NEWSLETTER
As I write this I have a big beaming smile on my face. Julie has had a great season to date, not only with her 'big boys', but also her up and coming youngsters who are all showing real promise. With many wins and places, the rosette board and trophy shelf are brimming!! The horses are all beautifully attired in the new rugs that they have won, and the photo cabinet is full of stunning photographs immortalising Julie and her horses for posterity.
Of course I am bias, being Julie's friend/secretary/extra pair of hands/and overall odd job lady, I also have the good fortune to keep my own horse at Julie's yard deep in the Cotswold countryside. Being so close to Julie and her staff it is not hard to see why all her horses are so content in their environment. She is an extremely committed and dedicated person, and the well-being of her horses takes precedent over everything. With the season Julie is having thus far, her horses are reflecting the care and love that goes into the preparation of an Event Horse.
Most recently, King of the Catwalk, affectionately known as Alex, had a FIRST and SECOND in the Retraining of a Racehorse Class at Barbury Castle. This special Thoroughbred Championship Class was an amazing win for Julie, and with Alex winning the Championship there were a lot of cheering happy faces as she was presented with a beautiful trophy.
Look Out, or Jack as he is known on the yard, had a fantastic THIRD at Gatcombe last weekend in the Intermediate Championship (Advanced). Jack is a really feisty character, and even though he is a rather small little chap, he more than makes up for his height in courage and braveness.
Julie is away to Aston Le Walls with some of her 'babies'. The experience of a local show is invaluable to these young horses. For them, the hustle and bustle of a large event is where it all begins for these Event Horses of the future. Edge of Reason, or Bridget as she is known on the yard is Julie's only mare and will be poodling around the baby class just to see what this eventing lark is all about!! Tents, loud speakers, crowds, dogs and children in buggies, are all about the learning curve of a young Event Horse. It is not only about the showjumps, dressage arena and cross country fences, a Three Day Event can be a scary place for young horses!! Julie will be taking a lot of patience with her!! (As well as chocolate of which she is mad about)!!
Martinvast in France is a very big event for Julie. She and her grooms will begin packing her lorry two days before hand. The lorry will have a mechanical check over, in preparation for a long journey with many miles to cover. Alex will be taking part in the CIC**, Sir Roselier affectionately known by his fan club as Lumpy (or The King which he prefers), will be taking part in the CIC*** which is a World Cup Qualifier, and Jack will be in the CIC*** also. We wish them all a safe journey and for a successful rosette and trophy brimming return!!
Been Admired, another of Julie's big grey chaps who is also known as Jamie (or Jim-Jams) has just qualified for Burghley in the CCI**** so this is great news, and we look forward to watching this jumping bean in action!
Jack is also entered in the Blenheim Palace CCI****, and being another local event for us, the Empshill Team and supporters will be out in force.
Julie will be packing her case and loading the lorry again to take Alex to Northern Irelend where he is entered in the CCI** in Necarne. Julie loves Ireland and the Irish people so I know she will be very much looking forward to this event.
Finally Lumpy is entered in the CCI*** in Boekelo International Horse Trials in Holland in October so another long trip lays ahead for this much travelled chap who takes all of this eventing malarkey in his usual laid back manner.
I will keep you posted of any updates or additions, but for now I have everything crossed, including my eyes, fingers and thighs. (Which is not a pretty sight!).