the first draw. As I am guessing this will be through rides in woodland I might end up with ellie boiling over and not being able to get in my own space, and I am worried about her injurying someone else.

Instead clipped both Risque and Ellie which takes me ages. I have no idea why I'm so slow, good job I don't do it for a living!!

Ellie went in the school on Saturday and hacked on Sunday. She was really bright!!! thought she might have chilled a little, but no... definitely not.

Risque lost a shoe which is a right pain as I have a lesson tomorrow afternoon, so unless my farrier comes tomorrow morning I won't be able to take her.

I had pencilled in my diary to do the Sp Rd at Munstead on Sunday with Mike, but at the time of putting my entries in I wasn't sure when they were hunting so felt it better just to take Ellie out with the hounds during the week.

9th October, Friday Findon Valley

2009-10-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hazel and Sorrel
Findon Valley

Well, although there was talk about it last week, it seems there is definitely something wrong on this shoot, and they just haven't got the number of birds. I'm not sure if this is just partridges or if it is the pheasants as well. There are far too many buzzards now, so they don't help, but apparantly there is a disease that a number of shoots have this season and some of the birds are dying.

Today is another big day of partridges, and although the first two drives went really well, the other 5 definitely didn't seem as heavy as previous years.

This is very worrying, but they still got a good bag at the end of the day. Hazel and Sorrel both did really well today, and Sorrel easily picked as many birds as Hazel so I was really pleased with them both.

6th October, Tuesday - Hazel in Season

2009-10-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hazel is in season, but it is the same as the last few that she has had. It isn't a proper season like she had when she was younger. She seems to just come in for a week or so every 4 months. She has a small season in June, so I wasn't expecting her to come in yet. Rusty isn't that bothered by her, so I will probably take her to the shoot on Friday and probably won't take her the following week so hopefully she will only miss one week.

Ellie
Gridwork at Sands

I wouldn't normally do something 2 days on the trot with Ellie, but it has just worked out like this.

6 of us in the group, and ellie was soooooo good. Really chilled, not fazed by any of the other horses and we jumped the most out of everyone.

End up with a grid with 3 small bounces a stride to a cross pole parrell another stride to a cross pole parrell. She jumped great so really pleased.

5th October, Monday - Ellie AH

2009-10-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Well, it's raining.

I know we need it but.... did it have to rain all morning!!! By the end of the morning I was soaked to my knickers... not nice....

Ellie had another leaping moment.... she nearly came over backwards.... bit of a scary moment. She just lost the plot when we cantered up into this field full of cows with really young calves. Hundreds of them so it seemed, and instead of the cows moving away, they almost headed for us. Lots of loud moooing....

Still had lots of bucking, and kicking out..... won't have many friends left soon.... everyone is staying well out of Ellie's way :-(

4th October, Sunday

2009-10-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

This has been quite a quiet weekend, and Mike came over this morning with Arnie and I took Ellie out for about an hour and an half. Thought it would do Ellie good, going out with another horse.

At least it wasn't as windy as yesterday, both Risque and Ellie were like a hot coals on their hacks with the wind blowing, trees swaying and all the leaves blowing up.

2nd October, Friday First day of the season

2009-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hazel & Sorrel
Findon Valley

There are 4 of us picking up today, we're the girl team, and that's how it's going to be this season. David has gone to Burghley, Bill I think retired, and Robert has been offered beating but not picking up.

I do feel really lucky to be on this estate. Had a lovely day, both dogs were good and hadn't forgotten anything from last season.

Lovely warm and sunny. Not ideal for shooting but lovely to work the dogs.

I have such a brilliant life!

1st October, Thursday Ellie AH

2009-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Met at Kim & Jo's and had a lovely morning. Mild again, no rain and dawn broke clear and bright. Met at dawn. Ellie is overall very good. Unfortunately our worst time is leaving the meet, particularly in walk as she just seems to bubble over. She kicked Givanni as he came up behind, catching him on the stirrup. He was fine about it, and not hurt, but it could have been worse. I did feel bad, but at least no one was injured.
We had one big leap, and a couple of tense moments when I thought she would explode but she didn't so that was good. Generally she was quite chilled, stood nicely, and quite happy to hack along with the other horses. She does buck quite a bit, particularly in canter, which I don't really mind, as long as she doesn't kick another horse.

