Being a qualified lawyer has its perks, one of which is knowing what to look out for when setting up an event.  I regularly get asked by friends setting up events the main things they should look out for, here is my quick guide:

1) Location - do you have the right permission in place from the land owner and the local council?  Does it have the right fencing, what will you need to set up?
2) Costs - are you aware of all the costs involved?  Paying for the location, ensuring you have the correct insurance such as public liability - do you know what limit you need and where to go, employees, set up kit, transportation costs, marketing fees; permission fees; have you considered getting sponsors?
3) Sponsors - put simply, sponsors get advertising at the event in exchange for payment.  You will need a good sponsorship agreement in place to cover all bases and so each party knows exactly what they need to do and what their rights are.
4) Arranging the program - do you have a good idea of the order of the events and something in place for when things go wrong?
5) Have you arranged hospitality and catering?  Use someone with a good reputation, you do not want your event goers getting ill !  What about portaloos?
6) Ambulance and health and safety procedures must be adhered to. Do you know what these are?
7) Jump judges, how will you find them, are they volunteers, what will they receive?
8) Marketing the event and associated costs, how will you get the event name out there?  You need people to enter to ensure you cover your costs.
9) Signage for the event - advertising and around the event;
10) As mentioned above, you need insurance.  This will need to cover damage to the location of the event, public liability i.e. if someone gets crushed by a horse, insurance to cover cancellation or abandonment of the event, employee insurance in case an employee gets injured.

There are a huge number of things to think about.  If you need any help or advice, please do get in touch, I have a number of helpful template agreements that can point you in the right direction and get you started - ponypatters@outlook.com

It was recently reported in the Wall Street Journal that Glanders was found in horses in the Olympic Rio Complex prior to the Olympic horses arriving.  Glanders is a deadly incurable disease  caused by the bacteria Burkholderia mallei.  It is characterized by ulcerating lumps in the upper respiratory tract, lungs and skin.  The disease can spread to people and is fatal in horses.  After an incubation period of 3 days to 2 weeks, affected animals usually have septicemia (blood poisoning), high fever, weight loss, and, subsequently, a thick nasal discharge and respiratory signs. Death occurs within a few days.

How will this affect Rio?  Apparently among a number of horses recently put to sleep in Rio as a result of the disease, were two that had been housed in the Olymipc complex prior to the Olympic horses arriving.  Since that time, the facilities have been effectively cleaned and sanitized. 

While the Rio horses are present at the Games, a bubble system will operate where the Rio horses will only ever come in to contact with other Rio horses within the complex.  The worry is, with so many horses and humans coming in from all over the world, how will they effectively stop the disease from entering in the first place?

The disease can pass through nasal discharge, from infected animals touching each other such as through tack and water buckets.  It is easily passed between both horses and humans.  The tricky issue is that it is also very difficult to test for and there is no cure.  The animals, if infected are put to sleep.

As well as Rio being an area known for the disease, as is India.  At present India are dealing with their own outbreak, where else will it pop up?  With horses due to start arriving in Rio at any time, are the precautions that are being taken enough, especially given the ease with which the disease can pass and the fact that it is incurable.  Plus, with such a long incubation period, how will you know that it is even present until it is too late?

There are a few beaches recommended below, but Bracklesham Bay seems to be a favourite due to handy parking and very few horse riding restrictions !  I emailed Chichester Council to check this with them and it is still the case that you can ride at any time :)

Bracklesham Bay -  highly recommended !

1) Tide Times: Look under Selsey Bill which covers this area - http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables/8/69#tide-details
2) Riding Times (extract from Chichester Council Website): Horses are permitted throughout the year on our beaches (at any time) from the entrance to Pagham Harbour to our boundary edge at Shore Road in Wittering. However due care and attention must be paid to users of the beach, they are not permitted to jump the breakwaters or race on the beach and owners must clean up after their horses - http://www.chichester.gov.uk/foreshore#horse
3) Parking: Large car park where horseboxes are allowed just by Billy's on the Beach Restaurant, East Bracklesham Drive, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8JS
4) Access: Straight from the car park on to the beach !

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West Wittering

I recently took my niece and my two ponies to West Wittering beach in Chichester for a ride. Info as follows:

1) Check the tide times here (Chichester Harbour is nearest): http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables/8/68
2) Check what time riders can ride on the beach - From 1st May to 30th September, for everyone’s safety, horse riding on the beach is restricted to before 9.00am and after 6.00pm.  It is always sensible to choose to ride at low tide. 
3) Parking - that's a tricky one - Cakeham used to allow parking of horsebox's but they have since stopped this.  TBC
4) Miles of beach to ride along, just don't get stuck with the tide coming in, leave plenty of time as I left it a bit lose and nearly got a little stuck :)

Gorgeous beach, really good fun, watch out for kite surfers but we had a super time, well worth it !!
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Hayling Island - Another well recommended sandy beach

Tide Times: Hayling Island comes under Portsmouth Tide Times : http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables/8/65#tide-details
Riding Restrictions: From good Friday to 30th September you cannot ride between 10am and 7pm, after 30th September you can ride any time. http://www.hayling.co.uk/activity/horse-riding/
Parking: Just by the Inn on the Beach Pub, 97 SEA FRONT, HAYLING ISLAND PO11 0AS
Access: Straight on to the beach

With two horses currently out with lameness, it is sadly something I am more than familiar with.  They have each had scans and various work ups in order to see what was wrong.  The outcome is essentially that they have bad feet and this is what I need to work on.

So, what to do ?!  Well, something that comes to mind is the following saying from Einstein 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.'  I needed to try something different.  Initially I tried different types of remedial shoeing using different types of shoes and various pads.  My farrier is brilliant and I cannot faults his efforts to get my horses sound.  He has certainly tried.  But after going through 4 sets of pads with no difference, it was time for a change.

