Whitford Sports Horses

Solihull

2012-01-27T20:57:00.001Z

We didn't make it to the show at the weekend so on Wednesday we took a trip to Solihull to stretch our legs.
As there were loads of people there and we didn't want to stay all day, we only jumped the 1.05, with Purdy, Dream and Brad.
Purdy is on a roll at the moment and she won, with Dream fourth and Brad jumped a double clear, but just out of the money.
Usually the fastest thing on four legs, Brad and I were trying out some new brake discs so went a little slower than usual.
We are off to Solihull again on Sunday and as Alison has jetted off to France, to try and injure herself on the ski slopes, I get to ride Dreamy.

2012-01-16T18:33:00.001Z

We had a brilliant day at Markfield yesterday, despite the freezing weather.

Brad won the 1.05, with Purdy second, and then Purdy jumped a great double clear to win the Foxhunter class.

Breaker jumped a class round to go clear in the Fox and next week we are off to Fieldhouse with him for a Blue Chip Winter Championship qualifier.

Unseasonal Weather

2012-01-16T18:20:00.000Z

Even though it may sometimes feel a little chilly, compared with this time last year the weather is absolutely fabulous.

Just take a look at this photo of Rosie and Bonnie, having a lesson the week before Christmas, in a T shirt!

New Arrival

2012-01-16T18:11:00.000Z

With the sad demise of lovely old Scooby back in September, we have had a vacancy for a new dog. After much hunting on the internet for a German Shepherd that wouldn't require a bank loan to buy, I travelled down to Devon and bought a new puppy just before Christmas.

Pup is impossibly cute but currently nameless as none of the sugested names seem to stick. If we are not careful she will stay as "Pup" for the rest of her life.

Used as she is to being an only dog, Sookie was singularly unimpressed at having a new roomate. I am glad to say that they are now the best of friends and I just hope that Sookie doesn't lead her astray at the shows.

2012-01-06T19:34:00.002Z

The new year is underway and we have been to our first show.

On Mon 2nd we braved the weather and made the trip to Fieldhouse Show Centre, near Uttoxeter, with Dream, Purdy, and Breaker. Purdy was second in the 1.05, Breaker jumped a lovely double clear in the Newcomers to finish fifth, and then Dream and Purdy both had a fence down in the 1.15.

Not a bad start to the year, but I am sure that by next Autumn we will have had better, and probably a lot worse.

Wyvern Dressage

2011-12-17T14:40:00.004Z

We recently had a very successful day at the Wyvern Dressage competition. Nicki and Breaker won two prelim classes while Veronika and Luca came second in the other prelim and first in the novice.

New boy Prophet was placed in the walk and trot and the prelim 7, not bad as he is only three years old. There were also placings for Nic and Queenie (pictured) and Helen and Bracken. Well done everyone.

Markfield

2011-12-11T17:59:00.002Z

Sunday 4th December saw us off to Markfield Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire with Brad, Dream and new girl Purdy. It's been a long time since we went on a proper outing so we just jumped the 1.05m open, to get back into the swing of things.

They all jumped double clears, Brad coming second, with Dream and Purdy just behind him. It was unbelievably cold and I spent most of the time thinking about Summer shows and barbecues. However, we are gluttons for punishment and will probably be back next week.

New Girl's Debut

2011-11-08T19:43:00.002Z

Last Sunday went to our first show for a while, at Gracelands in Wychbold. It was nice to be back out and about.

Herbie jumped beautifully in the clear round but couldn't do any classes as he isn't registered. New girl Roxy/Chichargo (yes I know it's spelt wrong, but she's Dutch!)jumped well to win the British Novice and Luca won the 95cm open. If he only had to jump that high each week I think he might start to enjoy his showjumping a bit more!

Rielle Update

2011-10-23T18:14:00.002+01:00

Six years ago we sold a lovely four year old called Rielle. Since then Rielle and her owner/rider Susan Bradshaw have gone from strength to strength. They are now competing in medium dressage,are doing the Petplan Area Festival for the elementary next week and have qualified for the regionals at elementary and medium freestyle to music in Feb. She has even tried a bit of showjumping.

She is pictured receiving her prize for winning the Dressage UK summer medium points Championship. Sue says "I cant believe its six years ago I came to look at one horse and bought another." It was obviously meant to be Sue. Good luck next week and let us know how you get on.

Equine Pathway

2011-10-23T14:38:00.006+01:00

Another season is over and all the horses have gone out for a holiday before Winter sets in. Breaker, pictured here at Scope, had to wait bit later than the others as at the end of Sept Nicki and I took him up to Cheshire for an Equine Pathway selection day.

This is a new training scheme, set up by British Showjumping. If you think you have a very talented young horse you can put them forward for a viewing. If the selection committee agree with you, which I'm pleased to say they did, they put you on the Equine Pathway scheme. This entitles you to all sorts of help and advice, physiotherapy etc but best of all it means free training sessions with the great Irish rider and coach Commander John Ledingham. He was one of my heroes when I was a young girl, I think it was his army uniform.

Yes, that does mean he is quite old now, but still brill, and I am looking forward to the training next Spring

Herbie In, for a bit!

2011-10-23T14:31:00.006+01:00

What with our very busy Summer Herbie has been left in the field keeping old Reg company. However, we have a few weeks before showjumping starts again so we have bought Herb back into work for a bit. Work is a very loosely used term as he is so fat it only takes ten minutes to have him gasping for oxygen, but I'm sure he will soon get back in the swing of things.

Mattie Sold

2011-10-23T14:27:00.004+01:00

Mattie has been sold to a young dressage rider up north. He is reported to have settled in really well and is soon to be going with his new rider for two months training with Richard Davidson. We shall try to keep track of his progress.

Bicton

2011-10-23T14:06:00.005+01:00

Our last outdoor show of the season saw us down in Devon at one of my favourite venues, Bicton Park. It is now run by new people and I was a little worried it wouldn't be the same but it was every bit as enjoyable as it used to be.

