Mike Jackson

Christmas indulging followed by a double win for Kangasong

Happy New Year everyone! We had a lovely relaxing Christmas in Cirencester with the Gaskell side of the family - although we were a little jealous of the Jackson grandparents sunning themselves in Florida while we battled with the wind and mud.

We went hunting with the VWH in Cirencester Park on Boxing Day, which was a joint meet with the Royal Agricultural College Beagles. There was an impressive turnout and it was nice to get some fresh air and exercise after all that indulging.

I’ve also been hunting with the Heythrop and Cotswold hunts. Richard Oliver’s horses Paddy and Rielly have both been going really well and jumping some impressive fences. I even managed to jump a hedge (an involuntary motion) much to everyone else’s delight.

We had a good day doing dressage at Hunters with Jagganath (Jack) and Kangasong (Joey). Rather pleasingly it was a double win for Joey in the medium and elementary. He’s taken some time to get his strength back after time off but he’s starting to fire on all cylinders now, which is exciting for the coming season.

We’ve got a full house again at the yard as all the horses are back in work. Most of January will be spent planning their fitness programmes and events. Dengie’s nutritionist is also planning a visit to the yard to make sure all the horses’ diets are in order for the coming season.

Mike