Horse of the Year Show 2013

If you have been following my blog for some time now you will know that last year Mark got me a Polo experience day for my 21st Birthday. I had a fantastic day and since then have been dying to get back on and try it again. You can read how it went last year by clicking this link.

A couple of months ago we saw a voucher pop up on Groupon for the Vale of York Polo Club which allowed you to have a 2 hour lesson at a drastic cut of the price. Eagerly Mark got me the lesson and we declared we would go in the summer again.

Time flew and before we knew it we had an email from Groupon saying we had a matter of weeks left to redeem our voucher. After putting our heads together we decided seeing as we were going to watch HOYS on Friday we would then travel to Doncaster, stay in a hotel on the Friday night and then go for my lesson on the Saturday morning.

The Monday before my lesson and HOYS I came down with the flu and a chest infection which made me awfully sick, so it was touch and go whether I could go or not. However, it was the last day I could redeem my voucher, I had to go!

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HOYS was fantastic. We took a group of children from the yard with us which was nice. It seems like they all had a fantastic time and enjoyed themselves. I think for some of them it was overwhelming as they have never seen jumps so big, or riders so famous. Evidently it seems the way to keep them quiet is also to take them away from the yard. Don't worry though, Saturday they were back to non-stop talking!

Usually I go to watch the show jumping as I love watching the best riders in the world battling it out for the top prize money and rosettes. However this time I was keen to watch the Dressage Masterclass that had been advertised for the late afternoon. Last year I missed it due to spending far too much time shopping so this year I was adamant I was going to be there.

Upon arrival we found out it was the Eilbergs that were going to be hosting the master class which was exciting. I couldn't contain my excitement but clearly the kids with us could as 5 minutes before it was due to start they told me they were off shopping! I did let them know I was disappointed they didn't stay to watch something which could really help them. However they said "We'll be back for the jumping and pony games!".....what more could I say?

Michael and Ferdi were the two that arrived with Ferdi on the ground and Michael aboard a simply stunning 7-year-old chestnut mare. They showed us their warm up process with the mare and how they intend to keep her switched on but are being careful not to bore or ruin her due to her young age. It just shows Amy and I are doing something right with Ceaser as their warm up process was very similar to ours. Maybe this could be my claim to fame.....I have the same warm up routine as Michael Eilberg....Ok, I tried.

Every time the mare did a change of gait or showed us some lateral work the "ohh's" and "ahhh's" coming from the crowd could quite simply have made you believe we were sat watching the 50 shades of grey movie. Boy this mare is definitely one to watch for the future. They kept things simple enough so everyone in the audience could understand what they were doing, but technical enough for those who knew dressage to get something out of it.

Michael is such an elegant rider, everything just looks as if it is done with ease. If a chance arises to have a lesson with a member of this family then I will be jumping at the chance!

Thoroughly inspired I spent far too much money on Ceaser and Sara and in turn Mark also spent far too much money on me and Ceaser. We were spoilt and he treated us to a Le Mieux dressage square and half pad so that we look posh at our next dressage competition. I love the Le Mieux products and if I could afford it would cover Ceaser in them 24/7. Sadly with the hefty price tag I cannot afford to, but I now can't wait to use our new half pad and dressage square. Mark has warned me I'm not allowed to get them dirty. I'm under strict orders!

Although HOYS is a fabulous chance to do some shopping and indulge in everything horsey, it is also a great chance to have a look at new products on the market in the shopping hall and catch up with friends you haven't seen in a while. It was amazing the amount of people I spotted that I haven't had a chance to talk to for some time or even seen in years.

My new Headcollar

The rest of the day flew by, we had a brilliant time watching the show jumping, pony club games and walking past famous riders as we shopped till we dropped. "MARK, it's him.....it's...ahh...its Cian O Connor....there....look....were stood right next to him!" was embarrassingly one of many times I got a little star struck. I really should get used to this being a journalist as I never know who I will meet. Still, I think I am allowed to get a little girly at times.

The Supreme Pony of the Year; Nynwood Fantasia was totally deserving of the title. For a combination only 9-years-old between them they both exceeded their years as they came forward for the championship.

And that's it... it's all over for another year. Here's to 2014.

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British Dressage Pet Plan Area Festival 2013

Qualifying for the BD Area Festivals was something I have wanted to do all year. Qualifying for the Pet Plan Prelim final in just two outings was something I hadn't expected to happen and when I did I had my heart set on competing at the finals.

