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.