Sophie's Blog

Friday 19th September 2008 - National Champion - The grade 4’s were the last of the paras, so my time was 10.13, although there was no lay in, I had to be on him for 7am for the arena walk as I wanted his experience to be as good as possible. I don’t particularly like being on later in the day because it gives the nerves chance to turn negative! So I kept busy, my ipod on – which helps to keep the distractions out. Angela arrived late last night so she would be there to help me warm up which I really appreciated. The warm up was a bit hectic, with a lot of horses, but Touchy settled ok, and is getting better with other horses. I was half way through the class so I had to make a good impression, with my biggest competition going just before me. I was feeling more nervous than usual, i’m not sure why, but I had to deal with them. I had walk through my test several times before I got on with Sports Psych Jennie, so I was confident with that. I just had to pull off a clean solid test. I entered the arena and he was feeling good. The test went well, only a small mistake in the second simple change with a couple of jog steps down. I walked out, and it was just a case of waiting to hear the scores and for the rest of the riders to go. The scores had been low for the other grades, so I didn’t know what to expect. 71.40% and 1st, I was very pleased, and relieved for the waiting to be over. I got the highest score of the all the paras which was an achievement as the lower grades generally get higher scores. A good days work! Now we have to get a competition and training plan for the winter and 2009! Exciting stuff!

Thursday 18th September 2008 - I had to go to Loughborough to get my ribs and shoulder strapped up ready for tomorrow. During the more intense sessions this week my shoulder has really started to ache and I’ve been struggling to breathe deeply because of the bruising to my ribs after falling off last week. I then met mum and Touchy at Stoneleigh and got Touchy settled in his stable. We had a look round and watched some of the Inter II that was on in the afternoon. My plan was to ride later, hoping it would be quieter. I was just about to get ready to ride Touchy when mum called me over and asked me if I would ride Gentle, Emma Kent’s horse. Emma is a Grade 3, and grade 3’s are not usually allowed their horses to be ridden by another rider at a competition, however a change of rules allowed this and Emma didn’t believe in her own ability (I knew she would have been fine!) so asked me to ride gentle around the warm up and get him going forward as that is his weakness, and it makes it difficult with her disability. So I got on Gentle, having never ridden him before I was a bit nervous that it was the day before the National Championships, which is probably the biggest competition of this year for Emma, but I got on with it, and he went very well. I got him really pushing forwards so that when I put my leg on he really responded. Emma got on Gentle and I got on Touchy. Emma seemed pleased with how Gentle went for her, although Touchy felt twice as wide as Gentle - like I was riding a hippo! Touchy went well though, bring on tomorrow!

Wednesday 17th September 2008 - Angela got back from Hong Kong on Saturday, so this is the first chance for a lesson. Because of Touchy’s problems I haven’t had a lesson on him for about 6 weeks now so I’m sure Ange will crack the whip and get us back in shape ready for the Friday.

Monday 15th September 2008 - First Day at Uni - I started my first day at University today, well the beginning of freshers week anyway! But no late nights for me this week, as the National Championships are on Friday. It’s very different from school, but i’m sure I will get used to it. I’m only going to be at uni for the first half of the week because we then go down to Stoneleigh.

Monday 8th September 2008 - Well...an eventful morning. Reece is having a day off today as he worked hard over the weekend, and it looks like he needed it as he was laid down in the field earlier. I rode Touchy this morning, I did a lot of stretching in walk and trot as he had been in the stable all weekend as we were away at squad training. When I asked for canter, he found it far too exciting, and lept in the air and bucked, something I definitely wasn’t expecting, so off I came, hitting the floor and quite a rate! Ouch! Touchy let out a little squeal and another buck and then stood behind me waiting and wondering why I was on the floor and not on his back! He did give me a strange look. Mum walked out and gave me a strange look too...anyway I got back on and got him cantering fine, I think he was just expressing how well he felt to be back in work. Although, I feel very sore now, as I landed on my left side, where last year I broke 3 ribs and damaged my shoulder quite badly. It doesn’t feel as bad as last time, just bad timing! Nationals count down is on, 11 days to go, and this will not stop me!
The results of the Grade IV individual medals have just come through...a little frustrating as they look to be very beatable. Philippa Johnson from South Africa won gold with 69.290%, with Ann Cathrin Lubbe from Norway in second with 68.516% and Georgia Bruce from Australia in third with 68.258%. When I saw the team test results from the Grade IV I thought the medals would be very open, Ann Cathrin Lubbe has dominated the Grade IVs for the past 4 years, but they haven’t been on form this year, so it would have been perfect opportunity for the Brits to take advantage. But there is nothing we can do about it now, the British team are doing very well in the other grades and are in a very strong position at the top of the team competition at the half way stage!

Sunday 7th September 2008 - World Class Development Squad Training - At 9am we had a talk on doping and FEI rules, by our squad vet. A very important part that every rider should be very aware of. It has become particularly significant after the positive tests in the Olympic show jumping this year. We then had a presentation on the structure of the mouth and bitting, debating whether bitting is a science or an art.
I rode again with David. Reece came out very well this morning. He was much more accepting and I found the tactic of keeping quiet worked well. Previously, because he is very laid back, I would tend to work very hard, but David wanted me to allow Reece to do the work, so I used light leg aids and used my seat more. Reece was going very well, his trot has grown as he has matured, and is in a more advanced outline. He even showed some of his best flying changes, and at 6 years old, I am very proud of him. David seems very impress with the progress we have made which is great.
The Vet and Farrier saw Reece later in the day, I had to ask Mark Perry, our transporter and a good friend, to trot Reece up, as he is very big and found it all very exciting, leaping in the air as he trotted away. They were pleased with how has matured physically, and couldn’t find any problems which is great, especially with the trauma recently with Touchy. I had a quick chat with Jennie as we were running late, but I’m feeling good in the run up to the Nationals, fingers crossed Touchy is ok. All in all, a good squad session, and the last one this year as we have the Selection Trials in November. Thankfully, because I am on Potential Gold, I get a by through to the squad next year, so I’m looking forward to a good winters training, ready to contend for the teams next year!!

Saturday 6th September 2008 - World Class Development Squad Training - It was a quiet first day as quite a few of our support staff are at the Paralympics in Hong Kong. 2 of our coaches, Nina and Angela, physio Helen and Doctor Sally. So David, our coordinator, came out of retirement to do some coaching with the squad this time with Eric. I got on Reece and he was feeling a bit argumentative, and his new resistance trick of throwing his head up in the air was used. David got me to just sit quietly and work through it. In the end Reece was going quite well, but not as well as I would have liked. Something to build on tomorrow though.
We had a trip to Tescos in the afternoon with the squad dietician, Liz. We had a couple of tasks to complete, including finding food that would be good to take on a long trip, for competitions or for in the lorry. All helpful to make sure our energy levels are high to help us perform to our best.
JennieKillilea, our sports psychologist, gave a talk in the evening about confidence and protecting confidence. Jennie also used a couple of athletes from this years Olympics as examples, successes and cases where people were not so successful. By the end of the talk, confidence was seen as a vital factor in the my quest to become the best in the world.