For me preparation started well in advance of the Area Festival because it was going to be a day of firsts for me. It sounds silly but I have never competed without a whip before and I soon learnt during my lessons just how much I relied on it! Additionally this would be the first time in a very long time I had learnt a test and not had a caller read my test out for me. Since meeting Mark and him taking an interest in calling my dressage tests for me he was been some sort of comfort blanket and I have always asked him to read "just in case I forgot". Lastly the championship test would be the first time I had ever competed in a long arena test.

So, two weeks before the competition I got myself a set of additional arena letters, a tape measure and someone to help me measure our arena at home so I could start practising properly! Within a day I had learnt my test and to ensure I didn't forget it Mark and I sat going through it in places like Prezzo's using salt and pepper pots, drink glasses and cutlery as arena markers! I was adamant I wasn't going to let Ceaser down and if I wanted to achieve my dream of being picked for the Northern Region BD teams I NEEDED to ride a decent test. We got some funny looks in Prezzo's but hey....I learnt my test!

The day before the Area Festival Amy came to give me a lesson and together we went through the test twice and worked on the ideal warm up again. Amy has really worked me out and described to a tea exactly what I do and don't do when riding at a competition. She told me to ride a movement, breathe and then just before I am about to ride another breathe again - which is something I really find I don't do enough of - breathing and taking a breath! I was panicking throughout the whole lesson that things weren't going to go to plan or I wasn't going to do something correctly and if I am honest I feel I could have ridden better or made more use of my hour with Amy. However the lesson finished with me feeling more confident in myself and believing I deserved to be riding at the Area Festival just as much as everyone else. This is something else Amy really has had to work hard on; my self confidence. I have zero confidence in myself and at times think I don't think I can do something. I really should remember what my very first riding instructor told me - there's no such word as can't.

Ceaser had a thorough bath and I plaited him up on Saturday evening meaning I didn't have to rush about even more on my already early morning on Sunday. He always makes me giggle when he is in his supreme products purple body wrap. He looks more like a purple Quality Street than a pony. Bless him!

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Sunday came around rather slowly but at the same time too quickly. Before I knew it I was loading up for the half hour journey to sheepgate. Upon arrival I was bewildered and speechless at the gorgeous horses that I was faced with. They were simply stunning. It is evident as soon as you turn into Sheepgate the amount of effort and time Sarah puts into her Area Festivals there. Everything was so well planned and no one was running around flapping - well, apart from me!

Ceaser came off the lorry as cool as a cucumber, despite this being one of the biggest events we have been to whereas I was running through my test in my head. I popped his massage pad on whilst I went to book in and take my proof of qualification to Sarah. Before long it was time to tack up and get warming up for my warm up test which I hadn't even looked at because I didn't want to get the movements confused with prelim 19 later on.

Warming up felt 100% better than it has before. Thanks to Amy I now had an action plan in my head and I knew exactly what I needed to do down to the minute. I got on half an hour before my time and firstly I started walking around on a loose rein, just encouraging Ceaser to flex left and right as we changed the rein and did lots of circles and serpentines. I did lots of halt to walk transitions to get him working off my leg and listening rather than concentrating on the busy atmosphere around him. We were the smallest in the warm up again and riding alongside people doing flying changes and pirouettes beside you is rather overwhelming but Amy had prepared me for all of this beforehand.

After ten minutes I started on our trot work, asking him to slightly lift more now but being careful not to put too much pressure on. We did lots of serpentines and circles whilst ensuring he was working long and low as appose to the coiled spring effect we were working to just a mere few weeks back. Amy had explained if he worked long and low with the correct bend I would get a nice swing behind and judges liked to see this - so I worked on ensuring everything was connected but he didn't coil up which he had a tendency to do.

I added some leg yield and shoulder in on both reins in to help loosen him up evenly and when I felt like I had him I introduced the canter and did the same again, whilst allowing regular walk breaks. When I had just ten minutes left I picked him up a little and put a slight bit more pressure on to get him working more uphill and forwards. As if Amy had knew when we planned this warm up, I was finished with just 3 minutes to spare which was just enough to time to say hello to a few people, and walk to wait outside our arena. The dreaded arena three....

Usually Ceaser is an absolute nightmare in arena three. I have never worked out why, but every time I have tried to warm up in there he spends his time on two legs and doesn't seem to like going forward. I had hoped that this time because I had warmed up somewhere else and got him listening and working forward that doing a test in there would be different to warming up in there.

