NEW YEAR UPDATE
13/01/2010
It’s the 13th January today, I have not even ridden the horses this year. The weather has just been awful, Snow, frozen school in fact every thing frozen. I should have been going for a lesson with Ferdi today but I made the discussion last week to cancel, cannot go if Diamond has not had any work.
Christmas and New Year were great, spending the week with the family. I got some great gifts.
Every day is getting closing to the regionals. I really hope the weather picks up, as really want to ride and make it to them this year.
Bow is really starting to grow now and today lost a tooth. She is a mad little puppy but very cute and loving.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
24/12/2009
It's Christmas Eve and am at work. it's my last day, on leave till the 4th. The weather is very cold we have had snow and ice all week, I have not been able to do any thing with the horses as the school is covered in snow, and frozen.
Simon and I are also in the middle of buying our first house, this has been put on hold over Christmas. I am looking forward to buying stuff for the house in the sales.
Wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Lets hope the weather picks up in the new year! as not long till the regionals.
LESSON WITH FERDI
20/10/2009
Diamond and I have never worked so hard. This was my first lesson with Ferdi with Diamond I was very nervous before going. The weather was nice in the morning but just as we were eating lunch before going the rain came. It was great to ride in such a fabulous indoor school.
There was no messing around Ferdi watched us warm up then set upon the challenge of getting Diamond working harder, with more from behind using his hind end more and lifting his shoulder in a more advanced outline. I have lots of work to do with him before our next lesson in 2 weeks.
LONG WEEKEND OFF WORK
16/10/2009
I booked a long weekend off work as I had a lesson booked with Ferdi on Tuesday, it did not feel like a long time off work I think I worked harder catching up with jobs at home, I finally decided to update my web site as I have been Lazy and not done it. To my horror on Friday I could not get in to the admin page. I emailed Dave who built the web site. Oh dear my web site had been hacked. I called the hosting company and their server had gone down so people could access my website, not good.
Dave did a great job quickly changed the password for me so we are back in business.
Mum as normal picked the Horse and Hound up on Saturday and informed me that there was some Italian Greyhound/Whippet Puppies in there for sale. WOW mum knew how much I wanted an Italian Greyhound but was worried to get one as they are so small, they can be prone to breaking their legs. Finding a cross one with a whippet is fantastic. We drove down to Cambridge first thing on Sunday morning to buy one. We got the last girl a Brindle we have called Bow.
SHEEPGATE
11/10/2009
With time running out I needed to win one more Medium to qualify for the winter regionals.
Having never taken Diamond to Sheepgate I thought it would be a good time to take him.
It was a bit mad on the Saturday we clipped Diamond, I was hoping he would go another week but he needed doing. We had ordered some blades and had them posted but they had not arrived so a mad dash in my car to get some.
After his full clip Diamond enjoyed a bath.
Sunday was a lovely day to go to sheepgate. Mum and Dad came with me so Dad videoed both tests. Diamond went ok a few mistakes I could have had a little more impulsion, we won this with 68%.
In the second class I pushed him more some bits felt better but then we had a few moments of ‘am confused what do you want me to do’ from Diamond so we lost marks we won again with 63%.
Overall it was a great day Diamond is fully qualified for Open Medium Winter regionals and Medium Music.
HARGATE
27/09/2009
I entered Hargate as they had a Medium Music Qualifier. The whole family came with me Dad, Mum, Emma and Amber (mum’s Whippet) I did the medium qualifier first. As I entered in trot the judge rang the bell, I had entered wrong it should of been canter. I had to come back out the arena and enter again. Ops I should know better. But I guess you take it for granted its trot in a medium test. It threw us off a bit and Diamond dropped behind my leg. Again some bits felt good but others not so good. I was disappointed with my score.
The music went really well I have not ridden to the music for a year so was happy that it all fitted correctly. I really enjoy my music classes. I won the class with 68%.
NEWARK DRESSAGE
02/09/2009
I had the August bank holiday off work so I put in late entries at Newark Dressage with Diamond. Mum said I should leave Elementary alone now with Diamond even though he is still in Elementary points. I entered both Medium’s.
Having never been to Newark Dressage I did not know what to expect. There was a very large indoor barn with pigs in it next to the arena Diamond had a little smell when coming off the lorry but settled well. He went really well we won the first Medium with 68%. Not bad having not been to a show since May. Both of us were a little test rusty. I pushed for a bit more in the second test we won that one with 69%. Over all we had some little mistakes in both tests but great start to winter qualifiers.
