AS I write, I have just had to admit defeat and realise that now at seven months pregnant, I am no longer able to be of much use on my horses. I now spend my mornings remote controlling Lara Butler riding, as I feel the horses through my eyes and not my seat.
I did, however, get to finish off my season with two wins in Germany on Rose Of Bavaria and a big personal best for her in the special of over 77%, which was wonderful.
To further my inspiration and keep me going until I can get back in the saddle properly, I have been enjoying the European Dressage Championships in Hagen, and what a thrill it was to see our British team claim another medal. Our team did well to keep their nose just in front of the Danes, making it a rather nerve-racking but very exciting silver-medal finish.
I felt that the British horses looked fitter than some other horses that had also been to Tokyo, possibly as ours competed less – partly due to Covid restrictions – over the season than some other European horses did.
“TRUE LENGTHENING OF THE FRAME”
Denne historien er fra September 16, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra September 16, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
