Dressage pony becomes showjumper for the day



At my livery yard we hold regular clinics, from Show jumping to Natural horsemanship and today it was Equine dentist and Eventer James Arkleys turn to come and give us all a few pointers.

I run the clinics myself and am very conscious of the fact people do not have a lot of money to spend in the current climate so when I look who to get in for the clinics I try to get those who aren't too expensive but on the otherhand are very knowledgeable and have a good reputation.

James Arkley is not only an equine dentist but also formerly a Riding Staff Instructor in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. James was there for 14 years and has competed to Advanced British Eventing Level and represented Great Britain Internationally for Rural Riders.

During his time as Riding Staff James was a senior staff member responsible for teaching new recruit soldiers to ride competently on Royal Ceremonial duties and compete at entry level within 12 weeks.

James is very well sought after in not only the Lincolnshire area but all over and has huge waiting lists for both teaching and dentistry.

When I rang up James to arrange clinics I dealt with his wife and explained I wanted someone with knowledge, expertise but also affordable.

In the past I have arranged clinics with heart-throb Joe Whitaker and both Lionel Dunning and Pam Dunning. All have bought different types of lesson plans to me and all teach in very different ways. It is good from my perspective to watch these different people teach and listen to the feedback that comes from my clients.

As you may know, Ceaser and I haven't had much chance to do some jumping lately as we have been concentrating on Dressage so one of the liveries, Megan and I did a deal that if one joined in then the other would too - so I was somehow convinced to get my jumping boots out of the dusty locker and get on.

I am so glad I did as Ceaser was fantastic. I explained to James that both Ceaser and I were not 100% fit due to me being away at university a lot of the time and he then asked all of us to explain why we were there and what we wanted to get out of the lesson.

I explained that at 14 I had a jumping accident that has left me rather afraid of spreads! I was a show jumper before my accident as often was found whizzing around 3ft courses on my 12.2hh, but sadly now my confidence to jump any bigger than 3ft has gone! I wish I could get it back but I am very aware of the look on my doctors face when I re-broke the same arm I did in my accident just a year later and him telling me if it happened once more it would need surgery and I would be off riding for a good few months.

James was very good in taking in to consideration every bodies abilities and what each individual wanted to get out of the lesson. Its not often you find an instructor that asks for your aims and fits his lesson plan around you.

James noticed that sometimes I tend to make Ceaser ride a course of jumps like he's about to go and do an Elementary dressage test again. He said I need to allow him to poke his nose out more when jumping and forget we are a pair of dressage specialists. I explained my ultimate aim this year jumping wise is to go out and do a BE80 course and James said he thinks we could easily do it which is lovely.

I enjoy having a lesson and getting something back from it - there is nothing better than positive feedback after having a bad week at university and hearing something you are aiming for is reachable.

We worked on lots of related distances, dog legs and getting different striding. James set up a course so we had to work on 10 tone and 12 tone canters so we approached each jump differently according to how it was set up and what it was paired with. Also we worked on jumping jumps on various angles how to approach them. For me jumping a decent sized parallel and spread was a brilliant achievement and Megan was particularly pleased to jump her first dog leg!

Within the different groupings riders ranged from those who hadn't jumped over 1ft before to those who were regular show jumpers and it was interesting to see the way James approached each different rider and took the time to concentrate on them despite working in groups.

I must admit when I first approached James and asked about him coming to do clinics at my yard I was told he would only work at groups. "That's silly" I thought, but then his wife explained that he feels riders get more out of watching others riders attempt the same jumps as them, but in very different situations on very different types of horses.

I really did get a lot out of watching the others in my group, especially a girl on a very forward horse. At university I am constantly put on the forward horses and often think "How the hell do I approach a jump at 90MPH and expect to get over safely" but James explained the techniques in working with a very forward horse and told us it was not always a bad thing!