LAUGHTON MANOR
07/06/2009
I had entered to go to Laughton Manor today but the weather was so bad I decided it was not worth going.
I'M ENGAGED!!!!!
24/05/2009
On Sunday evening my boyfriend Simon asked me to marry him. I of course said yes!
VALE VIEW KBIS
23/05/2009
I took Jastra and Diamond to the Kbis qualifier at Vale View. I had a lesson on Diamond before first one in a long time he went fab. I went to the show very stressed and nervous, I asked my Dad to video most of the class so I could see what other riders test were like. I was very happy with Diamond. The simple changes could have been better. I was very disappointed with my score of 63% I think I came equal 4th. I went home and watch the video of all the riders. In the time I have had Diamond we have got better and better but our scores have got lower. this is so frustrating.
Jastra went for little bit of fun he loved going to a show!
WESTON LAWNS
16/05/2009
I decided it was time to go to a show with Diamond. I went to Weston Lawns just to go out let us both see an arena and ride a test.
APRIL UPDATE
30/04/2009
I do apologise I have not updated my web site for a long time! It’s been I big change over the last few months, some good more bad. At the end of last year I lost my Lottery funding, 2008 was a tough year with Diamond I know he was not going to be ready for Beijing, but I was happy with our progress, I thought the team managers and selectors were as well. But at the end of November I received a call saying I had lost my Place. I was devastated! I have put so much time, money effort in to my sport. Well am tough pulled my self together! I took a bit of time out to look at my life.
LONDON TRIP
16/09/2008
I was asked by my sponsor Wilkinson to go down to London to be at an opening of their new store in Penge.
I had a great time meeting lots of new people.
HOLIDAY
31/08/2008
I have been on holiday! I went to Cyprus for a week with my sister, her boyfriend and some of his family. I had a great time doing nothing for a week apart from laying in the sun!
am back and ready to start work with the horses.
LAUGHTON MANOR
21/08/2008
It was Diamond's first trip to Laughton Manor. I was very happy with him. We won the Elementary with 70%.
I did the Medium as a training class we received a 9 for one medium trot but low scores where I stopped in the test, but Diamond needed to know who is boss in the arena.
KBIS
16/08/2008
I got up at 5 am this morning and we took the 3 hour drive down to Sparsholt College. It was a total waste of time, money and effort.
Diamond went brill! I was really happy he went to a new place and did not spoke or look at anything.
we scored 66.?% finishing 3rd. I was gutted with the score.
HARGATE ARENA
10/08/2008
I took Diamond to Hargate, I was planning to do the Elementary and Medium Freestyle, but the judge was ill so the Medium was cancled.
It was a very windy day with flag poles blowing and lots to look at.
I was very happy with Diamond but disappointed to score 65.9% just 0.1 off the 66% needed in a qualifier.
VALE VIEW BRITISH DRESSAGE
27/07/2008
Today has been another very hot day. Plus our first time in our full new saddle and bridle. I put in a late entry with Diamond to do the Elementary Qualifier.
He went really well we scored 66% and came 3rd. I was happy as I have not been very well all week (full of cold) so Diamond has had a bit of a easy week. Lets hope I get better soon to start pushing him.
HARTPURY FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE FREESTYLE DAY
18/07/2008
Another long day today, back in the indoor Hartpury arena so I got up early again and took Diamond for an arena walk.
I was in in the afternoon, I had some fantastic music done by Jeoff for Diamond which was all Diamond music it suited him very well. Unfortunately we did not have time to do a new floor plan for Diamond so I used my very old floor plan I had for Painted Affair for the 2003 World Championships. The trot work was very good fitted to the music and I was happy with Diamond, he just got a little deep in the canter work which is easy for him to do as that’s the way he was trained before I got him very low in his neck and deep.
I was over the moon to score 70.227% as the floor plan and degree of difficulty were not high I finished 4th but was very happy as all the horses above me had Advanced Medium PSG movements in their freestyle’s.
Overall I am very happy with Diamond he got better over the three days and it’s a great starting point for us.
(Picture a very tired Diamond ready to go home)
HARTPURY FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP TEST
17/07/2008
From one extreme to another, After a very early morning yesterday it was going to be a very long day today. I was not in till 6pm at night.
I got up early again and took Diamond for an arena walk in the outdoor arena.