Wednesday 27th August 2008 - Post PEQ - reflection - Today seems like a new start. A new chapter of the year. Beijing has taken such a big part of my concentration and focus throughout this year, it almost feels like it has left a big empty hole in my life. But i’m sure that will be filled before long! I’m already looking back at my long week in PEQ more positively and hopefully will recover before too long. I’m looking forward to riding Reece later, although he is being a bit frisky as he has ruled the stables since we have been away, so he got a shock when I got home last night and told him off for eating me!
I’d like to say thanks to everyone who have supported me over the past couple of months and have sent me wishes of good luck running up to Hong Kong in the hope that I would go. I promise I will get there and do everyone proud soon!
*I apologise for the length of the last few instalments – as Erin has just said, words truly can’t explain the last couple of weeks – but I have tried to give you all a bit of an insight*

Tuesday 26th August 2008 - PEQ Day 9 - Final Day! I’m up early, naturally quite nervous, as saying goodbye is always a horrible thing to do. The farrier came at 8 to pack the horses feet for the flight, to take the pressure off a bit, and we all worked together mucking out all 7 stables. After breakfast the horses were ready to be loaded. Marks lorry looked fab and ready to go. We watched the horses being loaded and everything was fine. To see Touchy being left behind and the only one in the stables was sad, but we knew it was likely to happen, so even though we had to say bye to the 2 grooms travelling with the horses and the vet, to was good to see everything run smoothly because if something had happened, I would be worried in future when my horses travelled! After waving the horses good bye and wishing them a safe trip the rest of us got to work on finishing clearing out the stables and brushing up. Only 3 more grooms needed to be sent on their way now. One of them being Nina, our S&P squad coach, and someone I was sad to say goodbye too as she has been a fantastic support over the past year. It was all a bit emotional, but I managed to hold back the tears until they had driven off. I’m not sure why I was upset, although it had been one of the most stressful 9 days in a row that I have experience. I am glad that I was included in PEQ, and it was definitely as great learning experience. I was obviously disappointed that I hadn’t gone, as it’s only natural when I was so close, and yet we have to wait another 4 years for a chance at our Olympic debut.
We had to wait in PEQ until 2.30. The horses we due to take off at 4.30 from East Midlands airport, so we had to be passing around that area at that time incase anything happened that caused us to be called up to go. I got home at 5pm and accepted that this was the end of my Olympic journey. I could get back into my home routine and see Reece!

The support team have been amazing, and Team GB are very lucky to have them. I wish them every luck in Hong Kong over the next couple of weeks, it will be tough, very tough, but I know we can bring back the medals! I have every confidence everyone will do their best and have the best support and opportunity to do so.
Seeing all the organisation & preparation that goes into an Olympic games first hand, inspires me more to be part of it next time, but next time, I don’t want to be a reserve! It’s a very hard place to be, but this time it was meant to be. It has made me a stronger person in the process and I am grateful for the opportunity.
We now have to looked forward. I have got the national championships in September, and I also start University on the 15th. But the next big thing is the Europeans next year in Norway. Qualifiers and selection will start soon after Christmas, which doesn’t give us long really, as I want to be as prepared as possible! I am also going to try for the Young Rider able bodied European team. At the moment it looks as though I could, but the reality by next year might be different. We will just have to see if competitions clash and deal with it then!

Monday 25th August 2008 - PEQ Day 8 - The rest of the team had to ride early today because their trunks were getting picked up at 11am, which would include their saddles etc. Mark Perry, our transporter arrived to help pack and load all the kit and everything went smoothly.
All the riders left this afternoon. Very quiet and very weird! I rode in the afternoon and Touchy went well. We watched a dvd in the afternoon and had a roast for dinner. Mmmm. Very nice, the cooks have done a fantastic job the whole week providing 3 meals a day.
With only 5 grooms, Rod, myself and my mum, left in PEQ it was a quiet night. I think everyone just wanted to get on with it now and get out there. Understandable as it has been a very long week. Early to bed as the horses are leaving at 10 in the morning. I went to bed happy that Touchy was a bit better, a bit disappointed as it’s come to the point where there is very little chance I will be going now, but happy that all the other horses are fit and healthy. A few butterflies were still around as anything can happen and we have to prepared for that.

Sunday 24th August 2008 - PEQ Day 7 - A thought today would be a good opportunity to work in outside, with the flags, flowers and pretend TV cameras. (The management really do think of everything!) I then went into the indoor arena to do my music. There was even a big screen! The test went well, and I really know my music, so even thought the arena was slightly the wrong size, I knew where I had to be. He shut down on me a bit in one of the canter pirouettes, but because it was only in training, I could give him a bit of a kick and reminder listen.
In thee afternoon, Helen the physio, and Sally the doctor arrived. They did their thing, and the rest of the afternoon was spent playing sherades! The things PEQ turns you to! Sally was the actual genious of sherades, and she was on my team – yes! Although the other team gave me “The Simpsons” to act out. How do you explain the Simpsons without saying anything!! We got as far as yellow skin, and my team kept saying bananas. Hmmm! It turned out to be quite a fun afternoon of entertainment.
2 of the grooms, Karen and David Hunter flew out to Hong Kong today to get everything ready for the horses to arrive in a couple of days.

Saturday 23rd August 2008 - PEQ Day 6 - A quiet day today, and I rode in the morning. Touchy is getting used to his new trainers now, so I could push him a bit more today.
After we rode, we headed off to the heat chamber again. Our request yesterday of putting the heat and humidity up to the maximum it would be in hong kong, maybe was a mistake, as we put one foot into the chamber and everyone groaned! It was horrible! And far worse than we remembered from yesterday. The humidity stayed the same, but the temperature was nearly 35 degrees. 35 degrees is bad enough in dry heat, but when it’s like a sauna - no! So for the first 10 minutes everyone literally just sat down, and we were already red in the face and sweating. Everyone seemed a bit demotivated, so I decided to get up and get on the tredmill and get running. This pushed everyone else to get going on the bikes and see how far we could go. My tredmill experience ranged between a brisk walk, jogging and sprinting. I wanted to see (for the future) how far I could really push myself in these challenging conditions. Well half an hour isn’t bad! By the end it looked like I had literally got out of a swimming pool. Everything was so wet, even my trackies! I wasn’t the only one though. Something that wasn’t very pleasant to say the least, was when the sweat ran into my eyes! That stings! And because everything else is so sweaty, you can’t even wipe your eyes!
A quick shower, and we were back in the car. I wasn’t feeling great, probably dehydrated, and I havn’t been eating much because of all the stress. So as soon as we could we stopped to get some drinks and chocolate to pick us back up. It helped a little, but next time I know I need to drink more. Although being in the heat and humidity burns more calories because your body has to work harder – great!

