The National Championships 2008

It was a beautiful day, but not unfortunately Emile's and Jack's day. After what we felt what was an extremely good test, Jack ended up in 5th place. This was not only a great suprise to us but also to Emile. Thats Dressage I am afraid!

Having been up at Emiles for just over 3 months, Jack is home again now. We have had several people ask why Jack went to Emiles. So let me put some people straight. From our point of view there were several good reasons for Jack to stay at Emiles, first our menage surface is dreadful and we were afraid it was not going to help Jack with his more advanced training, secondly, it was better for Jack to be away during the stud season as he would be less stressed and thirdly because Emile is my trainer and a brilliant rider and it was a good chance to introduce and refine some of the more advanced movements. It wasn't as if we were totally apart and I didn't see Jack, I was up at Emile's yard once, sometimes twice a week training during Jack's stay.

Jack learnt alot with Emile and so did I just watching. We have had some fun and games trying to get it together as a partnership again, Emile must feel very different to me, but I am hoping to go out in Jan 2009 with Jack and attempt our first PSG.

Nibeley Union Jack Wins The 2008 Summer

Adv. Med. Regionals

At Addington

We were really proud of Jack when he did so well at Addington on 20th August '08 by winning the Advanced Medium Open Class. There were 48 contenders and it was all too close for comfort.

Jack was ridden by my trainer Emile Faurie, who I thought was a cool customer in these circumstances, but even he admitted he got a little steamy under the collar before going in with Jack. I don't think my heart has had such a hard workout for a long time. It was pounding so fast, it looked liked a couple of boys fighting underneath my jumper! I have come to the conclusion watching is worse than riding. I don't know how I will get through at the Nationals, I will probably have to have a good dose of So-Calm and a spare Oxygen Cylinder standing by in the wings.

Gareth Hughes put up a good fight with Korenbloem Dior and obtained a super score of 70.351%. We thought he would be our biggest rival, but Jack and Emile managed to top that with a score of 71.140%. Then right at the end Jenny Ward came in with a score of 70.439% on Stalin which pushed Gareth into 3rd place. So it won't be a walk in the park for Jack and Emile at The Nationals with Gareth, Jenny and a few others gunning for 1st place as well.

Lots of work to do I think!

Also

The Arrival of Top Yellow

Graded Westfalien Pony Stallion

My Son 'Christian', will be riding and competing one of the best pony stallions to be bred in Germany. This beautiful palomino Stallion was bred and trained by Jo Hinnerman and won the Bundeschampionate twice. More news and photos of their progress to follow soon, so watch this space.