The shoes were due to come off my mare for her MRI scan anyway, and my new gelding who came in for behavioral issues had similar problems with his feet, although we thought it was just a bruised sole initially.  So, two sets of shoes came off and it came to me that this was a way of trying something different with them.

So they have their MRI scans and both have bone bruising in their feet.  What next?  So I get on to doing some research on barefoot as there is no way I am hammering a set of nails in to sore feet. The first helpful things I came across were the UK Hoof Boutique and Pete Ramey's Hoof Rehab website: https://www.hoofbootique.co.uk/ and http://www.hoofrehab.com/Articles.html

These places really helped and I have since subscribed to the 'Barefoot Horse Magazine' also which has heaps of useful info.  So the outcome of all of this is that I am going to try barefoot for 12 months to see if it helps.  It certainly can't make things any worse.  The idea is that you have regualr trims from a farrier that knows what they are doing.  I am lucky, my farrier Phil Ibbotson based in Surrey is super helpful and keen to help, barefoot or not.  A lot of farriers are not keen on barefoot, but they need to get with the program, things are changing.  After hundreds of years using metal shoes, we are finally moving forward with something else.

So, whats new?  OK, so while in the field, my horses are happy enough wondering about without shoes on, but I need to be able to ride them when they start coming back in to work.  One, now 4 months since the MRI scan is looking relatively sound but what would be the point in going back to shoes when she was lame with shoes before?  Instead I am venturing in to the world of hoof boots.  I figure if a horse can ride a 100 mile endurance ride over rocky terrain in hoof boots (so I've read) then why can't mine?

Off I trot to size up some hoof boots.  To start I measure the hooves and took quite a few pictures.  I then, armed with my measurements, purchased two pairs off eBay and borrowed one pair from a friend.  I bought the Cavallo Sport and the Equine Fusion Joggers and borrowed some Renegade Classics.  Fitting is the most important thing I have found and Liz at the Hoof Boutique has really helped.  To start you need to measure your horses hooves super accurately and take some pictures to email to Liz.  she can then guide you on sizes and types of hoof boots.

The Cavallos are the easiest to fit but slipped around - just not quite right for my horse, the Fusions being tricky to get on and off at times although better fit on the horse with slightly longer toe and the Renegades needing some time investment at the beginning to get the size right.  Once that's done they too are easy although the most expensive set of boots (but worth it in the long run versus shoes).

After much procrastination I have decided on a pair of Renegade Vipers for one horse and the Equine Fusion for the other.  Each fits differently for differently shaped hooves.  Renegades are better on rounder feet, the fusions seem better on a longer toe that is perhaps a bit slimmer, they do a slim version which I will purchase on eBay when a second hand pair come up!

The outcome here I hope is soundness, but being only 4 months in on my 12 month barefoot test, already one horse looks sound.  Can't be bad. The real test will be when she comes in to work.

I have read that I regularly need to test my horses bare hooves on small amounts of different (i.e. rocky) terrain so the hooves adjust, before going out willy nilly over dodgy footing and cantering about.  This is not going to be an overnight process BUT if I get a couple sound of horses at the end, I really don't care how long it takes.  Some people have asked me why I don't just shoot them?  My answer is that why would I shoot something that just needs some time to heal  - we are just always in such a bludy rush !

Next steps ?? Wear the hoof boots when out on walk work, barefoot in the field, regular foot trimming, regualr exercise, hi-fiber & low sugar diets, lots of forage, mixed terrain for the hooves to adjust.......lets see !

I have been wanting to do my horsebox driver training for a long long time!!  As I passed my test after 1997, I cannot drive anything over 3.5 tonne on my current licence, this means I basically can only take one horse out and this just wouldn't do !

So, I started looking around at my options.  Now, I did think of taking the trailer test, so that I can pull a trailer.  However, after seeing some horrific trailer accidents on the motorway, I wasn't 100% keen on this idea.  So the alternative was to look at driving a 7.5 tonne horsebox.  To do this, I found I would need to take my Large Goods Vehicle (LGV), C1 Test.  This includes a medical, multiple choice theory, hazard perception and a practical test.

This enables me to drive a horsebox up to 7.5 tonne total weight including the weight of your horses, your kit and your lorries unladen weight, altogether cannot exceed 7.5 tonne.  Luckily enough I have found a horsebox that is light enough that I can take three horses and my kit and still be within the legal weight limit, which is definitely something to watch out for as the fines for being over weight are massive.

So, I found a nice reasonably priced box that yes is rather old but well looked after and low mileage.  I then sought about finding somewhere to teach me and sort my test.  After a bit of looking I found EP Training who are in Bookham, Surrey.  They were really really good, super efficient and got everything booked and sorted for me with minimum hassle.  The cost is about 1500 GBP, which yes is a lot, but it does get you completely booked and sorted for everything including training manuals and lessons and providing a vehicle for you to test in.  I think I got from my medical to passing the test in under 4 weeks.  Was a really good, easy experience.

So, now I am live and ready to rock, exciting times !!!

It has been a bust few weeks!  I don't think I have posted in a little while but I have tried a few new things, all of which were great fun :)

Firstly, I have never attended a pony camp, not in my life, when I was a kid I was more interested in going hunting than pony camp and so it was never something I did.  However as an adult with a horse who is in training, it looked perfect.  So off I went with Bookham Riding Club to their annual camp at the home of Jonathan Cook where he had us set up in his lovely fields in various horse boxes and tents. 

I couldn't think of anything more fun to be honest.  It was a weekend of laughing, horses and some great lessons, with a lovely crowd.  The first evening was what they called the fast and furious hack, and I thought hmmm we will probably just canter around a field.  So anyway, fortunately I don't go far without my hip flask attached and OMG it was like a evening meet from the local hunt, off we went at a gallop over anything that JC directed us at, including one eye watering hedge.  But HUGE HUGE fun and I massively enjoyed myself and so did my steed.

