Since my last blog, life has been as per usual; far too much to do in far too little time - clinics, competitions and children.
I organised a clinic with Sam Lyle here in Canberra the weekend before Wagga (good timing!), which was very popular. 24 horse and rider combinations benefited from his excellent coaching and we even jumped some of the one star jumps out on course, a fantastic build up for the following weekend.
Laura came to the Wagga event with us and considering we had to leave home before 5.30am she coped very well and fell asleep for part of the journey. She did wake up about an hour before Wagga and gave us a running commentary of all the livestock she could see. There are a lot of cows. This was a fun distraction for us, as we discovered we were running on E for enough coming into town, such that there was only 1 litre of petrol left in the tank when we filled up! Rather close for comfort, so I had been contemplating the need to saddle up and ride to get more fuel!
Astro showjumping at Wagga
There had been a fair bit of rain leading up to the event, and everything looked really green, such a change from the last time I’d been there (which I think was before I had children!) The ground was however, rather muddy and deep, so I was glad I had studs. The downside to riding last in my class was that 28 odd other horses had managed to dig a trench around the arena, and our test was certainly not my best. The committee did a great job moving the arenas in between classes, but those riding early certainly had the better going. The cross country course looked good with some new fences having been built and I was looking forward to getting around clear – there was nothing really that concerned me (other than a log coming off a corner that was shared with 1*). However Astro decided to test me out well and truly and I found my brakes insufficient. Once again I’ve proved that coming last isn’t actually a challenge for me … coming in the top half is!
So once again, the journey home was spent with me berating myself and wondering if it was my fault or was the horse just being a prick? He’s lucky that John is responsible enough to feed him every day, as he may just have gone without that night if I’d had more to do with it! After not having cried in a very long time, I’ve shed a tear or two about the problem of control issues. In the end it comes down to him listening to me. Grant Hughes (who runs Forest Park and is a great coach and top showjumper) has been giving me some advice and has suggested that I train him in a snaffle at home and work more on my half halts and flat work (pretty much echoing what Chris Burton has recommended).
So a few days after Wagga, I headed down to the arena and did some flat work. Grant was down there and started giving me a few tips and then said go down this line. Slight problem for me – I was riding in my dressage saddle. And the jumps weren’t knee high either! Then he said – “you’re landing heavily on his back” HELLO! My stirrups were so long that I’m surprised I even got OUT of the saddle over the jump! After about 15 minutes of this, he said that’s enough, he’s done well. Quite frankly I think I deserve a medal for even attempting what he asked me to do (but I think as I’ve proved already, and we all know, eventers aren’t really all that sane, so it’s no surprise really that I did it).
Laura comes up with an idea - and if it's going to stop me being last I'll listen
I’ve entered the Equestriad at Camden. Given that there are 500 horses entered and there are going to be several EvA105 classes, hopefully I won’t come last there too. It certainly won’t be from lack of trying. I’m determined not to drop back to EvA95 just yet – unless of course I get another letter from ENSW kindly suggesting that I should! After that, I’ve marked off Wallaby Hill, Lynton and of course Canberra in the next few months, so plenty of action coming up. This of course means that Mack has several fishing trips planned around the eventing calendar. So that will keep him happy I hope!
I can’t write this and not mention how great it has been following the kiwi onslaught at Burghley. Far out, how impressive was their performance? What with Jock winning, and Andrew riding three horses, coming second, third and eighth, along with Jonelle Richards and Toddy all in the top ten. All I can say is – the programme that they are running certainly seems to be paying off, and they all look they like are enjoying themselves. Pity some of their talent isn’t spread more across the Kiwi gene pool, as I’m really sick and tired of coming last! It was also great to follow the action over at the Blenheim Horse Trials with Burto and Shane riding so well cross country and Burto finishing second. Great stuff for the sport!
Laura in her pram … but only for a moment
Finally for all those mums out there who are thinking about trying to fit a ride in while your two year old sits in the pram a few words of wisdom … forget it! Laura is an active little 2 year old and wants to be involved with most tasks associated with riding. She’s been known to run towards Astro saying “I’ve got your hairbrush!” I park her beside the arena while I ride, and I usually have to hop off at least twice to pick up teddy bears and other assorted toys. I suspect that more attentive mothers wouldn’t even consider trying to ride with a two year old running around (and there’s something to be said for being attentive!) The other day she hopped down and headed up the path towards the other arenas and out of sight. Needless to say – it generally works better when there’s someone handy to keep an eye on her!
Yet again, I’ve re read this and I’ve still got an addiction to exclamation marks, apologies for that.
Today has been very, very wet – over 75ml of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours. And in another mother of the year moment, I discover while the kids pile out of the car at school that Laura is wearing crocs and socks, brilliant with all those puddles everywhere. So rest assured that if you feel like your day is not going all that particularly well, neither is mine. But let’s keep on smiling regardless,
Kate
