Q SPORT HORSES - OUR NEWS ...
 

6th September 2008

It was a nice day today, the rain stayed away for us.

Busy this morning, getting all the horses out and worked and we had some visitors as well, to look at some horses, they all went well.

Ella seems to be back to form, which is great.

Charles Britton and his son Benj, called over this afternoon, he had look at the video of his horse jumping, from the last show we went to.

We watched some of Burghley Horse Trials also, the ground there looked heavy going and there were some awful falls of horses and riders.
Zara Phillips was one, a crashing fall, she was lucky not to have the horse land on top of her.
William Fox-Pitt is the overnight leader, he was a class act out there today, pictured above.

Below is Zara Phillips being interviewed.

5th September 2008

We have all experienced a huge amount of rain today, whats going on?

I hope peoples houses are not flooding, we are lucky to live on a bit of a hill.

I was looking at the Burghley horse trials web site this evening, it seems they are carrying on with the event and expect 100,000.00 visitors tomorrow, wow!

Ruth Edge is leading after the dressage, she did an amazing test and she is on a score of 39.

Pippa Funnel won the Young Event Horse championship, on another home bred horse, the Funnel team have had quite a season with their home bred youngsters.

I find it hard to believe that the cross country can go ahead after the rain we have had.

We have had to bring our mare's and foal's in out of the field, they had to come in to dry out.

Pictured above is Pippa Funnel, a great win for her.
Below is Ruth Edge, what a display from her, to lead the Burghley Three Day Event.

4th September 2008

So the rain is on the way, apparently.

We are lucky to have our indoor arena, we can carry on regardless. As we did today, a busy one, all the young horses have been out working.

We have some 4 year old's, just in from the fields, starting hacking, getting them ready for some work. We have an exciting Sunshine Tour ahead with these superb youngsters in the pipe line.

Shaz has spent most of the day taking Ella to the doctor and dentist, trying to get to the bottom of her illness, we seem to be in control now and she should be on the mend.

We think Sunday could be our next show day, just the young horses.

Pictured is Ella who is keen to get better and back to her riding !
Below is Shaz's Mum and Dad, who are looking forward to coming to HOYS to watch Dave and Shaz in the foxhunter final.

3rd September 2008

No luck at all today at Ingleston.

Shaz jumped a lovely clear with 'Sound Of Music' but incurred 1 time fault, the time aloud was an issue in this class.

Dave had a fence with 'Ulot', so we had a long journey home.

We got back at a sensible time, so that was good.

I was talking to a Scottish friend of ours today, she told me that Aileen Craig, a very good lady rider from Ayrshire, has had a bad fall and crushed a vertebrae in her neck.
After initially having been paralysed, she is starting to regain feeling in her arms and pins and needles in her feet.
We would like to wish her a full and speedy recovery.

I also heard that Laura Newman, another top lady rider, is back at shows competing, after a bad fall back in February, so that is good news.

We drove through huge amounts of rain yesterday and today, so anyone thinking of jumping outdoors this weekend, need to look for a show with an all weather surface.

Pictured above is Dave and 'Ulot' jumping today with a gloomy sky above him!
Below is Shaz, with 'Sumas Sound Of Music', jumping at Scope.

2nd September 2008

We left for Scotland this afternoon and have now arrived.

We went straight to the show, Ingleston Stud. It is a very impressive place, the stables and yard are lovely, the indoor arenas are huge, all with a wax track surface.

We could not see the outdoor as it was dark, it seems to have got dark very quickly today.
The outdoor arena has a new surface and so far they have not been able to get the footing perfect, so the 7 year old qualifier we have come for, could be held indoors tomorrow instead.

The horses and Jan seemed fine, so we went into the restaurant, had some dinner and a chat with the other showjumpers who were in there !

We found a nice hotel just down the road, a last minute booking bargain.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Pictured are the outdoor and indoor stables at Ingleston Stud.

1st September 2008

We had a fairly typical Monday, after a week long show, there is always so much to catch up on.