All others that attended the clinic said they really felt positive after their lesson with James and would love to have him back. I think overall all of us at the yard, whether we were watching or riding got something out of the way in which James taught and I am pleased to announce he WILL be coming back very soon.
View Post

The Rossetta Range



Are your walls, horses stable door and boxes under your bed full of rosettes that you and your favorite four legged friend have won?

Do you wish that you could store your rosettes some where nice that would enable you to proudly show them off?

GDS Equine is a family run business based in rural North Warwickshire.
Director, Gill Manion, has been riding since she was 3 years old and today competes at affiliated dressage having twice qualified at Regional Championships on her mare, Alis.

The idea of the Rossetta range came about when the family realised there was no perfect rosette display solution other than strings, pin cushions or shelves and it was then they decided to develop their idea on how they could solve this problem.

"We think it makes the ideal rosette display system for horse and pony rosettes and even the perfect gift!"

The Rossetta Range is the UK's most stylish rosette display system that offers you the chance to store your rosettes in a professional way.

The range is a display holder that is made from a stylish, high quality plastic and is designed to allow you to change your display easily as your competition or showing success grows.

Rosettes are easily fitted to the holder by simply hooking the bridle clip through the fitted mounting clips. Once you want to change your display the rosettes are easily removed as many times as you wish!

To give your holder that personal look there is the option to add a standard 8" x 6" photograph that simply fits on by using a slip mount photo frame. This does reduce the number of rosettes that can be added from 35 to 29 but personally I like the photo option.

If you need more rosette space then removing the photo frame can be done at any time as it is only fixed on using hook and loop pads.

The boards can be mounted horizontally or vertically in your home, tack room and horse box - anywhere! The design of this board enables you to change your display in seconds so you can update the display as and when you wish!

The overall size is approximately 790mm by 530mm by 15mm and the stylish black appearance gives a beautiful match against red, blue, yellow & green or indeed any colour rosette.

The photo frame is available in a choice of 3 colours; honey, white or gold and is attached by hook and loop pads which enables easy removal should you wish to change your photograph to another favourite one!

The Rossetta Display board is currently retailing at £34.99 for a single board. Should you wish a photo frame included then it is £37.19. Or maybe you have that many rosettes you need two boards? A twin pack includes two boards and two photo frames and can be purchased for £65.00

Personally I think these display boards are a fantastic idea, especially if you want to put your rosettes up but have no where to do so.








View Post

A day in the life of...

First of all I would like to thank Horse and Hound for giving me the opportunity to work on their stand at the BETA International 2012.

A few weeks back I approached all equine magazines and asked me if they had any paid opportunities to work at the BETA International as I thought it would be a good idea to see a different side of equine magazines. Horse and Hound luckily got back to me and said they needed someone for the Tuesday. Happy to help I quickly replied, said I would love to work with them and here I am!

I was very apprehensive of working on a magazine stand trying to sell the magazine, booking in business meetings and talking to prospective clients. It is something I have not done before and am very much used to just writing the content of a magazine rather than putting myself out there and attempting to get people to want to buy it.

I don't think I need to have worried though as when I arrived at the stand at 9:15 this morning the two ladies I was to be working with were lovely. It was great fun convincing people to take the magazines and I even managed to bag a few subscriptions. Result?

Not only did I have to do the above but I also had to try and generate interest in advertising in the magazine and those that were interested needed to be jotted down in the note book and told someone would call them back. It was a very good experience and has made me want to be an equine journalist even more now.

Whilst at BETA I had arranged to meet someone off Twitter I have been talking to; Lucy from Pony magazine was lovely and gave me some really good advice. We met for about half an hour and she also surprised me by bringing me the edition of Pony I had my first ever article in. I was 14 at the time and can remember being amazed my name and photos were in that magazine!

Also, I went up to the Equestrian Life stand to show my face and was amazed to see my column being used on the advertising boards - I cannot believe that and thank you to Louise from Equestrian Life for doing that. What a fantastic surprise. I wish I could have gotten a photo!

