News

Newmilns Show, 7th June 2008

It was really nice to be back at a local show. The weather was great, good ground and nice courses. I jumped Tara in the Foxhunter, she jumped a great double clear and finished 4th. Thats us got the first of our 4 double clears for next years regional finals. Also well done to Hannah Hunter who also jumped clear in the Foxhunter and came 2nd. She had to speak nicely to me to get a run home after beating me!!

Dabbs, 3 June 2008

I travelled up to Dabbs for the 6&7 year old qualifier for Cavan Indoor Championships. Tara jumped a brilliant double clear and won the class, so we will now be off to Cavan in September.

Drymen SHow, 31 May 2008

It was great to be back at Drymen Show on a beautiful sunny day!!! I just jumped the Foxhunter with Tara and she jumped a great clear in the 1st round and then was unlucky to have a back bar in the jump off. I was delighted however, as this was my first show back since having steriods injected into my back 3 weeks ago. It has made a massive difference and I am now hopeful that I will be able to get back to doing a bit more again!

Baby has another Baby!!

My brood mare Sanbucca Baby had another beautiful little foal on Thursday 15th May at 11.30 pm. She has had a lovely filly foal by the Dutch Stallion Verdi (Quidam De Revel X Landgraff). I have called her Lula. We are still trying to decide on a show name, any suggestions will be appreciated!!

Strathallan Castle, 3rd May 2008

Strathallan was both Tara an my first outdoor show in way more than a year!! As Tara never competed as a 5yr old lsat year and I was off all of last year with my back, it was, I thought, going to be a bit of a test. I decided to jump round the 1.10m as a bit of a warm up to check out what we would both be like on the grass! I had nothing to worry about, she absolutely loved and jumped a fantastic clear round. I decided to withdraw her from the jump off, in order to keep her for the Foxhunter. Again she jumped a great 1st round clear. However in the jump off she had just lost a little fitness and we were very unlucky to rub a fence off. We finished 10th, but needed to finish in the top 4 to get the Highland Show qualification! Not to worry a bit more work this week and then off to Ayr Show next weekend.

Greenfields of Avondale, 20th April 2008

I would like to say well done to my mum and Harelquin Sunset (Vogue) who went to there first ever dressage competition on Sunday. They finished a very good 5th, and both had a great day out!! That is Vogue onto his 3rd career now after being a successful race horse before jumping with me to Grand Prix level. Lets just hope he is as successful with his dressage!!

SNEC, 11th - 13th April 08

We jumped at Oatridge on Friday and Sunday of this weekend. Both Tara and I had been having a few weeks break, however returned to this show for Highland Show Qualifiers which is one of our main aims for this year. On the Friday Tara jumped a great double clear in the Grade C qualifier and won the class. I was delighted as it was a pretty strong technical course and she jumped out of her skin. We had the Saturday off then went back on the Sunday for the Foxhunter qualifier. Again we were clear in the first round. However warming up for the jump off my back ceased up a bit and we struggled with the 1st 2 fences in the jump off. However after that she finished well. We are now preparing for Ingliston next weekend.

Rowallan AC, 16th & 17th February 08

We decided to give Dabbs a miss last weekend. This weekend at Rowallan was a big step up for us. On the saturday in the Blue Chip Foxhunter qualifier, Tara jumped a good first round clear, and was very unlucky to have a fence down in the jump off. On the Sunday I decided to jump her in the Winter Grade C. This class was huge, it was a good 1.35m in the first round. Tara jumped a fantastic clear, which meant we went in the jump off which was a good 1.40m/1,45m. Again Tara jumpe dout of her skin. Unfortunately she just went a little too high at one oxer and tipped the back bar. However, we finished 6th out of 20 in th ejump off. I was absolutely thrilled with her.

Ingliston 26th & 27th January 08

We went back to a yet again improved Ingliston Equestrian on Saturday 26th Janaury. Once again Tara jumped an excellent double clear in the Foxhunter, finishing 3rd. This gained her her final double clear to qualify for the regional finals. That is her now qualified for Discovery, Newcomers and Foxhunter.
We then went back for the Foxhunter which was the first class on the Sunday morning. Again Tara jumped like a wee star and finished 2nd with a double clear. We are now off for next weekend, and then hopefully to Dabbs the following Friday for the first of the Highland Show Foxhunter qualifiers.

Oatridge 13th Janaury 2008

Our first show of the new year was a great success. Tara jumped very well. She was double clear in the newcomers finishing 3rd. That is her now out of Newcomers, having won too much money. We then jumped the foxhunter, again she jumped a fantastic double clear and won the class. We are having a quiet weekedn coming, and then it is off to Ingliston on 26th and 27th January.