Friday 22nd August 2008 - PEQ Day 5 - Another night without much sleep, and I guess it is the moment of truth as Rod asked to see Touchy trot up. Deep breath and I took him out of the stable and walked him outside. I now have an official fear of trot ups!!
Well....It all looks much better. He was a bit cautious of where to put his feet, which is understandable, a bit like us trying to run with trainers on that are a size too big. But the news I had been waiting for, I could ride later! I had been having some serious withdrawal symptoms! The worse thing was watching the rest of the team ride all day! The only thing I wanted to do was dash home and ride Reece. But I couldn’t realistically do that, so I stuck it out, and as Jennie – sport psych, would say, ‘it’s character building!’ It’s very testing anyway!
There have been many descriptions of what PEQ is like, and at the moment we feel it is a cross between Big Brother and I’m a rider – get me out of here!! Jennie called me earlier to have a chat and see if I was ok. My response was, ‘Well I’m still here!’ The only thing we could do, is sit tight and ride the rollercoaster. (a bit cheesey but that’s what it was like!)
I rode Touchy, he felt strange, but a good strange. Just cautious but the longer we worked the better he felt. PHEW! And I can breath again. Not too much though, we have to see how he recovers from the work today and how the bruising is tomorrow.
Later in the day we went to the Heat Chamber at Gloucester University. My first experience, so I didn’t know how my asthma inparticular would hold up. I walked in and it hit me! 95% humidity but only 26 degrees, and I couldn’t breath! My brain went into overdrive thinking the selectors would never take me anywhere now! But after 5 minutes my body learnt to cope and adapt and it got easier. I hopped on the bike and got pedalling. Afterall it wasn’t too bad. Debbie and I even stayed in longer to push ourselves a bit more. For the last 15 minutes I used the mechanical horse, an experience in itself! After 45 minutes we decided that was enough and we exited the, what felt like an oven, as after everyone else left, it was turned up to 33 degrees. A bit warm, and rather sweaty!
The trick was to drink as much as we could, as we were constantly sweating, so getting dehydrated. The only problem was if you took in an ice cold bottle of water, after 5 minutes of being in there with you, it was rather horrible!

Thursday 21st August 2008 - PEQ Day 4 - test day - Another sleepless night, and a relatively early morning to check touchy and give him a little walk around the arena as he has been stuck in his stable for quite a while!
I asked Jane Goldsmith, who had organised for the test riding, if I would be able to write for Sarah. She thought it would be a good idea which I was really pleased with, as it’s a great opportunity to learn a lot from the judges point of view. There was a few disappointments, but also some really promising scores. The video feedback after was a good idea as Sarah was able to show the riders what she meant, which made it much clearer.
Ben, the farrier, came to put Touchy some posh “Nike trainers” on. Heart bar shoes to give his heel so more support and some plastercine type stuff covered in plastic to protect his foot. All looked very impressive, but I just wanted it to work! Time will tell...

Wednesday 20th August 2008 - PEQ Day 3 - Well the farrier arrived after about 4 hours of waiting! I decided to skip the heat chamber today because Touchy is much more important and I needed to be there for him. The farrier took the shoe off and had a dig around, we found a small puncture hole...so the decision was made to poltis the foot overnight, and the farrier would be back tomorrow evening to put some new shoes on his pront feet as he felt the shoes he had on were too short and too narrow, so would causing bruising around the heel as it was not being supported. This means I can’t take part in the test riding with Sarah Rodger tomorrow, but like before, Touchy is more important.

Tuesday 19th August 2008 - PEQ day 2 - It’s starting to feel a bit weird now. All the rules came into play at 18.00 which was lockdown last night. We were allowed to go in and out, but because it became such a big hassle to get changed etc every time, we usually ended up staying inside. Ken, the music man, came today to sort out a couple of the riders music, breaking up the day a bit.
We had the horses first vet inspection today, a worrying time for all. Ricky’s horse had been having a few problems, so they wanted to see Touchy. Eeek, it’s the weirdest feeling, I felt disappointed for Ricky, excited at the prospect I could be going, but still nervous because I knew Touchy had been having a few issues himself.
The worst thing happened...he was lame. It was the worst feeling, my stomach dropped so fast I thought it was going to fall out. Karen, the osteopath, was with Rod and I felt so sick watching them discuss it. I took him back into the stables and Karen had a look over him, everything was fine. Hmm, so what was the problem!?! I went upstairs and took mum to one side to tell her the news. There was only one word to describe how I was feeling that day, GUTTED! But that’s horses. We have done everything we could do, and in the future I know I will definitely call Rod and Karen if we have the slightest issue. The farrier is coming tomorrow to take his shoe off and have a look. Fingers crossed we can find the problem!
Off for, I’m sure, a sleepless night, but one thing I am pleased about is that all this hasn’t affected mine and Ricky’s friendship. Angela also arrived tonight, initially to help with training, but as I couldn’t ride, she was a great support to me to get through today.

Monday 18th August 2008 - PEQ day 1 - We didn’t have to leave until 8.00 today as our time of arrival was 11.30. Because we needed to have transport while we are there, mum and I have decided I should take my car too, so we can both be independent.
When we arrived at the Unicorn, our team vet, Rod, met us to take blood and nose swobs. We could then take him inside the fencing, no return now!! And take him into his new home for the next 9 days. The lorries and trailers that were staying inside the boundry then had to be disinfected and parked up. We unloaded all his kit and put it into the store room. We then got briefed on the procedure we needed to go through to get in and out of PEQ, which included getting changed, signing in and out, putting on a wrist band and going over a disinfectant mat.
It was nice to see everyone again, and i’m sure we will soon all get into the routine.

Sunday 17th August 2008 - The eve of PEQ - The day before we leave to go into PEQ (Quarentine). The day has been full of packing, cleaning, repacking, making lists, checking, and packing some more. How much can one horse need for 9 days?!!
I rode both of them today and they both went well, I think Reece knew something was happening as his stable is opposite the tack room, so watched me packing. He was a very good boy when ridden and seems to be maturing (I hope!)
Back in the house and time to do my packing. Quarentine is a bit strange because know-one has done it before so it’s a bit of a guessing game as to what we need to pack. Clothes and shoes for within quarantine and then outside.

Thursday 7th August 2008 - Another session at Loughborough today in the gym with Mat, and my physio Matt Ashman. More needles in my legs, and even though I hate him for it at the time, it helps afterwards! More shopping to make sure we have things ready for when we go into quarantine. Both horses worked well today, and Touchy even worked in the snaffle for the second time this week, which has been a problem before. Angela is coming in the morning, it’s been a couple of weeks since we had a lesson, so i’m sure she wont let me get away with anything! Only 11 days to go until Quarentine but the Olympics starts tomorrow – exciting! Good luck to Team GB especially the dressage team and Laura B.

Tuesday 5th August 2008 - We didn’t get home until after 10pm last night, and I had to leave at 7 this morning to go for another strength and conditioning session at Loughborough with my EIS coach Mat Bramhall. I ached so much after that session! I then had to have my last 2 injections at the doctors, so 2 more dead arms. But all is good and the horses are recovering well, although Reece was laying down in the field today because he was rather tired from his adrenaline filled adventure.