I think if I have learnt anything from today it will be that there are plenty more doors that potentially could be opened in the equine journalism world. I think these past few weeks I have been stuck on where I want to end up when I graduate and not look at the bigger picture. One day I hope to be on a small(er) equine magazine getting the chance to write. Writing for me is something I am passionate about and I think I need to start and make use of this more, rather than limiting myself. We will see what happens but keep your fingers crossed for me a job becomes available soon. I am itching to get out there and right now I think I would do anything just to get my chance to be an equine journalist!
View Post

Photoshoots, gambling, debates, competitions. Oh and lectures!

Firstly I must apologise for my quietness over the past week, what a hectic 7 days it has been!

Last weekend unfortunately the snow stopped play again and I was left unable to ride Ceaser. I did however manage to hack out on Monday morning before heading off to University and Ceaser was full of it, leg-yielding and showing how lovely his half passes are down the middle of the road. Silly boy! The kids from the yard were on half term last week so they came too and it was lovely to get off the yard for a short while. Whenever it's just me and the kids they seem to relax and be themselves, the jokes they come out with never fail to amuse me and I can't help but think how grown up they seem in young bodies. I met both Megan and Kerry roughly three years ago now just before I started university. Neither had ponies, one couldn't ride and the other very nervous. Now, they give me a run for my money! It is so lovely to see how they have progressed in the three years.

My week at University was hectic, I have barely had time to stop and think. This week has seen me rushing between photoshoots, university competitions, lectures, more photoshoots and organising valentines day!

A few weeks ago I saw a tweet from uni's press office asking for those students whom had achieved something during their time at university to get in touch - so I did. I tweeted about the success of competing with Ceaser, my Blog taking off, gaining my Column in Equestrian Life Magazine and much more. Thinking about it now, these past few months have been surreal. Owen, from DMU's press office got in touch with me and asked if I would be interested in appearing in their undergraduate prospectus for 2013 as they were selective of who was in it. Of course, I accepted and Monday I went for the first individual photoshoot and interview. The follow up photoshoot which was a group one was then on Wednesday afternoon. I can't wait to see the final copy and I am sure it will look great!

Tuesday as I am sure you are all aware was Valentines Day. I was well and truly spoilt by my other half, Mark. He got me an Ipad2 so I could be more of a professional Journalist and take it to interviews with me. It is fantastic and I love it! I must admit it has made me feel more profesisional and I can't wait to get out and use it more.

Wednesday saw Mark and I getting up at silly o clock and heading out to Brooksby College in Melton to compete in the universities sports challenge, BUCS. This is a series of competitions where universities compete against others in their region. The aim is to compete for the opportunity to represent Great Britain. I am in DMU's A tem and am also the captain and chairperson of the team. I take the competing seriously and as if I was riding Ceaser in any other competition, just because it's not for "me" as an individual it doesn't mean I don't try. I love being part of a team and competing for one another, it is a brilliant feeling, especially that moment when you find you have done well. The competition was due to finish at 3 but as soon as I had finished my Jumping round I had to rush off for the second part of the photoshoot which was starting at 3, in Leicesters town centre. this took longer than expected and 2 hours later I ran out of the studio to find Mark in his car where he had been waiting after me saying I would only be 10 minutes, whoops!

Thursday was a whole new experience for me, I don't want to mention it too much now and give
too much away as I will be writing an individual blog for the whole of the day. A few weeks ago I wrote a Blog post on getting press passes to Southwell Races; well on Thursday mark and I redeemed them and spent the day being treated like royalty! We gambled far too much though and sadly only backed one winner. The experience was surreal though and I got a taste of what being a real journalist is like.