Dave was working on his lorries this morning and then he was teaching all afternoon.

Ella is still not all that well, she saw the doctor this morning, then we got her some school shoes for Thursday.

Our friends from Nottingham came over this evening, so we managed to enjoy a night out !

Pictured is Chris Smith with 'Mystere De La Rose' on the way to 6th place in the B&C young riders final at Scope.

31st August 2008

We had a much deserved quiet day today.

Some of the horses went in the fields and 'Sound Of Music' has been hacking with Shaz, as she has already had two days in the field.

The staff had a quiet day, Dave took them all for Brunch after the yard was done this morning.
Shaz has spent the rest of the day looking after daughter Ella, who is very poorly with a fever, she missed the whole of Scope, much to her disappointment.

Next week for us will be very busy again, we are off to Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday, for the last 7 year old qualifier.
Ella starts school on Thursday, so she will need all her uniform getting together and books etc.

Tomorrow there will be horses to work and office work to catch up on.

I must say how nice it was last week at Scope to hear people complimenting us on our web site, it was very kind of people to make a point of coming up and saying how much they enjoy it, so thanks and please keep up your support.

Pictured is Dave on the Britton families 'Ulot'.

30th August 2008

So we had the last day at Scope.

I (Shaz) did not finish on quite the note I would have liked !
I did the Mini Major relay with Natasha Dean and I rode 'Sabatini'. Natasha did a lovely, fast round on her pony, but then my round did not quite go according to plan.
I was taking the shortest line imaginable on this fast mare, trying so hard to please my little partner, when 'Sabatini' and I parted company after fence 12.
So for the first time in a long time ! I had a crashing fall, coming off what felt like nearly backwards at full speed, then Geoff Billington came hurling over, trying to give me the kiss of life.
So after apologising to Natasha for the disaster, I went off, licking my wounds.

But Dave was out in force, he went clear in the Grand Prix on 'Lucky De Blondel' , a very good round.
Then he was early to go in the jump off and just had one fence off, he finished 10th.
Ellen Whitaker won the class on 'Ocolado', the same horse she won the ladies final on, beating me that time !

Pictured above is 'Lucky D Blondel' and Dave.
Below is Gemma Bertenshaw, owner of the 4 yearold 'CC Catch', it is a long week a Scope, so plenty of time for a bit of pampering, Gemma gets her hair done !

29th August 2008

It was just Dave jumping today for our yard at Scope.

'Sabatini' was the star of the yard, in the 1.30m championship she had a double clear and finished 3rd, the times were very close in the jump off.

Then he had a memorable victory in the pairs challenge, an absolutely flat out round against the clock, paired with Clare Mc naughten, who used to live with us and train. The horse she was riding she actually bought off us !
So that made the win even more special.

It was great that all of 'Sabatini's' owners where there to watch.

'Luikka' also had a good placing in the Blue Riband final.

So another good day, tomorrow is the last day of the show, Dave is jumping the grand prix with 'Lucky De Blondel' and Shaz is doing the Mini Major relay, where the professionals team up with the children, so we still have alot to look forward to.

Pictured is 'Sabatini', Dave and Jan preparing for the class, below, Clare and Dave being presented with prizes from Mr Carpenter and daughter in law, Amanda Carpenter.

29th August 2008

I did not think we could get any better this week, but we nearly did!

'Sumas Sound Of Music' put up another superb performance to come 2nd in the 7 year old final today.
There were three rounds of jumping, finishing at 1.50m , she flew around the jump off to take the lead at the half way stage and just beaten in the end by Laura Renwick on 'Beluga'.

The 4 year old championship nearly went our way, Shaz and 'CC Catch' jumped a lovely first round and went into 2nd spot, then a fence off in the 2nd round kept us out of the winning enclosure, we came 3rd in the end.
Andrew Saywell won it, Andrew produced 'Rolette' , Ben Maher's olympic ride.

Dave jumped a very good first round clear on 'Ulot' in the 7 year old's, but had an unlucky rail in the jump off.

