Fiona's Diary
Once again I have been hopelessly inefficient in updating the diary, but finally here we are late
on a Wednesday night with a quick roundup of events so far this year.
Well what can I say, apart from it's all been going pretty well so far touch wood. Fun Time
Frankie has excelled himself even more than last year by winning three intermediate events on the trot - a feat very few horses
have achieved in their life I should imagine. He so loves his job and now wonders round the yard (usually having let
himself out of his box) telling all the others how amazing he is! Roma (Jill) is actually not far behind with a 7th
followed by a 5th followed by a 3rd in her first three events. She is a complete jumping machine and with her stunning
movement we are improving the dressage marks with every outing.
Not to be outdone by their more experienced stable mates the newcomers are also trying to make a
name for themselves. Adagio has taken very naturally to the whole eventing game and won his first two pre-novices.
He then should have won his first novice but a moment of madness by the jockey cost him his hat-trick, however, he soon
put this behind him and won the next one instead. Following closely at his heals is Royal Colours (Smartie) who came
over from Ireland at Christmas. He had his first outing at Goring Heath and stormed round with a double clear to also
finish 1st. Fantasy Island (Poppy) must get a mention too as she has finished in the money
every time out as well.
The others who are not quite ready to be out on the circuit are also showing plenty of promise and should
be out competing in the next month or so. BIg Yorkie is a stunning horse, and we think has finally finished growing,
he is working hard now to prepare for a pre-novice a bit later in the spring. Bell, a former showjumper is now in intensive
dressage training and again will hopefully feature on the circuit in a month or so.
Meanwhile I run round in ever decreasing circles never quite managing the more mundane things like
washing, ironing and paperwork! Exciting news on the home front is that young Oscar, who recently had his 5th birthday,
rode his bike without stabilizers for the first time on Easter Monday. His big brother pushed him round the garden for
a bit before the moment of truth on the byway! I am concerned that he is not quite as health and safety conscious as
his big brother so anticipate a few minor injuries along the way, however Arthur would not let either of them (or me or Jo
for that matter) set foot near a bike without wearing a helmet!