Jessica Kurten Training, 10th Jan 08

I went for a lesson with Jessica Kurten, the world's no lady rider, at Gleneagles on 10th Janaury 08. It was a tough session after our Christmas break. Jessica was very clear, with high standards and I thoroughly enjoyed my lesson. She got straight to the point with your weaknesses and then helped you work at improving them. I will definately be going back if she ever returns to Scotland.

Merry Christmas

I would just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and here's to a very Happy New Year.

Ingliston Equestrian, 15th December

We just went to Ingliston on the Saturday. (Friday was my works night out!!). Once again Tara jumped like a wee star. She was double clear and 2nd in the Newcomers and double clear and 3rd in the Foxhunter. She is now getting a few weeks well deserved rest now over Christmas and New Year. And we will hopefully be back with every bit as much success in 2008.

Rowallan, 8th & 9th December

We went to Rowallan again on the Saturday for the Blue Chip Power qualifier. This is a newcomer level class where the top 8 qualify for the fina at Hartbury College in April 08. Tara jumped a great double clear to finish in 3rd. On the Sunday, I was at a SEA Coaching day at Ingliston Equestrian. However, I managed to make it back in time to catch the Foxhunter level Blue CHip qualifier. It was a big ask to go straight into her 1st Foxhunter, and with it being a qualifier. However, once again she was great. SHe jumped a fantastic double clear, but missed qualifying by one place. At least that is her started getting her double clears for the Foxhunter Regional Finals.

Ingliston Equestrian, 24th & 25th Nov

Once again Tara jumped great at Ingliston. She was double clear in the Newcomers on the Saturday and won, then again on SUnday she was double clear and 2nd this time. That is her now with all four of her Newcomers double clears. I am aimaing to maybe jump her in a Foxhunter before we have a couple of weeks off for Christmas and New Year. We are not jumping this coming weekend, then off to Rowallan on the 8th December, I will keep you posted.

Oatridge 18th Nov 07

I went to Oatridge on Sunday 18th Nov with Tara. we had been there during the week for a couple of days training which was excellent. It must have paid off too, as we won the Discovery with the only double clear. That was our 4th one so we have now qualified for the regional finals. We then did the Newcomers and won that too!!!! Again Tara jumped a cracking double clear! That is now 2 double clears in Newcomers and 2 more to get. We are off to Ingliston again next weekend, and looking forward to it!

Rowallan 9-11 November 07

I was back at Rowallan on Friday 9th November and again Tara jumped double clear in the Discovery and she finished in 4th place. I had the Saturday off and jumped again on the Sunday. Tara was double clear again in a strong Newcomers class and we finished in 3rd place. She jumped a cracking round and enjoyed the bigger fences. My back seems to be ok today but I am heading off to the physio this afternoon just to make sure! Fingers crossed everything will be ok to jump a couple of days at Oatridge next weekend.

Back in the Ring!!

More good news, I have started to compete again!! Peter Stirling, a good friend and long time owner has bought Akatara (Tara) a 5 year old, 15.3hh Bay Mare. She is by Victor's Quest (Conquest) out of a Cavalier mare. She jumped a bit as a 4 year old but has had this year off through not having a rider. We went for a couple of lessons with John Ledingham @ Gleneagles EC @ the end of October which was great, very helpful and he really liked her. We then went to our first competition @ the all new Ingliston Equestrian Centre on 28th October. We just jumped the Discovery but we jumped a great double clear and finished 5th. We then went to Rowallan's Tuesday Club on 6th November and got another Discovery double clear and finished 3rd. So that is 2 down and 2 to go to gain my qualification for the Discovery Regional Finals, then I will start to step her up a level. At the minute we are both just getting our eye back in!! But all is going well and here is hoping for the future.

Back In The Saddle!

Some good news at last!!!! I have started a little bit of jumping again, and last night jumped aroubnd a course at Rowallan. All be it it was only about 90-95 cm, but at least I went clear, didn't miss too badly, and most importantly it didn't hurt!! I am so glad to be back into it, and am now looking forward to progressing. I am still not setting a time limit for going back to a competition, we will just wait and see how it goes.

Sad News about Hawke's Bay

I am very sad to be writing that Hawke's Bay (Pete) was put to sleep on Monday 25 June. He had been based with my friend Angela Bell in Harrogate, Yorkshire. She had been competing him very successfully while I have been off. Unfortunately that Monday he went down with Colic, he got operated on at the Minster Hospital. The operation was successful, however a matter of hours afterwards, they could not control his pain, and the decision was made to put him to sleep at 7.30 pm. I am very grateful to Angela who was with him at this time.

Baby back in foal!

Baby has been put back into foal, she has been scanned twice and everything seems to be ok. She is due on 29 April 2008. This time I have put her in foal to a young 5 year old stallion called Verdi, he stands at the Nijhof Stud. He is by Quidam De Revel, out of a Landgraf I mare. At this time Baby, and her 2 previous youngsters, Kiddo and Buster are doing really well, so here is hoping for another nice addition to the string!