The next day was filled with XC and show jumping lessons at East Byshee Cross Country Course which is fab with JC and Duncan Lewis who was equally good with some flat work on the Sunday before heading off to the gallops.  Brilliant lessons and I have to say I learnt a huge amount.  My horse was 95% well behaved and I shall definitely be signing up for next year. Very well organised and a lovely bunch !

I think I'm at that point in my horsey life that I own a lot of horsey stuff, like freaking heaps.  But given my slightly ADHD personality, none of it matches and its for varying disciplines all mixed together.........so, what I end up looking like is is a multi coloured prat sitting on a large horse. To add to this rather tragic little situation I have gotten myself in to, my XC lesson although fun, further added to my assessment that my riding is as a crazed as my dress sense.

So, to set the scene, here I am at my XC clinic made up with bright red stirrups courtesy of Freejump just because they look cool (courtesy of a drunk at Badminton purchase with a very good sales lady) and a burgundy Mattes sheepy numnah - its just so fluffy.   To add to this I have white brushing boots (what crazy person buys white for their horse), a navy and red hat silk, that goes with my stirrups but not the burgundy numnah nor the pink jackets I seem to have collected (I won't mention the tan saddle but no tan bridle situation that arises regularly).

So yes the Queen of style had not arrived, noooooo she had not.  It was a colour hell.  Anyway, I thought to myself F**K it, at least I can ride properly.  As it turns out, no, I can't actually ride properly at all.  I am a hunter who gallops and barges through.  I come in to the first line of XC fences the lovely Tracy Brown directs us in to and I fall out the corner like a pro and proceed to miss the last fence whilst deciding to turn in the wrong direction for the next one.  It couldn't get any worse, it actually couldn't.  As the lesson proceeds I realise not I only do I look like an absolute asshole I am also riding like an idiot.  I am also informed of the nasty habit I have developed of throwing my arms around in a rowing type fashion as I approach the jump. Perhaps in an effort to row my horse over the fence, of course this will never ever work.

Fortunately as I come to the last 15 mins of the lesson I have managed to restrain the rowing arm movement, actually turn my horse in to a fence with some degree of accuracy and sail over a combination.  Although still horrifically dressed, my horse is at least making it over a fence with me not looking like a complete imbecile.  So, what have a I learnt?!  Who cares about the glorious red stirrups or the incredible cushy burgundy numnah, it will not improve my riding skills, if anything I may now look like I may know what I am doing, when in fact I still ride like the 12 year old hunter I once was (and still mentally am).  Not quite ready 4 eventing yet !!!

Nonetheless, I love it, and adding to the 12 year old in me, I have a freaking pony camp this weekend.  Oh yes.  A bunch of fanatical horse folk getting drunk with their ponies and jumping fences, HEAVEN.  Lets hope no-one notices what I'm wearing :) I do also own red jodphurs he he he

As my last visit to a one day event at Munstead with my new horse was a little dodgy ;), I thought it would be more sensible to get some training under my belt first.  I would like to think the point of Munstead was really to test my horses reaction to a show, and he was very mellow.  Now we just need to ensure we get around the XC course.  And, with that in mind, a few events for June and July 2016:

1) Gasstons Livery Yard, XC Clinic with event rider Tracy Brown, 11 June - http://www.gasstonstables.co.uk/events;
2) Bookham Riding Club Camp (Dressgae, XC and SJ) - 17th June to 19th June;
3) Pachesham One Day Event, 25 June (super low key and good for beginners);
4) Gasston XC and SJ Combined Clinic, 2 July;
5) A beach trip :) According to Chichester County Council we can ride on the beach any time between Pagham Harbour and Shore Road in East Wittering; if you wish to go elsewhere like Camber Sands, there are restrictions after 8:30am and before 7pm;
6) Gasstons Dressage Clinic with Stephen Hayes, 9 July;
7) Pachesham One Day Event, 23 July, or possibly Gasston's Hunter Trials same day;
8) Stratfield Saye Sponsored Ride, Berkshire, Sunday 31st July;
9) Littleton Manor, Reigate 2 day camp, SJ, XC, Dressage Clinics, 6th and 7th August;
10) Borde Hill Unaffiliated Horse Trials (70cm and up), 13th August - entries open 1st July - http://www.bdwp.co.uk/bh2/index.html & schedule here;
11) Highclere Sponsored Ride, Berkshire, Sunday 21st August;
12) Tweseldown Eventer Challenge, Saturday 27 August;

And that's me planned until end August, then hunting starts, woohoo !!!!

I have been thinking about investing in a lorry with a friend for a while.  It seems like a reasonable thing to do, mainly because a horsebox is not something that is used all of the time, and a lot of the time it just sits around doing not very much.  I figured, if two of you own it and split the cost, well it will get used more and stay better mechanical shape and be more economical.

I was thinking about how to do this aside from actually finding someone who will invest with me.  It seems that doing this in the caravan industry is fairly normal, so why not for a horsebox?

I think to buy a half decent horsebox the cost will be between 10k and 15k GBP, if you spend anything less than this you risk getting something that is going to cost a fortune in upkeep and repairs.

I will need a contract that sets out the details of how the relationship would work, these are probably the main things that need to be covered:

1) The purchase price, that it is split 50/50
2) That all expenses (except diesel) are split 50/50 including all mechanical expenses, tax & insurance costs;
3) That who ever finishes with the box last must leave it clean and with a full tank of diesel;
4) A fair way of booking out dates;
5) Insuring the lorry / damage issues / payment of excess / accident / theft / horse damage;
6) What happens if one party wishes to sell/transfer, consider a minimum term of 12 months, what if the other party cannot find someone to transfer their half to - would you just have to sell the box?  How does each party get out and how do both parties get out?
7) Valuation upon sale - how will this be decided?
8) Where it will be kept and who deals with taking the vehicle for maintenance, repairs;
9) Can you take friends in the lorry;
10) That it cannot be used for making a profit;
11) The other party has a lame horse or sells their horse so cannot go out, will they continue to pay all costs? 
12) Breakdown costs;
13) Sale notice provisions;
14) Consider weight restrictions - When you get the weight certificate subtract that weight from 3.5 tons & that will give you payload.  Assuming each horses weighs about 600 KG - that doesn't leave much for tack etc / water etc !
15) Who has responsibility for getting repairs done / MOT / Tax;

Quite a lot to think about but may perhaps be worthwhile, after all, the horseboxes seem to sit there 90% of the time!  I think the key would be finding a good buying partner who is safe and reliable and who is happy to commit to at least 12 months, come rain or shine.  Its a great idea but could potentially be dodgy if anything goes wrong, that is why a watertight agreement would be needed.  But first to find the right person.......

