Mike Jackson

Mike gets Stallion Wish Upon a Star Graded at Addington

Well the season's underway but we haven't really seen much action yet!  I took Billy Bird and Joey (Kangasong) to Aldon, despite it being a complete washout.  We kept phoning to check it was on - and to be fair to the organisers, although we got pretty soaked the going wasn't too bad.

I just did the intermediate dressage with Joey - he got 35, and I ran Billy Bird in all three phases as he really needed the run.  He didn't get a very kind mark in the dressage - being a thoroughbred he found it pretty hard to move in the mud, but he jumped well - with one down show jumping and clear cross country.

The following week we went to Gatcombe, which again was rather wet.  Jack and Daisy were in the novice, and Joey was entered in the intermediate.  Sadly we didn't get very far - both cross countries were cancelled because of the conditions - which was disappointing as the weather actually improved in the end.

The following Tuesday I took Up With The Lark (Max) and Billy Bird to Somerley Park - despite having a horrible sick bug, which meant I had to pull over several times on the way - not pleasant!  It was Max's first outing this year and he felt great in the dressage and show jumping, but annoyingly we had a silly run out at a corner on the XC.  Luckily I managed to wangle a room at Chris King's mum's house to try and sleep off my illness - which was really very kind of her.  I didn't fancy freezing in the lorry that night!

Having had a good night's sleep - I then did the 2 star with Billy Bird the following day - with 58 in the dressage, one down and clear cross country.  I was really pleased for his owner Sarah Gallagher, as she was really patient last season when Billy had to have some time off.

Away from eventing I've also been busy with Wish Upon A Star (Whiz) who successfully graded with Sports Horse GB at his evaluation at Addington.  It's really great news for his owner Carolyn Bates, as he's a really super young stallion - and I'm looking forward to seeing some of his foals this year.

Goring Heath was also cancelled this weekend - so unfortunately Daisy and Ava missed another run - but at least it has allowed me to regroup a bit and get ready for Larkhill next week.  Then the boys are out to do the intermediate at Bicton!

Mike