Evidently I was right and not once throughout the whole test did he feel tense in any way! Everything just felt like it went right and I enjoyed every minute for once. I tried to remember to breathe before every movement and even Mark commented at the end how much more relaxed both Ceaser and I seemed. We got mainly 7's for our movements and although I had been hoping for a few cheeky 8's I was still pleased with our score of 66.09% which put us into 10th place. The level of competition was very high and with just under 20 in the class I was happy to end up roughly in the middle of the field.

After a quick untack I decided to go and have a sit down in the cafe to watch some scores going up. For the first time in about 10 years Mum had come to watch and support me which was lovely. It was nice having her there and she commented on how well Ceaser was going lately. I was one of the first in for the Area Festival test so I didn't really have a chance to watch other peoples tests which is probably for the best. In stead I spent 20 minutes running around the grass beside our lorry going through my test. Crazier things have happened!

 To warm up I did exactly as I had earlier in the morning and went through some movements I knew were coming up. Mark asked if I wanted to look through the test again but I didn't, I was quietly confident and didn't want to ruin it. All too soon it was my time to go and I haven't felt as good as I did at that moment as I trotted around the arena and the commentator reeled off the information I had written down on the rider biography sheet earlier. Ceaser felt good and before I started I glanced over at Mark, Mum and friend Tanya as they sat watching us.

Finally the bell went. This was it. Our turn. The centre line felt the longest and I did all I could to ensure we stayed straight and focused. First 15 metre circle done, that didn't feel too bad, change of rein from B to K (or burger king as I had been remembering it!). Then I remembered to breathe and relax. Thankfully. Enjoy it I thought to myself! I wish I could remember every second of it all but I honestly can't. The test seemed to pass by in a blur and all I remember is coming down the centre line, halting, saluting and almost bursting into tears. I had done it! I gave Ceaser the biggest pat and hug imaginable and walked off to meet everyone who had come to watch. The grin on my face in the photos says it all really. I cannot believe my little rescue pony who 15 years ago we thought was too much for me and were told wouldn't ever do very well at dressage had qualified for an Area Festival and just competed there. Ceaser didn't put a hoof wrong throughout the whole test and I cannot fault him at all. Despite the electric atmosphere and buzzers going off everywhere he listened to me throughout and did everything I asked. He was simply amazing.

After cooling him off and taking him back to the lorry I said good-bye to mum and went off to watch the marks which were slowly being put upon the score board whilst eating Sheepgates famous cheesy chips! Finally my marks came up and we got an average mark of 63.86%. We got 147 marks from one judge which equated to roughly just over 66% and 134 from the other which unfortunately dropped us down to the 63%. By this time half of the class had gone and we were lying in 8th place which wasn't bad! Only the top 10 are needed for the prize giving so I knew we were safe to go home but I ensured I had the live results from Sheepgate open on my iPhone for the rest of the day.

Later on in the afternoon when the class had finished I was over the moon to find out we had finished 16th which to me is fantastic! There was just under 40 starters in the class and so 16th was enough to keep me smiling and feeling on cloud 9! I couldn't have felt more thrilled and when I worked out the marks if our final score had of finished on the one judges we would have been 9th!! My smile spread from both ears and I was proud of Ceaser and how well he had gone for me. My pony with such a big heart never fails to amaze me and does everything he can to please me. He took everything in his stride and I couldn't have felt prouder.

I think it is safe to say after today the dressage bug had well and truly bit me. I am now more determined than ever to continue to succeed and try to get on a team to represent the Northern Region next year. Everyone that I met at the Area Festival was nothing but friendly and more than willing to help. With our score sheets we got given a lovely door plaque for Ceasers stable to show he has competed at the Area Festival. I can't wait to get this put up so I can show it off to anybody who walks by his stable!

I cannot wait for the next few months as I try to be selected for the teams and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with all of my readers. Coming up I have a Northern Region DVD night on Tuesday where the focus is flying changes. Following that I am having a weekend away with Mark for his 28th Birthday (he's getting old!) and then I am competing at Sheepgate again, but this time representing the North Lincolnshire Riding Club in the Area Dressage. Throughout this I will continue to have lessons with Amy and I hope in the next few months we see an even bigger improvement in my tests.

