Hi Everyone!
Lots of exciting things have happened since my last blog that was released in October, I have been super busy!
Although the weather conditions have been challenging, I have managed to be consistent with my training with Shellie Beattie Dressage. We have been asking Dennis lots of different questions to keep him engaged and been teaching him the movements for the Elementary level tests. He has taken to it really well and loves his medium trots!
I had a lesson with Leanne Wall at the start of November where we used poles to create exercises on the placement of lateral movements and circles and engaging the hind quarters. This gave me a good understanding and feeling of where the shoulders / hindquarters / neck were, and the correct feeling I was meant to have.
I was also lucky enough to have a lesson with Olympian Abi Lyle! We had a fab session working on the paces and improving the overall way of going using lots of transitions and exercises on the circle. She is so inspirational – I was totally in awe! British Dressage introduced their new tests last year. I have found these slightly different to the old tests and more technical. The way the marks are awarded have changed also.
I still managed to qualify for 2 Area Festivals at Novice Silver, and was hoping to compete in the Petplan Area Festivals at Parwood EC at the start of February, however due to moving home I had to withdraw which was a shame.
In December last year, I attended the London International Horse Show for the Dressage To Music Freestyle Night. It was fantastic to see all the combinations dancing and a real inspiration for me to get some music together for Dennis and myself! The highlight of the night for me was seeing Becky Moody and Jagerbomb for the first time in person! What a combination!!!
Over Christmas and New Year, Dennis enjoyed a well deserved break in the field to reward him for working so hard! He thoroughly enjoyed getting really muddy! He continues to be fully pampered by enjoying his regular Bowen Treatments and saddle checks.
I have also been keeping on top of my own fitness by introducing Yoga to my weekly routine. I have found a brilliant teacher local to me who hosts weekly classes. It has made me feel so much more relaxed when I ride and keeps me feeling in top condition!
Lastly, we have a new addition to our Family – ‘Nellie’ the Miniature Dachshund! She has been great support at my recent competitions and she and Dennis like to give each other regular kisses! She loves being a lorry dog!
That’s all for now, I will update you with more competition results in my next blog. Hopefully the weather should have improved by then and I can look forward to qualifying for summer regionals in the sunshine. ☀️
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