Mike Jackson

Hectic few weeks...but all worth it!

What a hectic few weeks it’s been – I feel like my feet have hardly touched the ground… I’ve had some great runs with the horses and some exciting news to…

Wish Upon A Star (Whiz) followed his one star win at Knaptoft CIC with a good run at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, managing to secure his place at the World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion in October! He also proved to the selectors they’d made the right choice with another win in the CIC one star at Gatcombe.

Carole Mortimer’s Jagganath (Jack) also made the list for the seven year old squad for Le Lion, which is thoroughly well deserved, after another win in the intermediate at Aston-le-Walls and a good performance at Highclere. He’s got a massive future ahead of him, and fingers crossed, has every chance of doing really well…

Up With The Lark (Max) has had his first couple of intermediate runs after his stud duties this season – and is aiming at the two star at Weston Park the week before we head to France with Whiz and Jack.

Julia and Chris Jenkins’ mare Downleadon (Minx) has also been out performing with a good run at Hartpury in the CCI one star, and a pleasing second place in the intermediate at Gatcombe. She always does a lovely test and flies around the cross country but her show jumping can be the weak link which is frustrating.

The novice horses have also been going well - Squirrel Nutkin (Squirrel) and Silver Dancer (Thunder) both got placed in the novice at Purston Manor. I’m also lucky enough to have been given the ride on Deborah Toogood’s lovely young horse – The Masters Apprentice (Archie). He’s had some good placings with me at pre-novice and is now getting more established at novice.

Peppermill (Milly) made her debut at Burghley in the young event horse final earlier this month. Sadly she wasn’t given the most generous marks by the judges, but she behaved beautifully and jumped really boldly so I couldn’t have asked for more.

So just a couple more local events to go before Weston Park and Le Lion – my next job is to sort out the logistics and get everything packed… lets hope it’s a Bon Voyage!

Mike

23rd September