So I have been battling with bruised feet and bruised bones in the feet (pedal and navicular) for some time.  Its a difficult one as the horses are so used to wearing shoes, but are now shoeless in the paddock while they are resting.  But, because of this their feet are not used to the hard ground, I have found my mare is still very sore two months on.  She was actually having a slight hop around the paddock the other day and having called the vet out, he has said that she has bruised her sole again, very very sore.  So, having the shoes on would have prevented this, but I get the feeling I need to give the feet longer to adapt, after all she isn't back in work until September.
So for now, I shall persevere with barefoot, but if she keeps going hopping lame from bruised soles just while on holiday in the paddock which is now dry (perhaps the wet to dry change has not helped), I may need to opt back to front shoes.  The hoof boots sadly don't seem to stay on for full turnout, but they are excellent for going out for a little walk in.
I am currently trying different hoof boots, and I am waiting for the Cavallo Treks to arrive, having bought a pair of Equine Fusions already.  They are great, but I think they are a tad too big and this has made a huge difference, these hoof boots really need to fit like a glove to be any good at all.  The Hoof Boutique online store have been superstars in giving me some amazing advice on this point, I think I just need to keep going.  EBay is fantastic for second hand boots so you can get the size right before you spend any major money on a pair of hoof boots. Hoof Boots are a whole new world !!

So, I took in a new rehab project for some work last week and so far he is being very good.  His odd quirks are yet to make a full appearance but he has only been in for a week or so.  In fact, I actually felt so confident with his ridden behavior and legged my mum up and she took him for  a little hack, what a sweety.

He is a 15hh young Appaloosa gelding who may be a little heard strong on the ground, but once you are on him, he is brill.  I have high hopes for the spotty pony, and I can't wait to really get stuck in with him.

I believe wth lots of handling on the ground and in the school, and learning a few manners as we go along, and he will be a little diamond.  Luckily as I have my niece coming over from the US for the summer, I now have a helper (much needed with 4 !) and a pony for her to ride and work with me on, can't wait !!

I must divert briefly from horses.........I had an awesome weekend this weekend as I spent some time on my work's latest ship launch for 'Harmony of the Seas', what an amazing experience.  Yes I missed PonyPatting all weekend, but I have to say, I did enjoy cruising, only Friday until Sunday, but still, what an experience.  The ship has more fun stuff on-board than Oxford Circus and the cocktails are yummy and strong (it was my birthday :) - they had ice skating, bumper cars, rock climbing, water slides, casino, bars, night club, diving show, Grease show and loads more, OMG, I am a cruise convert ha ha.

Anyhow, getting back to the horses, the other weekend I took my favorite rearer off to an XC clinic at Gasstons Yard in Headley.  I don't know if I can actually call this horse a rearer any more as he seems to have lost the rear in his rear.  He was an angel and jumped like a super star. I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson, was able to make it over all of the fences we were pointed at including a massive massive table that made me want to cry a little as it went through an arch that I didn't think me and my 16.3hh warmblood would even make it through, but we did, awesome happy times.

We even jumped a ditch without issue.  The thing about having great teacher like Lucy, is that when she tells you jump a jump, you just do it, its as if there is no other option, you just simply have to jump the jump, and oh my god can this horse jump.  I even made it over a few Novice fences which was pretty darn fun I have to say. 

So, the upshot has to be, I never thought I would enjoy riding a warmblood as much as I do.  Yes he is a lot of work to get going on the flat, you really have to gee him up, but when it moves, oh my god.  And this horse has definitely had some education at some point, and well, when it jumps its gorgeous.  The last thing on my list has to be neater SJ, at the mo we always have one pole, but I think with more flat work and getting a more compact canter, we will get there.  Thank you to Lucy Gasston (XC and SJ help) and to Madeleine Herridge for some brilliant flat lessons, you have definitely got me going with a horse that had a decidedly dodgy future ahead, now has a very pleasant looking one !!

Its been a super busy few weeks since Munstead One Day Event but great fun.  I was lucky enough to go to Badminton on Saturday and see some absolutely amazing event riders do some seriously tough fences that I wouldn't even contemplate.  I think there was one jump there in the entire lot that I would have actually done, MAYBE.  You have to take your hat off to them, million dollar poinies or not, silver spoon or not, you cannot fake being a brave rider and helping to get your horse over those fences, its definitely a team effort.  I was seriously impressed.  I used to think 'well I could do that', if I only I had been born rich.  But its just not the case, yes it would have helped and yes I could have had expensive ponies and trained 7 days per week, but you cannot buy guts, and that is what those riders have in oodles.  it was an amazing experience and I did do some shopping, yay, I am now the proud owner of some bright red stirrup irons, hmmmm.  Must have been having too many Pimms !!

Anyway, we then took naughty rehab pony to Merrist Wood for some show jumping and XC on Sunday and he was a superstar, perfect behavior all day and we just had one pole down sadly, but his behavior is what I always have my eye on, and that was impeccable.  definitely heaps of improvement from him, what a dude :)

My other rehab project is busy sunning himself on holiday with my mare (see pic below) oh what a hard life for a horse on holiday, no wonder they don't mind being injured !!  Hopefully they are back in work in September / October time, cannot wait to get them going.  Super excited.  In the meantime to stop them going ferell I ride them bareback around their paddock which they are not impressed with, work is definitely a big no no for them right now, in any shape or form !!!

