Liz Taylor

Liz Taylor Wins at Dukeries Endurance Ride

Well it has been a very hectic 3 weeks!  We entered Falaina in her first "race" since returning from Abu Dhabi, chosing the 120kg FEI*** at Dukeries Endurance Ride, which starts from Thoresbury Hall in Nottingham.

Falaina was obviously feeling well as we started fairly steadily but soon found ourselves in the lead.   As there was a large entry from Bahrain as well as the UK, I felt sure that we would be overtaken later in the ride.  But, as Falaina was bowling along happily and I knew she was fit enough, I let her carry on.  She was presenting at Vet gates within 3 minutes and feeling very very strong throughout the ride.

We were delighted to complete the 120km's at a speed of 18.6kph in first place - 12 minutes ahead of the next competitor - HH Sheikh Nasser of Bahrain.

Falaina gave me a wonderful ride and it is now full steam ahead to the final selection weekend at Cirencester on 24th June, where we will find out if we have been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Portugal in September.  Fingers crossed!!!

Karaanza has been working very well, and very hard at home in preparation for her first 120km FEI*** at Euston Park on 8th July.  We have been doing regular trips to the gallops to do long canter sessions and it really seems to be paying off.  Her food has been increased slightly to assist her with this increasing work load, and she is now on more Dengie Naked Oats, along with a mixture of Hi-Fi Original and Alfa-A Original - to give her the slow release energy and stamina.

We have just returned from the Lulworth Cove ride in Dorset, where we did a 65km ride as training for Euston.  The ride was beautiful with lovely long canters and amazing views of the coast.  Karaanza went brilliantly so I am really happy with her and feel she is more than ready for Euston.

The rest of the horses are well - we are still trying to get the 3 year old in foal, but it is looking quite promising at the moment!

Oh, and on top of all this I started my new job with the NFU Mutual 2 weeks ago....There is nothing like keeping busy!!!

Liz