We took four horses. Breaker, Dream, Sonette and good old Luca. He thought he had retired from showjumping in favour of a dressage career but he was roped back into the team to make the numbers up.

Breaker jumped well, especially so as he was competing in the main arena every day. Dream (pictured) was placed the first two days and had a win on Sunday. Sonette was in flying form, coming third the first day, because I forgot to take the hand brake off, and winning the next two days, including her first 1.25m. Luca dusted off his jumping boots and showed them all he still has some miles left in him by coming second or third in every one of his classes. I'm sure he would have won if we hadn't been a bit rusty together.

Sookie turned into a highwayman and kept robbing the local dogs and children. Amongst her souvenirs were dog toys, teddies, frisbys, balls and a rack of spare ribs!

Scope Showjumping Championships

2011-10-23T13:48:00.004+01:00

We went to Scope with just Breaker and Sonette. Breaker qualified for the national five year old championship but had an unlucky four faults when he went in the final. He jumped really well but was a little over awed by the Championship Arena. After all, he has come from deepest, darkest Wales so hasn't seen a lot of life!

Good old Sonette jumped like a star to qualify for the 1.15 Championship, the pairs class and the Old Fogey (Veterans) final. Unfortunately she banged her leg somehow and had to go home early, missing the exciting bits.

Every year I set off to Scope with an enthusiasm which wanes rapidly after the first 48hrs. Mammoth entries and hours and hours of hanging about waiting for your turn gets rather tedious after a while. To be honest, there is only so much shopping you can do.

SWSJC at Chard

2011-10-23T13:32:00.004+01:00

The end of August took us off to South Western SJ Club's annual Championship Show,now held in Chard, Somerset. We had wonderful weather and, as always, great food supplied by head chef/chief photographer Nic.

The four horses all jumped well. Breaker jumped his first Foxhunter double clear and came second in the Young Horse Championship. Sonette won a class every day, including the Grade C Championship, and Brad and Dream both had placings in the 1.10 and 1.15's.

It was young Sookie dog's first stay away from home and she found it thoroughly exciting. We all had to work hard to curb her habit of running around the showground and coming back with a souvenir, from someone else's lorry! Bad dog.

Trailblazers Dressage Championships

2011-08-16T14:53:00.002+01:00

Veronika and the boys went to the Championships again this year. Luca was second in his Prelim heat and then fifth in the final, only a few points behind the winner, so that was really good. Mattie won his Novice heat and then went like a real star in the final, so well in fact that people stood up and applauded. However, it seems that the judge didn't like him much and put him eleventh, on his lowest ever mark of 63%

That's why I don't like dressage. Amongst other reasons of course.

Never mind. We are sure to be there next year.

Harry, AKA El Kabong

2011-07-13T17:09:00.002+01:00

We have a lovely new addition to the yard. Harry is an eleven year old Irish gelding and he has come here to be sold. He has been with his present owners for the last five years and has mainly competed in BSJA showjumping.

Since arriving he has not put a foot wrong and, partnered with Alison, has won three out of his five showjumping classes.

Apparently, or so I am informed, his name comes from the cartoon horse Quick Draw McGraw, who would assume the character of El Kabong who was a parody of Zorro!!!!

You live and learn.

New Girl

2011-07-13T16:59:00.002+01:00

We are currently breaking a lovely four year old mare, bred by an old friend of mine, Martin Withorn.

She has just started riding under saddle and as the picture shows she has a really big scopey jump. By the showjumping stallion Mr Majestic and out of a grade A showjumping mare she is really bred to do the job.

Of course, only time will tell. Watch this space!

Two More Wins at Summerhouse

2011-07-12T20:48:00.001+01:00

Back to Summerhouse this weekend where it was hot, but not like the inferno of a couple of weeks ago, and where we still seemed to be on a winning streak.

Brad excelled himself by winning both his classes, JK jumped another lovely double clear in the Newcomers and Breaker jumped his first Foxhunter class for just four faults.

Dream and new boy Harry jumped well but alas no ribbons for them. Oh well, off to Allens Hill on Wednesday. Lets hope the bacon butty van stays open this time.

Whitford Horses Benefit Show!

2011-07-06T20:21:00.005+01:00

We went to Allens Hill today and won four out of five classes. Bit miffed we didn't have a clean sweep, but there you go.

Ali and new boy Harry, aka El Kabong, (no I don't know where that name came from either) won the 1m and 1.05 opens. Jaykay then came third in the Newcomers and Sonette finished the day with wins in the 1.15m and 1.20m.

First thing in the morning Nicki had made her showjumping debut on Brad with a very nice round in the first class. We were therefore all very happy.

Until we adjourned to the bacon butty van for tea that is, and found that the new proprietor was still in residence but had stopped serving food. She certainly knows how to win friends and influence people at the end of a long day!

Summerhouse Heatwave

2011-06-28T07:14:00.004+01:00

Sunday saw us off to Summerhouse with Dream, Brad, Breaker, Sonette and Jaykay. All the horses jumped well but we nearly died of heat exhaustion.

I cannot stand the heat at the best of times and Sunday was almost unbearable and made worse by over zealous interpretation of health and safety regulations. The judges are allowed at their discretion to let us jump without our thick jackets on but saw fit to keep us all fully dressed in case we fell off and grazed our arms. Never mind the heat stroke. I am waiting for one of them to tell me I can't ride in my Oakleys!

However, Brad won the 1.10 and was very unlucky not to win the 1.15 as well. Jaykay jumped a double clear in the 1.15 and on form Sonette was second in the 1.20, qualifying for another class at the Scope Championships in August. Breaker and Dream also went well but not quite quick enough for a rossie.

I hate to be a Summer killjoy but I hope it cools down soon.

Back to Dressage

2011-06-27T21:05:00.004+01:00

Last week we went to Allens Hill for our first dressage competition in ages.

