Its been a great couple of days.

Wednesday I gave the horses a good jump in preparation for the competition yesterday. They all jumped very good. Dakar is coming along too. He jumped the combination I set up very well but Vanilla jumped it the best. She is such an exciting prospect she is so the daughter of Sky.

The guy I met for a drink on Monday came to my stables for a random visit. I took him with me for a walk with the dogs although I am not sure that’s what he had in mind as he had his suede shoes on. Anyhow he seemed to like the place and the horses. He loved the puppies too but he said he is more of a cat person. Ah, a man after my own heart. Anyhow I haven’t heard from him since, so maybe he was not so keen.

I had some great evening chats with my Texas friend. Now he really is a great guy with a wicked sense of humour. Now last night I was giggling myself to sleep just thinking about what he thinks of women.

So Towerlands was a great success. Sky came 5th in the 1.30 and I don’t think he has ever had a fence down. He is the most consistant horse I have ever known, but unfortunately with his age, leg and fitness I didn’t go to quick, but I am optimistic he will come back for a few competitive rounds yet.

Sabbers was superb. She came 3rd in the 1.30 and did a very smart 1.40. I did however make a very annoying mistake. She is actually a very strong mare, so in order to ride with soft hands I have to ride her in a big bridle, as every now and then she gets behind the bit. My fault of course, as this is what happens when the horse throws the bridle back at you. Its saying too much hand and not enough leg! so needless to say I had to make a turn back to a fence. The balance between the hand and the leg was not quite there, so she got in a muddle coming to it.

Anyway after that I owed it to her to ride my best, which I felt I did and of course she jumped the course in a very classy way. It was a shame as there were only two clears, one being Ben Mayher!

Today its sunny and warm and I’m looking forward to seeing a few interesting clients and hopefully I will make it for a bit of dinner down the pub later.

I must say how satisfying it was to pick my own supper last night from the organic garden. For years I’ve been driving home late from the shows with all the shops shut, dressed in show gear and missing dinner all together. But now I just walk round the corner and its all there. Luxury, God is faithful.