Recent content by oldie48

I've bought a three ex eventers, they had competed at a Novice/intermediate level and were looking for a quieter home, co-incidentally they were all aged 11years. What I loved about them was they had all been well schooled and had had a proper education. They all hacked out, didn't get stupid...

I did Quest for one season with a new horse and the marking was generous.

Catkin, I think it might help if you stopped thinking in terms of "dressage" and think of your schooling as training for whatever job you want your horse to be able to do. Most amateur riders don't compete above medium, most are prelim/novice level and there's nothing at those levels that I...

No, but the trainer was on the long list for the Olympics and I think his approach is very classical. I think what I like so much is that the horse isn't being told when he's not doing what the rider asks but is rewarded when he does and the aids are not strongly applied but they are consistent...

The share horse I fell off in January has left me with what looks like a BBL gone wrong, I'm only perky on the left side, the right is still "old lady" saggy! On the plus side he's also given me a waist but only on one side. My own horses just left me with a hole in my heart, lots of memories...

My friend has now been with her new trainer for almost a year. The improvement in him is great to see, he used to be behind the leg but would respond to to a request to go forward by bearing down and tending to run. He's a huge horse, anxious, well bred with naturally lovely paces but he can be...

Definitely do it. Many years ago I took my daughter's eventer to do an intro, just to see how I got on with him and we had so much fun. Post a pic though!

No, thanks for pointing that out. I think it's easy to forget how intimidating a big atmosphere can be for horses but with the right exposure most are able to cope with it. The atmosphere at Versailles was electric and I was willing the spectators to stay quiet when Carl came in with Fame but he...

I was so pleased with the final placings apart from one and it was interesting that the afternoon showjumping had so many clear rounds within the time. It made me feel that the whole competition had been pitched correctly and generally the best riders and horses did well. Ros is so talented and...

Just looked at fence analysis, such a clever course!

Briefly back to XC, there's a difference in how riders will take on the XC with a view to the time. Riders who feel they are in with a chance will ride as quickly as possible and a technical course like Burghley that comes with bigger risks and really sorts out those combinations that have good...

Yes, he's in 3rd place with Annaghmore Valoner, 5th with Cavalier Crystal and 15th with Superstition. Two XC rides within the time and only Ros and Alex Bragg also managing to make the time. Pretty amazing riding on such a tough course.

Wow, pretty exciting XC and a proper test of horsemanship and correct training. Ros looks in a league of her own today on Walter and I'm so pleased to see Harry doing so well. I think there was at least one rider who got lucky today and IMO survived some rather reckless riding, I'm glad I'm not...

Obviously I meant the Funnells masterclass which I just watched!

The American was Monica Spencer on Artist, a really lovely test and gorgeous horse! I was hoping to go to Burghley this year as I've never been but I health has been a bit iffy of late so decided to get the Burghley TV subscription and making the most of it. There have been some super tests...