Veronika and Luca had a win in one of the prelims and a second in the Novice. Mattie won the Novice and his first Elementary with 74%. Last but not least, Nicki made her dressage debut on Breaker coming fourth in both prelims. Not a bad day.

Onley Grounds Equestrian

2011-06-27T20:59:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday we went to Onley Grounds for a Scope qualifier which Sonette duly won for us. It also saw Jaykay's return to active duty(pictured). She jumped extremely well, giving the fences plenty of room and seemed raring to go after her break.

Three Counties Show

2011-06-27T20:46:00.003+01:00

Last week saw the annual visit to our local county show at the Three Counties Showground. After a very average day, competition wise, on Friday the horses redeemed themselves somewhat on Sunday with a second, a fourth and a fifth.

Sonette, pictured, had a second in the first class and a fourth in the next and Brad managed a fifth in the 1.15m.

I "redeemed" myself with several visits to the food hall, lots of cheese and wide variety of locally brewed ciders. Bliss!

Weston Lawns in the Rain

2011-06-18T16:17:00.004+01:00

Our last outing was to Weston Lawns and as we pulled into the car park at 9 am it started to rain. When we left at 4 pm it was still raining and it hadn't stopped in between.

However, the horses went extremely well and that more than made up for getting drenched.

Brad started us off with a third in the opening class, then Breaker was second in the Newcomers. Sonette then won the 1.15, with Brad a close second. Sonette would also have won the 1.20 but unluckily had the fastest four faults in the jump off.

All in all, a good day. I would rather win and get soaked than spend the day in beautiful sunshine and come nowhere.

Wales and West Show, Chepstow

2011-06-18T16:07:00.003+01:00

Last week we went to the Wales and West Showground for the first time in about seven years. It has improved tremendously since I last went and I was very impressed. I'm sure we will go again soon.

We took Breaker, who jumped a lovely double clear in the Newcomers, Sonette who had four faults, and Brad. He managed a double clear and a sixth in the 1.15 Scope qualifier so has booked his ticket for Stafford in August.

We now have JK, Brad and Breaker qualified so it looks like I will be needing the tent again.

Sookie

2011-06-18T14:47:00.003+01:00

Last week saw the arrival of our beautiful new Malamute puppy, Sookie.

Bought in what felt like a very furtive deal when we met the breeders on a motorway service car park next to Wales and West Show.

She has settled in really well but is wearing out poor old Scooby.

Camp Whitford

2011-06-18T14:02:00.003+01:00

South Western SJ Club have recently moved their events, from Bicton Park in Devon to Chard in Somerset, and over the recent Bank Holiday weekend we all trouped down to have a look. Ali, Maggie, Karen, Nic, Nicki, Scooby, Dream, Sonette, Brad, Breaker and myself. A full house.

Never having been much of one for camping it was with some trepidation that I prepared to sleep in a tent and heat my baked beans in a billy can. I needn't have worried. We ended up with Scooby and I under canvass, Karen, Mags and Ali in the lorry, and Nic and Nicki in a huge camper van complete with all mod cons. Added to that we had a gazebo, barbecue, tables, chairs, fridges, lights, generator and all types of soft furnishings. The inside of my tent looked like a nomad's harem, complete with fluffy cushions. Every night we had a three course meal, courtesy of our personal chef Nic, including chilli, thai curry, barbecued swordfish, cheesecakes and a huge chocolate cake, kindly donated for the trip by Janet and Rachel. By the time we left I could hardly do my showjumping jacket up. Roll on the next trip in August.

Oh, and the horses went well too.

New Girl

2011-06-16T21:56:00.003+01:00

The latest addition to the team is Sonette, a 12 year old mare by Cavalier and out of a Voltaire mare.

So far she has performed well in 1.15 and 1.20's and it is hoped she will go on to bigger things.

The first time I ever qualified for the horse of the year show I remember watching my hero, Frankie Sloothak, win the Grand Prix on her dad. She was yet to be born.

How old does that make me feel!

Allens Hill

2011-05-12T19:56:00.000+01:00

Allens Hill on Wednesday was a wonderful day. I rode Brad, Breaker and Sonette.

Brad won the 1.05m, Breaker jumped a lovely double clear in the Newcomers, again! And last but not least Sonette won the 1.15 and was second in the 1.20.

The bacon butties weren't bad either.

Trailblazers Dressage

2011-05-09T21:27:00.003+01:00

Veronika has now qualified Mattie and Luca for the Trailblazers dressage championships at Stoneleigh in August.

Mattie has qualified in the Novice and Luca in the Prelim Championships.

Weston Lawns

2011-04-26T19:52:00.002+01:00

A lovely day at Weston Lawns on Sunday was improved immensely by a beautiful double clear in the Newcomers by Nicki's new horse Breaker. This means that he has qualified for his Discovery and NC regionals in the space of a few weeks.

Hair Extensions

2011-04-22T15:40:00.002+01:00

We went to Allens Hill on Wednesday and new boy Breaker won his first class, jumping his fourth double clear to qualify for this year's Discovery regional finals.

He has a very exuberant style which entails going extremely high with his back end and coming down very steeply. All of which has the effect of making it look as if I have had very long black hair extensions!

Kingswood Equestrian Centre

2011-04-12T15:39:00.003+01:00

Showjumping in the Summer is so much more fun when the weather is good and last Sunday at Kingswood it was just fabulous. Glorious sunshine and, dare I say it, almost too hot.

In the first open we were second, fourth and fifth with Luca, Brad and Dream. Then in the other open we were second and fourth with Brad and Dream, Luca being a bit too porky to do two classes in the heat.

Eric and Alison did nice rounds in the British Novice and Discovery while new boy Breaker (pictured) did double clears in both the Discovery and the Newcomers. A very promising start as he only arrived on Friday and none of us really know each other yet.