Will definitely keep my red ribbon in for a while yet!!!

30th September, Wednesday

2009-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

This morning went to see a friend and her 2 labs as she wanted some help with gundog training so that was great....

Risque

Went to Belmoredean for a dressage lesson with Robbie. Good session, but boy.... do I have to work hard..... always feel exhausted afterwards.....

26th September, Saturday

2009-09-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

Auction at the kennels

The hounds were out round the shoot near me first thing this morning, so I did hack Risque out and wondered if I would see them, but sadly not. Risque knew something was up, and was shaking in her stable before we left. She just loves it - it seems a shame not to take her. Perhaps I will next weekend.

This afternoon it is the auction day at the Kennels. Again it is a lovely warm day with clear blue skies, so had a really nice afternoon sitting around drinking beer!!

25th September, Friday

2009-09-27T00:53:00.001-07:00

The hounds were out on foot this evening.

It is such a warm sunny day, not like September at all. We still haven't had any rain for ages, and think this must have been the driest month this year. I was so surprised there were so many of us out, a huge number of footfollowers. Just went over Nigel's small shoot area, which is where I used to walk the dogs before we moved so knew the ground well.

I am trying to be good, and only hunt Ellie once a week so as not to hot her up too much.

21st September, Monday Ellie AH

2009-09-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Woke up at 3.30am, no surprises there!!! even though I didn't need to get up till 5am, but there you go.

Ellie was so good!!!! Really chilled, just 1 leap when a couple of horses cantered past her, but she was totally calm the rest of the time. We were out for a couple of hours, and didn't go that far, which was perfect for Ellie, as she did a lot yesterday.

As we were parked at the 'ex' secretary's house, she had done us a lovely breakfast which was really super.

Nice warm day again, a really lovely month we are having.

20th September, Sunday Hampton Sp Rd

2009-09-20T09:51:00.001-07:00

Ellie
Hampton Estate Sponsored Ride

Lovely sunny day, sandy going... perfect... loads of jumps.... some quite challenging..... the drop after the hedge didn't look that big, until she jumped it and landed right at the bottom.....

Gail and Beanie came and gave us a lead and she jumped so well, and was so well behaved. A real pleaseure to take.

She was fab....

What a brilliant weekend I've had

19th September, Saturday Hazel wins GWT!!!! :-)

2009-09-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Risque

Hack and meet the hounds. Knew where they were this morning, but decided not to go to the meet as I need to be at the Ploughing Match for 10am, and thought it would be a bit rushed.

Risque loved seeing the hounds again, as she hasn't been out this season and really made her morning. I just need someone to blow the horn whilst she is doing a dressage test and it would be amazing!!!

West Grinstead Ploughing Match

Upper Chancton Farm

Gundog Working Test

It's a lovely warm sunny day today. In fact this month has been lovely with very little rain, and the ground is very hard.

Hazel won the Novice Gundog Working Test

Did well on 3 tests, but dropped a couple of marks on the blind as hunted for quite a while before she found the dummy. Did well on the hunting test where she had 2 dummies to find in woodland

She was brilliant.

Sorrel I ran her 'not for competition' as I was only allowed to run one dog. She did brilliantly as well, and was actually doing better than Hazel on the first few tests, but didn't do the last hunting test very well as didn't really get out far enough back, but I was so pleased with her as she hasn't been out for so long. Both were very well behaved it was such a nice day out.

Fab, fab day.

16th September, Wednesday Jaz is 6 today!

2009-09-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Risque
Belmoredean

Had another lesson with Robbie, and really got Risque moving forwards.

Robbie rode her for a bit and said that she needs to come up through the back more and I am to ride her in a more forward position. This is something I have never tried before and I am really excited that this might be an answer, or a least a way forward to get her back stronger and drawing up through the abdomen to really help with our collection work. Will have to practise this week!!!

Found out the hounds are going out later, but have already arranged people for dinner, so won't be able to go..... :(

14th September, Monday

2009-09-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Gridwork at Ken's

Took Ellie tonight. Found out that the hounds were going out tonight as well, but didn't want to mess the group up so didn't want to cancel at Ken's last minute. Also, she did just go out on Friday, so I don't want her to think that every time she goes in the trailer she is off hunting. The ground is very hard, and I'm not althogether happy with jumping outside, but don't want to make an issue. Ellie did have a couple of moments, and had a couple of nappy times, when she didn't want to go away from the other horses, or wanted to head back to them after the grid. She also was a bit spooky at the filler. Overall I thought she could have gone better and tried harder, but I suppose she hasn't done a grid for a couple of months now, so will let her off.... just.