God and I am loving this weather, the grass is growing, the ponies are nicely rounded and life is good !! :)

Hey Folks,

So I thought I'd give you a few dates for your diary in and around the Surrey area:

1) 14th May - XC Clinic at Gasstons Livery Yard, Headley, nr Epsom;
2) 29th May - Littleton Manor Show Jumping and XC Clinic, Reigate, Surrey;
3) 4th June - Epsom Derby Racing Weekend;
4) 5th June - Great Bookham Equestrian Centre Open Show, Bookham, Surrey and Kingsclere Sponsored Ride, Berkshire;
5) 11th and 12th June - Mid Surrey Pony Club One Day Event;
6) 25th June - Pachesham Equestrian Centre, One Day Event;
7) 9th July - Show Jumping at Great Bookham Equestrian Centre;
8) 31st July - Stratfield Saye Sponsored Ride, Berkshire;

I shall be there, ready to rock :)

In my recent quest for a jump saddle I have been doing a little bit of digging on what is out there at the moment.  Now I have actually settled for a second hand Pessoa jump saddle due to budget constraints, but in my search I have come across a couple of major winners for the day I win the lottery and can purchase any jump saddle I fancy.  So, first up on wish list has to be:


1) The Lamborghini Limited Edition GP1 Jump Saddle - yes this saddle is absolutely to die for.  I would literally consider selling a small part of my soul for this baby.  Now I know the red leather seat is not for everyone, but they do it in all black also, but for me the red leather seat makes it special and different.  You simply cannot beat Italian leather.  More info here: http://www.arkaequipe.com/collections/tonino-lamborghini/products/lamborghini-gp1-limited-edition-ex-display?variant=17279800775

2) The Hermes Cavale Jump Saddle - this saddle is simply gorgeous, I have seen it in the flesh at a friends house and it is to die for.  The leather is super soft and supple, the shape is perfect and I can almost imagine it sprouting wings to take you over the fence.  Whether you are serious rider or not, this saddle will make your rider enjoyment just that little bit more amazing, stuff the handbag, get a saddle: http://uk.hermes.com/equestrian/for-the-stable/bags-and-containers/boites-a-selle/configurable-product-e-box-89151.html?color_hermes=FEU&size_hermes=small model

When I win the lottery, I shall have both ;)

On my Pessoa, I have to say this is a super comfy gorgeous saddle, and I really do love it.  I love the suede knee rolls and the lovely tan colour as well as the fact it is so soft!  For someone on a budget where the seven thousand pound Lambo is not quite an option, I would highly recommend the Pessoa.

OK, so, it was one of my rehab projects first One Day Event, I kind of had a feeling that everything might not go to plan, but then, you never know.  I have had him a couple of months by this point and thought I might as well give it a whirl, what's the worst that can happen, right ?!

So after hours of prep including tack cleaning, pony cleaning, plaiting and packing the day finally arrives.  Now I have done ODE's before on my mare, and have always gotten there and thought why oh why am I doing this :) but then once you get rolling, its all good.

Dressage was first up, the warm up was good, little bit stiff and nervous, but that's all fine, mainly from me not the horse !  Bearing in mind I have been practicing this for months, and the BE92 dressage test back to front, yet I still manage to forget part of it in my panic.  Bludy brilliant.  But, other than that, it did go OK.  We made it round without any horse related incident and held it together.  So it was a bit stiff and we spooked at the odd marker and nearly fell out of the arena, but hey, who cares, it was our first event on a horse that had been due to be put to sleep, I couldn't complain.

So, off we go back to the horsebox to hang out for a bit before the Show Jumping.  I go off to walk the XC course and my trustie helper sticks with the horse.  Now the XC course is pretty easy looking, lots of roll tops which are inviting and even the dodgy fences look pretty acceptable as they aren't too big, looks all good.  Its my favourite part of the day after all.

I had head back to the horsebox, grab my stead and head off to the SJ round.  We fly round with the last pole down that was coming down hill, my fault as I should have got his head up a little and kicked on, but its all learning experience and the SJ was super smooth and fun, no real problems there.

So, back to the horsebox again to ready ourselves for the XC.  A few swigs on the hip flask and a few tack adjustments and we are off.  My nerves have gone and I'm actually excited for this part, cannot wait to get there, just me and my horse flying about.  But NO, it was not to be, fence number 4 is a ditch and my horse apparently dislikes these things immensely and gives a big NO on three separate occasions to the point where we are politely asked to depart the course.

What the blooming heck, the only bit I am waiting desperately for all day, my only reason for going and we don't even get to jump the course, sad blooming times.  I thought they might let me continue on, but no, apparently at these posher events you have to do the walk of shame home, very sad :(

But on the good side, it was a great experience and I learnt that this horse copes with competition environments with ease, does not get tense and enjoys himself.  We do however need to work on ditches !  But keeping in mind I have no history on this horse whatsoever, I am pleased we went along and enjoyed the day.  Next time I am hoping we make it around the whole of the XC though, fingers crossed.

Next up Merrist Wood Eventer Challenge, woop woop, hopefully no ditches hey !!

What a brilliant weekend.  Took two of my horses to Frensham Sponsored Ride and it as great.  One of my project ponies was ridden by a good friend of mine, who rode him amazingly without any issues whatsoever.  Jumped all the jumps, stood quietly when needed and had a great time.  Also my 4 year olds first outing since he was broken a few months ago and for a baby arab, he was awesome.  Perfectly well behaved, jumped like a dear over cross country fences he has never seen before, went through water and over all sorts of different things, what a great day.

I think I learnt that no matter what people say, you can always prove them wrong.  On each of the horses I took yesterday I was told no you shouldn't take them on.  My Arab, I bought him as an unbroken three year old colt pure bred Arab.  Everyone said NOOOO, don't buy one of those flighty cotton wool ponies.  Well how wrong could they have been ?!  He was a diamond and has been since the day he arrived, not just to ride but also just his general temperament, I will never take an insult about an Arab again.  He has jumped everything and anything I have put him at and hasn't argued a single step.  That pony is an amazing little dude.

