Since my last blog, life has been full of the ups and downs of motherhood! Ben (who is 7) managed to knock two more teeth out. Luckily for me, an eventer friend of mine Chris Hardwicke (from Corinna Dental Group – a sponsor of NCHTA) is a dentist, so for the second time this year I’ve called saying – “Ben has had an injury to his front teeth”, so far it’s just been his baby teeth, heaven help me when his adult teeth appear! At least we get to chat about horses while we wait for the anaesthetic to work.
The toothless wonder
This time of year is really busy. My plan is to ride in an event almost every other weekend and the plan started with Equestriad at Camden. That event didn’t go so well for me – as usual my complacency bit me on the backside, so here’s hoping that the only way is up!
The cross country at Camden was essentially the same as the previous event in May, with the exception of an option at the first water and the offset brushes after the second water being relocated in a slightly different spot. In May, we went clear … not so in September! I was in two minds which option to take at the water and must have relayed that to Astro, as he ran out, so I ended up taking the option anyway (stupid mistake #1). Then galloping down to the brushes after the second water, sun in my eyes, jumps in shadows I found myself thinking ‘which jumps in that section are mine!’ When I walked the course I must have been in a daze (standard) and didn’t really organise my thoughts. It was blowing a gale, the flags were flapping like crazy and needless to say – a narrow brush was my undoing again. (Replay back to Denman….. you think I’d learn!!!) So after several attempts, resulting in me thinking – I can’t be bothered fighting this horse – he obviously doesn’t want to do it – I gave up! (stupid mistake #2) and we ended up walking back to the float … WHAT a pathetic attitude!
I really do need to be so much more focused when I ride cross country. I was so much more determined at SIEC and he went much better, so if you see me in the warm up – remind me to ‘Ride him like you hate him!’
Back in Canberra, there was a jump club training day, so I thought I’d get more out of having a few rounds of showjumping and then go out on course at Equestrian Park and give myself a tune up. It’s not often I get a chance to ride out on course as I like to have someone there with me ‘just in case’, so it was a treat having John there to be on guard. He’s one tough coach, ‘go and jump that five times” so I did, not realising until later that it was the 2* brush – if only Astro was smart enough to realise that it would have been easier just to jump the jump at Camden!
NCHTA held a clinic the following weekend with David Green and I was lucky enough to pick up a spot at the last minute when Club president Derek Pethers horse was unable to attend. I was a bit apprehensive about having a lesson with Greenie as I had heard he likes to push riders’ comfort zone and some days just getting on is pushing my comfort zone, but I was delighted with how both days went. Astro jumped really well and Greenie was very complementary about the horse, anyone who says nice things about Astro is automatically in my good books.
Jumping at the David Green Clinic
So it’s all systems go for Berrima this coming weekend, where hopefully we can complete all three phases without getting eliminated or the event being cancelled due to rain. I’ve just received the draw (I can probably guarantee that I’ll not be in a position to worry the leaders) and I’m truly grateful to Tina Stafford for the lovely respectable draw time of midday.
The club is busily getting ready for our CIC event on the 27/28 October and with several new faces on the committee things are looking good for the future of the club. Event Director Ben Smith is a dedicated member of the club and I really hope we don’t wear him out too soon! I’m busy recruiting jump judges amongst other things and waiting for entries to roll in. Not that just reminds me – must get order the portaloos and buy toilet rolls…… (and return the four tins of tomatoes to the pantry).
I have to just tell you that as I’m writing this Laura is emptying the pantry out onto the computer desk - life is never dull with a toddler! These days it’s hard to get anything done without her either being on my hip or wrapped around my legs!
Enjoy the warmer weather – let’s hope it lasts!
Kate
