Mike Jackson

Birthday Win for Mike Jackson!

Well we've had a busy couple of weeks - and done some serious miles in the lorry!  First stop was Hambleden with Daisy Duke and Funny Hill (Ava), which went pretty well - Daisy won her novice section on 27 double clear, and Ava came 4th in the pre-novice on 30 double clear.  It seems to be a lucky event for me because I won there on Up With The Lark (Max) last year.  It was also my birthday so lots to celebrate!!

The following week we were at Withington in Gloucestershire, which is a nice local event, with fantastic views although it's always a bit windy there!  Jagganath (Jack) and Ava did pretty average tests in the novice, with a couple down in the show jumping - so I took them slowly cross country to build their confidence.

Daisy continued her good form with a 36 double clear, finishing 9th in her novice section.  Kangasong (Joey) also did the intermediate - with a good test, a couple down and clear cross-country.  So not a brilliant event results wise, but I was really pleased with them all because both tracks were up to height and caused quite a few problems.

Wish Upon a Star (Whiz) and Singing Halando (Hal) also had their first outings at Moreton Morrell.  Whiz, Carolyn Bates' lovely young stallion came 3rd in the intro, and Hal finished 6th.

After some dressage training with Spenny (Spencer Wilton) and a few show jumping sessions at home we hot-footed it up to Osberton with the intermediate gang.  We had a horrible early start, but it was worth it - Max came 2nd in his section, Billy Bird finished 14th and Joey ended up 13th in the Novice Area Final.

Despite being well placed after the first two phases I decided to take Billy slowly, as he's still reaching this peak fitness after his time off last year, and I want him to be on top form for Houghton 2 star at the end of May.  Although Max is also doing the two star there, he's much more laid back, and therefore needs to be competitive to keep his brain in gear.

I was slightly frustrated with Joey, who did a lovely test and superb cross country round, but his show jumping let him down - so I think we need to do some more homework before the one star at Houghton.

Back at the yard, we've also been busy...I've got two new horses in to sell, and all the young horses to keep going.  It's certainly going to be all hands on deck, with a three day coming up and a baby on the way...

Mike