Hippopotamus discovery at Wellington

There was an amazing discovery yesterday at Wellington Riding. It appeared that Theo, the posh dressage pony, had been abducted and replaced with a hippopotamus.

A 30 minute jet wash revealed that it was in fact, just a disguise and Theo was underneath all that mud afterall!

Sleeping beauty

We popped round to say goodnight to Claude the other night and found him flaked out (must have been due to Mr Sheerin's XC session). It was a bit dark, so not much to see, but turn the sound up to get the full effect. (Sounds just like Brian.)

Brian and Claude's first dressage test

So Brian thought he'd give the WSC dressage a go tonight, you know, just have a pootle around and see how it goes.

He only went and flippin' won it!

Well done Brian and Claude!

Hunter Trials

Munchkin and Hollie took part in their first Wellington Hunter Trials together at the weekend and after two refusals at fence number 2, had a clear round. Thanks to everyone for all their support and advice!

Geoffrey has new neighbours part deux

I was pottering around this evening and look who stuck his nose out to say hi!

Fame at last!

Grab a copy of this month's Horse magazine, turn to page 18 and read the letter of the month! (Shame my stirrups weren't level.)

Claude meets Geoff Billington

It had to happen eventually, Claude met Geoff this morning at 10:30am. By 10:35am he was rodeo-ing across the Duke's Hall (Claude, not Geoff) at which point Geoff was speculating that there was about to be a missed opportunity for £250 for video of the event. Claude + jumps + other horses = 1 really, really excited horse. Eventually he calmed down when he discovered he actually was going to be jumping but not before some more fun and games with leg-yielding (only to the left) and preferring canter to all other gaits.

The other riders had some pony troubles which had Geoff leaping on-board to "realign the brakes", it never ceases to amaze me (and make me realise just how much more there is to learn) when a talented and experienced rider gets on someone elses troublesome horse... and the horse turns into the best behaved beast for miles! I've seen it with many of our instructors and all of our guest instructors (and John Sillet) and am filled with admiration every time. Once the maintenance was complete all three of our party took to the course and sometimes landed on the right canter lead! Even Claude while being hampered by me pulling the wrong way.

Nevertheless, we discharged ourselves admirably (in my eyes at least) and great fun was had by all!

Now looking forward to the next visit... we're already booked in, don't miss out, get booked in, you'll kick yourself if you don't.

Park Farm pictures

Pictures from Geoffrey and Maggie's day out.

Stressed out ponies...

She's making me do dressage AGAIN, but it's okay, I've learnt the Amazing New Dressage Test...

Mum, did you learn the test?

The Amazing New Dressage Test

I think Geoffrey's been reading up on this one...

For Horses Unsuitable for BD or Classical!

1. A. Enter at ordinary serpentine.
X. Sprawl. Salute.

2. C. Stop dead. Stare in horror at judge and shy to left.
Continue at ordinary working gallop.

3. E. Stagger left 20 or 15 or 22 meters in diameter circleor pear shape or five pointed star. Avoid excessive crossing of legs.

4. K. Begin to halt.
Z. Keep trying.
F. You can do it.
B. Pull rein. Give up. Continue at out of hand gallop.

5. H. Regain right stirrup.
Continue at ordinary trot, bouncing.

6. MKT Change rein. Free Walk loose reins. Remove horse from judge's luncheon table. Ask judge for leg up.
Jump back into ring.

7. Z. Turn down centre Line.
Halt. Grin. Scratch. Burst into tears.
Leave area at free walk on long reins, loose language.

Beech Hill Hunter Trials

Hollie and Munchkin did their first Hunter Trials today along with Alison and Cara. After walking the course yesterday, Hollie and Alison were highly excited this morning when we arrived at Beech Hill. Hollie and Munchkin set off very well clearing the first four jumps (at a sensible speed!). Then Munchkin ran out at jump number 5 and slipped on the wet grass and Hollie somersaulted over her head! They were 'technically disqualified' as Munchkin's shoulder touched the ground. Both were given the once over and were fine, though a little disappointed they couldn't continue. Alison and Cara had a more successful round, completing the course with some refusals which sadly also meant elimination. It's tough this horse-riding business! However, all four had a good time and it's all good experience(!)

Clara's first outing!

First of all, many thanks to Bambers family for letting us share their box!

When we first entered the warm up arena, Clara was rather exited, and pony's were charging past us, so she decided to put in a few bucks and have a little canter, but after that she thought it's not that exiting and settled down for the clear round.
Unfortunatly, we did not get a clear round, but the judge felt sorry for us and gave me a rossete anyway.
It was now time for the 2'3, where we had 1 refusal, and I forgot the course.
After a break, we decided to give the clear round anouther try, and this time we did get a great clear round!
Then we attempeted the 2'6 (which looked more like 2'9) where we had to refusals at the first fence. Then we got goin rearly well, but then Clara took one look at a large spread and said no. So we were eliminated from that class.

Overall, we had a great day, and I am very proud of Clara being so calm.

Geoffrey has new neighbours!

Despite Merrylegs's scowl, we're all rather proud to have Theo, the dressage diva, as our new neighbour. Hugo's joined us too, but he was 'out-to-lunch' when the photo was taken.

Theo's big night

Last night Theo and David competed in the Wellington Advanced Medium to music championship. After 3 months of very hard work, they managed to pull a very respectable 65.05% out of the bag, loads of big smiles all round.
There were loads of photos and video taken of the well polished pair that will be making its way onto the blog so everyone can see what a fantastic job Diane did of preparing both Theo and David.

Geoffrey and Maggie's dressage report

We all headed off to Park Farm Show last weekend and had a great day. Geoffrey decided to add his own style to his dressage tests and finished it off really nicely cantering down the centre line to salute the judge (it should have been medium walk - ahem). No fancy ribbons for us but lots of important lessons learned, like don't hold your breath during the test, purple really isn't my colour.

Maggie Mae did a great dressage test narrowly missing out on a 6th place fancy ribbon. There was much jumping involved and a showing class to finish off the day. Important lesson learned here - showing is boring, don't try it kids.