NEWSLETTER
Julie kept herself very busy over the Winter months, putting in many hours of schooling with the babies and some introductory indoor show jumping and dressage competitions. The youngsters will all begin to earn their keep as their names have been put down for some ‘warming in’ events, which will hopefully result in a noticeable progression throughout the season. They all seem to have really matured and filled out over the last six months. Watching them jumping you can see the change in their approach, and general manner. I sit for hours with a mug of coffee in my hand next to Julie’s mum Vicki, watching Julie schooling her horses. It is not only fascinating to watch and learn, but there is something beautiful about a schooled horse. It is also interesting to note how each horse has progressed from the early days of backing to now, where it all seems to be coming together. A real partnership seems to be forming with these young horses.
Well, Lumpy, (Sir Roselier) has had a fantastic start to the season and has put some pretty big smiles on the faces of those around the yard. Addington Manor ran the British Open Indoor Cross Country competition on the 15th February, and even though the night was bitter beyond belief, the arena was packed to standing room only. The atmosphere was electric as the Show jumpers and Event riders attacked a course built using a mixture of cross country fences and show jumps. The crowds cheered and screamed as the clock ticked, horses refused, riders forgot the course and others rode hell for leather to try and pip the winning time.
Lumpy came in, as always, as if he owned the arena and posed with his noble head down for the cameras. The children love Lumpy as he really oozes character and wherever he goes he seems to have a fan club of young affectionate children. Julie really put her foot down, and with an incredible clear round they finished in 5th place against some pretty hot competitors. With my nails chewed to stumps, I felt really proud of Lumpy that at 15 years of age he can come out and compete as though he is a youngster himself. Julie’s smile at the presentation showed it all, while Lumpy stood with his front leg in the air waving to the crowd enjoying the laughter and cheering from his supporters. (He cantered his lap of honour as if he was doing a royal wave).
Julie’s first Event or the season took her to Tweseldown, a course that she always speaks most highly of. Lumpy, as always, produced an excellent dressage test and sped around the cross country course with ease. He loves his jumping and finished strong, and barely blowing. All the horses are fit and keen which is encouraging at such an early stage of the season. Finishing in FIRST place in the Open Intermediate was a brilliant start to the year ahead and after a wonderful write up and photograph in the Horse and Hound and local press, I am counting down the days to Badminton and Jack, (Look Out) competing.
Julie is on the second long list for Beijing, and suddenly the Olympics are more than a dream, it could be a reality. Julie is busy attending GB Team Training sessions with Yogi Breisner, which is very important for her and the horses, and with every weekend in the calendar booked up, I will update her diary, please God, with some outstanding results!!