To the unsuspecting others at the legal conference, I’m diligently taking notes about medical negligence law. In actual fact, I’m writing this blog…
It’s been a while since my last blog (a comment I seem to make at the start of every blog) and much has happened in the meantime.
Overseas trip
Having never had a real overseas holiday before, and motivated in part by the unsettling thought that I am possibly the least “worldly” person I know, I bit the bullet and booked a trip that saw me in London, France and Prague for three weeks in July. London was definitely a highlight for me, no doubt helped by the beautiful sunny days. So much to see and do - I could easily have stayed longer than the five days I was there. I even went to Lords and watched an afternoon cricket session (my motivation for that being more the thought of gloating to my bloke friends back home, than any love of cricket).
Just to rub it into my bloke friends here's the proof that I went to Lords!
I travelled for the most part with my good friend, dressage rider Cassia Montgomery. It was a “horse-free” holiday, although I believe Cass rode some pool ponies at a French chateau.
As much as I had a great time, I was definitely happy to see the coastline of Sydney on the flight back to Australia. Of course, the horses were all fine, and if anything, refreshed and enthusiastic after some time out from their busy schedules. I don’t know whether to be happy or depressed that they seem to go better when I don’t ride them…
Cassie and I enjoyed our 'horse free' holiday
Sir Splash
Splash arrived at Skyline Park in about May this year. A Danehill-bred thoroughbred, he was supposed to be the next Black Caviar, but after finishing his first couple of trials some lengths clear of the field – at the back – it was reluctantly conceded that this horse was not going to bask his owner in racing glory, and he came to me to see if he’ll make the grade as an eventer. I’m told Splash got his name because of the ‘splash’ of white on his face, but my view, after taking him to a jump day recently, is that he got his name because he knocks his water bucket over every few minutes... Time will tell, but after a recent second placing at Camden, Splash’s future is looking promising!
Pharinelli
Pharinelli is what we might politely call a ‘senior citizen’, and after all the miles he has done, putting him through yet another 4-star campaign seemed a little mean. So when a lovely young rider came along, looking for an educated, sensible horse for dressage and trail riding, it was the perfect outcome. Pharinelli continues to live at Skyline, where he is happy and relaxed, and I continue to ride him and coach the pair. Pharinelli has recently taken part in interschool competitions, including his first ever hack show, where he reportedly ‘cleaned-up’. His new owner is thrilled, and learning more by the day, and Pharinelli, who is fed the best part of a bag of carrots each time she visits him, is very content (if a little overweight).
Pharinelli (pictured her at Sydney) is now enjoying being a senior citizen
Photo: Main Event Photography
New Sponsor
Support in this sport is always much appreciated, so I was very excited to be approached by Open Nutrition Equine Supplements for sponsorship. Open Nutrition’s products include Pro Joint and RecoverX, which my horses are now enjoying. Without wanting to exploit my blog to promote sponsors (but doing so nonetheless) I encourage you to check out Open Nutrution's website!
What’s next
After a quiet couple of months, I’m excited that the competitions are now coming thick and fast, with Camden Equestriad and Scone just behind us and Wallaby Hill and Goulburn still to come.
Happy riding!
Maso
