Mike Jackson

Getting ready for the new season

It's not long until the season begins and things are starting to get pretty busy at Manor Barn Stables. Carole Mortimer's 4 year old by Internet has just arrived to start her education, along with her field mate Harry, who is owned by one of Carole's good friends Sue Excell. Both of them will be aimed at Burghley Young Event Horse classes this season and the British Breeding Championships at Tweseldown.

I've also been given the ride on Sue Sabin's Silver Dollar (Thunder) who is by the grey thoroughbred Accondy, who has sired some of our foals. He'll be aiming at novice this year.

Big Jim, my new intermediate ride, is also arriving at the yard this week, so that I can get to know him better and fine-tune his fitness before the events start.

Jagganath (Jack) has been out doing dressage at Summerhouse again, and I've also been show jumping with Jack, Wish Upon A Star (Whiz), Jim and Thunder. All of them jumped well and it was nice to catch up with some of the other eventers who were also out practising.

Wallaby, a big grey, who is Kangasong's younger brother, has also started to shine, although he was a bit fresh when I took him cross country schooling. He managed to dump me with a series of massive bucks, but I was quite pleased actually, as at least it showed he was enjoying himself and seems to have a bit about him!

Frustratingly Kangasong (Joey) has to have a couple of months off due to injury, but Up With The Lark (Max) is fit again after his holiday and gently ticking over before he goes off to stud.

Max and Whiz have both been invited to take part in the stallion parade at Badminton which is great because it acts as a great shop window for them both. Hopefully one day they'll be competing in the main ring, not just posing...

Mike

Feb 09