Top of my list this week was to get both horses clipped out, it was a beautiful autumnal day and Rachel, who helps me clip came as usual. I tied them both outside where they proceeded to fall asleep, I’d like to think it was the sun on their backs but probably more likely it was the incessant nattering of two women! Johnny was a bit ticklish under his arms but we all have that problem don’t we?!
My farrier, Paul came and took Lissie’s shoes off, she has very good feet and he believes she doesn’t need shoes. She has only had one set of shoes in her life; this was only because I had a discovery regional final on grass this summer and needed studs. These days we compete on a surface nearly everywhere and I am extremely lucky that I have the use of a lovely arena set in the backdrop of Leighton Estate just a one mile hack up the road. Both the generosity my friends who offer the arena for me to train and my farrier who doesn’t shoe just for the money, help towards affording an expensive hobby.
Last week I read a post on Aintree International Equestrian Centre’s Facebook page saying the permanent stables had nearly sold out. Panic ensued and I sprinted, yes sprinted to the post box! Luckily I was just in time; Johnny favours the permanent stables as being so big has trouble getting his head through the gap above the door in the temporary ones. I was more organised about booking Mum’s room at a local hotel, as soon as the dates are issued for the Championships I book a room, its Mum’s holiday and a treat as it is just next door to the Equestrian Centre.
This Saturday I went to Aintree International Equestrian Centre for the 1.05m Second Round, it was also an opportunity for the horses to see this special arena. Luckily an old friend had offered to come and help so I entered them both in the qualifier. It was lovely to have Gaynor with us she used to come with me everywhere.
Both horses jumped clear, I hadn’t qualified Lissie so I went for a sensible clear to secure my qualification place. Johnny had already qualified so I did try to go quick but overdrive never really kicked in and he only finished a second faster than Lissie. I finished sixth and seventh and had two lovely Dodson & Horrell rosettes to go home with. I am going to be a busy girl at the finals in just a few weeks time.