12th September, Saturday

2009-09-13T01:14:00.000-07:00

Ellie - hacked

Sandy came over this morning with Poppy and I took Ellie and we went for a nice hack round the woods. Because the ground is quite hard we mainly walked, so what would normally have taken me about an hour, took more like an hour and a half, but Ellie had been out yesterday as well, so that was fine.

Later on took Sorrel and Jasmine, and went to the meet on foot. It is pure blue skies, and really warm. This is obviously not going to be a good scenting day!! but nice to come out and see friends. Stayed out for about an hour and a half and then headed back to the car.

11th September, Friday - Ellie AH

2009-09-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting

Today we met at first light in thistle land, which I might rename as ragwort land, or even just weeds - there doesn't seem much grass left at all. Nice warm day with plenty of sunshine.

Ellie was brilliant......... it was a calm morning, with not a lot happening but I was just so thrilled that she was so well behaved. She stood nicely, and we didn't have any leaping or scary moments. The only time she freaked out a bit was when we were cantering, a couple of long horn cattle charged out of the covert straight at us!!! Don't know who was more shocked, Ellie, me or the cattle!!

Mainly walked, and did a bit of trot and canter, but not much.

The ground has gone like concrete, I can't believe how hard it is, but then we haven't had much rain for a while now.

9th September, Wednesday

2009-09-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Risque
Belmoredean

Well today I am taking Risque for a dressage lesson with Robbie Carpenter. This is my first flatwork lesson with Risque for nearly a year now, so I am really looking forward to it. Robbie had us really moving forward with lots of medium canter, and really moving in the trot. Risque did feel so much better, and by really riding forwards were ironing out some of out crookedness. Actually really enjoyed today and have booked to come next week.

6th September, Sunday Petworth Sp Rd

2009-09-07T02:44:00.000-07:00

Ellie

Petworth Sponsored Ride

Riding Ellie today along with Beanie (Carrie) and Arnie (Mike). Actually a nice temperature to ride in, cloudy with sunny spells. Nice hack through the park which took about an hour and a half which was perfect for Ellie.

There were a few portable jumps on the ride. Most of them were very small, but we followed Beanie and she jumped all of them so that gave Ellie lots of confidence to follow.

A couple of the jumps were quite big.... bit weird really..... jumping all these jumps at 2' and then get a table at over 3'. Ellie jumped about 4' over a couple of the bigger ones, so at least she is careful.

Really pleased with her....... not too strong...... a bit joggy but that was only because she couldn't keep up with Arnie's walk. Really good in the car park and can now tie her up to the trailer. She only pulled back once when a lorry went past, so she is improving all the time.

I think this is the way to go with her at the moment.... it gives her so much more confidence with the other horses around her.

5th September, Saturday Ellie - AH

2009-09-07T02:36:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Autumn Hunting
Met really early at the shoot ground. Decided this would be a good first outing for Ellie, as at least I know my way around, and so does she! Wanted to get on before the hounds arrived but was about 10 seconds to late and when Ellie heard them she was jogging around so had to lead her away for a while to calm her down so I could get on. I was out for a couple of hours, and as we passed the trailer I decided to call it a day as I have a sponsored ride with her tomorrow which is probably a lot to do.... 2 things on the trot. (no pun intended!!)

Overall, it was ok. She stood great. Something I thought she would be good at, and that is a big plus. She really doesn't like horses coming up the back of her, and get really worried if they come up too fast, and does her leaping if anyone overtakes. It was a generally quiet morning which was perfect for Ellie. A couple of nice canters, and some standing at coverts, so yes, a positive morning, especially if you rule out the leaping she insists of doing while we are walking... it just seems walking is all too much for her, and actually it is better if we just trot.

31st August Bank Holiday Monday

2009-09-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Nothing really planned today, so after Ellie having a day off yesterday she went in the school today. Rode Risque in the school.