New Boy

2011-04-11T17:01:00.006+01:00

Friday saw the arrival of our newest recruit. Breaker N is a five year old KWPN gelding by Cantos and has been purchased by Nicki to join the showjumping team and for Nicki to compete in dressage competitions.

Breaker has come from Castell Sports Horses who are right down in deepest, darkest Wales. Ironically, one of their horses was the first one we looked at many months ago. We didn't buy that one but did go back and buy another.

He has settled in really well, already having made friends with Brad, and will definitely be on the lorry when we go to Kingswood on Sunday.

Blue Chip Championships

2011-04-09T21:07:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday we went to Hartpury College in Gloucester to compete at the Winter Showjumping championships.

It was a lovely day in glorious sunshine and good old Luca started us off with a win in the opening class with Dream and Alison 5th. Not bad as there was about 60 in the class.

Brad jumped in the Championship arena and had a very unlucky four faults but we were all very pleased with him as it is a big occassion, the like of which he will not have seen before.

Off to Kingswood at the weekend, let's hope the sunshine lasts.

Bahrain Power Jumping at the Blue Chip Champs

2011-04-09T17:57:00.000+01:00

New School Pony

2011-04-09T12:26:00.002+01:00

After several weeks of training, Bob(pictured here being mentored by Dotty,) is now ready to join the workforce.

You might think that it's just a case of putting on someone's four year old child and off we go. However, Bob has had weeks of police horse training with people running past him, lots of load noises, and even riders throwing themselves all over him just to see what his reaction would be.

I'm pleased to say he's passed with flying colours and is as near to bombproof as we can get for the small children.

Wyvern Dressage Championships

2011-03-25T21:25:00.004Z

Last week saw the final competition of the Wyvern Riding Club dressage series. Mattie and Veronika took the honours in the championship, which was an improvement on their runners up spot last year. However, he failed to end the season with a win and showed his displeasure by sticking his tongue out at the judge.

Veronika was also fourth in the championship on Amanda Smith's Addie and Nic Smith was tenth on Queenie, finishing the season with a second in the novice test.

Nicki Sharp and Brad/Bahrain Power, a prolific winner recently in the showjumping arena, competed in the prelims, but Brad can't understand why there are no jumps in the warm up and ended both tests with a distinctly bemused expression on his face!

2011-03-25T21:23:00.001Z

New Season Underway

2011-03-25T21:14:00.002Z

Our outdoor showjumping season is now underway and I am glad to report that all the horses are going well. I will endeavour to put regular updates here on the blog. However,the glorious weather that we've been having lately has tended to push me in other directions.

Bahrain Power has had a win at nearly every show, so he is on a roll, and both Dream and Coral Drum (pictured here at Summerhouse last week)have been going well for Alison.

Nicki and I have been the length and breadth of the country looking for a new horse but he/she is proving elusive. I know there is one out there somewhere so we will persevere!

"10 Years Younger"

2011-02-23T18:52:00.002Z

This is a photo of Luca, less than two weeks after he came in, and after Alison has got to grips with him with her clippers. I think we will all agree that he looks like a different horse.

If I could only find a way to transform hairy fat people this quickly then I could make a fortune!

Solihull

2011-02-21T21:34:00.003Z

Our trip to Solihull Riding Club went well last week with JK jumping a lovely double clear in the 1.15, Dream and Alison doing the same and coming third, and Nicki's Bahrain Power/Brad winning his first Foxhunter. We are off to Gloucester at the weekend for another Scope Qualifier.

Gracelands

2011-02-14T20:23:00.001Z

On Sunday we took JK and Dream to Gracelands. Dream was fourth in the 1.10 and JK jumped yet another Newcomers double clear and then another double clear to come third in her first 1.15m. That means she is our first Scope Championship qualifier of the season. Off to Solihull again on Wednesday as the weather this week is predicted as prolonged and torrential rain, and not at all suitable for outdoor jumping.

I am still keen, but not that keen.

Mattie Back on Winning Form

2011-02-13T20:55:00.005Z

Razzmattazz Again aka Mattie made a successful return to the dressage arena last week. He competed in an unaffiliated event at Allens Hill and won both his prelim and Novice with just over 72%. We are hoping to get him qualified for the Trailblazers second rounds and then for his Summer regionals.

Highlight of the day, for me, was Maxine letting me jump Jaykay round the showjumps. It's the first time I have jumped her outdoors and she was fabulous.

Solihull Riding Club

2011-02-13T08:50:00.003Z

We had a very successful day at Solihull Wednesday. JK won the 1.05 and jumped another lovely double clear in the newcomers, and Brad aka Bahrain Power jumped his first Foxhunter double clear to finish 5th (Video). Dream was the only unlucky one with four faults. We are all off to Gracelands on Sunday for our first Scope qualifier and weather permitting, we may have our first outdoor show on Tuesday. Yipee!.

Short Back and Sides Please

2011-02-07T21:05:00.004Z

Luca is back in to start work for the Summer season. He looked rather aggrieved to be leaving his friends in the field but it's a hard life.

He is in serious need of a makeover, even more than in previous years, but this is his "before" picture. In ten days time, thanks to Alison and her trusty clippers, even his friends wont recognise him.

Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre

2011-02-04T17:17:00.003Z

We went to Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre yesterday with Jaykay and Bahrain Power. Brad was second in the 1.05m and JK jumped a lovely double clear (video) to come fourth in the newcomers. Both horses continue to improve and I can't wait til Summer.

It is a superb centre with an enormous indoor school and plans to build an even bigger one! The outdoor surface has also doubled in size since we last went, about 18 months ago, so I suspect we will be regular visitors throughout the summer.

It has absolutely nothing to do with the new cafe and excellent range of butties, honestly.

A Sunny Day at Gracelands

2011-02-01T17:18:00.003Z

We went jumping at Gracelands on Sunday. Even though it's our local it is the first time we have been jumping there all Winter as it always seems to clash with something else that we have to do.

