Charlie Pickman

Viking makes the World Class Equine Pathway Programme

After having a brilliant start to the season things haven’t gone quite so well recently. Both Viking and Josh have had silly stops in cross country at their last 2 events. After Cleobury Mortimer I had a cross country lesson with Eric Winter, which was a big help and very worthwhile. Then at Longleat Josh stopped at the first water and Viking at the second. Both the waters were causing problems so I wasn’t the only one having troubles, but frustrating all the same, particularly as Viking was 2nd after dressage and show jumped clear. We are going schooling again to practice water before Barbary next week where hopefully we can be more successful!

Billy has been going very well and has recently had a couple of dressage lessons with Adam who really likes him. He did an unaffiliated event at Stockland Lovell where he would have won if he hadn’t had a few time penalties. He came 2nd and jumped a double clear with a 28 dressage, so very pleasing. He now does his first Pre-Novice next week at Shipton Moyne, and then has Stockland Lovell, Nutwell Court and West Buckland in the next month or so.

I’ve also had some exciting news that Viking has been put on the World Class Equine Pathway. This is for horses which have the potential for future British Teams and involves training and support from all the World Class staff, which will be brilliant. It’s nice that he has been recognised and I look forward to training sessions in July. After having a quieter month it’s all busy now with Viking gearing up for Barbary and Gatcombe, as well as pathway training. Josh has Barbary and Wilton, and Billy has lots of events in July, as well as normal lessons and training for all of them! Its good to be busy but it has been pretty warm working outside in the sun all day. Thankfully we have had some rain to stop the ground from going rock hard and keep the grass growing. At the moment it looks like we’ll have a nice summer, but you never can tell with English weather!

Charlie

6th July 2009