Verdi- Quidam de Revel - Jalisco B - H Alme Z.
Tanagra
Dirka - Nankin
Ondine de Baugy
Clarissa -Landgraf I - Ladykiller xx
Warthburg I
Renaissance - Calypso I
Italien v. Rigoletto

Baby Has Foaled again!

Sanbucca Baby foaled on Monday 8 May at 8.15 am. My mum was there and saw the whole thing!! Baby had a beautiful little colt foal, he is a funny bay colour. Both mum and foal are doing great. His name was junior, but I have since changed it to Buster and his show name will be Blue Wicked. He is by the good stallion that I jumped last year called Out of the Blue IV (by Mr. Blue).

After the Op

Well I am now 3 weeks after my operation. The surgeon was please with how it went. He had to take the whole disc out as was the extent of the damage, however it seems to have done the trick! I still have a little pain, but it is all part of the recovery. I am completely bored at the minute, but I am just trying to bide my time to give myself the best possible chance of recovery. I get to start pilates in a couple of weeks, and then hopefully its all plain sailing from then. My aim at the minute is to start back slowly riding from August this year.

Scan Results!

Well I have now had my scan and have to have an operation to get part of my disc removed. I get the op on 29 March, and the specialist is sure that I will get back riding in a matter of months! The surgery has a 90% success rate, so I am all for that! Fingers crossed that it goes well and I will be back on board in no time.

OUt of Action

I am just putting a wee update on my site to explain why there have been no results or info up this year so far. Unfortunately I appear to have slipped a disk in my back! I am unable to ride at the moment and am waiting to get a scan. I hopefully wont be out for too long, and will be back in action soon!! In the meantime I will keep you up to date.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a good fun New Year and all the very best of luck for the coming season!

Unfortunately I had a bit of a sad end to what had been a good year. I lost my good horse Plutonikk Gasse in October. ( Hence why I have been a bit quiet on the website). He had pulled his lumbar muscles and it appears to be that he took a reaction to the injections he was given. It has been a very sad time for all of us at the yard as he was such a lovely horse and a great character, he is sadly missed.

We have been pretty quiet with the shows this last little while, really just to give the horses a bit of a break and get re grouped for next season. So here's to 2007 and what it has to offer.

Lecture Demonstration @ Ingliston House Stud.

In conjunction with Hickstead Horse Feeds, myself and International Showjumper Billy Twomey, are hosting a lecture demonstration evening at Ingliston House Stud on Wednesday 21 February starting at 7.30 pm. The evening will be fun and informative and I am very much looking forward to it. The tickets are now on sale, and you will see it advertised in the majority of equestrian press in Scotland. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

ARIAT SPONSORSHIP

I am please to say that I have recently become a member of the Ariat Pro Team. I am really looking forward to my association with this high quality company and would like to thank them for there support. All relevant links will be added shortly!

Hickstead Horse Feeds Sponsorship

I am delighted to announce another new sponsor for my string. Christine Smy and the Team from Hickstead Horse Feeds will be supplying the feeding for my horses from which I am already noticing the benifits. All the horses are looking great and performing superbly on the various levels of feed stuffs.

Baby is in Foal Again!

After the successful birth of Baby's first foal, Kiddo, I have now put her back in foal. She was scanned at 17 days on Friday 9 June 2006. I have put her in foal this year to Out of the Blue IV, owned by Elaine Goldie. I am competing Sly this year for Elaine. He has a superb temprament, is lovely to ride, with great technique and loads of scope. He is by the world famous stallion Mr. Blue. So here's hoping for another lovely foal.

Sanbucca Baby has Foaled!!

Baby had a colt foal at 5.30 pm on 3rd May 2006. They are both really well. 'Kiddo' is bright bay with a white face. He is little cracker and has already been out in the field for a wee play about. Baby is looking great and is being a fantastic mum!

Scottich Amatuer Internations Championships, 2 Sept 06

Again we just travelled to Balcormo for the Championships on just one day. All the horses jumped very well, with all 3 of mine in the Grand Prix making it to the 3rd round. Plutonikk Gasse, Bullseye and Des Le Marquands Naros Fortuna all jumpedd lovely clears in the first 2 rounds but were then all unlucky to have a very fast time with a fence down in the final jump off. In the end Gasse finished 4th and Frankie 6th, with Bullseye 7th. Peter Stirling's Western Cove (Twix) was also placed in the newcomers. I would also like to say well done to Louise Nelson, who finished 2nd in the 1.10m open on the Friday, 7th in the Amatuer Grand Prix on the Saturday which earned her a place on the Scottish Team. She then went onto jump double clear on the team, which finished in the Silver medal position! This was all done riding her lovely horse Ollivetti (Ollie).

