Mike Jackson

Lots of training....and late nights!

It has been a series of late nights over the last couple of weeks - and it is not because we've been out partying!

We've been indoor show jumping with classes that never seem to end - you all know what I mean if you have ever been show jumping - and we have had the added pleasure of delivering puppies as well!

Lollipop - our Jack Russell pictured here (she is the black and tan one) had six little bundles of joy on Tuesday night (any tackers?!), which is very exciting but did involve being up half the night keeping an eye on things.  I guess that is something Ellie and I will be getting used to with our own bundle of joy on the way soon!

Anyway, we've had some really good show jumping sessions at Summerhouse, Solihull and Hartpury - Jack (Jagganath) really feels like he's getting the hang of things this year, and Joey (Kangasong) and Ava (Funny Hill) are also going well, although they were both a bit spooky at Hartpury last weekend.

They've got fantastic facilities there, but there are loads for the horses to gawp at what with the bright lights, boards (including the Dengie banners!) and viewing galleries.  But I guess it is good practice for bigger and better things in the future.

Daisy Duke is also benefiting from being out and about again and Billy Bird's been having a lovely time now he's back from injury, bucking and squealing after every jump - you certainly can't knock him for his enthusiasm!

I have also taken Jack to an Event Horse Owners Association clinic with Yogi Breisner, and had a lesson on Ava with show jumper Frederick Bergendorff.  It is really helpful being taught by a variety of people because they all pick up on different things and you can work on putting everything together at home.

The really exciting news is that Whiz (Wish Upon a Star) came back from his holidays this week.  He's a lovely young stallion who I rode last year in the Burghley Young Event Horse and Pavo classes.  He's really classy and I'm delighted to be riding him again for Carolyn Bates (there is an article on Carolyn's stud in Horse & Hound 14th Feb issue, which included a write up on Whiz too).

Max (Up with the Lark) and Cornflake (Honey Monster) are still getting fit after their holidays but I'm looking forward to having the whole squad fit again in the next couple of weeks.

It is time to get those entries in!

Until next month,

Mike