Mike Jackson

August 2010

Team Jackson seems to be doing something right at the moment – I had another fantastic win with W.Iridium (Viz) at Somerford Park in the CIC one star. Viz led throughout the competition, finishing on his dressage score of 44.3. He’s clocking up some serious form, which was helped by a second placing in the novice at Aston-Le-Walls the week before.

Jagganath (Jack) and Up With The Lark (Max) also deserve a special mention this month. They both stormed round Barbury two star, finishing 6th and 7th respectively in very competitive sections. Sadly a minor setback in their preparation for Hartpury meant I had to withdraw them, but following good runs at Highclere they’ve been rerouted to Osberton two star in October.

I’d like to welcome back an owner of mine, Joss Riley, who I rode for back in my youth! She’s given me one of her super young Irish horses - Direct Cruising (Cruise) who she thinks very highly of. Despite only having had him a few weeks, he went very well in Novice Championships at Gatcombe and was well placed at both Somerford and Highclere Intermediates.

Following his win at the CCI* at Glanusk, Deborah and Martin Toogood’s The Master Apprentice (Archie) has been out competing again, finishing 4th at Aston Intermediate. Unfortunately he’s had a couple of minor blips since - he tripped up a step whilst leading his section at Somerford, and a spook at a painted cow at Highclere meant I had to cross my tracks. Despite this he’s been going really well at home and is all set to follow up his CCI* win – he’s entered for the two star at South of England.

The Mill Law girls, Peppermill (Milly) and Windmill (Lola), were both placed at Upton House BE 100 and Chris and Julia Jenkins’ little mare Downleadon (Minx) finished 8th at Stockland Lovell in the intermediate.

My father-in-law’s youngster Wallaby (Wally) also surpassed himself at his debut event with a 25 double clear in the BE100 at Sapey. The judge even got out of the car in the dressage to say what a lovely horse he was. Ellie was especially thrilled, as his dam was known for her acrobatics in this phase. Katha Wood’s Yorkie’s Delight also jumped a super double clear at Sapey finishing 7th in his novice section.

Georgie (Katha’s daughter) has been helping out at the yard over the last few weeks and has triumphed by plaiting a whole mane! We’ve also got a new member of the team – Gen - who has joined up from sunny Australia. Gen will be taking over from Lou when she goes to Hartpury College in September. Lou’s been with us for two years and I’d like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication - she’ll be greatly missed!

Mike