The team went really well with Jaykay jumping her first Newcomer double clear, Brad winning the 1.15m and Dream and Ali coming second in both the 1.10m and the 1.15m.

We even had glorious sunshine. I hope that's an omen for a good season. After last year I think we all deserve it.

New Showjumping Season Underway

2011-02-01T16:59:00.004Z

After the terrible weather over the New Year I am glad to say that we are now back out show jumping every weekend. The two latest additions to the team, Jaykay and Nicki Sharp's Bahrain Power (pictured), are both going really well and I am looking forward to competing them on the circuit this Summer.

On the down side, it looks like Basil's dodgy front legs are going to give him too much trouble this year and at 18 years old it may be time for him to go out to grass. We shall miss him. Nicki and I are currently scouring the country for a replacement but are not having much luck. However, there must be one out there somewhere.

Meanwhile, it does mean that we will have space to bring Luca back in. Having been out in the field since his dressage championships win last August I feel he thinks he has been retired. He is very furry and extremely fat, and we will be going on a New Year diet together.

Dressage at Gracelands

2011-02-01T16:46:00.003Z

Most of the yard went off to Gracelands last week for the Wyvern RC dressage competition. We had a good day including a win and a sixth for Veronika and Addie (pictured) and a second for Nicki riding Thunder. Nic and Queenie were also in the ribbons and a special mention must go to Helen Truby and Bracken. At their first ever competition together they came home with a sixth rosette.

Veronika and Nicki also rode Jaykay and Brad (Bahrain Power) who are better known as members of our showjumping team. They both warmed up well but seemed a bit bemused when they entered the arena and there weren't any jumps out.

Contrichta Back in to Work

2011-02-01T16:34:00.003Z

Dante/Contrichta, Amanda Smith's lovely filly by Heartbreaker, has come back in to start work. She was broken in last year and then went back into the field to grow and mature a bit more. She is now riding nicely and will shortly be going off to start a showjumping career with Helen Treadwell.

She has the best loose jump that I have ever seen on a young horse and I am sure she will be a star. It's just a shame she is too small for me, no matter how much of a diet I go on.

Mattie Back to Work

2011-02-01T15:23:00.006Z

After a prolonged Christmas holiday due to the weather, and various other things, Mattie is now back in and has started work again.

He finished last year on a good note, getting 73% in his first novice competition, and has qualified for the Winter Regionals at Addington in February. Unfortunately that clashes with a showjumping fixture (not that I am biased at all!) so we might have to give that one a miss.

We shall be taking him to Allens Hill to get him started again and then hopefully get him qualified for the Summer Regionals. (Dressage in the sunshine being so much easier for me to bear.)

I have noticed that most of the ladies who do affiliated dressage wear an awful lot of make-up. Presumably that's the done thing. So, I have told Veronika that before we go to the regionals we shall have to book her in for a makeover!

The Dedicated Few

2010-12-18T17:01:00.003Z

The weather turned absolutely horrible today. Saturday is usually our busiest day of the week but only a dedicated few turned up for a riding lesson.

Top of the list were Heather, Lydia and her brother Tom who rode this morning in what could only be termed a raging blizzard.

Hats off to you folks. You are either super keen or raving mad.

Heather and Lydia

2010-12-18T16:33:00.003Z

Solihull Riding Club

2010-12-18T16:24:00.003Z

The weather finally thawed out this week so we went to our first show in what seems like ages, although it has only been two and a half weeks.

We went off to Solihull with Dream, JK and Bahrain Power and despite the layoff they all jumped well. Dream and Alison had a 2nd in the 1.05m and myself and Brad, (Bahrain Power) Nicki Sharp's new horse, had a 2nd in his first 1.15m. Added to that, JK jumped a lovely double clear in the discovery, so we had a good day.

It was, however, seriously cold. Roll on Summer.

Winter Riding, JK and Veronika

2010-12-18T14:30:00.002Z

The weather really has been dreadful lately and it has been very hard to get motivated to keep the horses exercised. I find it easy enough when preparing for a show, but when it is so cold that the lorry wont even turn over, let alone start, I can find my enthusiasm waning.

Mind you it is very scenic.

Mattie's First Novice

2010-12-18T14:19:00.002Z

Razzmatazz Again recently competed in his first BD Novice competition at Summerhouse Equestrian Centre. He went like a star again and won with a magnificent 73%.

He has been in work all year now so he is going out in the field with his pal Luca for a Christmas Holiday. I think he has deserved it.

That and the fact Veronika is back off to Czech to visit her Mum and it would mean riding him myself everyday!

Bonnie Sold

2010-12-18T14:08:00.006Z

The lovely four year old mare, Bonnie, seen here jumping at Solihull RC last week, has been sold.

She passed the vet with flying colours on Thursday and is now owned by Sarah Tunney, who has been having lessons with us for the past eighteen months or so. Bonnie is also to be shared with Sarah's mother Kay, and they are both understandably very excited.

Two More Wins for Mattie

2010-11-25T20:54:00.002Z

Mattie and Veronika had two more wins last week. We went to the British Dressage at Allens Hill and they won both prelims with 70% and 72%. This means they have qualified for the regionals in February. Or so I am told. I must find time to read the rule book.

I also had a good day as the cafe there makes the best bacon butties!

New Arrival

2010-11-25T20:35:00.006Z

We have had another new arrival at the yard, in the form of Nicki Sharp's Bahrain Power. A striking five year old Irish gelding by Bahrain Cruise, Brad has been bought for myself and Nicki to showjump and for Nicki to do some dressage competitions.

He has already qualified for his newcomer second rounds next year and last Sunday, at Blewbury Equestrian Centre near Oxford, he qualified for the Blue Chip showjumping championships at Hartpury next April.

Mattie Starts British Dressage

2010-11-16T13:12:00.003Z

Owing to Veronika having won a year's free membership of British Dressage at the Trailblazers Championships this year, I have recently been dragged, kicking and screaming, to affiliated dressage competitions.