Don't forget.... Dream, Believe, Achieve and you will succeed.

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Going abroad doesn't mean you can't ride - Malta

Del and I

When I am booking a holiday my first thought is to look if there is a riding stables nearby, whether it be a trekking centre or riding school. It doesn't matter where I go, South-Africa, Malta, the New Forest or York - I want to be able to go riding at least once whilst I am away.

I started going to Malta every year with my Grandparents back when I was six. At ten or eleven my Granddad took me riding to a local trekking centre called Golden Bay Horse Riding and I was overwhelmed. Handing over his money to a kind lady (who I later got to know as Beverly) she asked me what my riding level was and I got put upon a rather nice looking dapple grey called Dappled that soon became my favourite.

Whilst Granddad went for a quiet walk on his own around the beach, I went riding. I admit back then I was rather nervous about being in such an open situation with a new horse beneath me. However, I don't know why I worried as Dappled looked after me. We were asked if I wanted a trot and small canter and of course I obliged, thoroughly enjoying the whole experience. We went over rocky paths that were only suitable for riding in a single file, we then all rode abreast whilst taking in the amazing views Malta had to offer and finally we finished off the ride by walking near the edge of a large cliff. I remember being so small, looking right down the drop into the water and not quite thinking "wow" but "Oh my god". Thinking back now the view was something out of this world and the memories I shared there with nothing other than one of the best and most important species in my life is something else.

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Del - a Ceaser look-alike!

The following year we returned to Malta, just my Grandparents and I and of course Granddad asked me if I wanted to go horse-riding again. He knew me too well. Once again we returned to Golden Bay and I asked the kind lady if she had dappled still and whether I could ride him. Of course I could she said and off we went. This time we went the opposite way to before and again I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We rode up the cliffs and over rocky paths once more, but this time to go and view the breath-taking views that over looked Popeye Village. Dappled looked after me just like had the year before and I found I was somewhat taken with the pony.

I wish I knew then that, that would be my last ever time going to Malta with my Granddad. There would have been so much more I would have done or asked him if we could do together. To me Malta is the place we shared so many happy memories and whenever I go back I feel I am closer to him than ever. I believe if there is an afterlife and Granddad is anywhere then he is in Malta, soaking up the sun and enjoying the breath-taking views and experiences that Malta has to offer.

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Dad and me on Pepsi

When I returned a couple of years later with my Dad and between us we had shared many special moments in Malta with Granddad that I think both of us needed to return. I suggested we go horse-riding and for Dad it was a large step to take having not ridden since his horse, Bertie had also died suddenly a year before. I was excited at the prospect of going riding with Dad again having not done so for a long time. Upon arriving onto the Golden Bay yard again I was drawn to a stunning looking all black gelding that I soon learnt was called Pepsi. Without a second thought I wanted to ride him and asked the 'kind lady' if that would be possible. He's young she said - but if you're a quiet rider you should be ok. Dad was put on a chestnut gelding called 'Khalisa" that we soon learnt liked to trot and canter when allowed. The lady told Dad and I to go off in front for a bit of a canter if we wished to and as soon as we agreed I didn't see dad for dust. He was gone and by the look of his face when we finally caught up with him he loved it. Pepsi was a nice ride, he liked to jog but everything about him felt so elegant. Now I was a little older I was able to take in just how amazing the views in Malta were and how lucky I was to be able to share the precious moments with a horse. There is something about exploring new areas upon a horse’s back that makes it all even more special and something even I as a journalist cannot explain in words. All too soon it was over and I think dad must have enjoyed himself as he quickly booked us in for a sunset ride a few days later - on the same horses.

Depending on what level rider you are you have two rides to choose from. Anyone from beginners to experienced riders can go on either ride, but your experience will depend on what horse you are given or whether you are then put on the lead rein. They offer the 1 hour ride that goes out several times throughout the day or the sunset ride which goes out most evenings and lasts 2 hours. When we are there we usually go for a 1 hour ride, then a sunset ride and then I'll go for another hours ride on my own. 

