The weeks have flown since my last blog and I can’t believe we are now in August.
I haven’t been out showing much in the hot weather, although I did make the short trip down the road to Kent County to compete in the Olympia classes with Windy and Sov.
Windy, like his rider, was feeling the heat a bit and, after a slightly lacklustre performance finished 4th in his class. Sov as usual put in a good performance to come sixth in a strong class. It was probably the first time in my 22 years of competing I really wished I wasn’t at a show and was sitting by my friend’s pool instead!
Instead of competing, I was judging in the slightly cooler weather at Mid Herts Country Show. I had some lovely home-produced classes to judge, with some kids who really seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were some great prospects in the novice classes, too — even if they didn’t quite all perform on the day!
I then judged the Cherifs [Anglo/part-bred Arabs]. Although I only had three horses to ride in the large class, it was hugely strong. All three were beautifully schooled and gave me fantastic rides. It’s times like these when I really miss having a plaited pony!
Having judged in the morning, it clearly gave me the bug to ride so I headed home and decided it was time to get back on Jacob. Jacob has been on rest after getting injured covering a mare, but over the past few weeks we have been walking out in-hand and slowly strengthening his leg again.
Now he is totally sound and in need of getting back in shape — all stomach and no bum springs to mind — I went to get on board.
Luckily, there was no one to watch as I popped myself up on top and Jacob decided to show me he had forgotten all about being ridden. After a quick kick and Polo bribery, he remembered again… I guess having not been ridden for around a year and half gives him a good enough excuse.
So we are now back on track and enjoying some early-morning leisurely hacks. I had forgotten what a character he is and how much fun he is to have around. He is certainly doing a good job filling the huge hole Snip has left.