'Lucky De Blondel' jumped well outside in the 1.40m grand prix qualifier and again 4 faults.

Pictured above is 'Sumas Sound Of Music' and below is Gemma Bertenshaw's pride and joy 'CC Catch'.

28th August 2008

We had another great day at The Scope Championships today.

Shaz came 2nd in the Ladies National Championship's on 'Sound Of Music', the mare, by 'Indoctro', jumped two tremendous rounds, beyond her years ! and was just beaten by Ellen Whitaker.

'Lucky De Blondel' for Dave in the gents was so unlucky to just role the very final pole, an otherwise good round, around a very strong track.
The winner was Geof Lucket, the jump off was very quick.

So that was all we had today, we will be back there tomorrow with 'CC Catch' for the 4 year old final and the 7 year old final for 'Ulot' and 'Sound Of Music' ( hoping to go one better !)

Pictured is 'Sound Of Music' jumping with Shaz.

27th August 2008

So it was an amazing day today at Scope, Dave qualified 'Ulot' for the Foxhunter final at HOYS.

The owners were there to watch, Charles and Linda, daughter Becky and son Benj.
They were so thrilled, they bought the horse as a yearling out of a field in Holland.
Dave was really impressed that we will be a husband and wife team now in the final, as we have a ride each, we are not sure if this has happened before in the Foxhunter final.

Luck was not with Dave earlier in the day when he missed by one to qualify 'Ulot' for the 7 year old's at HOYS, it was so nearly a double for him today.

Chris went really well on 'Mystere De La Rose', he was 6th in the B&C final, a good double clear.

Shaz had a good result on the 4 year old 'CC Catch', 4th out of 95 horses to qualify her for the final on Thursday.

25th August 2008

The second day at Scope went really well for us.

Our first class was in the indoor, championship arena, I do not think I have seen this arena more 'Spooky' or imposing.

Dave was double clear in the 7 year old prelim on 'Ulot', Charles Britton and Linda Wright's impressive horse by 'Andiamo'.
He was an eventual 4th place, which qualifies him for Thursdays final, naturally Charles and Linda were there to watch and were delighted.

Then Shaz and 'Sound Of Music' did an equally impressive double clear, they went into 2nd, then in the end they were 3rd.
The mare, owned by TJM Equestrian, jumped superbly around this strong track, only 4 other horses could jump a double clear.

'Sabatini' was unlucky to have a fence in the 1.30m qualifier which was outdoors.

So tomorrow will be our busiest day, lots of classes all in different rings.

Pictured above is 'Sound Of Music' and below is 'Ulot'.

24th August 2008

The first day at Scope went well for us.

Chris and 'Mystere De La Rose' came 7th in the B&C young riders prelim, out of 109 competitors, it was a 2 phase and was 15 fences long !
So he was really pleased and said the horse feels in top form, his final is on Tuesday in the championship arena.

Skye also jumped 'Vigo' in this class, it was their biggest test to date, they just faulted at the second fence, an otherwise perfect round.

Dave had some good round's in the 1.20m Classic Sports Horse Blue Riband prelim, he jumped 'Luikka' and 'Ulot', they both jumped nice double clears.
The final for this class is on Friday and it is a really nice class, three rounds, so the final round is big, but it is for horses still in foxhunter grade.

So tomorrow we have the first 7 year old qualifier for 'Sound Of Music' and 'Ulot' and 'Sabatini' for the 1.30m prelim.
It should not be too long a day.

Pictured above is 'Mystere De La Rose' who went well today.
Below is 'Sumas Sound Of Music' with Shaz, hoping to do well this week at Scope.

23rd August 2008

We are praying for dry weather for next week at Scope.
It starts tomorrow. We are taking 8 horses all together.

The show is seven days long ! we have horses there every day.

We have 'Ulot' and 'Luikka' for the Blue Riband 1.20m class tomorow with Dave and 'Vigo' and 'Mystere De La Rose' for the young riders B&C with Skye and Chris.