Mark and me on Del

The sunset ride was out of this world and is something you have to go on if you're in Malta. Golden Bay Horse Riding are so blessed and lucky to have such fantastic views only a mere stone’s throw from their yard. I have never appreciated a sunset until experiencing it sat upon Pepsi in what felt like my second home Malta. The view was like something you only see in your dreams and the leaders of the ride know exactly when to give you time to take it all in. For me it was something I felt like I needed to do. I stood as far on the edge of the cliff as I was allowed watching the sun go down and as it did I whispered a quiet prayer and thank you to my Granddad for introducing me to this place and experience. On our way back I tried to take as many photos as I could whilst sitting quietly thinking about everything that happened in the past few years. Dad's horse Khalisa left such a special meaning in his heart and a few weeks later after returning home we named our new chestnut gelding, Khalisa after him.

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The beautiful sunset through a ponies ears

Dad and I returned about two years later and this time I was determined to experience more of the ride than ever before. A much more confident rider now I told them I wanted to go for a good canter and as I walked onto the yard once more I was greeted by a lovely but very cheeky looking cob called Del-boy. Finally we introduced ourselves properly to the lady who we found out was called Beverly. Funnily enough she was from a place not far from us in Nottingham and it turns out she knew where our yard was back in England. This world is such a small one. Beverly kindly allowed me to ride Del-boy but again explained he was new and young, so he could be cheeky. I don't know whether it was the fact I had nearly lost Ceaser just a few months before but Del-boy attracted me instantly. He just had something about him I loved but couldn't put my finger on. Dad was given a large bay called Whisky which he thoroughly enjoyed. Together we went ahead of the group several times having a canter where possible. Del certainly lived up to his name as he had a couple of cheeky bucks which I am sure where nothing but excitement. I couldn't help but let out a loud giggle whilst asking him to go a little faster. The feeling of being free out there is so noticeable - there is no judgements on what type of rider you are, everyone is there to experience the same thing and it is a nice change from all the competitiveness back home. We booked in to go on the sunset ride again that week and then additionally I paid for myself to go alone whilst Dad went to the beach. It isn't often at home that I get the change to hack out alone with no pressures, so this was perfect time for me to think and take in the scenery whilst doing something I love doing. Beverly chatted to me when I wanted and left me to take everything in when I wanted. Several times Del made me laugh as we went for cheeky canters on the verges and when allowed. Looking out over the cliffs as the sun pelted down on to the water in Popeye Village I felt in complete awe. Again silently I whispered a small thank you to Granddad for giving me my first experience of what it felt like to stand up there upon a horse without a single care in the world. I didn't want to go home and if I could I would move my horses there in a heartbeat and live over there. Whether it's the connections of my Granddad or something else, I don't know, but something there makes me feel at home and relaxed like the world is my Oyster.

A mere few weeks later I returned to Malta, this time with the other half, Mark. I was keen to show him what Malta was all about and having already informed Beverly I was returning she ensured Del was saved and ready for me the days we were coming riding. It was nice to be reunited with the little pony that was my escapism for the holiday. Mark thoroughly enjoyed his time and although having only ever ridden once or twice at home Beverly looked after him by putting him on the lead.

Mark and me on Del

The moments you share up there on the cliffs with your horse or pony is simply unforgettable and I wouldn't think twice about going back to Golden Bay Horse Riding every time I return to Malta. Beverly and her partner who run the stables are nothing but professional and want nothing than for you to have the time of your life. I simply cannot explain the experience in any more detail as there really are no words left that can describe views of such beauty and horses of such patient and willing. For me it is also a chance to feel close to Granddad once more.

Dad and me on Pepsi

If you're thinking of going to Malta and like me cannot spend even 7 days away from horses then please try Golden Bay Horse Riding. You won't regret it and I am sure would remember it for the rest of your life.

Now...back to work...I need to get saving for my trip there next year!

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Barely able to move after a dressage lesson

It's not often I have felt completely unable to move following a riding lesson but after training so hard in the last few weeks I think it has finally caught up with me. Yesterday I woke up with a sore back, stiff neck and legs that seemed to scream in agony and object every time I tried to move them.

I don't know if anyone can shed any light or recommend anything but I still get the feeling I may have a trapped nerve in my back or neck on the left side. My right side feels fine and both my right arm and leg feels stronger than my left when riding. On the other hand my left side is always getting stiff, aches after an intense riding session and generally just feels weaker. This has definitely shown in Ceaser's way of going and his massage lady always comments how more developed he is on his right side. I think what I could benefit from is a deep-tissue massage but whether it works is a different story.