On to Ceaser, he was fantastic this week. He hasn't done some 'proper' schooling for three weeks due to the snow so I was pleasantly surprised how well he went this weekend. We did lots of walk to canter transitions, leg yielding, half passes and shoulder in. I really need to get out and do another affiliated dressage test as soon as possible with him. It's unfair for him to be going so well and not show him off. I have a week off university next week so am very much looking forward to riding him everyday and preparing for an up and coming One Day Event we have soon. Next weekend James Arkley, a local event rider and equine dentist is coming to give a show jumping clinic at our yard, so I am joining in with Ceaser to have a change from showing, schooling and dressage.

Now, something I want to mention is this; this week I was told if I want to be deemed as a professional journalist then I should stop airing my views on Twitter. Sadly I do not agree with this and think that people follow others for a reason. To get a feel of their day and keep up with them. Why should those in the public eye watch who or what they moan about or comment on a topic they haven't agreed with. Why should Journalists, footballers, musicians - anyone, be different to any 'normal person'. Why shouldnt we be able to say as we feel too? Who says we can't, and what gives others the right to say "Well that's not deemed professional?" In reality, do we know what 'professional' is nowadays, with social media and networking as big as it is. What is seen as being a professional post? A couple of weeks back when I went to see Clare Balding at university she openly said some people annoy her. Yes, people annoy others and what or who says you can't comment on this? Feel free to comment should you wish to discuss this? I am a very open Journalist and like any other person enjoy a good debate. One of my flaws may be being very honest in everything i do, but I think this is the best way to be. Don't be a liar, don't hide behind someone you pretend to be. For example if you dont like someone, why pretend to? Why live a lie?
In the words of Bon-Jovi "Just listen to yourself, not what others say. Be who you are, be who you want to be."

View Post

Brownie points


Being a student is tough work you know. You're always without money, food is limited and beans on toast, pasta with cheese and cheap chips becomes a regular "healthy" diet. So, when I was asked if I would do a review on some handmade and homemade chocolate brownies I jumped at the chance.

When I was at school I used to have a favorite bakery that did the most amazing brownies I had ever tasted. Everyday, after getting off the bus I would go to get one and have it before mucking out my horses. Then suddenly their recipe apparently changed and since then the brownies have never been right.

Say It With Brownies approached me last week and asked if I would taste a sample of their brownies and then write them a review, of course I was more than happy to oblige.

They are based in a village called Seaview in the beautiful Isle of Wight and launched their business in 2011.

Say It With Brownies sell exclusively online through this website and the idea behind it originates from the idea of offering an alternative to sending flowers, after all a yummy box of chocolate brownies is far more fun as a gift (and you might even be offered a brownie if you’re lucky!)

Tuesday, right before an exam a parcel arrived through my university house door and because of the type of person I am I ripped open the packaging, only to find the most beautifully wrapped box of brownies. I agree that gifts like this are a much better alternative to sending the 'usual' flowers and in my opinion would make someones day! Inside I found a lovely piece of ribbon attached around the box and a note in that just adds that finishing touch to a perfect gift.

Now, before I continue let me get something straight. I am the most fussiest, picky eater you will ever encounter. I turn my nose up at most foods, eat only things I am familiar with and do not like to try anything new, so I must admit when I was asked to try these brownies I did panic slightly.

Now though I don't see why I ever worried. These gorgeous handmade brownies are sealed in the most beautiful box that just finishes the touch of nicely. Inside they are wrapped in tissue paper to keep the ounces of goodness stored in them not only fresh but also tasty.

As I bit into the brownie I was surprised at how soft and moisture it was and relished the way the icing sugar on top almost fizzed in my mouth and complimented the taste of succulent chocolate just nicely. The amount of chocolate within these brownies has quite clearly been perfect right down to a tee, as its not usual I find myself digging around for another helping. Usually brownies like these are often sickly and one a day is usually enough. Not these though, I could have quite easily ate the whole box in just one day.

It is evident a lot of thought has gone into not only the ingredients in these brownies but also the smallest of touches. Each helping is just enough to fill that little hole in your stomach, but on the contrary one is also not enough as you're left wanting more.