Diamond warmed up very well and we were last to go in the test. I was very happy with him we made no mistakes, but I was disappointed with my score of 63.118% finishing 5th but only 1 mark behind 3rd and 4th which were split on collective marks.
I was even more confused when I read my sheets my marks ranged from 3s for my walk pirouette's to a 10 for my final halt.
On the bright side I know there is far more to come from Diamond and we are no way near the place I want him or plan to have him.
HARTPURY FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE TEAM TEST
16/07/2008
A very early morning today. The Team test was in the Indoor Hartpury Arena I was First to go at 9am. I took Diamond in the Arena at 7am for an arena walk in hand so he could see the arena, again it was full with flowers and instead of sheds there was large platforms with tables with bright red tablecloths on, very scary for a horse who has never seen anything like this before. He again took it all in his stride.
I was first to go and was going to be the starting point for the judges. I was disappointed with my score of 63.98% I only made one small mistake in the second simple change where Diamond struck off on the wrong leg. I was happy to finish 3rd.
(Picture checking in with Dad at home Diamond being cheeky)
HARTPURY FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE
15/07/2008
We traveled down to Hartpury. The trot up was at 4pm. Diamond had time to settle in to his stable and was plaited up ready for the trot up.
He was as good as gold for the trot up, this is all a new experience for him and a very proud moment for me. I know Diamond is not ready for the International Para Dressage but its all practice for him for the future.
I rode him in the outdoor arena where we would be doing our Championship test. The arena was full of flower pots and sheds for the judges, plus lots of trade stands nearby. Again he took it all in his stride only having a panic where the wind lifted the roof of the tent right next to A.
HARGATE BRITISH DRESSAGE
13/07/2008
I took Diamond to Hargate to do The Elementary qualifier and the Medium music, we won the Elementary 57 with 65% and came 3rd in the Medium Music, there was a few mistakes I had to change the floor plan to fit in counter canter but I just wanted to ride to my music at a competition before Hartpury International.
RDA NATIONALS
12/07/2008
I went down to the RDA nationals at Hartpury College for my sponsor LOS clothing. I went to a welcome lunch with Sally Los and I had a great day watching some dressage and picking some new clothes from Sally's stand which are all very nice!
DEMO AT BROOKSBY
09/07/2008
Diamond and I were Guinea pigs for a British Dressage judge’s freestyle training day at Brooksby College. It was a great experience for Diamond.
VALE VIEW KBIS
06/07/2008
I went to Vale View to do the KBIS class which is the Qualifier for the National Championships. It was not the best of days we woke up to Jastra with a colic which took my mind away from the show, before going to Vale View we spent all day trying to stop him wind sucking as he had found a new way to do it on the stable door frame.
About 10 minutes before going inside to do my test the heavens opened and Diamond and I got very wet in the hale storm, this meant we missed the last part of our warming up we did the worst test ever. But I came out with 64% not sure how. A big learning day for both of us.
VALE VIEW BRITISH DRESSAGE
21/06/2008
I took Diamond to Vale View we came second in both the Elementary qualifier and Medium Qualifier with 66% in both. I was very happy with the medium score because we got four 8s and one was for extended trot.
HICKSTEAD
09/06/2008
Monday was Championship test day. Diamond warmed up very well he went in to do his test, he was much better today I was very happy with him we made a few mistakes but this was only our second time riding this test.
I was very disappointed with my score and the marks on my sheets.
I hope to pick myself up from this and work hard on British dressage.
HICKSTEAD
08/06/2008
we went down to Hickstead on Saturday 7th. Sunday and Monday was final selection trial. On the Sunday I did the Medium qualifier, there was a lot in the class I was very happy with Diamond to score 65% and finish 4th with a few mistakes behind Michel Assouline our team coach .
Later on that evening I did the Para team test. I felt Diamond dropped me a little before going in, the first half of the trot work was a little rushed but he went very well and we scored 66%
We still need a lot more show experience and Diamond needs to develop his muscle.
VALE VIEW BRITISH DRESSAGE
01/06/2008
I took Diamond to Vale View to get him out before final selection trial next weekend.
We came second in the Elementary with 68% with a few mistakes and won the Medium.
I was very happy with him as we have not been out since April.
PATCHETTS PARA TRIAL
26/04/2008
I took Diamond to Patchetts to our last Para trial, I needed another score over 70%. I was very happy with our 72% score.
Diamond has been off since 28th March after over reaching and going lame. To help get him right he has been going to Flawborough Equine and been going in the Hydrotherapy Spa, I feel this has helped him a great deal.