The last time I remember feeling like this was in Year 12. I went hunting on the Tuesday and on the Wednesday in school I was barely able to walk, let alone put my hand up during the class. I think tonight I’ll have a long soak in a Radox bath to see if that helps. In the meantime if anyone can suggest anything or anyone to take a look at my poor back and neck in the Skegness area then please get in touch by tweeting me @FurryMane

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My lesson this Saturday was very productive. I told Amy I didn't want to overwork Ceaser as he is really fluffy at the moment and in desperate need of a clip when I get my blades back from being sharpened. Our plan was to go through my dressage test in preparation for the Area Festival the following week. One aspect I wanted to achieve was a decent warm-up plan. When Amy asked me my warm-up routine I felt embarrassed to admit I didn't have one. I usually just see how he feels on the day and work my warm-up around that. However, apparently every horse and rider needs a warm-up plan, so we set about working on something that would benefit Ceaser before his tests, taking consideration for his age and how long we should give him to loosen up.

Amy thinks that lots of flexing to the left and right on both reins really helps him loosen up and start to use his hind end more. For the first ten minutes we spent time getting him working off my leg and stretching long and low into his contact. At first he is a little reluctant to work and tries focusing on things going off around him rather than on what we are doing, so lots of transitions and changing what I do gets him focusing. Once working into the contact, not resisting, I've walked, trotted and cantered on both reins and when I feel like I have 'got him' I give him a breather for five or ten minutes and then pick up where I left off, this time asking him to pick himself up more and work just that little harder.

This part of the warm up consists of lots of the more difficult transitions, for example lots of walk to canter and so on. Additionally lots of leg-yielding on and off the track a little further into the warm up ensures he is loose and working properly but also working to a higher level. If I want to 'pick him up' here so to speak then I can do. This basically means getting him working much more uphill, forward and off my leg.

Once we were finished he was already a little sweaty - damn that furry coat he gets from being crossed with a cob!

Whilst I had been warming up Amy had created an arena inside our ménage. Although ours is the correct size, 60 metres, we still wanted to create something I could trot into so it felt like I was doing it for real. As soon as Amy told me to start riding in the enclosed arena I could feel both Ceaser and I tense up. Our transitions were awful, his hind-quarters were swinging out and my riding was shocking. Amy told me to stop and asked me what had changed mentally in my head. Well....I'd just clammed up and riding in that arena had made me realise I didn't have long left to practice and how shocking we were.... (See, I really do have zero confidence and often need a good kick up the bum!). Instantly she managed to calm me down by telling me to trot on and regularly reminding me when to breathe and just enjoy it because I was only at home! Phew - not long after we were back as a pair, Ceaser was going well and his silly rider wasn't getting into a state. Poor pony and his dysfunctional mother!

Remembering to breathe and enjoy it I started to run through my test with Amy following my movements on the test sheet so she could tell me where to improve once I had finished. Surprisingly I managed to remember my test and I now know for definite that this is what is freaking me out - not having a caller for the first time in 2 years!! I'd only not had a caller once before and that was a one day event where I was under the impression callers were allowed until I got there and was told no we weren’t. You see then there wasn't much time to panic and so I learnt my test in 5 minutes. Since then people ask me why I have a caller and it is honestly because I get in that ring and freeze if I don't. So Sunday should be interesting.

Anyway, the run through of the test wasn't too bad. The arena we had created was quite small so some turns were tight but once riding in the full arena this would disappear. Amy noticed a few minor 'errors' which weren't anything I was doing wrong, just places where she felt I could get eights for instead of the six or seven I was. For example, the simple movement of riding across the diagonal, she told me to ride deeper in to my corner and I would more than likely get an eight. (Fingers crossed!).

After running through a couple of the movements alone and giving Ceaser a break we ran through the test again. This time with Amy shouting out occasionally to tell me to sit up, put my leg on or allow him to stretch more. Needless to say I was really thrown off then and didn't even get to the second movement without forgetting the test. After telling myself off and telling Amy I was just testing her I managed to do it again without forgetting. See... I was just testing her to see if she was watching...honest!

The second time felt much better: after riding deeper into my corners it allowed me just a few split seconds longer to prepare for movements and made a huge difference. It was the first time I had ridden without a whip - and without wanting to sound like Taylor Swift here - for like ever, so Ceaser was a little lazy but I can work on that this week. Plus he is always far too forward when out competing so I doubt I'll need my whip!

So, all in all I have no idea why I am aching as I didn't do too much strenuous work. Ceaser was good and I am determined not to forget this flaming test!

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