Blair Castle, 26 August 2006

We just traveleed to Blair for the day. The day went well, with Bullseye finishing 3rd in the 1.25m Grand Prix. Des Le Marquands Naros Fortuna (Frankie) was then 3rd in the 1.30m open, he was very unlucky not to win, being 4 seconds faster than the winner with the back bar off the last fence! Peter Stirlings Western Cover (Twix) jumped a lovely clear round in the apprentice steaks with 1 time fault to finish 14th out of 102 starters! Louise Nelson's Inzoni Lu (Lottie) had an unlucky 4 faults. My groom Hannah Hunter, jumped a fantastic double clear on Kirsty McGhee's Blue Moon to finish 2nd.

Brechin Castle, 18-20 August 2006

Brechin turned out to be a fantastic show, with the ground being prepared superbly and standing up to the wild rain on the Friday night. It was unlucky to turn bad just before the last classes on the Sunday. I had an ok show, with Bullseye finishing 4th in the 1.30m open on the Friday. Louise Nelson's Inzoni Lu (Lottie) was having her 1st show back after a few weeks rest. She jumped great to finish 5th in the 1.10m on the Saturday and just have an unlucky 4faults on the Sunday. Elaine Goldie's stallion Out of the Blue (Sly) gained his last foxhunter double clear on the Saturday, finishing 2nd. I then became a wimp and didn't bother to jump him in the rain on the Sunday! Des Le Marquands 2 horses Naros Fortuna(Frankie) and Bullands Ladalco (Larry) jumped well, with Larry having an unlucky 4 faults in the championship on Saturday and Frankie finishing 3rd in the small grand prix on the Sunday. Peter Stirling has bought a nice new young horse Western Cove (Twix) and he came with us to his first show. He went well and ended up jumping the newcomers for 4 faults by the end of the weekend.

Lough Farm, 13 August 2006

We travelled to Lough Farm in Carlisle on Sunday for the HOYS Grade C qualifier. There was more than 40 i the class with 19 ending up in the Jump Off! I was 6th to go with Hawke's Bay (Pete) and he jumped a cracking clear to go into the lead, he stayed there for most of the class only to be beaten by one other person. However 2nd place was good enough to qualify as the top 3 get through to the Horse of the Year Show! My next aim for Pete now is to try to get through in the Foxhunter from Scope Festival. I then finished the day by being 5th in the Accumulator with Des Le Marquand's Naros Fortuna (Frankie) and 3rd in the 1.40m open with Des' Bullands Ladalco.

Fenwick Show, 12 August 2006

It was great to have BSJA Jumping back at Fenwick Show for the first time in a huge number of years. We had a great day, with my groom Hannah Hunter winning the Newcomers infine style on Kirsty Mcghee's Blue Moon. I was then 4th in the 1.20m with Peter Stirling's Corndale Millenium (Millie). I then went on to finish 1st, 2nd & 4th in the 1.25m open. Louise Nelson's Olivetti (Ollie) won back the trophy that his mum won last year with Inzoni Lu! And Des Le Marquands Naros Fortuna (Frankie) was 2nd with Des' Bullands Ladalco (Larry) finishing 4th. All in all a very good day!

Kenyon EC, 6 August 2006

We travelled from Lowther on the Saturday night down to jump at Kenyon on the Sunday. We came for the Newcomers Regional Final with Elaine Goldie's Out of the Blue IV(Sly). This was his 3rd final and for the 3rd time he had an unlucky 4 faults!! Once again he just went a little too high at an oxer and had the back bar off. I then jumped Gasse in the big class and he finished 2nd. He jumped really well and had a fast double clear, just to be pipped by Andrew Mizon.

Lowther Driving Trials, 5 August 2006

This has been the 1st year I have been able to take up my invitation to this show. It is a great setting and a lovely atmosphere for a show. Bullseye jumped well in the snooker class finishing 5th, and Gasse then got a little uptight with all the pipe bands and driving horses. He finished with 2 early fences down in the big class of the day. Even though it was still a lovely competition and I hope to be back again next year.

Rowallan, 30 July 2006

We travelled back up during the night from Weston Lawns to take some different horses to Rowallan for the day. My groom rode fantastically to win the newcomers with a flying double clear on Kirsty McGhee's Blue Moon. Des Le Marquands 2 lovely horses then jumped well in the 1.30m open. Ladalco had an unlucky 4 faults in the first round and Naros Fortuna (Frankie) jumped a great double clear to finish a very close 2nd.

Weston Lawns, 28 & 29 July 2006

We travelled to Coventry for this show, as it had a Foxhunter regional final. It is a fantastic centre, with friendly people, superb surface and nice facilities. The horses all jumped great, Gasse was very unlucky to have the 3rd fence down in the Grand Prix, there were only 6 clears and he had the fastest 4 faults so finished 7th. Elaine Gildie's Out of the Blue IV (Sly) jumped a great double clear in a strong B&C class on the Saturday, the last to go pushed him out of the 10 places! Pete jumped great in the strongest Foxhunter Regional I have seen, he had the fastest 4 faults in the middle round to finish 8th, as a couple had already qualified for Scope, he ended up missing that by 1 place! It ended up being quite an unlcuky show really!! I will definately be going back to Weston Lawns though, as it was such a lovely place.