He has only been back in work a week so I was very happy to get to a show. because of the over reach I pulled out of going to Belgium we are now going to Germany on the 1st May.
Patchetts was a great warm up for Germany.
BRITISH DRESSAGE PARA WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS
23/03/2008
This was my first time going to the Para Winter Championships at Vale View.
I used the short test as a warm up for Diamond, He went very well, I forgot the test and trotted before I should have so we lost marks for that. We won with 66%.
The Championship test went very well for our first attempt. We won the Championship with a score of 68%.
WILKINSON SPONSORSHIP
19/03/2008
Today I went to Wilkinson stores Head office to pick up a sponsorship cheque from them. I am thrilled to receive this financial help.
SQUAD TRAINING
18/03/2008
I only went to squad training for one day. We had a lot to fit in. Diamond went very well! Vet, Farrier and Ostoepath are all happy with him. He is looking better all the time.
VALE VIEW PARA TRIAL
16/03/2008
Today was fantastic we scored 71% there is still lots to work on with Diamond. I am very happy with our score.
WILLERBY HILL PARA TRIAL
13/03/2008
I missed Patchetts on Monday 10th because of the bad weather. I put in a late entry at Willerby Hill Equestrian cente.
It was an early morning start leaving at 7am, we had a good journey there going over the Humber Bridge.
I was happy with our performance, their was good bits and bads bits. I have a lot to work on with Diamond but we are going in the right direction.
I entered the grade 3 team test HC as a warm up.
In the grade 4 we scored 67% this is an improvement but not the 70% we need.
VALE VIEW BRITISH DRESSAGE SHOW
02/03/2008
After our setback on the 17th February, I decided Diamond needed to go to as many shows as we can fit in. He needs to learn to trust me and see new arenas.
We went to Vale View for some able-bodied competition. I entered the Elementary Summer qualifier, I was very happy with him to win with 67% as we only went for training purposes. We have now half qualified for the summer regionals.
We would have also won the Medium class on 65% but I entered that as a training class so we did not pick up any British Dressage points.
VALE VIEW PARA QUALIFIER
17/02/2008
I finally got to a show with Diamond, we went to Vale View for a Para qualifier. I entered the Medium non qualifier as a warm up for the Para class. Diamond was a little on edge and we scored 62%.
I thought he would go better in the Para class but unfortunately some scary plastic sands bags scared him and I was disappointed to score 60%.
FUN DAY ON M42
10/02/2008
I did not make it to Bromyard on 10th for our first Beijing selection trial. We spent the day on the M42 brokedown. It has been the worst week ever.
We borrowed a lorry as our lorry is of the road, on the way to squad training about 45mins away. Grey smoke starts coming out of lorry, we get to stow fine Dad looks at lorry and the Power steering fluid pipe had broke and gone all over engine.
Friday Dad spends all day at squad training fixing the pipe and we head home, about 30mins from leaving stow bang grey smoke again, then oil pressure lights comes on. Oil pipe broke this time lost all the oil and stopped in layby. Recovery come out and fix pipe. We get home Friday night. Sunday we are on M42!! Bang again grey smoke! oil pipe gone again! We spent all day sat a side of M42! tow truck took lorry home! and horsebox picked us up and took Diamond home!
A huge Thank you to Keith and Sue of Lake View horse transport.
I now hope our lorry is fixed for this sunday for Vale View 17th.
FIRST SQUAD TRAINING OF 2008
07/02/2008
7th and 8th of February first team squad training of 2008.
This was Diamond's second time at squad training and the second time team managers had seen him. Everyone was happy with the work we have been doing over the winter.
I really feel we have improved and our hard work is paying off. We are going to our first selection trial on Sunday 10th of Feb.
BBC EAST MIDLANDS SPORTS AWARDS
26/11/2007
I went to the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards at the Assembly Rooms, Derby.
I was on the short list for Disabled Sports Personality Of the Year.
I had a great time.
DIAMONDS FIRST SHOW
04/11/2007
Diamonds first show, I put in a late entry at Vale View in two Elementary classes. I thought it would be good to take Diamond out before squad training, I was verry happy with him as this was our first time away from home. We came second in both classes with 68% and 64%.
NEW HORSE! NEW SPONSOR!