I saw a press release about Dennis Lynch at the Olympics.
It said that Dennis was provisionally suspended when 'Latinus' tested positive for a banned substance, capsaicin.
Capsaicin is a lotion derived from the chilli pepper plant that can be used to make a horse hypersensitised or act as a pain reliever. In both cases it can improve performance.
It has always been an illegal substance but a method of testing for it has only recently been developed.
Three other riders have been suspended and an analysis will be carried out on B-samples before any action is taken.

The modern courses now are such light material, horses cannot breathe on a pole or they may knock it down, perhaps it has gone too far, but people should not use these methods to make a horse more careful.
The sport needs to maintain a level playing field, so everyone has an equal chance to do well.

Pictured above is 'Vigo' with Skye Higgin, jumping tomorrow.
Below is Charles Britton, who has been busy the last few days laying down the surface in the championship arena for The Scope Festival.

22nd August 2008

Today was spent riding the horses that had not been to South View yesterday and a quiet hack for the one's that did go.

'Sound Of Music' had a quiet hack, as did 'Lucky De Blondel', he needed some encouragement to leave the yard, as he was eyeing up the mare's in the field.
'Sabatini' and 'Mystere De La Rose' also went, 'Vigo', Skyes horse and 'Ulot'.
The 4 year old 'CC Catch' had a little flat work with Shaz.

Then the preparations were under way for the long week ahead at Scope.

Most of the horses that needed clipping have been done this afternoon, much to he horses annoyance, none of them really like it do they ?

Dave has been working on the horse box business aswell, we have alot of orders at the moment.
One lorry, nearing completion, has an aluminium planking body, it looks superb.

Pictured above is Chris Smith and James Brennan, making jumps in the workshop this evening.
Below is a lorry just starting to be built, the body is also in aluminium planking.

21st August 2008

A good day today.

We were brave to go to South View and compete all day, while we had a strategic plan in place to record all the jumping from the Olympics.
Skye and Chris did very well between them to swap over discs and channels, under the guidance and instructions from Shaz.
They also managed to ride at the show !

The show went well, Dave won the newcomers and 2ND in the foxhunter with 'Hillowan Harvest Day' of TJM Equestrian.
Chris had a good clear in the speed class with 'Mystere De La Rose'.

Then Shaz and 'Sound Of Music' had a good result to come 2ND in the 1.30m, narrowly beaten by Billy Twomey.

Dave had some great news, he was picked to jump for Ireland in Zagreb, Prague and Ugar, all in September. He will take 3 horses, then return to England to jump at HOYS.

So we returned home this afternoon and enjoyed the Olympics, Eric Lamaz was the gold medal winner with 'Hickstead', 'Ninja' took silver with Rolf Goran and a well deserved Beezie won Bronze on 'Authentic'. It was a brilliant final day which saw drama of all kinds.
Firstly 4 riders were excluded for a positive dope test, which included Dennis Lynch from Ireland. At least they are able to test at the event now, instead of finding out the offenders later and altering all the results at a later date.

Then there was a streaker in the ring just before Lotta Schults round ! luckily she kept her concentration.
And the water jump flooded before Rolf Goran's round.

The jump off was great, Meridith Michaels just missing out on a medal and some others so unlucky, it can be such a cruel sport.

Pictured above is Shaz on' Sumas Sound Of Music' and below is Dave on 'Lucky De Blondel'.
Taken by Tom Jones.

20th August 2008

South View was really good today.

The show was made in to the perfect warm up for The Scope Festival next week. They had lovely new jumps, flowers and a great big water feature in the corner.

Sue Barret built some interesting courses, so we all had plenty to think about.

All our horses jumped well, just a bit of a four fault day. 'Coqueluche' with Shaz, jumped a lovely double clear in the newcomers.
'Luikka' was clear in the foxhunter and 'Hillowan Harvest Day' had one down in the same class with Dave.

We are going to take some of the older horses back there tomorrow, as today we just had the young one's.