Monday 4th August 2008 - I was on early in the elementary open on Reece. It was a massive class! 44 I think, so I wasn’t expecting much. Just wanted to give him a good experience and get through it, after all he’s not had much arena experience and E58 is a horrible test! He didn’t get a very good score, 64%, although I was pleased with his simple changes on the half 10m circles, and he got 7s for those too. I was pleased that he concentrating in the arena, but he did shut me out a bit. Touchy worked in really well, which I was pleased with, and he was much more confident with the other horses. He went in and did a safe test, it could have been more powered, but I was pleased as it was solid. We came out with 66%, which I was a little disappointed with, but we came 8th in a strong class. Reece ended up in 18th. Bring on Frys!
A call from the team manager this afternoon, to inform me that I am now first reserve for the Paralympics, and will be the only reserve going into quarantine. I’m very happy that i’m first reserve, but a bit disappointed for Jo and Nic, as it was nice to share the reserve experience with them as they were in the same boat.

Sunday 3rd August 2008 - Off to Somerford Regionals - We couldn’t get into the stables until 6pm, so I got home from the ball at 10.30 and gave both horses a bath and get them ready. I then packed my kit and we got on the road about 3pm. The traffic was bad and we didn’t get to Somerford until 6.30, where there was a horse in touchy’s stable! It was all a bit hectic getting them in the stables after being squeezed into the trailer together. Reece came off the trailer and into the stable yard and grew an extra hand, he was 17.2 anyway! He was so excited because he hasn’t been to a big competition. He was very agitated in the stable but calmed down a little when I rode him in the big warm up arena. A feel squeals and squeaks later and he worked well, although very off my leg with little spurs and without a whip! Touchy came out as chilled out as ever and worked ok, just a bit argumentative!

Saturday 2nd August 2008 - PDTT Ball - It was the annual para ball tonight, for the para dressage training trust. It was an opportunity to say good bye and good luck to our Paralympic riders. It was a good night and was good to see a lot of outside support.

Saturday 26th July 2008 - Last day and another win!! - Angela couldn’t be here today, so I had to take everything I had learnt from the past couple of days and put it into practise on my own today. I seemed to have too long in the warm up, it was very hot again, and Touchy was working well so I didn’t want him to peak to soon, so I gave him lots of little walk breaks. I was 2nd to last in the class today, which can be a good place to be. I was confident in my music, not so confident in my canter floor plan though! But I had prepared myself that I might have to improvise. As long as I included my compulsories, I knew it would be ok. There was a lot of people watching, which is great to see! And I think that lifted Touchy in his performance. I was quite pleased with the test, all the movement fitted with the music, and even with an extra two 10m circles down the centre line at the end, I ended with the music. I didn’t think it had the power that we had yesterday, but still a solid test. They had the electronic score board going, but I didn’t notice it once! 72.350%!! and 1st!! My nearest rival was a beautiful dutch horse, and they scored 69%. A great win! And Touchy was even slightly better behaved in the prize giving, although he wouldn’t wear the rug again!

Friday 25th July 2008 - First International able bodied win - A better time today of 12.30, although the hottest part of the day! And it was very hot! In the warm up Angela and I decided we could go for more today and put more power in and go for the higher marks.
Touchy felt great as we trotted in to the arena, I was just hoping he wouldn’t drop me because being an international competition, I wasn’t allowed my whip. I put everything into preparing for each movement and getting every mark I could. His extended trots were massive!!! We were all very pleased with the test, and went back to the stables to sort Touchy out. We couldn’t believe it when some people came up to us and told me I had won!! I was thrilled, and so was Angela! Although I had to check it with my own eyes first before we got too excited. Fantastic, my first able bodied international win!!!!! And first mounted prize giving on Touchy, I knew he would be sharp, but he was leaping about everywhere, entertaining for the people watching though I’m sure. We had to take the rug off before we even got in there! I’ve never heard a para rider win an international able bodied competition!

Thursday 24th July 2008 - Hickstead International - The trot up was fine yesterday, and today was the team test. My time was 9.00am, so Angela had to leave about 4am to come to help me! Oops. Anyway, we went for a safe test again, as it was the first day, Touchy felt ok, but was a bit nervous of the writing on the white boards. We held it together though and to everyone’s surprise we came 2nd! All 3 judges were international which is great. Fingers crossed we can keep it up!

Tuesday 22nd July 2008 - Getting ready for another international - We have to leave to go to Hickstead tomorrow morning. I rode Touchy through my music, slightly different from my para music, and seemed to go OK, although I didn’t have as much time at the end as I thought! A bit of thinking on the spot might be needed on Saturday.
I also got an email on behalf of the Junior and young rider selectors, inviting me to another 2 internationals, Belgium and Germany. It is great that I have been recognised, but unfortunately the one in Belgium is when I will be in Quarentine. Never mind – hopefully there will be more opportunities.
All I seem to be doing is packing and unpacking at the moment, so it’s getting easier to know what to take, especially as we are still in a trailer! It was so much easier in the lorry – and the lorry we had built there are major problems with, so it looks like we will be travelling in the trusty trailer for the rest of the year.
I also had to go to Loughborough for some physio on my legs. I had forgotten how much it hurt!! My physio said from the other end of the table “are you crying yet?” and I squeaked a ‘No!’ so he did it harder! I swear they get pleasure out of causing pain!

Monday 21st July 2008 - A visit from UK Sport! - I popped to the doctors again this afternoon to have a 3rd out of four jabs we have to have before Hong Kong, not something I particularly enjoy – but it has to be done! A dead arm after but that’s all. After training, I decided to go to the cinema in the evening, as it was a friends birthday while I was away, we got to the cinema, bought our tickets (£7.20!!) and went to the toilet, as you do, all in preparation for the film. Then the phone goes – it’s mum. I wonder what she wants?! “Soph, you have to come home now” I was thinking oh no what has happened “UK sport are here to do a drug test”. Oh No! Off home I rush with a poor friend in tow. I can’t believe I went for a wee just before the phone call too. Typical! So I got home, 2 glasses of water and an hour later and I think I can go....again! (And it’s not a time to get stage fright I tell you) After dispensing it into bottles and doing the procedure, I find out it’s too dilute (not surprising really with amount I had to drink!) So another hour later, and another drink and coffee, we try again, by this point it is 10pm and the poor testers were still at my house, not to mention my friend who I had to ditch for weeing in a pot. Anyway, something that has to be done and can’t be helped, so the cinema will have to wait.

Saturday 19th July 2008 - A day off (kind of!) - We got home early hours this morning, so was rather tired when I got up this morning to feed and muck out! I still had to ride as my young boy has had 4 days off and has the regionals coming up quite soon. About lunch time, I got a knock on the window and mum said there was someone outside for me. I went out to see and looked around, a little girl had hacked over with her dad to show me her new pony, she’s only 2 and looked sooo cute! And is pony mad! Her dad is an eventer and lives in our old house across the road, i’ll do my best to get her into dressage!