Only joking. Mattie and Veronika have made it bearable with two second and two first places from their first four tests. We have only entered prelims so far as we wanted to find our feet before Mattie started winning any points.

Mind you, these dressage people are a serious bunch. When we go jumping you can guarantee there is raucous laughter from somewhere while someone tells a rude joke or regales the latest tit bit of juicy gossip. At the dressage competitions it seems a bit like riding in a library.

Zinnadette

2010-11-16T12:59:00.003Z

Zinnadette R/Addie is continuing to improve. At Gracelands last week she and Veronika had a first and a fifth in the unaffiliated dressage and the week before she jumped the "Eventer" showjumps at Solihull with Alison.

We went with the intention of schooling over normal fences but when we got there the portable cross country jumps were out so we thought we'd have a go. These included logs, upturned boats and pheasant feeders but she jumped them all with her typical enthusiasm. I'm sure she will make someone a really classy all rounder.

Herbie Goes on Holiday

2010-11-16T09:55:00.003Z

Herbie went to Solihull to do the cross country/eventer jumping last week. The first time he has seen these types of fences and he jumped them all as good as gold.

Owing, as usual, to demand exceeding supply where our Winter stabling is concerned, he is now off out into the field where he will join Luca for a holiday, probably until after Christmas. I'm sure he wont mind.

Alex van het Eelsoff

2010-11-02T20:38:00.003Z

About seven years ago we sold a very nice youngster to a lady in Shropshire called Kath Miller. If you had asked me I would have said it was about four years so it just shows how time flies as you get older.

Anyway, she mailed us this week to let us know how he turned out and this is what she put

"I started competing affiliated Dressage 3 yrs ago and after 2 outings got a phone call from a British Dressage "scout" saying they'd judged me at my last venue and would I consider representing the NW Region? I thought someone was having a laugh as it was only our 2nd outing. Once I realised they were serious, I accepted and we've represented NW since at Novice, Elementary and now Medium. He has won the regionals twice at Novice and Elementary and competed at the National Dressage Championships twice. I just wanted to say Thank you as I'm in the business of producing horses myself and have been for years and know how important the early stages are. Thank you for the ground work on him. He's competing at medium and has 189 BD points. He's qualified for summer and winter regionals in 08,09, and this year and reached the Nationals twice. The thing that may surprise you the most (and me, at the time!) was that he has also been ridden by a para rider in last year and this years Nationals and came 3rd against Lee Pearson. Bless him. I will certainly keep in touch and keep looking on your site."

Thanks for getting in touch Kath. Well done, and please keep us updated.

Alex

2010-11-02T20:32:00.003Z

Ross is Sold

2010-11-02T19:38:00.002Z

Our lovely little pony, Ross, has been sold. He was perfect in the riding school but unfortunately we don't have enough work throughout the Winter for both him and his mate Bob.

I received a call for him from a lady in Bewdley, who had a very familiar voice, and it turned out to be an old hunting/showjumping friend of mine. She bought him over the phone for her grandaughter to ride.

Apparently he has settled in really well although the local clay soil has turned him orange!

Rielle and Susan Bradshaw

2010-11-02T17:08:00.003Z

We have just received the latest news from Sue Bradshaw and Rielle. Sue writes

"Just thought I'd send you this pic of rielle at the nationals where she did me proud,getting through to the final 30 and finishing a credable 15th,she behaved wonderfully and we had a great day. We're working hard at home ready to compete at medium level,we've already done two med freestyles to music to a classical version of some rolling stones hits and came 3rd twice so we were well chuffed,her canter half pass's are great,as we are both new to this level,she really does put up with me and tries her hardest."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zinadette Continuing to Improve

2010-10-24T11:56:00.004+01:00

Addie, the six year old mare by Concorde, continues to improve every day. She has recently had a short break, to have her wolf teeth removed, and is now going like a dream on the flat.

Currently competing in Prelim dressage and showjumping she is sure to make someone a lovely allrounder.

New Addition to the Team

2010-10-23T15:50:00.003+01:00

We have recently had a new addition to our showjumping team.

Last week saw the arrival of Jaykay, a six year old chestnut mare by the international showjumping stallion 'Its the Business'.

I often used to jump against Its the Business, back in the last century (literally) when he was ridden by Geoff Glazzard, and have always wanted one of his offspring. At last I have one.

Better late than never.

Zinadette (Addie) for Sale

2010-09-28T21:38:00.007+01:00

A new arrival last week was Zinadette, or Addie, a six year old Dutch (KWPN) mare by Concorde. Bought by her owner as a two year old she was broken in by us last year and then turned away for a break.

Now back into work she will be competing in dressage and showjumping until she is sold. She is a really pretty, nice natured and easy mare and I'm sure she will make a real quality sports horse for someone. You will be able to keep up with all her progress here on the blog.

Click on 'Zinadette R' to see her full pedigree in the Sport Horse Breed Database

Zinadette R (KWPN)	Concord (KWPN)	Voltaire (Han)
		Flyer (KWPN)
	Bernadette (KWPN)	Nimmerdor (KWPN)
		Derina (KWPN)

Dressage

2010-09-28T21:31:00.002+01:00

We went to our first dressage competition for several weeks last Friday. Mattie won both a Prelim and a Novice and Herbie was fourth in the first Prelim and Addie (pictured) was fourth in the second. Not bad for her first time out.

Showjumping Practice

2010-09-28T21:24:00.003+01:00

Herbie, Mattie, Bonnie and Addie all went showjumping again this week. Tuesdays are practice days at Allens Hill and if you pay £10 you can go round as many times as you like, at whatever height you like. Fantastic if you have a lorry full of youngsters like we do.