With prices starting at £16.99 these are the perfect gift that says it all in a box. Want to send your wife or husband a treat just to remind him how much you love him? Or maybe a friend or relative isn't well and you want to send them a pick-me-up? Whatever the occasion these brownies are sure to make that special someone smile.

They come in six different flavors from Fruit and Nut to Cookies and Cream so the choices are endless.

I would recommend these brownies to any grandma, aunt, uncle, mum, sister, friend, loved one or just a work colleague!

For more information and to order now, visit: http://www.sayitwithbrownies.co.uk/
View Post

Day, Son & Hewitt want your loveable Valentine photos!


Day, Son & Hewitt began creating premium quality horse supplements roughly 175 years ago and have never looked back.

In 1865 they were awarded the royal warrant during the reign of Queen Victoria and to this day continue to hold it. The company Day, Son & Hewitt is known to customers as being the providers of products they can trust which are full of quality.

Day, Son & Hewitt like to reward their customers, followers and friends monthly by holding a competition on Facebook that is easy as "1,2,3" to enter.

With February being the month of love Day, Son & Hewitt decided what better idea than to hold a competition with the theme equine valentine.

All equine owners I am sure can relate to the feeling of love they have for their four-legged friends and I bet every horse enthusiast has a picture that reflects this love.

Winners will receive a fantastic offer too good to say no to of a months supply of one of their premium supplements. As well as this the winner will receive 2 VIP tickets to the upcoming masterclass with the showing worlds very own Julie Templeton which is to be held at Bishop Burton on the 2nd and 3rd of April.

If you are a huge showing enthusiast like me that is aiming for big things this coming season then this is a competition not to be missed!

To enter, simply post a photo on Day, Son & Hewitts Facebook wall with a short but sweet caption that is no longer than 50 words. Pictures can be of two horses looking like their madly in love, or maybe a photo that reflects the bond of horse and owner.

So, go on - dig out those valentine specials and enter now!

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=10151252235570293&set=o.191308967576721&type=1&theater
View Post

Clare Balding comes to De Montfort University.


"If I'm reporting on something I still have to have the radio on - I am just so used to hearing the commentators points of view on something, I like to hear whats going on!"

Today, I had a rare glimpse of the future... the future I want so badly. I only went and bloomin' met Clare Balding.
If I am honest Clare is much nicer than I imagined. For such a successful presenter I imagined her to be all hard faced and not up to conversing much with the general public. How wrong could I be? My first peek of Clare was her confidently walking into the hallway outside the lecture room to talk to everyone. I had to do a double take as I hardly imagined her putting herself out there willing enough to stand, in front of the whole of the audience waiting for someone to jump on her and quietly ask for a cheeky autograph and photograph.
Clare simply strode over to the table where cups of teas were on offer, took one and proceeded to drink it until someone was in there asking questions. I took this as my opportunity to get my chance of a photograph and autograph. There was only one way my Mum would believe I had seen Clare and what was if I took a photo and sent it her. Luckily Clare was more than willing to abide to the popular demands of the public and calmly continued to not only finish off her cup of tea, but also answer questions, pose for photos and scribble in endless autograph books. I thought it only wise to introduce myself as "the girl off twitter". I wasn't sure how Clare would react to this, whether she would suddenly call the absent bodyguards or proceed to run off. It has been a constant joke throughout my circle of close family and friends lately that I have somewhat "stalked" Clare. Of course I haven't, but I have tweeted her asking for help in my dissertation but sadly had no reply, so upon hearing she was coming to my university I took it as my opportunity to tweet her once again and let her know I would be there to ask my questions!

I was surprised at the lack of people watching Clares back. Apart from her two colleagues she had with her; Lucy and Dick, she didn't have anyone to escort her into the lecture room, nor fend off the ever growing mound of general public. This is something I was pleasantly surprised at. Despite Clares obvious popularity, she seemed to treat us all the same, which is a refreshing shock for some one of her fame. Usually as soon as someone becomes even slightly famous they feel it necessary to have a whole army of security guards around them to stop people asking for photographs or getting in their way.