Panache
Bramble Hill One Day Event
At the same venue as the HT on Saturday, is a ODE today, and decided to take Panache for a walk round. It is a nice sunny day after a bit of a dreary start, so wandered around the show ground for half an hour or so before heading back. Panache is a bit stressy with the whole thing and dragged me around a lot and gets really strong. but no actual problems, so that was another little outing for her.

Jonny (Sorrel's brother) and Lily (english pointer) are staying here till tomorrow, so that will give all the dogs a good run round!

29th August, Saturday Bramble Hill Hunter Trial

2009-08-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Bramble Hill Hunter Trial
Ellie

I have now idea why I entered today, as I know it will be a complete waste of time and I walked the course last night and I'm not keen.

It is very straight forward with portable cross country jumps around about 4 fields, but no 'natural' fences, and I know that she will be really terrified of some of the jumps.

I know she will be spooky with them but I've entered now, so I will treat it like a schooling round.

In the clear round show jumping we had one stop, but going really slowly seemed to be the key with Ellie. She did want to nap as we went past the collecting ring, but sat quietly and just asked and she didn't have a rearing paddy, so ....

On the cross country we were ok until fence 3 which was our first stop, and then didn't like fence 4 at all, so waited for someone to catch me up, but there horse didn't like it either, so that wasn't much help. Overall we jumped all the jumps, although I was following someone for a lot of the remainer of the course.

Hopefully this will build on her confidence, and she did jump nicely.. when she jumped.
Obviously it would have been nice to have flew round with a clear, but I knew this wasn't going to happen, so overall I think there may have been a slight improvement, and I am getting to know her little tantrums better now, and I think dealing with them better.

The plus side is she is very good to leave in the trailer, and is totally chilled at the show. No probs to take out now, so at least we have achieved that!!! I just think it takes a long time to produce her and get her confidence, so I am not going to push too much now, and try and do things that I know she can do.

Jane was there with Chloe and she went clear, although she was too fast to get a place.

28th August, Friday

2009-08-29T00:52:00.001-07:00

Ellie
Ken Spencer - Jumping lesson

We started off fine, and Ken put a little grid of a double of cross poles to start us off. It was all going ok, but then when we had to jump a filler, and after several stops I had to wait for Gail to give me a lead, and then she just popped over it without even looking at it.

Actually, I think this was Ellie being a bit nappy as Sally was stood with her horse next to the jump and this is all about Ellie being nappy and not going away from the other horses.

I was at bit annoyed about that.... again she could have tried, had a lovely stride to the fence... but no.....

Plenty to work on!!!

27th August, Thursday Sorrel is 2 today!!

2009-08-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Jumped her in the school. Not long, just set up a small double and then kept raising the second part higher and higher. Finished at 1.05m and she didn't have any probs with that at all.

Risque
Worked her in the school. Must get some lessons sorted soon.

26th August, Wednesday Ellie Hound Exercise

2009-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Hound Exercise from the Kennels

Didn't really expect the numbers....... I know this was meant to be Pony Club, but asked if I could come, and there are loads of people here. Lots of Mums that I know, as well as some of the kids. Probably about 25 people mounted, and off we go on our walk and trot, with 2 short canters ride. Took about 2 hours with the same breakfast stop at lock that we did last time. I even ended up with a glass of squash & bacon sarnie!!

It was the same ride, and Ellie was better, but we still had several 'moments'. I managed to hang on ... just. It is the leaping that really unseats me..... At least we didn't land on one of the little kids........ can you imagine :( :( ..... well no I can't........ it just doesn't bear thinking about.

24th August, Monday

2009-08-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Panache

Today, after watching Monty Roberts, I thought it would be a good exercise to get Panache to walk on the tarpaulin.

So off I go with lots of treats. The whole exercise took all of 10 mins because Panche loves treats, and isn't really phased by anything.

Not sure what this really proves. Don't think I will particularly need my horse to stand on a tarpaulin!! but you never know :) :) !!!????

Ellie

Coombelands

X Country training.

After the disaster yesterday, I was chatting to Ange, who told me that she was at Coombelands today with Tash and why didn't I join them. Didn't want to miss an opportunity so headed off. Got there before them so that I could try Ellie on her own. Not good....... lots of stopping............ and didn't really want to go forward.

Followed Ange over the first 4 jumps.. and wahhh.... what a difference...... if only she would go like this on her own. Anyway by following she had so much confidence and we jumped loads of the jumps. If only she could give me this feel on her own. Lots to work on.