And as for my project ponies, well yes one is a bit poorly with some bruised bones in his feet and some time off, but I can cope with that, he is keeping my poorly mare company and they are enjoying some down time together, hopefully will settle both of their little brains.

The other pony who we took to Frensham yesterday has generally been a star, yes he can be nappy and we have had the odd dispute, but nothing scary or unworkable, I am thoroughly enjoying my time with him and he is proving to be  a great little horse, bring on Munstead on Saturday is all I can say !!

Essentially I think the more people say don't do it, the more determined I get, and so far it is all working out well :)  you just have to go with your gut and things always work out in the end.  Although I am completely poor from having 4 horses, the only thing I'll be buying for me for the next 6 months is new socks, if I'm lucky !!!

As a technology lover myself I have always been interested in the latest gadgets that are available and now that I am starting to see these devices being made available for my horse, I am keen to see what they are all about.

I have put together a list of my top five, horse performance technology devices that have been designed to help with tracking training, fitness, lameness, fatigue warnings, heart rates and more. Whether you want to know when your mare is about to foal down or whether your half pass has been carried out on each reign in a balanced way, the technology can send this information to you using easy to read charts that will present on your smart phone. Most of these gadgets can track progress by showing you performance improvements over periods of time and real-time risk alerts arising from things like gait imperfections or a raised temperature. What more could you ask for?

Each gadget attaches to the horse in a different way, whether it is via the girth, head collar or bridle, each has a unique and easy way of being used during work or when at rest.

1. Equimetre by Arioneo, France (my personal favourite)

Who is it designed for?

Performance horses in competitive sports such as racing, eventing, show jumping and dressage.

What does it do?

Whilst the horse is in work, it tracks from the girth the following: respiratory rate, temperature, heart rate, outdoor conditions (weather, temperature), measures performance, compares to prior performance, tracks improvements, monitors the terrain/going, the distance covered, speed, pressure, acceleration and movement sequence;

This information is recorded as the horse works and is then sent to the app for review in a easy to read and understandable format that tracks and compares to previously recorded data enabling the trainer to easily assess improvements and changes in the horse.

How much does it cost?

Not yet known.

Where can I get one?

Available in 2017. More information can be found here
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2. Equisense Motion, France

Who is it designed for?

Competition riders in show jumping, eventing and dressage.

What does it do?

In a nutshell this software is designed to monitor gait in order to assess movement, fitness and lameness. You simply download the app, attach the sensor to your saddle using the leather attachment and track your training records via the app.

The software looks at the horses’ symmetry, direction, gait, elevation, rhythm, speed and work intensity assisting with developing balanced workouts that develop your horse to the best of its ability.
This app is also designed to detect gait anomalies and lameness early-on in order to ensure swift action can be taken when lameness presents. Another handy feature is the training schedule that you can share with your trainer to ensure everyone is on the same page.

How much does it cost?

GBP £259.00

Where can I get one?

Currently only available on pre-order here.
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3. VetCheq by PonyUp

Who is it designed for?

Competitive riders in all disciplines.

What does it do?

Allows monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, respiration in a wearable device. The device sits inside your horses protective boots during work and connects with the distal or digital artery by light touch. Pulse information is transmitted to the device which is then turned in to data sets that can be easily read by the owner or trainer. VetCheq has a cloud application for sharing data with your veterinarian and can also be used to track fitness levels, monitor your horse during transport as well as at competitions.

There is also an alarm setting feature whereby you can set the device to alert you to any abnormal activity.

How much does it cost?

Not yet known.

Where can I get one?

By visiting their website here.

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4. Proteqqus – Nightwatch Headcollar, USA

Who is it designed for?

All horses for all disciplines. Could be particularly helpful during foaling and for remotely monitoring horses that are ill. However it does not have the ability to track during workouts.

What does it do?

A head collar with a built in device that monitors and assesses equine distress and wellness by tracking vital signs and behaviour. When a particular behaviour or symptom is detected by the head-collar technology, the owner is alerted via text, call or email.

It monitors heart rate, respiratory rate, activity, motion, location and posture whereby your horses’ vitals can be checked at any time day or night provided they are wearing the device.

How much does it cost?

$549.99 USD plus annual monitoring service contract and licence.

Where can I get one?

Click here. Only available on pre-order at present.

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5. SeeHorse, Canada

Who is it designed for?

All horse owners who want to be able to monitor their horses vital statistics on a day to day basis whether in work or at rest.

What does it do?

It is worn on the horses’ bridle or head collar and provides information via its helpful SeeHorse app for use on most smart phones. When connected, the device can keep track, monitor and send alerts relating to heart rate, temperature and respiration rates of your horse. The device can also track movement and activity and a useful addition for breeders is the foaling alarm.

This device will help you to track your horses’ fitness levels using the heart rate and respiratory rate monitors as well as its behaviour when you are not around. You will be able to check what your horse’s body is doing when you are not there, and allows the user to know when abnormal activity is detected which might prompt a visit to the yard or a call to your vets.

How much does it cost?

$499.00 USD plus monthly subscription cost.

Where can I get one?

You can visit their website and purchase one here.

In summary, these gizmos are expensive, but given the high risk of injuries in performance horses, I think its probably worth the investment. The technology is new and there are probably some bugs to work out, but give it 6 months and these new products will be in full flow with any kinks all ironed out.

​

As my work in the equine rehabilitation world continues, I gain more and more faith in the horses that I am working with.  Having got two horses in for rehabilitation at the moment, I have to say that even the worst habits are slowly disappearing.

Even for me, there is the occasional moment where you think, oh my god is this horse ever going to become a safe, sane and sensible ride, usually in the first week or so of getting a new project in.  However, I always have to remind myself that most horses are not innately mean or out to get you and they can learn and un-learn equally well.