New Four Year Old for Sale

2010-09-28T21:17:00.004+01:00

A new four year old, Bonnie, has arrived this week. A lovely natured bay mare, she has come to us straight from her breeder and is already proving popular with the riding school customers. She has been showjumping to Allens Hill and Gracelands and will stay with us until we find her a new home.

Pairs Jumping

2010-09-28T21:09:00.003+01:00

During a trip to Allens Hill this week we were in a bit of a rush to get all the young horses jumped (and get to the bacon butty wagon) so we thought it would be a good idea to do two at once. However, as Mattie covers considerably more ground than Bonnie he soon caught her up on the way round and we ended up doing a pairs demonstration.

Dolly joins the school

2010-09-28T21:02:00.002+01:00

Now that baby Troy has been weaned, his mother Dolly has started her education so that she can join the riding school. Pictured here being schooled by Nicki, she is proving to have a superb temperament and is sure to be a big hit with our younger clients.

Herbie and Mattie go to Allens Hill

2010-09-14T20:36:00.003+01:00

Both Herbie and Mattie went to Allens Hill today. Herbie is proving to be a natural over coloured fences and never bats an eyelid at anything. Mattie, accustomed as he is to the dressage arena, tends to feel that he has chosen a career path and has no great desire to risk his valuable legs jumping over those funny coloured things. However, when he leaves the floor he is quite impressive so we shall persevere.

Elrond Sold

2010-09-14T20:29:00.002+01:00

Elrond, aka Spock, our big six year old by Nagano, has been sold. He has recently gone down to Gloucestershire to begin an alternative career as an eventer.

I'm sure, with his big brave jump, that he will excel at eventing and we are looking forward to hearing how he gets on. Best of luck to him and Sam, his new owner.

Foxy Sold

2010-08-22T16:55:00.006+01:00

Our stunning four year old, Pendragons Foxfire by Foxcourt Fabelhaft, has been sold. He has gone down to Tewksbury and hopefully we will hear of his progress soon.

Jigsaw Sold

2010-08-22T16:52:00.003+01:00

Jigsaw has been sold. He has gone off to start a show career in coloured classes. We will be looking out for him at the shows next year.

Allens Hill, dressage again!

2010-08-14T13:01:00.003+01:00

Back to Allens Hill again yesterday. This time for more dressage.

We took Mattie and Luca for a day out but the main reason for going was to restart Herbie's dressage career. After an easy Summer, due to my ribs and seriously overworked staff, we just put him in the intro test so that Veronika could get to know him again. He went beautifully and won his first red rosette, behaving impeccably, as always. Next time he will do prelim and Chino can start in the intro.

Showjumping

2010-08-12T07:48:00.003+01:00

Showjumping at last, we went to Gracelands last Sunday, and Allens Hill on Wednesday, for Alison to ride all the team.

We started off at Gracelands with a win in the first amateur open with Akiro, then a fourth in the Discovery with Avora. This was followed by fourth and fifth in the 1m amateur on Elrond and Dream, and finally third in the 1.05 again on Dream.

Wed, Akiro won again, Dream and Elrond were third and fourth in the 1.05m open and Basil was unlucky not to win the 1.15m with the fastest four faults.

We are off to Weston Lawns on Sunday. It's a bit like the old days!

Herbie and Chino go to Gracelands

2010-08-06T17:06:00.005+01:00

Herbie and Chino went to Gracelands Equestrian Centre today for a look round the showjumps. Chino, being only three, just did a few trot and cross poles but Herbie did nearly a whole course.

He is completely unfazed by fillers and such and is showing a really good technique.

Showjumping at Last

2010-08-06T16:45:00.003+01:00

We are off to Gracelands on Sunday with a lorry full of showjumpers. Hooray. Although I'm not yet able to ride I shall be there to watch and catch up on the gossip. All the riding will be done by Alison and we will be taking Avora, Elrond, Dream and Akiro, aka Naughty Eric. I wonder which one she is most looking forward to!

We have Elrond, Dream, Classic Vision and Akiro all qualified for the Scope Championships at the beginning of September so it's time to get ourselves back into gear.

Rielle and Susan Bradshaw

2010-08-06T11:28:00.002+01:00

Susan Bradshaw who bought a lovely warmblood mare off us a few years ago has sent us some news. She writes

"Hi sarah,we went to the petplan area festival and came 2nd in the novice champ,only beaten by half a percent,but we qualified for the finals at the bd winter national champs at hartbury,we also won the freestyle to music on a whopping 73.61% and qualified for the regional in feb,she really pulled out all the stops and even the judge in the music clapped. When we did the presentation mum stood next to a women who was saying to her friend what a fabulous looking horse she was,but we already know that,she's definitely full of surprises and they're mostly good!!"

Luca and Veronika win the Trailblazers Championship

2010-08-04T18:07:00.005+01:00

This week Veronika and the dressage divas, Luca and Mattie, went off to Stoneleigh for the Trailblazers Dressage Championships. Held every year, it is the National Championships for the true amateur dressage enthusiasts.

On the first day Luca won the prelim qualifier with a magnificent 74.4%. Then on the second day, in the final, he went even better and won again with 74.6%, over 4% ahead of his rivals. He has won himself a posh new rug and Veronika a years membership of British Dressage and two Horse of the Year Show tickets.

As we all know Luca (aka showjumper Coral Drum) much prefers his flatwork and now that he has been temporarily retired from the jumping job he thinks of himself purely as a dressage diva. I think he is hoping that we will forget he can jump at all.

2010-08-04T18:03:00.007+01:00

Razzamataz Again at the Championships

2010-08-04T17:49:00.004+01:00

This year Mattie made his debut at the Championships. With rather a lot to take in for a five year old, he was a little more distracted than usual and just missed out from qualifying for the novice final. He came a creditable 8th, out of thirty five in his section, but only the top six went through. He just had so much to look at, he didn't realise the world was so big!

He made amends the next day, however, by winning the consolation class, by several percent, like a real star and attracting a lot of attention from judges and competitors alike. So here's looking forward to next time.