23rd August, Sunday

2009-08-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Eventers Challenge
Sally Thurloway

Overall, I was really disappointed with Ellie today. I had hoped we were improving, but we aren't. She is very difficult in that if she doesn't want to do something, we don't do it! The harder I use my legs the naughtier she becomes, bucking, and then when that doesn't work, just rearing and standing straight up, so that all I can think of is hanging on. I bet if someone really hit her every time she went up she would stop doing it, but I am just not the rider to do it. Although I hate to admit it, and feel that I am fairly confident, it just seems that she knows how to get her own way. She was napping every time we went past the collecting ring, and we had several stops on the course. I don't think it is even the stopping that infuriates me, it is just her attitude of 'I CAN'T' and 'I WON'T'.

Had 3 attempts of the course, but she was still spooky at some of the cross country jumps even on the third attempt. She did jump the water tray first time on the first round, but decided that no way was she going to do it again. Thought that was ridiculous as she has jumped a water tray loads of times and never looked at it.

22nd August, Saturday

2009-08-23T08:51:00.001-07:00

Clay Shoot & BBQ

Went along with Sorrel and Hazel. OH didn't want to come!!! This was our local shoot where I pick up with the dogs so it is always nice to 'keep my face in' and see everyone again. I have been a bit hit and miss with this shoot because of hunting the last couple of seasons, so I am very lucky to be able to turn up when I please as most shoots want commitment for the whole season.

Still unsure what to do with Ellie this season, how much hunting she will be able to do, and not blow her brain.

Tonight OH's parents are taking us out for dinner. Can't believe had 2 things on the same day considering I never go out socially!!!

20th August, Thursday. Sorrel Hips 5:7

2009-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week has been a quiet week. Couldn't really find out what was happening with hound exercise, but did get an invite from the hunt that people were invited on foot Wed & Thurs, so obviously don't want to be pushy and ask if I can take Ellie.

Sorrel's results of her x-rays came through today at long last. I wondered if they had got lost! Anyway, 5:7 (12) is great. The vet said she had great hips, so I had wondered if she may have been scored even lower, not that it really makes any difference.

Jasmine went to the vets today and had her staples removed. It has healed really well, and the staples just pinged out, so the wound is almost totally healed now.

Risque seems ok now, just increasing her workload, and hope to do some dressage with her soon.

Boiling hot yesterday, but back to the usual sunshine and cloud now.

16th August, Sunday GDRC Clear Round

2009-08-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

Ellie
GDRC Clear round sj, xc and dressage

Took Ellie down and she was totally chilled. I wondered if she might have been a bit hyper after yesterday, but she is very calm in a show environment. Just need to build on this so I can have this out hunting.

Gave the dressage a miss, but did the jumping.

In the clear round showjumping she was fine. She did think about napping, but I just tried to stay calm and avoid confrontation, and that was that.

She did spook at the black & white which was ridiculous really as they were so small. Actually the jumps were tiny, much smaller than they said in the schedule, but then I just have to put this down for more experience for me and Ellie going out to things.

The cross country was some movable timber fences in a large part of the field, probably about 10 0r 12 jumps, so not really a hunter trial course, but again it will do Ellie good. She decided she didn't like the double of skinnies, and I never got her over which was really annoying.

It didn't help that none of the fences were flagged, so it was easy for the horse to run out. I did the smaller option which was about 6 inches high. She wasn't keen on the dog kennel either, but at least she did jump it in the end.

I do feel she could have been a bit more obliging, so I do hope we improve. I suppose in one way it does give me a project, and I am keen to take her out again soon, so hopefully I can build her confidence and not have these refusals!!!!!

15th August, Saturday Hound Exercise

2009-08-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

Ellie

Up at 5am again this morning and got to the kennels for 6am. Ellie seemed slightly better than last time and I didn't get completly run over whilst trying to get her out, although she was a bit bargy and strong.

The huntsman & staff are mounted today and the master and his wife and 2 kids were out, and Sonia turned up as well. Ellie got a bit hyper whilst we were waiting, and did a bit of rearing because she wanted to get going, and when we did get going she was ok, but it wasn't long before we were walking, and she was just jogging and being quite strong.

Went down to lock, and then had a breakfast stop which was lovely. There were a couple of people on bikes, and Jo came and took some pics. Then hacked back quite slowly.