Friday 18th July 2008 - KUR! - I love my new music, although I haven’t ridden to it in competition before, I am confident we can pull off a good performance. I always get more nervous on the music day – and I don’t know why! I love performing to music, the floorplans can be up to PSG level, and we can really push the boundaries. With the help of Angela we designed a floorplan that is PSG level, although we can still increase the level of difficulty in the future when our partnership establishes. The warm up went ok, fortunately Nina Venables was there to overlook it for the first half, while Angela was otherwise engaged. Touchy was feeling good, I could of taken more care over the canter pirouettes, but that’s just a learning curve. I felt good trotting into the main arena, although the applause of the pervious competitor did startle Touchy and he was cautious going in. But he settled once I reassured him, which is great progress! Denise was in the lead with 75%, a very high standard – which i had expected as she is so good at her music! It was very tense waiting for the score with some of the other competitors, Angela and our Sport Psychologist, Jennie Killilea, (who had done a great job throughout the competition!!). I felt really sick, and it wasn’t the usual nerves that was causing it. The score came through that I got 74%. Which I was very pleased with, and pleased for Denise! A great result for our first one. We had the prize giving again, although I had to make a quick exit after the first 5 minutes to be sick – eww! We think there was a bug going around because several of the support team had been poorly in the week too.
We have to go through this all again with the Hickstead International next week!

Thursday 17th July 2008 - Championship day - Grade IVs were last to go today, a long day to wait! Spirits were high as a lot of the World Class Development Programme riders had done well, which is great.
Today we were competing outside, which I was pleased to hear! Hopefully Touchy will feel he can be more expressive, without the walls restricting him mentally. Warm up went very well, he was feeling great, very relaxed and submissive. I could really push him in the warm up and knew I could push for more in the test. We were ready when we were called into the arena, I was up for it! His extensions were a lot better today, and the general quality was of a higher standard, although there is more to come! I won today with 70.2%, winning by 3%. I think it was the best test I have ever done so far! So a good win, and a massive contribution to the team competition, we now have the highest average, and with the help from my other 3 team members, we won the team competition. My first two national anthems and first senior international win! I couldn’t be more pleased with Touchy and the progress we have made, now heads down to concentrate on tomorrows freestyle performance! As the times go in reverse of the results from today I will be going last. Another long day of waiting!

Wednesday 16th July 2008 - Team test day - The grade IVs were on early today, I like getting it over with early. Warm up went ok, and he didn’t seem phased going into the big arena. The test was safe, I was happy with his first days performance, although a little tight in the neck (maybe to do with the injection??). The results came out that I came 2nd with 67%. I was quite pleased with the score and definitely with the place because I came 2nd to a very experience competitor and established horse. I was also selected to be in the team, which is my first, and definitely a great experience! The scores will be taken from team test and individual test.

Tuesday 15th July 2008 - Trot up day! - An early start to get the other horses sorted before leaving for Hartpury with Touchy. I can feel the butterflies, but good ones I think! I rode Touchy before the trot up in the Hartpury Arena, all to myself! Which was good for him, because tomorrow he will be all by himself too! Training went well, Angela (Weiss), my trainer, helped me, I just felt he needed to let go of himself more, but hopefully that will happen tomorrow as he relaxes.
In the evening the team vet travelled over to give Touchy and the other reserve horse their second injection for Hong Kong. Fingers Crossed he doesn’t feel sore like I did after mine!

Sunday 13th July 2008 - Hartpury International - We leave to go to Hartpury international on Tuesday, I\'m excited now, we had a great lesson with Angela on Friday, even though it started chucking it down with rain and Angela ran inside while I was left practising my medium trot! Good practise for Hartpury though, but I\'m hoping the weather will not be as bad as last year!
I love my music, so I\'m looking forward to performing it on Friday!
The trot up is on Tuesday, and I will hopefully also get the opportunity to ride Touchy around the arena that we will be competing in, which will help him relax.
I am also looking forward to watching the CDI, as on the start list, Laura Bechtolsheimer has entered on Mistral Horjis, which will be fantastic to watch!!

Saturday 12th July 2008 - RDA Nationals - I had been invited along to the RDA Nationals as a special guest. A great compliment for me, and as I had to turn down the invitation last year, being so close to the World Championships, I decided to make the journey down to Gloucester this morning.
As it was the first RDA competition I had attented, I was shocked (in a good way) at how many people were there! The attendance of riders were great, and the support was fantastic, even though the weather forecast was not the best!
The sponsorship of the classes was good, and representatives from alot of the companies attended the lunch.
After the lunch I was asked to present some prizes. There were alot of classes and the prize giving went on for half an hour, and it was great to see so many young and enthusiastic riders doing well and enjoying the sport. It was also lovely to have people asking to have photographs taken with me, and wanting to know more about how to do well in the sport, and my personal experiences, which I enjoyed, as I love to help, as I can remember when I first started out!

Wednesday 9th July 2008 - Myerscough KBIS qualifier - To qualify for the nationals, you have to get into the top 4 in each grade, the grade 4s have currently got the highest scores, and there have been many combinations trying to qualify, which is great for the sport. Touchy went well again today, and even though one of the judges was the same as sunday, we got 5% higher, with 69.29%. To be sure of qualification I will go to the last qualifier which will be on the 16th August in Hampshire. I will take both horses for an outing, especially as this will be the last competition before we go into quarentine on the 18th.

Sunday 6th July 2008 - Vale View KBIS qualifier - There were 13 riders in the Grade IV section, quite a big class really. I felt Touchy worked in well, he was very forward, so I was pleased as I have been having problems with him backing off before. The test went well, we had to perform the team test to qualify. There were a few little mistakes, in the first shoulder-in Touchy tried to go off in medium trot too early (the problem with the horses knowing the test!) so we had a wobble in the shoulder in. And the second walk pirouette was a bit large, apart from that I was pleased with him. However the judges did not seem to agree, and we got a score of 65% and 4th. Although I was slightly disappointed with the score, it was those two judges opinions, and we will have to go to Myerscough College on Wed 9th to try and redeem ourselves!

Saturday 28th June 2008 - Hickstead Premier League - Day 2 - I had a slightly better time today of 11.30. Touchy worked in very well, and although I wasn\'t as pleased with the test as the day before. However I came out with a score of 67.50, which put me second, and some of the Junior European team was also competing! A great result, and even more promising that there is still plenty more to come!
I now have a week of training at home and in Nottingham, until the KBIS National qualifier at Vale View.

Friday 27th June 2008 - Hickstead Premier League - Today was the preliminary test. Our time was not until 20.17, so a long day leading up to it! I was very fortunate that my trainer, Angela Weiss, stayed to help me work Touchy in, and we went and did a solid test. I came 2nd, which i was very pleased with!

Thursday 26th June 2008 - Sheepgate - Not a very successful trip to Sheepgate, we entered to do the PSG, but Touchdown decided not to work with me, and after many mistakes in the canter, we came out with 62%.

Monday 16th June 2008 - Selection for Beijing 2008!! - Surprising news....I have been selected to be reserve!! A huge shock as we have only had Touchdown for a couple of months, however we have formed a great partnership and are going to really get the most out of this experience in preparation for the Europeans next year! The process is very interesting, and we still have to go into Quarentine of the horses for a week from the 18th August!

Sunday 15th June 2008 - Horseworld - We took Reece to Horseworld today, to try and qualify for the Regionals at Elementary. It\'s only his third one, but he has been working well at home. He did well, getting 72.8%. A great score and as we wo, it qualifies us for the Regionals.