Ingliston House Stud, 23 July 2006

The horses jumped well at Ingilston. My groom, Hannah was unlucky to have 4 faults in the Newcomers with Kirsty McGhee's Blue. I was double clear and 4th in the Foxhunter/1.20m with Elaine Goldie's Out of the Blue IV (Sly), he now only has one more Foxhunter double clear to get for next years regional finals. Bullseye then finished 3rd in the 1.30m Grand Prix, and Des Le Marquand's Bullands Ladalco was 5th.

Royal Lancs, 22nd July 2006

I just travelled to Royal Lancs to jump Gasse in the British Ladies National Championship. He was unlucky to have a fence down. However as it was a testing track this was still good enough for us to finish in 8th place.

Rowallan Activity Centre, 14-16 July 2006

Again another show where all the horses tried their best. I only jumped Louise Nelson's Lottie on the Friday, she jumped a cracking round in the 1.10m open to win. On the Saturday I took over some new rides, Des Le Marquand's two lovely grade A's Bullands Ladalco (Ladalco) and Naros Fortunas (Frankie). They both jumped double clear in the 1.10 on Saturday, with Frankie finishing 5th. Then on the Sunday they were both double clear in the 1.20m with Frankie finishing 2nd and Ladalco 3rd. On the Saturday I finished 2nd in the Scope 1.05 novice qualifier with Louise Nelson's Winstone, which now means he is qualified for Scope along with Louise's other horse Olivetti. My groom Hannah was very unlucky to have an unfortunate 4 faults in the Discovery Regional Final with Kirsty McGhee's Blue Moon. Pete finished 2nd in the Scope B&C Qualifier on the Saturday and again was unlucky to have 4 faults in the Foxhunter Regional Final. On the Sunday in the 1.30m Bullseye had a very unlucky 4 faults and Gasse jumped a great double clear to win.

Champions of Scotland, 7-9 July

We had a successful, if a little unlucky, show at Champions. Pete and Sly were both exceptionally unlucky to have 4 faults each in the HOYS Grade C Qualifier. Sly was then just as unlucky to have 4 faults in the HOYS Newcomer Regional, both times just going a little too high at an oxer to touch the back bar. Bullseye was flying on the Saturday to finish 2nd in the Speed class, and he also made the jump off of the Grand Prix on the Sunday, only just finishing out of the placings. Gasse was fantastic in the Grand Prix to finish 4th. Sly went on to finish 4th in the Scope B&C Qualifier in the Sunday.

Area 15, 1&2 July 2006

I travelled to the Area 15 Show in Yorkshire with Elaine Goldie's Sly and Gasse. The ground had been well watered so the going was very good. They both jumped great on the Saturday with Sly finishing 4th in the Foxhunter Scope Qualifier and Gasse was 2nd in the 1.40m open. Then on the Sunday Sly was very unlucky to have 4faults in the Newcomer regional Final and Gasse was also very unlucky to have the 3rd fence down in the Area Trial. He was however the fastest time and with only 4 clear he finished 5th.

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The Royal Highland Show, 22 - 25 June 2006

The Highland Show was a usual, fantastic. The heavy rain for the few days before the show meant that the going was near to perfect, then the weather was great for the whole weekend. I was delighted with the way my horses went. Bullseye was competitive in the speeds, finishing 9th in the Grade A Championship on Friday in the main ring, he was unlucky not to get placed in anything else. Gasse also jumped great in the big classes, but was always unfortunate just to take a couple of fences to settle into each round. He had the 1st fence down in the Grand Prix and the 2nd fence down in the Area Trial. Pete was exceptional all week. He had 4 faults in the speed on the Thursday, but jumped a great round. He was then a very close 2nd in the B&C Championship on the Saturday, and finished 3rd in the Grade C Championship on the Sunday. Louise Nelson's, Ollie, jumped out of his skin to win the Grade C Championship on the Sunday. He was 1st to go in the jump off and jumped a very fast double clear to win from the start. Unfortunately, Peter Stirling's Millie was unwell and was not able to jump in the Grade C, which was a real shame as she had won a couple of the qualifiers.