Total time out........ 4 hours!!!!!............ No wonder Ellie was quiet on the way back, she has never been ridden for that long in her life!!!

14th August, Friday

2009-08-15T04:56:00.001-07:00

'The Long Man'
Sussex Downs

"Long Man of Wilmington, mysterious guardian of the South Downs, has baffled archaeologists and historians for hundreds of years"

Today we are visiting Holly and Amber and of course their owners who have kindly asked us round for lunch. We have taken Rusty and Sorrel. Jasmine has to stay at home because she is not meant to be running around too much because of her cut leg, and Hazel can keep her company.

All the dogs got on great, and after lunch we took them all up on the Downs for a walk. As always I had hoped to get that 'great' photo, but I think my dogs are so bored with having their photos taken they just look like delinquents that are pulling faces.

Again, this morning was thick grey cloud and very light drizzle, but it did clear and by this afternoon it turned out quite nice with broken cloud and warm sunshine.

13th August, Thursday Summer Overview

2009-08-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

Well today is my birthday and it is another overcast day.

It rained quite hard again during the night. I am so glad we got our hay made in the June heatwave. Since then there doesn't seem to have been more than 2 days without rain, and most days have been cloudy.

This has been hard for all the harvesting, and some farmers cut the wheat quite early, but there is still quite a lot still standing although most of it is ready to be combined.

The maize is the only crop that isn't ready yet. Although some of the corn planted around the shoot ground is for cover crop for the pheasants. The poults are down in all the pens now, although they were too shy to get a decent picture of.

Although we have had a lot of rain (or so it seems) it means that there is loads of grass in my fields, too much in a way as Risque is so fat, but because I want to make sure Ellie has as much weight on as possible I feel mean shutting Risque in on her own with no food. When she is back in full work I am hoping she will loose a bit.

I am having lunch out with Mum as my birthday treat, and we sat outside the pub, and when the sun does come out it is really warm.

Love these young bullocks, nice for them to out at grass, and the flies are definitely not as bad as they were during that hot sun in june.

12th August, Wednesday Pyecombe

2009-08-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Pyecombe
Took Ellie for the clear round today. Nice course with 11 jumps, and the outdoor arena is such a good size, so it really takes a while to get round which is great. She was very chilled in the collecting ring, but we were hanging around a bit, so when it was my go, we set off down to the other end of the arena but she was being a bit nappy.

I know I kicked on to trot round but she was here only last Friday for a practise. If I had walked quietly round she would probably have been alright, but........ she's got to grow up sometime.

After having a bit of a disagreement about exactly where we are going, I brought her round to no 1 and she wasn't having any of it, and just stood up!!! Moody mare... so took her round again, and then we were fine, jumped a nice round. Just had a silly stop at the double and that was because another horse was walking along side the fence (but on the other side of the arena) and it gave her a distraction.

Had another go round, and that went really well. She rides like a show jumper, and is really easy to shorten and balance. She is also really good at putting a short stride in and getting herself out of trouble.

Some days I think she will make a great show jumper, and other times I think she will never be confident enough.
Well...... only time will tell.

10th August, Monday Jaz cuts her leg

2009-08-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

I was out walking all 4 dogs this afternoon, and then I suddenly realised I couldn't see Jaz or Sorrel. Called them but nothing..... After a few minutes they both came charging back..... tongues lolling. I think they had been chasing something, probably a deer. Told them off and took them back to the car.
Later I notice Jasmine was lame, so checked her over, execting that she had pulled a ligament or something only to find a big gash on the inside of her back leg. It wasn't bleeding but needed stapling.
So off to the vets. My vets was now closed so had to go to Brighton, and then they had to knock her out to clean the wound out properly.
She has now 5 staples in her leg, and I'm £250 poorer!!!!

10th August, Monday Hound Exercise

2009-08-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Hound Exercise

Got up again at 5am to get to the kennels for 6am. As I thought, I am the only one mounted. I actually thought this would do Ellie good, as then she will look to the hounds for support instead of another horse, and she did get a bit nappy when Neill rode off on Saturday, and Ellie wanted to follow but I wouldn't let her.

There were a few people on bikes, and the huntsman is away at the moment, so the whip is in charge. We just went down the Downs Link again. The same ride as Saturday which was fine, as it just makes it easy for Ellie. This is the whole point of the exercise is for Ellie to be good with hounds, and be well mannered. She still was really stressed out at the kennels, but again had settled by the time we came back.