Monday 9th June 2008 - Final Selection for the Paralympics - The second day, and I was the first rider of the day, setting the standard. The warm up was a bit chaotic but we still managed to produce a good test against the odds and scored just under 70% in the championship test. We won again, which was great for me as we had been told many times that I had no chance of going to Hong Kong.
The Team will be announced on the 16th June! x

Sunday 8th June 2008 - Final Selection for the Paralympics - The final competition took place at Hickstead. The weather was on our side at nearly 30 degrees.
Today I rode the team test, the best of Great Britain were competing in all the grades, so it was a great opportunity to see where we stand with Touchy.
My time wasn\'t until 19.10, so there was all day to wait, but this didn\'t seem to matter beacuse Touchy worked in really well, and didn\'t seem phased by the international arena, we achieved nearly 72% and my nearest opponent in grade IV got 66%.

Sunday 18th May 2008 - Addington Premiere League - The second day and the class has moved out side. It was quite windy and Touchy was really sharp. He worked in well though, but after going down the centre line and turning right, I was preparing for an extended trot when the wind caught my tails and tapped him on the back causing him to bolt off across the arena, not what was required! however, I got it back and apart from a couple of flying changes that were slightly explosive it was a good test for us to finish 4th again. Even with the really low marks for the not required movements, we still got the same score as yesterday, proving plenty of potential to win at this level.

Saturday 17th May 2008 - Addington Premiere League - The Junior class was in the big international indoor arena, the flags and flowers didn\'t bother Touchy, it was the purple table cloths where the judges were sitting that did! We still managed to come fourth out of 18, after being first on and only getting nearly 64% it proved to be a low scoring class. This shows great potential however he just need more experience at the bigger competitions!

Friday 16th May 2008 - Para Spring Championships - I won the Grade IV Spring Championships with Touchdown II today. We got 69% and beat our rivals by 2%. A great boost to our competition record, and a great result considering they were running 20 minutes late!

Sunday 11th May 2008 - I took Touchy to Sheepgate again today to test the water in our first PSG, and try to qualify for the Advanced medium regionals. It was very hot, and he didn\'t work in very well as he was very tense. This had a little affect on the quality of the test but in the advanced medium we got 66%, and his way of going improved a little to get nearly 65% in the PSG. I was pleased with this result as there is still plenty to improve on!
We have one more training session with Angela before we head of the Weston Lawns on the 16th for the Para Spring Championships.

Saturday 3rd May 2008 - On the British Dressage website, Valerius is number 20 in the top performing horses in the country. The list continues to 6045.
So we better keep it up!

Monday 28th April 2008 - Sheepgate Premier League - It was the first Premier League Touchy and I have attempted together. I didnt have too high expectations, as it is all very new.
The warm up was very traumatic for Touchy as his does have a slight phobia of other horses, and even if a horse cantered across the other side of the arena and grunted, touchy would leap in the air as if it was about to kill him!
Despite this, we went into the arena and he felt good. Im still not happy about the new saddle, but he had enough padding to prevent any discomfort.
The test went will, with a few small problems and lack of energy near the end of the trot but otherwise it was good, although i didnt think good enough to be particularly competitive as I know how well he can go.
Because of this, I was so suprised to see on the score board that our names were at the top with 70% and 1st place next to it!! I could not believe it! I had to check another 3 times that it was correct. I am very proud of him and look forward to building on such a fantastic weekend with both horses.

Sunday 27th April 2008 - We went to Laughton Manor Equestrian Centre today with Reece. He performed very well to earn 75% in the Novice, 10% above the rest of the class and 69.2% in his first elementary. He has now qualified for the regionals at Novice and part Elementary which is excellent news.
Laughton Manor was a great place to go, it was our first time there, but at less than an hour away, and considering how nice the people were, we will definately go back again!

Saturday 26th April 2008 - Patchetts Spring Qualifier - A fantastic day for my team today as I won the grade 4 class with a massive 76.1% and winning with over 4%. I also got the highest percentage of the competition over all grades, which is a great achievement for a grade 4.
I am going to Laughton Manor with Reece tomorrow and Sheepgate Premiere League with Touchy on Monday so alot more news to come!

Sunday 20th April 2008 - Vale View Para Spring Qualifier - Today was Touchys first Spring Qualifier, we got 69.6% which is a great start. I also did a medium regional qualifier and won with 66% - fully qualifying Touchy for the regionals.

Sunday 13th April 2008 - Squad Training - Day 2 - Day 2, continued on from the day before, as we built on the test riding and filmed it for Ken Barnsley to create some music for us.
The team doctor, Sally Nicholson, and Physio Helen Mathie and Joyce Sheriff we also available when needed.
Over all it was a very productive weekend.

Saturday 12th April 2008 - Squad Training - The first day of Squad Training consisted of running through our Freestyle to music with squad coaches and Jennie Loriston Clarke. This was a great opportunity, especially as I hadnt got an established KUR with Touchdown. It was fantastic to get the feedback from such an experienced judge and rider. Having Jennie there also pushed me that bit extra to get more out of Touchdown with each movement to gain an extra mark.
It was very good to hear the feedback about Touchdown as he is such a new horse to me, but Jennie really liked him which is very encouraging.

Sunday 30th March 2008 - Weston Lawns - I took Touchdown for his second competition today.
He was very well behaved, and came second with 64.16 in the Medium and second again with 65.45% in the Advanced Medium.
I thought he deserved some higher marks, but it will change due to the nature of subjectivity of the judging.

Thursday 27th March 2008 - First outing for Touchdown! - It was our first competition together, and we went to Vale View, leics. Touchy worked in well although slightly intimdated by all the other horses.
In the Advanced 100 we won with 66.25% although - I did go wrong. And I dropped some silly marks by touching him several times with the whip.
In the Medium 75 we won again, with a slightly lower score of 64% however we did win it by 4% and he went very well, just a bit tired.

There are great first competition results, and show a lot of promise for the future.

Thursday 27th March 2008 - Pictures! - Pictures of Touchdown to come shortly!

Saturday 22nd March 2008 - Para Winter Champs - Hand in Hand - It was the Winter Championships this weekend, but because i didnt do any qualifiers as i had no horse, i didnt qualify. However there was a class out on called Hand in Hand. Where a para rider rides the test for their grade and an able bodied rider rides a test, this time it could be chosen from novice, elementary, medium. I (ironically) chose to do the able bodied section, and partner Emma Kent who is grade 3.
Despite the weather, which was defintetly against myself and Reece as we were the only ones that a blizzard occured throughout the entire test, we still managed to pull it off and win the class with nearly 67%. It was then down to Emma to get a good score that would be combined.
Emma definately pulled it out of the bag and won with a great score of 73%. We won the Hand in Hand competition, which was a great start for the weekend for Emma and a good experience for myself and Reece.