My God, am I really looking forward to dressage? I think I must have had a bang on the head when I fell off!!

So much to look at!

2010-08-04T17:44:00.003+01:00

Luca Wins Again

2010-07-26T18:56:00.003+01:00

With her own horse presently out of action, Nicki Sharp borrowed Luca last Sunday to compete at the Riding Club Area Dressage competition. He dutifully won his individual class and helped Wyvern into sixth place in the teams.

Great, now I shall have to wrestle him off Nicki as well as Veronika. I'd better hurry up back into the saddle before he forgets he is a showjumper and I lose him for good.

Successful Dressage at Allens Hill

2010-07-20T17:10:00.005+01:00

With the Trailblazers Dressage Championships in mind next month, both Luca and Mattie have been out to practice their dressage. We are not really a competitive dressage yard but are well aware that at Stoneleigh we will be competing against horses that are out every week and have been fine tuned to the utmost degree.

Last Saturday Veronika took the boys to Allens Hill. One of our favourite showjumping venues, it is obviously popular with the dressage crowd as well because it was packed. Both boys did a prelim and a novice each finishing first and third in both tests.

Mattie won the prelim with an outstanding 77.9% while Luca was third with 73%. Then, not to be outdone, Luca won the novice with 74% while a slightly tired Mattie was third with 70.8%.

At least it should help to stop Luca getting too fat while I am sidelined from showjumping. Mind you I was pretty miffed that Veronika didn't manage first and second in both tests. What is she messing at!

2010-07-17T10:32:00.003+01:00

Last year we broke in and sold a lovely Welsh section D mare called Solloway Pearl. She was quite nervous and poor when we had her but had the most fabulous temperament.

Just recently her new owner Annik has sent us this picture and it shows that Pearl has turned into a real stunner. She wrote "I get comments where ever we go about how beautiful she is and I have taken her to local shows and she has won in lots of classes."

We were sorely tempted to keep Pearl for the riding school but she arrived at just the wrong time of year, when we were full to the rafters. Seems we could have made a mistake!

Cappuchino Starts Jumping

2010-07-09T15:52:00.003+01:00

Our nice three year old by Corravale has just started loose jumping and shows a really good technique over a fence.

I know he is bred to be a jumper but it is always a pleasant surprise when they actually do! I can't wait to get back in the saddle.

Whisper van Overis

2010-07-08T14:11:00.003+01:00

Carrie-Anne has written to tell us how Whisper is going and has sent us this lovely picture. She says

"Wisper has come first and second in all of his prelims this year and has finally learnt to relax in the arena. The more I take him out the better he gets which is a great incentive! We will be attempting our first novice test next month. He has qualified for the southern unaffiliated prelims but unfortunately I am away on holiday on the date of the final but he's also qualified for next year so we'll aim for then."

As always it's great to hear how our proteges are going. Keep us informed everyone.

Herbie

2010-07-05T16:52:00.004+01:00

Our lovely coloured four year old, Herbie, is now back in full work and has been going really well. Pictured here schooling with Alison, his flatwork is coming along nicely and he will soon be restarting his dressage career with Veronika on board.

Definitely a yard favourite, due to his fabulous character, we shall be looking for a really special home for him where he can be someone's pet.

Chino Progressing Well

2010-07-05T16:22:00.005+01:00

Tresais Cappuchino, the three year old gelding by Correvale, is now broken and riding nicely under saddle. He has an incredibly laid back temperament and has been very easy to do so far

Good job really as, due to my broken ribs, the girls have had to do him on their own.

I had better "get well soon" or else I might find myself redundant!

Jigsaw Comes into Work

2010-07-05T16:11:00.003+01:00

Our three year old cob cross gelding, Jigsaw, has now come in to be broken.

He has grown into a very nice 15 hander with excellent conformation and a lovely friendly temperament. Currently being mouthed and long reined we will put another photo up as soon as we are on board.

Oops! That wasn't supposed to happen.

2010-07-01T13:02:00.002+01:00

We have been off line for some time due to an unfortunate accident that I had four weeks ago, while at Allens Hill Equestrian centre.

There I was, sat on a nice quiet four year old in the car park, having a chat with some friends, when around the corner came a loose horse which careered straight into us and sent me flying. Sixteen broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a squished spleen and a stay in hospital later, I am now back at home, if not quite back at work.

Alison has been in charge while I have been away and has taken over the ride on most of the horses. The exceptions are Elrond and Eric, who have gone out in the field for a Summer holiday, and Mattie and Luca who have been training towards the Trailblazers Dressage Championships with Veronika.

We have consequently accumulated a backlog of youngsters at various early stages in their career. However, they are all going well and we will be starting a bit of a clearance sale in August.

On the bright side, the hospital food was so terrible that I have lost a considerable amount of weight so I shan't need to diet for a while!

Bicton Time again

2010-06-07T21:03:00.006+01:00

Last week we went for our first trip to Bicton in Devon. As usual we had the full range of weather from blistering sun, to rain, to coastal wind and dust storms. This time, however, we were prepared.

We took eight horses altogether, five for me and one each for Ali, Nicki, and Maggie. After three days of getting up at 6am and finishing at 8pm I was absolutely knackered and need a holiday to recover.

However, all the horses went really well. Pictured is Eric, who jumped so well to record his first Newcomers double clear that I had to ring home and tell them before we'd even left the ring.

Coral Drum

2010-06-07T20:47:00.007+01:00

Just occasionally I manage to wrestle the lovely Luca away from Veronika, and his dressage training, and whisk him off showjumping. He never fails to please as, although not the most courageous horse in the yard (I have had braver chickens),he always tries his heart out and wins more often than not.

As long as we keep him in classes that are not too big and scary, and give him a regular supply of smelling salts when he gets the vapours, he still manages to win us the diesel money.

At today's prices that takes some doing when you drive to Devon.