Well, yesterday we set off to do some BSJA on Ross and Jack at Allens Hill. I had Ross in the 1.00m Amateur qualifier, which was run as a single phase and was an incredibly long course!! He was jumping brilliantly in the warm up but kept on trying to nap out of the arena. So I was concerned that he might throw in the towel when we went into the ring. However we managed to get a double clear! (Even if he did plant himself in front of the double and then nap coming around to a spread by the entrance/exit!)

Next up was Jack; he was in the discovery (1.00m first round). Unfortunately his jumping bit hadn't arrived in the post and so he was just in a snaffle, consequently he was quite strong and so we did have a pole down. But he jumped really well and considering it was my first course with him and I have only had him a week it wasn't too shabby! Although we had a pole down, the judges missed it and so we got into the jump off - It didn't affect the results as we were on a ticket so our score didn't count anyway! The jump off was a full up discovery JO - Up two holes, so set at around 1m10. This time I took my spurs off and jack wasn’t quite so fresh and we had a really super round. Nice rhythm and hit everything on nice strides! We got a super little clear, one of only two in the jump off. So we would have been second if I was registered BSJA.

It was all very touch and go to begin with because on Thursday it snowed here and at Aston Le Walls! It then proceeded to freeze overnight! However, luckily the sun came out and the vetting was able to take place and we were able to go over to fetch him later in the day. The vet picked up on a couple of things, but nothing major and nothing to worry about. So all very exciting! Poor Emma was very sad to see him go, but she needn't worry as he will be spoilt rotten! 

He settled into Belvedere's stable very well (surprisingly well actually considering he can be a bit of a worrier) and has been very affectionate and friendly! Me and mum managed to scrape together a bridle out of various bits and bobs this evening and so will give him a ride around the field (in the snow) tomorrow!

Here are some pictures of him in his stable in the dark!! (Click to enlarge)

How exciting. I rode Belvedere for the first time in quite a while yesterday! He has been at Tor's for his re-training, and wow what a good job she has done with him! He is so much more relaxed, chilled and soft to ride. I only rode him for 5/10 mins or so on Wednesday because we are introducing me to him gradually! It was very strange though, he feels so so different, in a good way of course. But it has made me realise that I am probably not going to be eventing him in March/April because he is still very fragile and it isn't going to be a quick process.

I also rode him today (in the snow) and rode him for about 10 minutes again, but I was approved to canter him this time! Tor was very pleased with how we went and said that I looked much more relaxed and confident today. I suppose that is because I knew what to expect!
Here is a video from Wednesday, Unfortunately I have no video from today as my Gran drove me over to Tor’s.

Now the exciting news, a little while ago I saw an old experienced horse that had 166 points for sale. I enquired about a loan and she said no, but would sell him very cheaply. So on Thursday we travelled up to Aston Le Walls to try him! I didn't really know what to expect as he had been turned out over the winter and had only just come in from the field, therefore had only been schooled/jumped once by Emma before I got on him! However, he was lovely! Nothing flashy and impressive but very sweet, simple and straightforward. He also has a lovely jump, really comes up through the shoulders! So, after getting permission from my Father and my Gran we are getting him vetted next week sometime! So lots of fingers crossed that all goes well. Will be gutted if it doesn't! 
He is quite old but Emma was talking about me doing intermediates on him and then maybe an advanced or two this or next year (erm....maybe next year!!). She was also talking about us needing to renew his FEI passport so she seems to think he is still up for everything! Another nice thing was that when my mum spoke to her on the phone yesterday she was very nice about me and said that she ''liked the way I rode'' and that I was ''a good little jockey''. 

Well, I was quite bored tonight so I decided to make a little video! I decided I would make one on jumping, so typed 'Jump' into YouTube to find a relevant song and discovered a PERFECT one! I spent at least two hours on the video, possibly more, and exhausted my video stocks and my brain!

However, I am very pleased with the outcome. I hope you enjoy it - Just a bit of light hearted relief basically!

Well Belvedere went to visit the vets at Three Counties for an afternoon and had extensive x-rays and scans etc. The end result was not as they expected. Chris expected to find some arthritic issues in his back/bony growths etc that were causing him pain. But there was nothing there. So the upshot is there is nothing physically wrong with him. Therefore it is just a training & mental issue.
Consequently we have sent him to Tor's for some re-schooling. She has had him two days now and says she is very pleased with him and has been pleasantly surprised with his way of going given how he was when she last rode him. So hopefully that will work out and in a few weeks she will pop me back on board and give us some lessons. Hopefully our event season will go ahead as planned!

I have also entered Ross (Cloons Master Plan) in the JAS at Hartpury on the 14th Feb, where I hope to improve on our Solihull performance! We are doing the BE90 & BE100.

***Fingers Crossed*** all goes well with both Belvedere and Ross.