Pre Highland Extravaganza, Rowallan, 16 - 19 June 2006

Rowallan ran a superb show with 2 rings and fantastic prize money. With most of the main classes being sponsored prizemoney was paid down the line in all the big classes which makes a huge difference for competitors. My horses were all great with Louise Nelson's Lottie winning 2 1.10m open's and 3rd in the other. Peter Stirling's Corndale Millenium was in good form on the Friday, winning the 1.20m open with a very fast jump off round. Pete also jumped out his skin to finish 2nd in Friday's B&C Scope qualifier, and 10th in Monday's 1.30 m open which also qualified him for the Welsh Masters 7 yr old final. Bullseye must have had the hard luck story of the show, he was fast enough to win 2 1.25m opens with an unlucky 4flts in each jump off, not deserving either! Gasse jumped exceptionally well in his 2 classes. He finished 3rd in the Scottish Central Open Championship with a very fast double clear round, only to be beaten by Paul Barker on 2 different horses. He also jumped very well in the Grand Prix being very unlucky to have the last fence down. I was pleased with them all though and am now looking forward to The Royal Highland Show.

Dabbs AC, 11 June 2006

This was the final day of a 4 day show at Dabbs. As the weather had been so hot the ground was exceptionally hard, therefore I decided only to jump 2 horses. I jumped Bullseye in the Scottish North East Championship, he had the fastest time in the jump off with an unlucky fence down, so finished 4th. I then jumped Pete in the Scottish B&C Championship, he jumped a fantastic double clear only to be beaten by 100th of a second, to finish in 2nd place.

Bramham Horse Trials, 10 June 2006

I travelled to Yorkshire for the Foxhunter Regional Final with Hawke's Bay (Pete), unfortunately, we had 4 faults, he just went a little to high at an oxer and touched off the back bar. I was very pleased with him though as there was a big atmosphere and he coped really well. I also jumped Gasse in the big class on the Saturday. He jumped really well, being unlucky to have the 1st bit of the double and combination down. I was pleased as this was only his 2nd big class of the year. Hopefully a good preparation for the Royal Highland Show.

Ingliston House Stud, 4 June 2006

I had a bit of a 4 faults show today, however, Louise Nelsons Inzoni Lu (Lottie) jumped a great double clear to finish 2nd in the 1.10m open. All the others jumped very well, without a bit of luck though.

Newmilns Show, 3 June 2006

Newmilns was a fantastic show, on grass with good going and nice weather! The horses all jumped great. Elaine Goldie's good stallion Out of the Blue (Sly) won the Foxhunter scope qualifier, with a lovely double clear. Bullseye jumped well in the 1.25m open to win, Millie had an unlucky 4 faults in the first round to finish 5th. Gasse jumped great in the 1.30 m open for 2nd place and Pete to had an unlucky 4 faults to finish 6th. It was a lovely show with reasonable entry fees and sponsored classes which paid out right down the line, which makes a big difference for us. I'm looking forward to it next year!

Stewarton Show, 27 May 2006

Stewarton Show is another to be moved to Rowallan this year. It is a sdhame that we keep losing the agricultural shows to the centres, however there was still a good turn out due to the fact that Drymen show was cancelled. All the horses jumped super. Blue won the newcomers in fine style. Lottie jumped like a star in the 1.10m to finish a very close 2nd. Sly then jumped a great double clear in the fox/1.20m to finish 3rd. Gasse then had an unlucky 4 flts in the 1.30m but still picked up 8th place. Well done to Jacky Mitchell who jumped 2 good rounds in the British Novice and Discovery on Carintina. And to Louise Nelson who jumped her 1st 1.20m open, and only just missed the line up with a very good clear and 4 faults in the jump off.

Dalry Show 21 May 06

Dalry show was moved to Rowallan this year, as the field would not be dry enough for the show to be on grass. It was a real shame, we could have done with staying on grass after the last couple of shows. However, they will have been pleased with the turnout on the Sunday, as the jumping never finished unitl 9pm. Again my horses jumped brilliantly. Sly came a very close 2nd in the Foxhunter, jumping a great double clear. Gasse then went on to win the 1.30m, with a fast and careful double clear. Pete was unlucky to have the 2nd last fence down in the jump off or he would have been 2nd. Also well done goes to Louise who finished 5th in the 1.15m Scope Qualifier on Olivetti, unfortunately just missing out on qualifing.

Fife Agricultural Show, 20 May 2006

Fife show is always a good show, and with 3 Highland Show Qualifiers it was very busy. Elaine Goldie's Sly jumped great again, moving up a level to the Foxhunter and Grade C Qualifiers. He was very unlucky to have 4faults in both. However that was good enough for 3rd place in the Grade C. Pete and Gasse both jumped great in the 1.30m, especially considering the torential rain! They were both clear with an unlcuky fence in the jump off, still good enough to finsih 6th and 7th.