Still need to do more with her!!!

9th August, Sunday Ardingly RC show

2009-08-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Ardingly Show Ground

She was really stressy this morning, box walking, and I nearly didn't take her to the show, but I was all ready, so did.

Got to the show and she was really chilled. Walked her round for a while and she was great, completly calm. Had intended to do a couple of clear rounds but the jumps were very small so just entered to do one round. Couldn't believe it when she stopped at the first part of the double!!! A bit pathetic really. She doesn't have a lot of confidence. Will have to keep working on this. Although she jumped it on the second attempt. They weren't selling any more tickets to go into the clear round, as it had run over it's allocated time, but I'm sure ellie would have gone round no probs on the second attempt. would have been nice to have done it first time though!!!

8th August, Saturday Hound Exercise

2009-08-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hound Exercise
The Kennels
Ellie

Arrived first thing this morning at the kennels and all the hounds are barking. Ellie was very uptight in the trailer, and was a right pain when I got her out and tried to get on. One of the masters was out, so followed his horse, but Ellie was so goey with it all. I tried to keep her calm, and she didn't actually do any more than the odd small buck so that was fine. Coming back she was so much better and had worked out what was going on. Just need to do more of this with her.

7th August,Friday Pyecombe

2009-08-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Pyecombe
Show Jumping
Had a group session here this afternoon with 4 of us. Ellie was quite chilled but was a bit spooky at the banners up round the school. The surface rode great and we jumped most of the fences. Would have liked a 'faster' lesson, as we never even got to jump all the fences in the school which I thought was a bit poor but overall Ellie was fine. We had 2 stops which I did think were a bit unneccessary as the jumps were very low, it is just that she gets a bit spooky.

Good exercise overall

5th August, Wednesday

2009-08-05T09:59:00.001-07:00

Ellie

Did the same ride as Monday. The dogs loved coming, I can practise being a huntsman, and I keep trying to use my hunting whip and control the dogs but usually just end up hitting the horse by mistake....... can't get the hang of that at all!!!!

Went up the Downs Link and then gallopped round the big field with all the dogs in tow.

Everyone was really good, and Ellie is a star. Is she going to make a good hunter...... I do hope so. Fingers crossed xxxx

3rd August, Monday Ellie out with 'our pack!!!'

2009-08-03T07:51:00.001-07:00

Ellie
Downs Link

I haven't been out with the hounds again because no one else is going and I think it would be better for Ellie if there was another horse there.

So.... enlisted OH on bike, and boxed up to the Down's Link with the 4 dogs. Pretended to be the huntsman!!!! and kept my 'hounds' trotting along behind Ellie with OH bringing up the rear. When we got to the hounds exercise field, left OH and bike (knew he wouldn't be able to keep up!!!) and took all 4 dogs for a gallop round the outside of the field, and then headed back.

Actually the whole exercise went great. Ellie wasn't phased by this at all, completely different to when she went on hound exercise the other week.

OH has agreed to go again!!! so at least that got most of the tribe exercised in one hit!!

Panache

Today did some in hand training with her, using trotting poles, plastic bags, and red plastic road work barrier things, that turned up in my garage after a building job that had finished the other month.

Also did the thing of putting on a large saddlecloth and then letting it fall off and putting a treat on the saddlecloth when it is on the ground. The whole idea is if she feels the saddle or rider slip she isn't panicked by it, and actually gets a treat when she feels that sensation.

Panache thought treats were great and continued to try and eat the saddlecloth and the plastic bag the treats were in!!!

Panache looks so like her Mum now, and does seem to be growing taller! Raining again!!!

29th July, Thursday

2009-08-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

My car is not behaving!!!!

So off to the garage to have a new starter motor..... why do cars have to go wrong... much rather spend my money on the horses!!!

Panache is having a few days off doing anything.

Risque is continuing light hacking

Ellie has been jumped in the school and hacked. Still really pleased with her progress.

Good job I hadn't entered any competitions this weekend!!! Should get the car back on Saturday.

28th July, Tuesday - Panache Futurity Evaluation

2009-07-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Panache

British Equestrain Federation (BEF)

Futurity Evaluation

Today is Panache's big day for evaluation. She has to go to Plumpton, where she will be scored (graded.)