Sunday 16th March 2008 - Vale View Para Spring Championship Qualifier & BD competition - Today I took Valerius (Reece) to Vale View, leics, aiming to part qualify him for the summer regionals at novice, so I entered him into the Novice 22 SQ, and the Para Team Test.
It has been a miserable day, as it was really windy and chucking it down with rain.
We decided to go, as I havn\'t competed in ages. Reece didn\'t warm up very well as the arena was very wet with alot of people in, so we were fighting for space, but he was obedient in the test, just needed my submission, but it gained 69.66%, and first place in the open, so I was pleased with the outcome, but he could have gone better.
I felt like he was a little unlevel on his off fore in trot, however I thought it could be due to the lack of connection and submission so I decided to try and work him through it for the next test.
The test was green, but I wouldn\'t expect anything else from a six year old. He did everything I asked. I didn\'t want to push him too much - because it needed to be a good experience for his first para test. There were a few mistakes in the walk pirouettes and rein back, but these are both new to him but there moments within the shoulder in and canter work that were very good for him.
We got 65% for the para test, which I didn\'t think he quite deserved in the scheme of things. However I was pleased with how he went and his performance, and it gives us areas to work on, but he is showing great potential, given a couple of years training.

Saturday 23rd February 2008 - New Horse - Exciting news - I have found a great little horse, Touchdown II. We bought him from Sam Sargeant, who has done a fantastic job in training him over the past four years. I am very excited about him, and looking forward to training with him and building a good partnership that will hopefully take us a long way!

Saturday 16th February 2008 - Squad Training - We had a squad training again this weekend. My young horse, Valerius went very well and we performed a medium test. The squad management was also pleased with our performance as it showed great improvement from the last training.
I have been viewing some horses in view of buying to compete running up to Beijing. We think we may have found one that looks promising.

Saturday 15th December 2007 - Squad Training - World Class Start & Potential Squad (Development) Training and Review was this weekend. The coaches viewed each riders progress on horse which concluded in marks out of 100. We also had an interview with our discipline co-ordinator, David Hamer, and the Performance squad psychologist, Joce Brooks. This involved checking if goals over the past six months had been achieved and setting goals in various areas for the following six months. Theses areas include:
Technical Skills and Knowledge
Performance and Training
Strategy and planning
Horses
Physical, fitness, S&C (Rider)
Mindset
Support Networks
Lifestyle commitment

Wednesday 5th December 2007 - Started Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough university - EIS English Institute of Sport and I am continuing physiotherapy at Loughborough EIS, as it has been very useful over the past 3/4 months.

Friday 30th November 2007 - We had Start & Potential cross-discipline this weekend. This is where all the 4 disciplines join together for team building, inspirational talks, and past champions. These included: Bryan Steel (Olympic, World and Commonwealth Medallist for cycling); Ian Wynne; Paula Reid (Round the World Yachtsperson); Claire Balding; Ashley Rossiter (styling the stars); Sam Forrest; Steve Wilde; Richard Davison; Janice Shardlow; Clive Hetherington; Mary King; Mike Ketcher.

For me, one of the highlights of this weekend was listening to Claire Balding, it was great to see and hear the passion she has for her job and the sport of equestrianism.

Monday 26th November 2007 - It was compulsory for my mum and I to attend the Beijing Preparation meeting at Hartpury College today. It was for all the long listed riders through all 4 equestrian disciplines to learn about next years Olympic/Paralympic games. A lot of the day was focused of accreditation, acclimatisation for both horse and rider, fitness and what they learnt from the test event which took place in August of this year.

Saturday 24th November 2007 - This was the 4th National Convention I have been lucky enough to go to, thanks to World Class Start and Potential. It is a great way to see different techniques some of the best trainers and riders in the world use. This year it was taken by Hubertus Schmidt.

Sunday 18th November 2007 - Now Reece has been back in training for 6 weeks, and is back on track, I wanted to take him out to do his second competition with me, and to try and qualify him for the winter semis. We went to Vale View again, as it is a great venue, not too far away.

The weather was dreadful, it rained all day, and the warm up and one test was outdoors. However this did not appear too much of a problem, as Reece behaved really well, and achieved over 71% and 76% in each Novice.

Tuesday 16th October 2007 - Past my driving test! This will make it a lot easier to access the expertise available through the EIS at Loughborough.

Friday 5th October 2007 - As I am still injured and do not have an international competition horse, I decided to take a trip out to Belgium to support the rest of Team GB who were competing. While I was there, I found myself in a very fortunate position of being asked to write for a Canadian practise judge, which taught me a lot about looking at the completion riding from a judges point of view.

Tuesday 25th September 2007 - I finally was able to start riding again. A month after my fall, and my ribs are healing. I’m back at the gym as well and back on track. I’m still looking for a new competition horse to keep me on the international circuit, as Muziek is still not back into competition.

Monday 24th September 2007 - I would like to say a big thank you to Lincolnshire Sportsman Club for the very generous donation of £1000 to contribute to my training and competition costs.

Saturday 25th August 2007 - I had a bad fall today off Reece. Fracturing 3 ribs and bruising many others. It also caused impaction in the shoulder so I have to wear a sling for 3 weeks.

Saturday 28th July 2007 - Freestyle to music, I had to change my programme quite a lot from the para test, to take out some disallowed movements. I didn’t have time to practice this as we were only home for one day in between Hartpury and Hickstead and Shadow doesn’t live with us, so I had to leave it to improvising and me knowing my music, which was also new to me. That meant putting it on repeat whenever I could. It went well, he was good in the international arena, and there was quite a good atmosphere, to which he responded well. We had a bit of extra time at the end, so I took out my extended trot down the centre line, which would of left me with even more time. We were given 67.200%, beaten into 4th place by 0.050%. Very close. I have been extremely pleased with my achievements on Shadow and I am so grateful to Carolyn Alston, Shadow’s owner, for letting me have the ride.

I have enjoyed every minute and has been a great experience over the past month, with 3 internationals in 3 weeks, it’s been hectic but very worthwhile. After our performance at Hickstead, we have been invited to Belgium to another able bodied Junior International at the beginning of September, however I am sorry to say we cannot take up the offer as Shadow is moving house with his owner.

I am now looking for another horse on loan. Mac is still under investigation, so I need a horse to compete on internationally to get more exposure.

Friday 27th July 2007 - Individual day. 12th to go again, even thought the draw was done every night. He went very well today, 65.667% and 3rd. Fantastic, at my first able bodied international and as a para rider. It surprised quite a lot of people! He got quite excited through the national anthem and lap of honour for the top 3.

Thursday 26th July 2007 - The team test day. I was 12th to go in the class, so it was a good draw, not too early as the class started at 8.00. Shadow did a good test, and we got 63.250% and =10th with Charlie Hutton. We lost a lot of marks after a mistake in the counter canter where he did a flying change so we lost marks for 2 movements from 3 judges although one judge still had me in second. He listened to me, and trusted me that is was safe, ignoring past experiences in that arena so I was very pleased.

Wednesday 25th July 2007 - Trot up for the CDIJY. We past although we had to go twice, it was fine. I rode Shadow after the trot up, he went very well, and even though he felt a bit tense, that was expected due to his previous experience at Hickstead. We got to walk around the International arena that we would be competing in on Saturday if we got through to the Kur.

Tuesday 24th July 2007 - We leave to go to Hickstead CDIJY tomorrow. I will now by riding Seymours Shadow in my first able bodied Junior International, so fingers crossed the weather holds out for us.