We have to make plans now to record the Olympic showjumping tomorrow, it is not so straight forward.
Gone are the days where you set the timer and record on to a 4 hour long tape.
We have to try and record onto DVD's now, which is not easy.
The jumping is on all afternoon from Hong Kong, so we hope to watch it when we get back from the show.

Pictured above is Michaela Jelincova riding 'Socrate De L'Hodez' who jumped a double clear today in the discovery. Michaela works for Charles and Linda and rides the horse for them.

Below is Shaz on 'Coqueluche' .

19th August 2008

We are taking 8 horses to South View tomorrow.

We were busy all morning working them, but we have extra help with James Brennan, he has come for two weeks training and experience.
He is from Ireland, near Kilkenny and he is working for Marion Hughes.

We take 'CC Catch', of Gemma Bertenshaws, the final outing for this mare before the four year old championships at Scope.
'Coqueluche', 6 year old of TJM Equestrian.
'Woden' for Carina Robinson.
'Quinquela' for Linsey Tough.
'Cassadra' the talented 5 year old.
'Luikka', the 6 year old for David Murray.
'Hillowan Harvest Day', the Irish bred horse, for TJM Equestrian again.

I saw that Pembrokeshire County Show has been cancelled, due to the rain.

No such problem in Hong Kong for our Olympic show jumpers, just the intense heat. I noticed Beezie Madden has lost a lot of weight, she must really be determined for a double gold medal, being light and fit would help immensely in these conditions.

Pictured above is 'Hillowan Harvest Day' a ride for Dave tomorrow.
Below is the 4 year old 'CC Catch'.

18th August 2008

The horses went well today at home, we have been working through some grids with them, the horses seem to enjoy this, it is good for their back muscles and can get them thinking quicker.

Thank goodness for our indoor school, with all these showers of rain.

We enjoyed the jumping from the Olympics again, but what a disappointment for John Whitaker, who was not allowed to jump today. I feel sure we would have won a medal if we had a full team.

Ben Maher was incredible, he jumped a great clear round, he looks to be having the time of his life.

Dennis Lynch also had another super round for Ireland, just 4 faults, but no team pressure.

So we look forward to Thursday, the final of the individuals, and Britain has 3 riders forward.

Lets hope the rain stops soon, as with the Scope show next week, the grass rings could be really wet. Check your stud holes this week, so you have no nasty surprises if you have to jump on muddy fields !

Pictured above is Ben and 'Rolette' jumping clear today in Hong Kong.
Below is Dennis again, on 'Latinus'.

17th August 2008

We had a rare Sunday at home today.

Our neighbours, Geof Billington and Sarah came round last night to watch the first leg of the Olympics that we had recorded, so it was a bit of a late night !

The horses had a quiet day, hacking or in the field, as some of our staff had the day off as well.

We really enjoyed the first round of the team showjumping from the Olympics.
Britain were going great guns until John Whitaker had to withdraw 'Peppermill', as he had a stiff back.

Lets hope he can jump tomorrow, it would depend on how badly the muscles in his back have contracted.
Firstly the vet will need to relax the muscles by tranquiliser, then something for the pain, maybe some high doses of vitamin E and Selenium and plenty of fluids, possibly intravenous administration in case he is dehydrated. The heat in Hong Kong must be the main cause of the problem or an over stretch or exertion.

So as it stands Britain are in joint 4th place over night, they did really well.

After reading the daily news on The Horse Exchange.com, I learnt that jockey, Harry Skelton, son of Nick and the late, Sarah Skelton, had a win at Bangor On Dee races, watched by Charlie Edwards, grandfather, a proud day for the Skelton and Edwards family.

Pictured above is 'Peppermill', fingers crossed for him tomorrow.
Below is Dennis Lynch, the photo was taken yesterday, he did an amazing round on 'Latinus', he is looking like favourite for an individual medal for Ireland.