Ayr County Show 13/14 May 2006

With Ayr being our first outdoor show on grass of the season it could have proved fun with the young horses. However they all jumped great. Winstone and Montana both just had an unlucky 4 faults in the Discovery but jumped exceptionally well. Out of the Blue won the newcomers in fine style, gaining his 4th and final double clear to qualify him for the Regional Finals. Blue Moon was 6th in the Novice Championship and was very unlucky not win. Oliveti was also exceptionally unlucky not qualify for the Highland Show in the B&C, finishing 6th. Ollie, Gasse and Pete were in the Scottish Ladies Championship on the Sunday. Gasse had 2 fences down near the end of the track, which was very unlucky and just due to a lack of fitness as this was his 1st weekend jumping in 2 months! Ollie and Pete both had a couple of novice errors, however I was delighted as this was a very strong track for 2 Grade C horses.

Pre Ayr Show 11/12 May 2006

We jumped the Thursday and Friday before Ayr at Rowallan as a bit of a warm up. On the Thursday Elaine Goldie's good stallion Out of the Blue IV (Sly) was double clear in the newcomers, finishing 4th. Gasse had 4 faults in the 1.25 which was good enough to finish 5th. On the Sunday Louise Nelsons Oliveti was 3rd in the 1.25 open, and Pete was unlucky to have the last fence down in the Grand Prix.

JUMPS EC 29 April 2006

We just travelled to Jumps for the one day for the Royal Highland Show Grade B&C Qualifier. Pete won it which was great, however he has already qualified. Millie finished 4th which would have been good enough to qualify, however you have to be clear in the first round and she unfortunately had the 2nd last fence down.

Dabbs EC, 15-19 April 2006

We had a fantastic show at Dabbs. Picasso (Pip) won a discovery and a newcomers and was also 3rd in a discovery. Lottie won the 1.05m open on the final day. Pete won the Royal Highland Show B&C Qualifier. Millie won a 1.20m open and also the Royal Highland Show Grade C Qualifier, she was also 3rd in the 1.10m open final. Shannon was placed in the British Novice & Discovery classes. I was also 4th in the Diamonds to Die for Final with Louise Nelson's Ollie, we were in 2nd place til the final round. Also well done to Louise who was 7th in the Welsh Masters Qualifier with Ollie and 5th in the 1.10m open.

Rowallan AC, 7-9 April

I had a very busy weekend, we started out a few new young horses. I rode a horse, Hallmark Ruby, for Holly McGowan, she was 2nd in the 1.10m and won the 1.20m opens on the Friday and then had an unlucky 4flts on the Saturday and Sunday. Louise Nelson has bought a fantastic new yougn horse, Winstone II. As she was away at her brothers wedding I took him to his first show, he jumped some great rounds and got placed in the Discovery on the Sunday. I also rode Louise's Olivetti to 2nd place in the Royal Highland Show Grade C qualifier, however as he had already qualified, the place moved down to my Dads Hawke's Bay (Pete) who was 5th. I started one of Dads new novice horses Montana IV(Shannon) at this show, she got placed in the British Novice clsses.

Ingliston House Stud, 24-26 March 2006

There were plenty of qualifiers for Grade B & C horses at Ingliston this weekend. We had a successful weekend as far as that goes. On the Saturday Peter Stirlings Corndale Millenium was 2nd in the Winter Grade C qualifier and Louise Nelsons Olivetti was 4th. Olli then went onto have the fastest time in the Royal Highland Show B&C Qualifier with one unlucky fence down, so he just missed qualifying. Millie also qualified on the Sunday for the Royal Highland Show Grade C, she finished 3rd. The Sunday was a successful day for Louise' Inzoni Lu also, winning the 1m and 1.10m opens by a huge margin.

Dabbs, 17-19 March

A good weekend of jumping at Dabbs. The Friday was an ok day with the main reason for travelling was to qualify Louise Nelson's Olivetti for the 1.20m Diamonds to Die For Final, which he did no problem. We returned on the Saturday for the first 1.10m final. Unfortunately both Kirsty McGhee's Blue and Louise' Lottie had an unlucky four faults in the 1st round. But Peter Stirlings Corndale Millenium jumped a treble clear to finish 3rd. The Sunday had a grade c for the Royal Highland Show with the top 4 qualifying. Both Olli and my own Pete jumped brilliant double clears, with Olli finishing in 4th and Pete just missing out in 5th. Gasse and Bullseye then went on to finish 4th and 7th in the Grand Prix. They both jumped very well.

Rowallan, 11th-12th March

The Saturday @ Rowallan was very busy and running 7 classes meant that we never finished jumping until 11pm! The first class of the day was the Scottish Amatuer Qualifier. Louise Nelson very kindly let my Groom/Rider Hannah Hunter ride Lottie. She made an excellent job of her to finish a very close 2nd. Louise also went double clear on Ollie, and was just not quite fast enough for a place. I was then 3rd in the 1.20m speed, with Peter Stirlings Corndale Millenium. And my own Gasse was 4th in the 1.30m. On the Sunday the snow storms kept alot of people away. We couldnt get our lorry out, but as we are full up at home we had a few stabled at Rowallan so I was able to jump them. They all went well with Pete qualifying for the Royal Highland Show in the B&C. Bullseye finished 3rd in the 1.35m open.