I hear stories all the time of horses being put to sleep for behavioral issues and I always find it depressing, but at the same time I understand that some owners just don't know what to do or where to turn and when faced with an animal that appears dangerous and unrideable, this seems to present as the only option.

My mission is to provide an alternative and a bit of hope.

One horse that I have in at the moment came with a very serious rear, even I thought about making a quick exit out of the saddle on the odd occasion, but, with time and finding what the horse needs in his mind, his behavior has made a huge turnaround and he has behaved impeccably for a few weeks now.

Now with his more settled behavior, I can see his true potential, not only can he jump amazingly well, hunt like a gentleman and be handled on the ground like an angel, his flat work is great.  For me, dressage is one of those super difficult things, give me a badly behaved horse any day than sit me in a dressage arena.  However, this naughty horse has made dressage understandable for me so much so that I can actually say I enjoyed my flat lesson.

I am loving the fact that a horse that was close to being off to the otherside is now not only behaving like a saint, but he has a huge amount of talent to boot, what a lovely surprise.

Off we went on Sunday morning with a lovely bunch of girls, I think 5 of us in total all dressed up in hunting kit with bottles of port and hip flasks flying around.  With the last pony loaded we were on our way.

This was my first time out hunting on my new pony who came to me as a rehabilitation project due to rearing, he arrived about 6 weeks ago.  Since that time he has done one sponsored ride a couple of jumping clinics, all without issue so I was feeling confident! 

Once unloaded we threw our bridles on, whipped off our travel gear and jumped aboard our trusty bunch of steeds to let the fun begin.  The meets are always fun as sausage rolls and various other belly filling type things are plentiful and there is an excited feel to the air.

One of our little group had her first time hunting so was feeling a little nervous but the meets are always so friendly that they are great to help alleviate first time nerves.

Anyway, we were soon off to what I might call a 'baptism of fire', the first line was incredibly fast, deep and big and fortunately none of us really had time to think too much about it, by the time you had thought about the next hedge coming in your direction, you were already over it so that was quite a relief as they were rather large.

We managed to lose two of our party in the first line and our lovely newbie managed to face plant in the mud twice, but twice she heaved herself back on and galloped off with the rest of us, super impressive for her first time out on a horse that is fairly new to her.  Most people might have considered running a mile!

My horse was also behaving impeccably which I was super grateful for given the going was deep and fast.  He didn't hesitate at anything, kept a civil head, retained his breaks and was a darling, could not have asked for more.  The rest of the days lines were not quite so eye watering and with plenty of tiger traps and long gallops, all in all a great day!

For a horse in for rehab, I think we have found his favored form of therapy - HUNTING :)   Onwards and upwards !!

Thank you to the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds for a really fun day with lovely friendly people !  More info here: http://www.kentandsurreybloodhounds.com/

Fortunately, there are usually more ups than downs and with this gloomy weather we have been having, I am pleased that the sun is finally making an appearance. 

With four horses in tow, this winter is definitely being a tricky one.  But I am finding that now I have a plan, things are running a lot smoother than they were.  I am concentrating on my two rehab projects and letting my lovely sharer ride my youngster and my mare is out in her holiday paddock enjoying the quiet life for a while.

The two rehab projects each need riding at least 5 times a week, preferably more and its a challenge with a regular job also, but we are making headway with the lighter nights.  Having taken one to a sponsored ride this weekend, he was an absolute superstar and I couldn't be more pleased with him.  He may have some naughty habits which are slowly lessening (even after only 5 weeks) but god can that horse job, anything, from any stride of any size, he is a pleasure.

Yesterday was one of the most awaited days of the year at RAF Halton Sponsored Ride in Buckinghamshire - http://www.haltonride.org.uk/.  It is a brilliant course of 50 jumps over 8 miles.  You can go at your own pace, in a group and its perfect for in-experienced horses to find their feet.  The jumps are all optional and range from 2 foot in height to 3’6 for the more confident jumpers.

Well I had the time of my life as usual.  My group was made up of a bunch of brilliant friends who are all as crazy as heck and everyone massively enjoyed the day.    Not a single element of bad behaviour and the horse can jump the hind legs off a donkey to say the least, whether he is in front or behind that beasty can leap.

As we cantered along the gorgeous routes, hip flasks in hand, shouting and laughing at each others various steeds throwing themselves around, you really cannot beat it.  All the prep, getting horseboxes organised, mixing various amounts of whiskey and cherry brandy combined with cleaning tack and loading/unloading lorries, it’s all food for the soul and super fun, I can’t recommend it enough.

This particular chap still has a long way to go in his re-training but it’s great to see progress in the 5 weeks since he arrived with me.  From death’s door to hedge hopping in a few weeks, definitely glad this guy has got a second chance.  

Next ride is West Wycombe on the 28th March, cannot wait !!

I would be lying if I said I am loving the ownership of 4 horses in the rainy, horrible, mud filled paradise that is 'horseland' according to Bex.  So, yes I think to myself  - I am absolutely and truly insane and why the heck did I do this?!  At the moment, I just don't know.  What I do know is that I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have an absolute love of horses and the desire to help and fix things when they are down. I know 100% that I would rather be rolling around in the mud and rain whilst filling hay nets than doing most other things.

At the moment I have recently taken on two horses for behavioral rehab.  I have had each of them for nearly 1 month now.  What have I learnt?  Well for starters, nothing has been as it seemed.  The horse that started off with impeccable behavior that made me question where the bad was is now an utter shit and the other that started off clearly mentally challenged is very well behaved.  Each has now done a complete switch around.

Horse A's issues: does not like to be mounted from a mounting block, twists, spins and moves to avoid you getting on;  once on the horse, it will rush off and what I like to call 'rodeo'.  In 4 weeks this horse will now stand reasonably well at the mounting block, albeit with some fidgeting and although it feels like it will go in to rodeo, it has not for some time.  The cause ? Yes, this horse does have some behavior issues, its been in a large number of different homes in just the last 6 months, it has no trust of its rider and doesn't know what's going to happen when the rider jumps on - hence it just avoids the rider at all costs. 

