Since my last blog I have attended 2 competitions: Test AM98 in the outdoor arena and Test AM98 in the indoor arena, both at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, in Warwickshire. These have given me lots to work on recently.
Beanie was very tense in the first competition, resulting in lower marks than I would have liked. It’s always disappointing but this gives you time to reflect and focus on what to do differently next time. The second competition was far more positive. Lots of 7.5’s on my sheet for movements I have been perfecting at home, including my walk pirouettes, trot half passes and entry halts. Hopefully in my final show of the year I can finish my winter regional qualification ready for January!!
Last week I helped wean Judy Harvey’s home bred foal, Terry. This involves gradually helping the foal adjust to no longer needing its mother’s milk and to support the mare to stop producing milk. Having already experienced this last year, I knew what to expect and what to do. It never makes it any easier though!! All went well and he and mum are now nicely settled.
Winter has definitely arrived, and clipping season has begun. This is when we shave or trim the top layers of a horse’s coat so that it is shorter than it would be naturally. For horses that work through the winter, like competing, this is important to reduce sweating and encourage them to cool down quickly. We have already clipped 3 horses on the yard. There are different types of clipping techniques, including full, hunter and blanket clip.
I moved my 4-year-old, Dennis, to his new winter turnout. He’s now in a huge barn with haylage where he can keep dry and warm throughout the winter. I’m really looking forward to continuing with him next Spring!
On my apprenticeship, I am working on module 6. This is all about transporting horses safely, including the correct rules and legislations. I had a video call with my Trainer Coach, Jess, to catch up and start this module, which I am really enjoying.
This month we had a ‘Give your staff pizza day’ in celebration of the Equestrian Employers Association Good Employment Week. We thoroughly enjoyed pizza and pudding at Judy’s house. We were well looked after and it was a nice treat to all get together.
December brings the London International Horse Show, which I am really looking forward to. Lottie Fry will be doing a master class, which I’m really excited about, and then there’s the shopping!! 😂 I will be watching both the dressage performances so I will let you know how it was in my next blog!
Before I sign off, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for reading my blogs and supporting me, it means such a lot!
Happy Christmas everyone,
Emilia
🎅🏼 🌲