16th August 2008

We had an early start to get to Shrewsbury again today.
Dave jumped 'Sabatini' and 'Lucky De Blondel', both jumped well, but 4 faults each.
I ( Shaz ) did not jump today, so a nice quiet day off for a change.

Geoff Luckett won again, no stopping him at the moment. There were ten clears in the Grand Prix and what seemed quite a short jump off course, which ended up being very fast.
The older, more experienced horses did much better at this show, any younger horses just could not beat the times and leave up the fences.
It would be nice to have the odd B&C class at the big shows, like we used to have, it would be a good stepping stone for the 7 year old's.

We had good news in from Ireland. The pony that we bred, 'Rock DJ', (see 'where are they now'), won again, this time at 'Millstreet', a big show on at the moment. |He has his final tomorrow, we will wait to hear how that goes. His owners are away in Thailand, I think they wish they were at the show to watch him now!

Pictured above is the talented 'Sound Of Music', who jumped clear yesterday, but there was no suitable class for her today at Shrewsbury.
Below is the motorbike display at the show, they were incredible.

15th August 2008

It was a lovely day at Shrewsbury Show, although I (Shaz) must confess, I went to the show later on, I was working some young horses in the morning.

Dave set off early and had no joy in the big class, he said it was very big and there were only three clears.
The show could have been short of time and did not want a large jump off, as the later class was nearly an hour late in starting.

Dave was placed on 'Sabatini' in this class, it was a speed class and she jumped well.
Then I jumped clear on 'Sumas Sound Of Music', she jumped great, as the track was a good 1.40m. Again, we did not think this class would have been as big as this, bit it rode well.

Geof Luckett won both classes here today.

I also had the pleasure of watching some of the Olympics on TV before I left.
The ring looks fantastic, almost to good to be real!
I saw Nick Skelton jumping clear on 'Russel', well done to him!
Tim Stockdale had 4 faults, as did John Whitaker and Ben Maher was also clear, he must have been thrilled.

Pictured above is Rob Bevis and Keith Doyle, I spotted them in the crowd.
Below is Keith Shores family and support group! watching his round.

14th August 2008

We took 7 horses to Weston Lawns, and 4 of these were going to a show with us for the first time.
They all went well, despite some incredibly spooky fences and difficult courses.

Shaz jumped the 4 year old 'CC Catch' of Gemma Bertenshaws, in the Discovery, she jumped a lovely first round clear. This mare is aimed at the 4 year old Championships at Scope in two weeks.

'Quinquela' had a good clear in the Newcomers. This horse, also a new one, and owned by Mrs Robinson, looked very classy today.

The show must have had a huge downpour of rain that morning as part of the car park was flooded and the entrance to the collecting ring had a large pool of water, which had to be jumped or ridden through, good water jump practice for us !

The show jumping starts tomorrow in Hong Kong, on from 12.15 pm to 16.15pm, it will be a fascinating first leg. It will be great to see the likes of 'Shutterfly' (Meridith Michaels), 'Latinus' (Dennis Lynch), 'Hickstead' (Eric Lamaze), 'Rival' (for Kamil from Saudi), 'Authentic' (Beezie Madden), the worlds best, all in for the kill!

Pictured above is 'Quinquela', jumping one of the unusual fences and below is the five year old 'Cassandra' who jumped a good clear in the Newcomers today.

13th August 2008

Today we worked all the horses, as we have a the next few days full of shows.

We go to Weston Lawns tomorrow and Shrewsbury Show, Friday and Saturday, this week is flying by.

We are taking 6 horses tomorrow, and 4 to Shrewsbury.

Meanwhile, news from the Olympic showjumping team in Hong Kong, it was announced that Michael Whitaker's horse is not sound and Nick Skelton will now have to jump the Hales family's horse 'Russel' on the team.

Tim Stockdale has been doing a daily blog for the Horse And Hound, a daily countdown to the start of the Jumping, it is really good.

He said he has been watching videos of past Olympics, as they are 5 day championships, it is unlike the sort of competition we are used to. He remarks that 'one bad round and you are not out,' knowing this sort of thing is a good help physiologically.
He also expects a lot of unusual fences, so the team have practiced over some very different jumps.

