Mike Jackson

Mike wins at Tweseldown!

At last we are up and running - this week I took Funny Hill (Ava) and Daisy Duke to Tweseldown to do the pre-Novice, and it wasn't a bad start to the season!  Daisy won her section on 32 double clear and Ava did a good dressage, had a couple down show jumping but was clear cross country.

I am thrilled Daisy went so well - I really think she's matured over the winter and is finally getting the hang of things.  Ava was a little green - but certainly not bad for her first event.

The big boys, Joey and Billy have been out practising show jumping this week ahead of Aldon next weekend.  They're both entered for the intermediate but I may just do the dressage with Joey, as I feel he needs another week to get his brain in gear.

I took Up With The Lark (Max) to a stallion parade at West Wilts on Saturday, so he could strut his stuff.  Last year he covered around 30 mares and I hope he'll do the same this year, but I am going to be stricter on the amount of time he spends at stud so he doesn't get too tired (mentally and physically!).

Our puppies are now three weeks old - and they've just started to run and play.  They're very cute although I think we will be pleased when they go to their new homes as we are going through a lot of newspaper and disinfectant!

Apart from getting ready for Aldon, I may take some time out to watch Cheltenham - Julia's pub which is next door to our yard is having special racing breakfasts and always attracts the racing crowd in the evenings.  Ellie's reporting from the festival as well, so it should be a fun week.

Let's hope the weather holds - I hear there's a storm looming - let's hope it misses us - I don't fancy a week of wellies and muddy horses!

Mike