Rowallan Premier Show 16 Feb-19 Feb 06

The premier show at Rowallan was fantastic, with some superb jumping. I had a very unlucky show, with Louise Nelson's Olivetti having 4 faults in the Grade C and B&C qualifiers, he jumped very well though. Bullseye also had an unlucky four faults in two of the 1.30m classes before having the fastest time in the jump off of the small Grand Prix with one fence down. Pete jumped very well, being clear with one down in the jump off of the GradeC Qualifier on the Saturday and one down in the B&C on the Saturday. He then went exceptionally well in the B&C Royal International Qualifier on the Sunday, he was double clear but not quite fast enough to qualify but finished fourth. I was delighted with him. Gasse also jumped very well all weekend. He had the fastest time in the 1.40m jump off on the Friday with the last fence down, a very unlucky 4 faults in the 1.40 on the Saturday and then the first fence down in the Grand Prix. I was pleased with them all though as it was the first big show of the year.

Ingilston House Stud, 10-12 Feb 06

The show at Ingilston was fantastic at the weekend. The tracks were very technical and up to height, and as usual the surface and fences were great. On the Friday night Blue won the newcomers, beating Lottie into 2nd place! They both jumped great double clears. Also well done to Lottie's owner Louise, who jumped lovely steady double clears in the 1.05 and the 1.10 with Ollie. I then rode Olli on the Saturday and was 2nd in the Scope B&C Qualifier, I was also 6th with Pete. They jumped out of their boots, both qualifying. They both then got a well deserved day off on the Sunday! On the Sunday Lottie was a star again winning the Newcomers, this time Blue had a very unlucky 4 flts. Gasse and Bullseye both jumped well in the up to height 1.35 on Saturday and 1.40 on Sunday. With just an unlucky fence down each on the Saturday and me making a very stupid mistake with each of them on the Sunday. I was pleased with both of them though, it was good preparation for the Premier Show next week end.

DABBS, 5 Feb 06

We just travelled to Dabbs for the one day this weekend. It started off successfully with Lottie winning the Newcomers in fine style, Blue jumped great too, just having a fence down in the jump off. Millie then went on to be 4th in the 1.20m, she jumped well also. Then it was the 1.30m which just seemed to be a very unlucky class for me. Gasse, Bullseye and Pete all jumped really well but all had a very unlucky 4 faults.

Ingilston House Stud, 28-29 Jan

Ingilston was as usual a really busy show with some very technical tracks. Saturday was a brilliant day. It started with Blue being 2nd in the 1.05 open, just a fraction of a second behind the winner. He then finished 2nd again in the newcomers, this time it was behind my other ride in the class, Louise Nelsons Inzoni Lu (Lottie). Then in the 1.30m, which was a very difficult track, Gasse jumped two fantastic clear rounds to win. The Sunday was a bit of an lucky day, with 4 faults here and there keeping me out of the line up. However, they all jumped well and we are looking forward to going back to Ingilston in a couple of weeks for another good show.

Rowallan 6-8 January 2006

Well it was a good start to the new year, despite the fact that I had the flu, we still managed to win a good few classes at Rowallan this weekend. We just took a few of the novice horses on Friday, Kim Dobbie's Big Time went really well and won the Discovery. The Saturday was a busy day, but it went well. My groom/Rider Hannah Hunter rode one of my new horses, Black Heart (Molly) into 10th Place in a busy British Novice. Kirsty McGhee's Blue Moon III went very well to get 2nd place in the Blue Chip Discovery Qualifier. Inzoni Lu (Lottie) owned by Louise Nelson went great in the Newcomers to win. Half past Ten at night saw the end of the 1.25m Wales & West Qualifier. But it was worth the wait as Hawkes Bay (Pete) jumped a great double clear to qualify in 9th place, and Bullseye jumped an exceptionally fast clear round to win. The Sunday wasnt quite such a late day, and it started with the bigger classes which was nice for a change. Gasse went brilliantly in the 1.35m to finish 2nd. He just went a bit too high at the first fence in the jump off and had the back rail off, but as there was only one double clear he finished 2nd. Blue then went on to win the Blue Chip British Novice qualifier by a massive 6 seconds! It is great now that he has two classes at the finals. I now hope that the rest of the year continues in this way!

Dabbs, 22nd January 06

We just went to Dabbs for one day at the weekend. The horses all went well. Blue jumped his first newcomers and had the last fence down. Millie had a fence down in the 1.20m. Then in the 1.30m, Pete jumped a fantastic first round, and was just unlucky to have the back bar off an oxer, as he just went a little to high. Bullseye and Gasse were both clear. Gasse jumped another brilliant clear in the jump off and was just beaten by one other on time, to finish 2nd. I was last to go on Bullseye and was trying a bit too hard to win, so made a silly mistake!