With a few injuries late last year, the ponies were ticked along, but now it's time to get those grass bellies under control (both riders and horses!) and turn fat into muscle! Weirdly the UK Eventing season and the Aussie one starts around the same time, after a three-month break over winter in the UK and three-month break over summer here (I know which break I prefer …).
There is still frost on the ground in the UK, but Gemma has been out and about doing some cross country schooling and also had a run around a combined training day to blow some cobwebs away. It seems to have been a good prep with her season starting very successfully at Tweseldown (1) where she and PHS Hilton took second place in a Novice section (behind none other than Tim Price!)
Next on the agenda for Gemma and Hill will be a run at Barbury Castle before heading to the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park, stepping up to Open Intermediate
Jaymee Tinney turns 30 and we 'Ride Through Time'
Before the season started, we took advantage of a short two week break to fulfil our eldest daughters request for her 30th Birthday 'Ski-ing in Austria'. Of course we went along with that idea and Gemma was also able to be there to celebrate.
We returned unscathed - not that Stuart was unscathed before we left! Still recovering from his broken neck plus an ongoing lower back problem, he did still manage to join the group for the Après Ski and general 'good times'
We also enjoyed starring in one of the FEI Feature videos – some super global recognition from our saddle sponsors Bates Saddles in conjunction with the FEI. We thought it was the perfect title - 'Ride through time'!
What’s ahead
2025 will not be boring for us. We are planning to move our lovely younger horses, Caruso, Catfish and Fernhill Aisling Star up to 2* and 3* plus establish Viennese at 4* level. Hopefully it won't be long until Gemma returns to help with their end of year and 2025 program, when we may have to make room for some new greener ones!
Calendar
March 22nd & 23rd - Stuart is XC Course Designer at Tamworth International
April 5th& 6th Canberra – Stuart riding Caruso 2*, Catfish 1*, Viennese 3 or 4*, Fernhill Aisling Star TBC
April 19th& 20th Quirindi International - Caruso 3*, Catfish 1*, Viennese 4*, Fernhill Aisling Star 2*
See you out there! Stuart, Karen and Gemma