Shortly after this we were moved into the lecture room and I took this as my chance to sit at the front. Whatever happened, I was asking my question and I think Clare knew this as a few times I caught her eye and smiled at her mention of Twitter and social media.

We were given background information on Clares life and how she came about to begin the career in sports reporting that made her who she is today. One particular statement from her stood out to me a great deal and just shows the emphasis of what type of person Clare really is.
"I had no intentions of reporting on the Horse Racing. I didn't want to be known for the rest of my life as Ian Baldings daughter."
I think we are safe to say that Clare has made a name for herself and is under no circumstances seen has just Ian Baldings daughter, but in fact one of our leading broadcasters.
Clare described her self as being like any other university graduate. She wanted to come out of her degree, change the world and change the way in which people thought. Wanting to write, Clare thought she would come out university and write for newspapers, magazines and had hoped to be able to write some childrens books, but that swiftly changed. She also goes on to say that each and every individual should be "Bloody happy to be different". A simple statement like this reflects the person that Clare is and the ability to be comfortable with whatever challenges life throws at you. Clare described herself as being a great believer in being happy with what you've got, making the best of it but being happy at the same time to be different from others.

Despite the lecture being live streamed across the internet Clare is in no uncertain terms uptight or hesitant to say just exactly what she feels. In fact during one moment she tells of certain people that annoy her but describes herself as being quite calm and deals with them without getting mad. By throwing the odd joke in to each of her stories, Clare keeps the viewers entertained and tells them of time she nearly threw a sausage at the Queen when she was a young girl.

Nothing seems too "private" to talk about and she is willing to share stories from her childhood and throughout growing up. It is clear that Clare has a lifetime of tales she could sit and talk about all day if she had time. Many of times she went off topic to talk of something else.
It is obvious that Clare lives and breaths sport, the passionate tone in which she adapts when asked questions shows the love she has for getting coverage for each individual sporting activity and loves the work she does. When I asked her how I could get my foot in the door of Equine Journalism even more she was more than happy to answer and proceeded to give me more tips than I bargained for.

When asked about the up and coming 2012 Olympics, Clares face lights up and it is more than clear to see that this event is something she has been looking forward to for quite some time now. In fact she admits to practicing to commentate on the swimming events for roughly 3 years now, but then goes further to say she has been both practicing and waiting to report on the Equestrian events for 15 years and cannot wait for the event.
Upon being asked which sport she thinks will shine in the 2012 Olympics, Clare instantly without a pause answers Dressage. Clare feels that the Dressage GB team has the chance to bring home the gold medals as they are doing so well at the moment. So, here you have it ladies and gentleman, you've heard it from the horses mouth. Put your money on the GB Dressage team for the Olympics.
View Post

Its a snow go!


This weekend may as well have been a total right off. I'm all for having fun, acting like a child again and letting 'go' every once in a while but one day is enough.
At 21 I feel too old to be hit on the head with a hard snowball, or face planted in the snow. Its just not as fun as it is when you are 12.
All the children at my yard in Lincolnshire seem to turn into demons when the snow arrives. In fact, they're demons at the best of times - maybe its something to do with these dark mornings and nights? Anyway, the snow arrives and they find it somewhat funny to get the biggest 'clump' of snow together as possible, aim for your head and throw. Bang, and they've got you. I don't know how they do it, but every single time their aim is 100% and you end up walking away with rather cold ears and a thumping head. When I was 12 (in fact it still stands) my aim was rubbish. I have never been able to throw a ball and expect it to land in the correct position. It always veered off or I just didn't quite throw hard enough. It is the same with snowballs. I aim, fire...and bam my snowball splats in front of my victims feet
rather than on their head. Good job I took up horse riding as a hobby and not javelin throwing!

