Charlie Pickman

A Busy and Successful Month

The last month has been busy, and successful. Billy has really improved with his jumping and is going clear most of the time now. He also tried his upmost at a recent dressage competition at Equisense where he won both his classes with over 70% in each. This weekend we went cross country schooling to see if his hiccup with water is resolved. I have done lots of practice going through puddles (we have had quite a few) and streams, and it seems to have paid off. He had a little look the first time, but then went in quite quickly. By the end he went down a step, and over a log into the water, so a big improvement. Every other question I asked - he answered, including some tricky combinations too.

Viking and Josh have been out doing dressage and show jumping. Both did reasonable dressage tests scoring around the mid 60% mark, and should be ready for the first event. They both jumped very well and Josh felt particularly good. He came 6th in the first class and just had one down in the second, which was due to a minor concentration lapse. Viking had one down in the jump off in the first class when we turned a little tighter than planned to a big upright. Unfortunately the jockey needed sacking in the second class as I didn’t go through the finish. I was first to go and ran around the course walk after the first class. The finish wasn’t very well marked and in an illogical place (I thought so anyway!), but - still my fault. However he jumped fantastically so I was pleased with him, and as a schooling exercise he did not need a jump off.

We have now started entering events and planning the season, so it’s getting exciting. It will start with Aldon, and then Gatcombe for Josh and Viking. They will both be doing Novice level and then hopefully they can go to Powderham Castle for the Intermediate. We aren’t planning too far ahead with Josh as we’ll see how he starts the season. Viking will have a busy time as he is aimed for the Novice Regional Finals, and hopefully will qualify for the National Final at Gatcombe. Also I hope he’ll move up to Intermediate successfully and then do a CIC**, aiming for a CCI** towards the end of the year. Billy will do some more cross country schooling and then do a small one day event or hunter trial. If that goes OK he can start his eventing career with some pre-novices later in the spring.

Before I start eventing I am off to Las Vegas! It is not at the best of times for eventing, but I thought it is an opportunity I might not have again. My friend is getting married and decided to have a stag do in style. There are 20 ‘lads’ going so it should be an entertaining week. I am now counting down the hours until I leave and can’t wait! My brother James is coming too. He hasn’t been on a long haul flight, or to America, so it is all very exciting for him as well. I have been over there several times with my horse dentistry training so do know the ropes.

I now can’t wait to start eventing and have high hopes that it will be a successful year. I always love this time of year with lots to look forward to.

Charlie

March 09