I think preparation is the key here.

Pictured above is Michael Whitaker, bitter disappointment for him in Hong Kong and below is Tim Stockdale, part of the British Showjumping team.

12th August 2008

We did a lot of riding this morning, they all went well.

We are starting to think about the Scope Championship's now, we have 8 horses entered, one 4 year old, two 5 year olds, a six year old, two 7 year olds and two older horses.

We will not be staying at the show this year, the stables are over £100 each, so as we are an hour away, we will come and go each day.

This week we are going to The Shrewsbury Flower Show, this is a lovely show and only in the next town from us.

On the Friday and Saturday evening there is a spectacular firework display, which I would recommend anyone to go and see.

Tina Cook was fantastic today at the Olympics, winning individual bronze for Britain. She is the daughter of Josh Gifford, the famous race horse trainer, she said her horse was the best she has ever had.
She is a mother of two and did incredibly well today, in this very dangerous sport.

The Arena looked superb in Hong Kong, very exiting now as we wait for the start of the showjumping, I think it starts on the 15th.

Pictured above is 'CC Catch', Gemma Bertenshaws 4 year old, Shaz's hope for the 4 year old championship at Scope.

Below is Dave riding in the indoor today as we had rain again.

11th August 2008

Today was spent getting straight after the past week.

Office work and house work ! Cleaning and emptying the lorries we have used at the shows.

We were really pleased this evening, our horse box that we have built is finally finished. It is an 8 horse lorry on a brand new chassis. There is a living area with shower, cooker and hob. Television, leather seats and solid wood floor.
It also has a side ramp as well as a rear one, roof rack and tow bar for a drag trailer to carry a further five horses.
There are two nice beds in the front, heating and plug in for electric.

The young horses had some work today but most of the older ones had a quiet day.

So tonight will be an early one, we are looking forward to the Olympics tomorrow, the eventers final day, the showjumping. Mary King is in good contention and the Brits are in bronze medal position overall.

Pictured is 'Arco' at the 2004 Olympics, who will be missed this time in Hong Kong.
Below is our new lorry, all ready to travel the shows.

10th August 2008

It was a great day today at The Dublin Show, the rain managed to stay away.

Dave went well on 'Sabatini', she was in the top 12 of the Speed Grand Prix and 4th in the final class of the day.

The pony Shaz bred, out of 'Dee Jays Rio Grande', won the final 148 cm 6 & & year old class, I ( Shaz) was so proud of him, his jockey, Jorden Coyle, rode him very well.

Jessica Kurten won the Grand Prix, this was a great class and the atmosphere was superb.

We all set off for home this evening, it has been a busy week.

Pictured above is Jorden with 'Buster', who won everything at his first Dublin.

Below is 'Sabatini' with Dave, as they fly the first fence in the speed class.

9th August 2008

It poured down today in Dublin !!

Dave went well on 'Sabatini' in the Accumulator class, just an early fence down kept him out of a top six spot.

'Ulot' jumped very well to finish 5th in the 7 year old Final.

Meanwhile the pony Shaz bred and sold to Ireland, won the 148 cm 6 & 7 year old class, we were all thrilled, he is called 'Rock Dee Jay'.

So we are off to enjoy the Dublin scene now !!!

8th August 2008

I (Shaz) arrived in Dublin late last night.

We had little luck at Addington, 'Luikka' jumped well, but she had 4 faults, we did come 9th, so it wasn't too disappointing.

Then ' Sound Of Music' was unlucky for 4 faults, the last fence in the 7 year old Championship. This course was huge, built by Bob Ellis, won finally by William Funnell.

The whole show had a tribute to Tom Hudson, which was nice.

So I then set off to watch Dave who is in the 7 Year old Final here in Dublin on 'Ulot', the owners are also here to watch, Charles and Linda and their daughter Becky.

Pictured is 'Ulot'