Ideally I would like Elite, but very few get Elite status.

Spent all day polishing her!!! as my time isn't until 4 pm so don't want to get there too early is case she gets a bit switched off.

Get there no probs, and she is a bit tense, and it doesn't help that there is someone strimming like mad the other side of the fence in the car park.

She first has her vet check. She was to walk and trot, and the vet gives her a score suitable for the job she is breed to do.

I have entered her in the eventing section.

Next she goes into the indoor school, where she is stood up. There are 3 judges to evaluate her. Then I have to walk and then trot her round (led) and then she has to be seen loose.

After she trotted round for a bit the judges after me to catch her and then they spoke to me. They want to put her in the dressage section as they feel she is more the dressage type. I wasn't quite sure what was going on but agreed.

She was graded First Premium. So that was great. She scored 8.3 so just missed being reserve champion (8.4) in the dressage section.

Overall I was glad to go. It all went ok in the trailer although she is rather strong even in a bridle and didn't want to stand. Sadly she never really showed her walk off very well, as she was very tense and kept jogging which kept her stride short.

I thought she seemed more unsettled here then at the last couple of shows but not really sure why.

Photos at www.greenlees-equine.com

Anyway, she did look lovely, so I am so pleased with her.

26th July, Sunday

2009-07-27T01:53:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Met Mike & Carrie for a ride at Kithurst Hill. Ellie was really good again, travelled well, especially up that really steep hill, and was good on the ride. Dropped down to Lee Farm and took the bridleway up to the top of Chantry Lane and then back along the South Downs Way. Carrie took us on quite flinty/ stony tracks so we walked a lot of the way but good for Ellie to go out in company again.

25th July, Saturday

2009-07-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

Off to Hickstead again with Gail and Carrie and spent the afternoon there. Took a picnic and had a nice afternoon and watched the Queen's Cup show jumping, and then the Grand Prix dressage. No rain whilst we were there, but it was torrential yesterday so picked the right day to come!!

23rd July, Thursday

2009-07-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

Ellie went in the school for flat work after hacking yesterday, and Risque got her 20 mins of road walking.

Watched the Eventers challenge at Hickstead as Beccy and I decided to go yesterday and watch this class on TV today.

Weather is really mixed now. Still sunshine and showers every day. At least the flies aren't so bad!!

22nd July, Wednesday Hickstead & UGS

2009-07-27T01:42:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Alison came over with her horse this morning and we went for a longish ride with quite a bit of cantering, and had a lovely time. Ellie was so well behaved, she has just improved so much in the last couple of months.

Hickstead
Met Beccy and took our Fizz and picnic to Hickstead and had a really nice time. Watched the 6 year old dressage class, and also went and watched some show jumping (B&C class).

Hazel
Took her to Popes Oak Farm tonight for our usual class. Graham Roberts was taking our class, and there were about 10 of us in the class so only got a couple of retrieves, but quite interesting to watch the others. Did manage a couple of retrieves without Hazel spinning so will keep up her training to see if I can 'fix' her.

19th July, Sunday

2009-07-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

Risque
At long last have started walking Risque and although she still has a lump on the off fore, it seems to have stabilised and I will continue walking her for a week or two and then hopefully bring her into full work. She is so fat now. The problem is I am trying to get weight on Ellie, and Risque is turned out with her, so I have one that need weight and one that needs to loose it. Just hope with some work Risque will slim down a bit!

18th July, Saturday Ellie on Hound Exercise

2009-07-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

Ellie
Met at Sally's and got there for 6 am. The hounds arrived about 6.15am and there is 5 of us mounted. The hunt staff are on bikes, and actually quite a few others are on bikes as well. It was a lovely morning, and Ellie was quite 'goey' but manageable. She did jog most of the time, but that is more to do with the fact that she has terrible paces and just can't walk out properly so she is constantly jogging to keep up.

Then we all stopped for breakfast at Andie's which was just fab. Really nice to catch up as haven't seen her in ages, so had cups of tea and bacon or sausage rolls.

Then carried on and were probably out for nearly 3 hours in total. Although it is where I normally hack, one of the guys on a bike had a key, so we were able to open any locked gates so we went on 'new' ground for Ellie.

It was a lovely start for Ellie, and we were mainly just walk and trotting so can't wait to go out again.