I've arrived at Phillip Duttons yard

   The barn entrance

So far I’ve only been at the Duttons for a week after having caught up with Phillip at the Rolex Event in Kentucky. Rolex was an amazing event and Phillip was competing on two horses there. He finished 11th out of a field of fifty four star riders.

   The Farm

The week started off slowly for me but by the end of it I started to feel more and more confident in what I was doing and therefore everything started to run more smoothly. 

I’ve ridden quite a few times and definitely cleaned lots of stalls. During the first week I also had a lesson with Phillip’s assistant trainer at the barn called Jennie Brannigan. I found that great, especially as I was riding a horse I really enjoyed riding! The staff at the barn are all very nice and always willing to help others out which is great for such a team orientated job. 

   The left wing of the barn

I’ve now had a fair few rides each day which keeps me learning and occupied and have helped Phillip out with setting show jump fences for his many show jump sessions. The whole atmosphere at the barn is calm yet professional with a fun side as well.

   The jumping arena where I have spent a fair bit of time

The first weekend I was there both Lizzie ( a student) and I got to go to an event with Jennie and be her grooms. Jennie was riding four horses so it was a pretty full on day, however I didn’t mind because I got to see how the American events work and run over here.

   Jennie on Cool As Ice (Cassie) warms up for dressage

Well that's all I've got time for now

Emma