Mike Jackson

August Update - Mike Jackson

The heavy rain and floods certainly haven't made things easy this season.  With a deluge of events cancelled it's been hard on the horses who've missed out on vital runs at Milton Keynes, Shipton Moyne, Salperton, Worcester Lodge and Hartpury BYEH.

Frustratingly Max didn't have a run before the Novice Championships at Gatcombe, and although he went very well in the dressage and show jumping, he had a stop at the water in the cross country.  I felt sad for him because he had been going really well until then and due to the soggy ground and his stud duties he missed some preparation work, which I feel would have made all the difference!

On a brighter note Joey and Jack have qualified for the Pavo Champioships at Twelesdown, which is exciting - Jack came 6th at Stockton Lovell and Joey came 3rd at Eland Lodge in Staffordshire.

I also took some of the babies to Stockton Lovell to do their first event.  Skippy, Fritz and Whiz all went well in the 4 year old class and Whiz managed a respectable 6th place.

Nutty also did the novice at Eland Lodge coming 12th, with a dressage score of 37, one down and clear cross country.  Alex and Rachel who own Nutty also got married last weekend and we had a great few days in the Lake District helping them celebrate.

Ellie also did her second event of the season (after missing out on the Hartpury 3-DE because of the flooding) coming 7th in the Novice at Winkleigh on Katie, her mare.

Next stop is Thirlestane Castle in Scotland at the weekend with Max and Joey where I am hoping my luck will change.  Max is doing the CIC 2* and Joey is doing the Novice so fingers crossed it is worth the long drive!

Mike