How to treat? Build trust with the horse, bring on slowly - repeat, repeat, repeat.  Hopefully in time this horse will let me hop on and trot in to the distance without issue but my feeling is that this horse will never be just anyone's ride.  It will always be distrustful of someone new and will only really be suited to a one 2 one rider situation.  And you know what, that's fine, because what you get out of this horse will be just awesome, it jumps like a stag and moves at the touch of a button.  My feeling is that in time, this horse will be hugely worth it.

OK, so horse B.  This one has not quite followed suit.  It has a rearing habit that is not in any way discreet.  You get on, go to leave the yard and it rears, or does a vertical as my mum has called it.  Most people call this napping, the horse does not wish to leave its herd (as my good friend tells me).  And that is pretty accurate, its unsure in its surroundings, would rather be at home with his friends and lets me know succinctly by refusing to leave the yard unless we have a long discussion.

So, do we leave the yard? Yes, we do.  It takes a long time but eventually he comes around to the agreement that leaving the yard is in fact a good idea and no need for the vertical.  As it happens, yesterday we had less disagreements than usual and I can only see this as progress.  XC schooling he was an absolute legend. This horse needs to realize that life outside of the herd is fun too and that verticals need to be unlearned, so off I go at teaching this.  

Roll on the bludy spring !!! 

With vast quantities of rain about, the mud is currently my best friend.  Its bludy everywhere, in my car, in my ear, encrusted in my saddle, under my nails and everywhere else.  Hence, you may see me riding in my wellies on a consistent basis as I refuse to get my new Brogini's covered in crap quite frankly.

Well the ponies this weekend were all impeccably behaved, other than a brisk scoot forward on Dillon whilst I look back at the people on the yard saying how good he is being, off he trots in to the distance with me still yacking/yelling, fortunately he soon pulled up and off we went.

My mare has gone a little feral with a little time off due to injury, and having taken her for a quiet walk on the weekend, I shall definitely need to keep her engaged with the human race before she turns feral pony - looking wily eyed as she throws her head around whilst attempting to put her bridle on! 

Meanwhile the two that are supposed to be wild have been impeccably behaved and perfect gentlemen which is great news - although I am awaiting for some naughty behavior to come out at some point...........off XC and hunting next weekend, so that shall be the test I think! 

One 17hh warmblood did decide however that a green oil bin was marginally scary, and had to be skirted around, while the 16hh ISH took a dislike to one particular cyclist wearing red, whilst whispering how very dare he come so close when there was also a puddle to the left to negotiate (he had forgotten the 50 puddles we had just been through - this particular puddle was of course different and contained the Loch Ness monster) but we all got safely through and made it home alive.

All in all, a great weekend, my best friend leant her able hand to ride some of my ponies with me, despite Daisy's camel head nearly taking her out a few times, we pooh picked in the freezing cold rain and dug ourselves out of knee high mud whilst pushing the wheelbarrow across the swimming pool/field.  All of which was a complete joy and ended with large Gin & Tonics and a tack cleaning expedition in front of a great horror film.  Good times ;)

PS:  I don't think I have ever been so lucky as to have two different ponies on two different yards and the people in each yard are amazingly lovely and helpful - whether it has been catching my free range stock at 6am or holding a horse for a farrier or holding a head whilst I leap on-board, thank you to you all :) I always go back to the saying that your yard is the most important place - and mine are bludy awesome !!!

The main worry with having a number of horses is TIME.  Never having enough time EVER and the un-ending dark nights.  But there is hope for us yet.  Soon the clocks spring forward on the last Sunday in March which will make a huge difference.

Until then, my handwritten timetable of what to do and when will have to suffice.  When I was revising for Law School way back and my nerdy timetable was the only thing that held my little brain together.  I find the same works now and just about helps me to exercise two to three horses.  I still run around like a bludy headless chicken, but at least I feel like I am actually running somewhere effectively.

During the week its generally ride before work and at lunch when I can, generally I get a very short amount of light after work so its a bit tricky to ride then but hey, mornings and lunch times seem to tide me over at the mo.  The weekends are just a manic horse splurge of riding everything I can whilst sorting farriers, hay, feed and pooh picking whilst every now and again taking a second to look inside my car and see the mud splattered sides that permanently take hold of the interior, oh what a joy!

But, to be fair, would I have it any other way? Probably not.  I love the mad dash from yard to yard and wondering what to do with the next pony, for one thing it doesn't give me time to think about what these mad buggers I have taken on might do next, although to date, no-one has put a hoof wrong.............

So, I have managed to acquire four horses.  I went from owning 2 horses, to 4 horses over the course of one weekend. Quite a feat I have to say, even for me.

You will all be thinking that I am absolutely bludy insane and, yes I am.  But, the horses I have taken on were due to be deployed up to heaven in all likelihood due to bad behavior.  This is their last chance saloon.  And for me, well you only live once and this is something I absolutely love doing.  Its my passion, I work bludy hard so why not?! 

I won't deny these horses are quirky and difficult but for me, I wouldn't have them any other way.  If the horse I am riding doesn't push my boundaries, I get complacent and bored.  I haven't owned a quiet hack once in my entire life (yet).  Carl Hester once said that the best horses are always the quirky ones, and I whole heartedly agree with this.  These types give their all to you and that is why I have them chilling quietly in my paddocks.

First Training Lessons will consist of:

1) Teach the slightly smaller bay to let his rider get on from the ground without pissing off = mounting and dismounting until this becomes an extremely dull process for the horse instead of a very exciting one;

2) Teach the much larger bay to move forward off the leg = forward fun work such as XC and hunting......hence XC training 20th Feb and hunting soon thereafter!

Updates to follow........