We arrived in the UK over a few weeks ago now after a very long trip for us. Starting from Yass and ending up at Somerby near Leicestershire in the UK, we have already had an adventure just getting here.
It amazes me how well the horses do behave really. We get to move around, eat, drink and sleep whereas the poor ponies are confined to a small box for the trip. The worst part for the horses is the transporting to and from the cargo plane. The stopping and starting is abrupt and noisy. Once up in the massive 747 as part as cargo, the ride is relatively smooth. We were sharing the flight with some little fury friends (goats bound for Dubai), which we were informed does keep the horses settled. They were a bit smelly but everyone seemed happy enough in their crates.
We had to stop and change planes in Singapore which was quite annoying. The horses unfortunately were not allowed out of the crates, but the cargo crew were very nice to move us off the hot tarmac and under a shelter that was supposed to protect us from the sun. It was quite hot and humid, but in all fairness it could have been so much worse as it was early morning. 6 hours we waited there. Horses were still peaceful despite the heat. We had been giving electrolytes to them since we left Pakenham, so thankfully they were starting to look for a drink. Back on the noisy, horrible cargo transporters and a rough ride up into the plane, but we were all happy to be back in the air conditioning.
Next stop Dubai. Flying over the desert was an awesome sight. We were very lucky to be able to travel in the cockpit for the take offs and landings in each airport. Back down to check the horses before landing and secure the crate again. We were a bit annoyed again that we had to be unloaded. There was a British army Puma that had to be loaded up. A few very large A380 airbus engines. We also had to say goodbye to the dear little goats. After several jerky attempts we were unloaded.
This time it was only about 20minutes and we were up and flying again in no time. Thanks to Pascal our French IRT groom, the horses were as happy as they could be on the journey. After we took off we fed them on the floor by taking the support bars out from under their necks. This is essential for good airways and to prevent travel sickness. We would return to replace the bars again before landing.
In the UK after all our travels, I finally arrived at Andrew Hoy’s stables in Somerby. It is a beautiful place, quiet and with a great indoor and outdoor school. The paddocks are lovely for the horses to be out in. The weather so far has at times been very cool but mostly it hasn’t rained a lot and we have had some very nice sunny days here. Training here is also an old friend from Thailand, Supap Khaw-Ngam, who I have taught previously in Malaysia and Thailand. He has also competed in the Asia Pacific Challenge in Australia and now riding 2 Star, he hopes to qualify for the upcoming Asian Games. The talented Indian rider Agai Appachu has recently moved from Germany to train here as well and he has already managed to win a novice competition. The staff are very friendly and have been extremely hospitable - it’s great to be in that sort of working/training environment again and reminds me of the days training with all the students with Heath Ryan.
I have been working very closely especially on the dressage with Andrew. I really want to try to achieve a relaxed way of riding and training the horses. He has great hills to canter on with views of the many rolling hills and hedges that make up part of the hunting country this area is famous for.
I have watched him work several of his horses including Rutherglen and the amazing Cheeky Colombo who scored in the 20’s in the dressage on the weekend and won the Advanced section at Burnham Market (note from Editor here: click here if you want to watch Andrew's winning XC ride at Burnham Market - certainly worth a watch!). He is truly a beautiful rider and I will be working very hard in the next few weeks to imitate his skills.
Bye now from the UK,
Nat and Sammi