So, with my weekend plans out the window I couldn't really do much this weekend apart from groom and muck out! Saturday I managed to get to ride. Ceaser was full of it, snorting as we walked around the arena, and it took him a good 10 minutes to settle before he started to work correctly. When I had a lesson a few weeks back I had a new riding instructor; Kate Knight. She asked why I take hold of Ceasers head as soon as I get on, and why I don't allow him to stretch for a few minutes whilst warming up. This is why. I will always take hold of him for 10 minutes first, as that is when he is most likely to be silly, snort and spook at the smallest of things. If after 10 minutes he hasn't done anything then you're usually safe and it means he isn't in a spooky mood. Kate understood where I was coming from and said because I'd had him 13 years now she was sure I knew him outside out and if this was the best way for him then I should carry on. I have tried to get on, allow him to stretch and then take a hold of him, but personally I have found that he has took this opportunity to be silly. Anyway, as I said, Saturday I managed to have a half hour ride. I had wasted so much time doing nothing on Saturday that I really didn't have time for much else. It was just so cold that all of us at the yard sat in the canteen eating chip shop chips and talking! I was also waiting for the lady who has just taken my 12.2hh on loan to come, so I must admit I didn't have a very productive day.

On the topic of my 12.2hh. I am so glad to say I have finally found her 3 amazing loaners. A mum, and two daughters. They are so sweet and seem to love Sara already. It did, I must admit bring a tear to my eye watching them both cantering around on her. I was the youngsters age when my Dad and Granddad first ppurchased Sara for me, and in the past 14 years we have had the most amazing moments together, but I know that she has to teach someone else now. Even though she's staying on our yard it is hard to take a step back, I could sit there all day telling them about things we have done together, but it is their turn to have fun with her now and make their own memories. ( I have included a photo of sara with her new loaner and then one of Sara and I)

Saturday evening arrived, and the temperature dropped awfully so I made the decision all the ponies had to have one extra rug on each. Especially Ceaser as he is clipped. That is when the snow started to come down, thick and fast!

Sunday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. Everywhere was covered in inches and inches of snow, which meant one thing - the day would be spent doing absolutely nothing and a complete waste. Due to where we live, because of the steep hills, we struggle to get about when it snows. Our lane is treacherous in icy conditions and so all ponies had a day off work, and we set about just mucking out and grooming!
Luckily on Monday I managed to get on Ceaser for 20 minutes just to walk him around the arena. I do keep telling dad that if we had an indoor school I could keep Ceaser in constant work, but my 'subtle' hints don't seem to be working. Nor do the hints that a horse walker would be a fabulous idea. One day..

I am back at university now as I have an exam tomorrow afternoon and then I am meeting Clare Balding. I am so excited, she is coming to do a lecture at my University and I managed to get tickets to see it. I cannot wait to finally have my questions answered and will no doubt be the geek sat at the front asking every question thinkable. I will update about this tomorrow to let you know it went - I hope she wont mind posing for a photo just so I can prove to the (rather excited) mother that I did in fact attend the lecture! Mum has been badgering me to get in touch with Clare for months, as it has never been a hidden fact that the type of work Clare does is something I want to get in to. Although, try explaining to your Mum who doesn't believe in social networking nor understand the concept of it that Clare must get thousands of "twits" (yes my Mum really does call tweets twits!) a day and why should she respond to mine just because I want to do what she does.

Just before I sign off can I say a huge thank you to those of you who are taking the time to read my Blog. In the first month I have had roughly 650 views on here which is amazing. I am so glad the journey to me becoming an equine journalist and becoming affiliated with Ceaser is something you all enjoy reading. Thank you to those who constantly retweet my links to here on Twitter for me, and to those who access through Facebook. Please continue to visit as I continue my journey.
View Post
Next PostNewer Posts Previous PostOlder Posts Home
BLOGGER TEMPLATES BY pipdig