Charlie Pickman

2010 here we come!

I had a fantastic skiing holiday in Vald’Isere early in the New Year with loads of snow and lots of fun, it was great. I’ve been wanting to go again since I went with school about 15 years ago, and it was worth every penny. I survived most of the black runs, probably more through luck than judgement at times, and now have the skiing bug. I’m sure it’s good for my fitness before the season starts, and certainly clears the mind and lungs with the fresh mountain air. Definitely good reasons to go again next year!

On returning home I was amazed to find there was nearly as much snow here! It has not been easy with very lively horses and iced up roads, but thankfully now it has all melted and I can actually start to give them some more demanding work. We do not have the luxury of an indoor school so things have been difficult, but the horsewalker was fantastic and just about kept them sane. On a good note they are both looking and feeling great, and with 2 months of progressive work we should be ready to kick off the 2010 campaign.

So now it is full steam ahead to get the horses fit, and flat out with everyone wanting their horse’s teeth done before the season starts. In the next couple of weeks I have Clayton and Lucinda Frederick’s horses to do, Coral Keens yard, and Huntley School of Equitation. This amasses to about 80 horses in all, as well as lots of individual horses. That should keep me busy!

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and survived the snow. By my next blog we should be ready and raring to go with some Dressage and Show Jumping under our belt. I have the promise of an exciting year ahead and am really looking forward to it.

Charlie

PS - I have just been told we are in for some more snow mid to late February. I am not sure how this long term forecast is done - hedgehogs, frogs or whatever, but so far this source has been pretty accurate. Hmmm.