Carly Millbank

January - Big News Month!

Well what a year this is proving to be!

I have lots to update you on but not quite sure where is a good place to start, or indeed to finish!

I think the horses is a good place to begin.  Recently we have had a run of success with all of the horses.  Luca has jumped about 9 consecutive double clear rounds being placed every time out.  He came 2nd last week in a hotly contested fast class; at last Luca has found 5th gear and has really come into his own against the clock this year.  Wanted has jumped 4 out of 4 double clear rounds - he also came 2nd last time out and is now learing how to turn in jump offs to save valuable seconds, although he still insists on jumping everything 2 meters higher than necessary!

Whinny has had some treatment on an injury to her hock which turned out to be a minor strain.  After a week of box rest she is back to form and jumped double clear last week and was placed in her class so fingers crossed she is back to form.  I have seen Connie out - the 4 year old I had to break several months ago with her new rider who she is having much success with.  She has had many top three placings in the last months which makes all the initial hard work well worthwhile to see them go on and succeed.

I have a welcomed return guest on the yard at the moment with my first "proper" horse, Jed returning to me for his retirement.  Jed was the horse I first had international success on back in my young rider days in Italy.  I have many fond memories of him and owe him a lot.  He will live his days out in the field and take care of the youngsters.

I had a wonderful birthday surprise with Neal, my partner, whisking me off to London where he proposed to me in a helicopter above Westminster in gale force winds!!  It was a wonderful experience - although quite terrifying!  We have set a date for August next year where we will marry at the local village church with the reception at the yard in a marquee - hats at the ready!

Even bigger news (and I mean BIGGER) is that Neal and I are expecting a baby!!  And I don't mean a foal (although we have one of those due in August too).  I am due in May so sooner or later I am going to have to have forced leave from the jumping arena. I am struggling to get my breeches and show jacket done up now so as soon as the buttons pop off I will know the time has come to have some time out.  I have arranged for a very good lady rider from Suffolk to take over the reins for a couple of months whilst I am the size of a small building.  My aim is to be back in the saddle and riding competitively by July ready for the summer championships (all being well!).

We have now had the first solid week of work out of our builders since we flooded last June.  Things have progressed slowly with new walls going up and electrical fittings being ripped out and replaced.  The new yard is on order and should be up in the next 6 weeks - which we are firmly praying for!

Well that is a lot of news for one month, so until next time when I expect I will have completely busted out of my breeches and show jacket!  Have a good month...!

Carly