10/09/2007
September has started the weather is great. I have been to see a new horse and brought him. I had squad training on 4th and 5th, on my way down to training I went to ride new horse again. I came home from training and went down to London for three days 7th, 8th and 9th for the British Athletes Commission, Athletes conference at the London 2012 offices. I had a great time meeting all new athletes.
Mum and Dad went to pick new horse up on Sunday 9th. He is called Diamond. pictures and info coming soon.
I have also been busy looking for sponsors, I wrote to LOS Clothing and they are very happy to sponsor me, I am delighted to be part of there team, and look forward to working with them. info coming soon.
AUGUST
30/08/2007
August has not been the best of months. Both horses out of work. Then I was informed Norley has retired from Para comptetion. I had qulified for the Kbis Class at the British Dressage National Championships but now do not have a horse to ride there now so I am unable to go.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
22/07/2007
Freestyle day an early morning after a very late night. My time 11.43. Warming up went really well Norley was really listening, We were getting the changes and half pirouettes. 5 minutes before my test something caught Norleys eye. I got him back thinking on his work and went in to do my test, unfortunately in the test the same thing kept catching his eye and he was distracted. I finished 10th with 69.72%.
The closing ceremony was in the afternoon, which again was very good with a display by The Mini Marvels and the Metropolitan Police Activity Ride.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
21/07/2007
After the floods on Friday all the competition was moved inside, the CDI competitors asked for their competition to be cancled so the paras could move inside, which was very nice of them. My time for the Individual Test was at 21.03, Norley had not been in the new indoor school all week, at that time of night the atmosphere was electric. Everything went perfect warming up and we wre really happy with him.
The moment Norley went in to the arena he grew and got very excited. I did my very best with him but we lost marks for the walk and submission. We finished 5th with 65.35%.
The presentation of the Individual and Team Medals followed. A very Special moment for me been part of the Gold medal winning Team.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
20/07/2007
First day of competition Team test, I was last to go in the class which I first thought was good but then the rain came. It did not stop the arena was flooded was deep to ride and puddles everywhere.
I warmed Norley up in the old indoor arena then walked down to do my test outside. By the time we had walked down we were drenched, the stream had burst it's bank where we walked past.
Norley went really well we came fifth with 68.71%. I was a little disappointed with my score but I felt Norley went Fab in the conditions.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
19/07/2007
Last Training day before competition starts. Back in the outdoor arena at 07.00. Enjoyed watching the CDI for the rest of the day.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
18/07/2007
Second training day even early start was on Norley for 07.00. GB had old indoor school for training, Norley was going better each day. We had people there to video our training everyday then in the afternoon I went to watch to video which was very helpful.
Opening ceremony was in the afternoon, it was very special. Hartpury put on a great show.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
17/07/2007
An early morning start GB riding times started at 08.00. I was one of the first riding. Norley went really well! We were outside in the arena we were then competing in.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
16/07/2007
Angela, myself and Norley traveled to Hartpury College today for the Para World Dressage Championships. We packed just about everything as the weather was so up and down.
KBIS DISABLED RIDER CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER
01/07/2007
As I could not go to Hickstead I put in a late entry with Jastra at Vale View for Kbis qualifier for the National Championships. He has not been to a show for two years and only had 4 days work before going as I was away squad training. He did fantastically, winning with a score of 70.71%. I am so happy with him.
MONTHLY SQUAD TRAINING
25/06/2007
I went to squad training at unicorn centre on foot. I collected all my team GBR kit for the Worlds. Norley has a very small injury so we thought it would be best for him to have a rest, we will also miss Hickstead on the 1st July.
WORLD PARADRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
01/06/2007
I received my letter today informing me that I have been selected for the Para World Championships at Hartpury College in July. I am thrilled to have been selected with Norley.
FINAL SELECTION TRIAL
26/05/2007
Final Selection Trial by invitation only. At The Unicorn Centre. I was second to go in the morning, it was an early start getting on Norley at 8.00am. Norley was fantastic. I was really delighted to score 73.55%, I won the grade 4 section and won overall. This is a great achievement for a grade 4 rider as normally the grade 1 riders gain the highest percentage.
MONTHLY SQUAD TRAINING
25/05/2007
Angela, Norley and I travelled to The Unicorn Centre at Stow-on-the-Wold for our monthly squad training. These meetings are for the elite squad to meet up and all have training with Michel Assouline our squad coach and for the vet and osteopath to check our horses are fit and healthy.
I had training sessions with both Angela and Michel working together to perfect Norleys way of going and doing some test riding, ready for Saturday.