Sunday 22nd July 2007 - The freestyle day. I was in a good frame of mind and really looking forward to it. I had a good time, 10.37, and it looked to be a nice day. The flooding had cleared from the arenas so we were outside again. I really enjoyed the test, every movement and transition fit the music perfectly. I couldn’t believe the score when I was told it, 71.7% and 6th. Because I had to compete HC, I was not eligible to win anything but I got my qualifying score for Beijing. Angela Weiss my trainer was fantastic while we were away, and worked really hard to support all of her riders. The closing ceremony followed the medal ceremony for today, which were presented by The FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

Saturday 21st July 2007 - The individual competition today, and I wasn’t on until 5pm. A long wait as the competition started at 7am. Due to the horrendous weather, the competition had to be transferred inside. Hartpury staff did an amazing job, and the CDI competitors were the ones who suggested cancelling their competition in order for the Championships to continue. All 3 outdoor arenas were under water, and there was a huge river gushing down outside the indoor arena. Today, because it was inside and we hadn’t trained in there all week so it was electric. The atmosphere got to Shadow a bit, so we only got 63.335% and 15th. But I was still pleased with his performance. The medal ceremony for the team and individual medals was a proud moment as GB won 12 medal in all over the week.

Friday 20th July 2007 - First day, the team test. I felt the test went very well, Shadow behaved and I was pleased. A little disappointed with the score, 64.4% and I came 17th.

Thursday 19th July 2007 - The final day before the competition starts. Training went well and we had some time out to watch the CDI in the sun.

Wednesday 18th July 2007 - Another training day and I rode Shadow twice. It was the opening ceremony that evening, which was amazing. There were a couple of great acts that performed after all the countries had entered the main arena, and the seating was packed. You can find pictures on: http://www.hartpury.ac.uk/wpdc/event_images/index.htm

Tuesday 17th July 2007 - A training day for all riders, and chance to watch some of the other countries.

Monday 16th July 2007 - We left for Hartpury College today, we arrived by lunch time and there were plenty of people on hand to help get all of our kit off and into Team GBR stable block. Later that day I rode him, and we also checked that our music played well on the sound system. It chucked it down with rain…again, but all went well. Afterwards we went to collect our new Patey hats for the competition.

Wednesday 11th July 2007 - Myerscough KBIS qualifier - Another late entry, to fit in as much as possible to get Shadow ready for the Worlds. I won the warm up test, and came 2nd to an Australian in the Qualifier, although this will still of hopefully qualified me for the National Dressage Championships at Grade IV.

Sunday 8th July 2007 - Millfield Junior and Young Rider Para Dressage International. - It was a lovely weekend, and although I had to compete HC, due to my very late entry less than a week before it started, I would of won the Grade IV on over 70% both days. I also did a music demo at lunch time, so I could have a last minute practise before the World Championships. This went very well and everyone seemed to enjoy it, and it was a very good experience for Shadow as there was quite a lot of people watching and the atmosphere was bigger than at a normal competition.

Sunday 1st July 2007 - A preparatory competition at Hickstead was compulsory for those going to the World Para Dressage Championships. We made the 6 hour journey the night before so I could ride Shadow before the competition to get him used to the arenas and atmosphere. He worked in really well, however as the rider before me finished and everyone clapped this scared Shadow causing him to bolt to the other end of the arena, then the heavens opened as I went in for my test, the rain was horizontal it was awful. There were a few nice moments, but due to the weather it didn’t go to plan but we got through it and got over 60%.

Tuesday 26th June 2007 - Team training to prepare for the World Championships. It was a busy couple of days, the horses saw the Team vets, osteopath, farrier and the riders saw the Team psychologists, dietition, and we even got drug tested. I quickly designed a Freestyle to music floor plan for Shadow, and Ken Barnsley videoed it so he could fit music to it.

Friday 22nd June 2007 - I think I have found the horse that I could take to the Worlds. The selectors will have to assess our training at the Unicorn on 25/26 June Team training, and at Hickstead where everyone will be competing in a freestyle competition, but hopefully they will like him. You can see him on my Horses page.

Thursday 21st June 2007 - I went to see a horse, with the view of taking it to the Worlds, however unfortunately he is not quite what I need, but we will keep looking.

Monday 18th June 2007 - Mac went to the Vets today, he will be staying there until the end of the week for further investigation.

Sunday 17th June 2007 - Reece had his first trip to Squad Training at the Unicorn Centre. He behaved extremely well, and we had some really good training sessions.

Friday 8th June 2007 - Due to some behavioural problems, Mac will be unable to compete at the World Championships in July. He is going to Rossdales for further investigation into the problems we have been having.

Wednesday 6th June 2007 - Excellent news, we have been selected to compete at the World Championships. Because they are being held in Britain, Team GB can take 15 competitors, however only 10 will be allowed to medal, and the other 5 go for experience and to try and qualify for Beijing. I will be one of the 5.

Saturday 26th May 2007 - Today was the Final Selection Trials for the World Championships, the day went ok and Mac warmed up well. He was a little scared with a few things in the arena, but overall I was pleased with his performance. We came third, and now we just have to wait a week for the selectors to let us know who has been selected.

Tuesday 22nd May 2007 - Mac went to have a Gastroscopy today at Willesley clinic and is now on a course of treatment. 26 May Today was the Final Selection Trials for the World Championships, the day went ok and Mac warmed up well. He was a little scared with a few things in the arena, but overall I was pleased with his performance. We came third, and now we just have to wait a week for the selectors to let us know who has been selected.

Friday 18th May 2007 - All the horses arrived back in England, with only a couple of problems with dehydration - so we were lucky the vet was there to ensure everything was ok. Now the next couple of weeks I will be concentrating on training for the Final World Championship Selection being held on the 26th May at the Unicorn Trust, Stow-on-the-Wold (and my AS levels).

Tuesday 8th May 2007 - Second day of competition - Freestyle to music. The atmosphere was still affecting Muziek, and after a couple of bridle changes in the warm up, I had to enter the arena. As I was cantering around the outside, there was a big sheet of plastic, that was supposed to be on one of the judges huts, but was instead on the floor because it had been so windy. This was very scary, and made Muziek loose concentration and rear up and spin around. However I reassured him and we got past it.

I signalled for the start of the music, and we entered the arena. Mac knows his music so that reassured him too. He was still very on edge, but we managed to get 69.393%. This I was very pleased with, because his good parts made up for the mistakes caused by the tension. As you can see from the link below, places 5th-10th were extremely close - but this is promising because again it wasn't his best test. http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/230/docs/erg35.pdf

7 May 2007 - First day of competition - Muziek went quite well, but was affected by the atmosphere so was very tight and tense. There was 22 in my class with all the top class competitors riding, as most countries took their A squads. I came 10th, which I was happy with as my horse didn't do any where near the best he can perform, and to still be http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/ergebnisliste.php?AktEvent=230&evtname=30&ID_Abschnitt=1280&lang=DEU

Sunday 6th May 2007 - Trot up - All went well and all of GB's horses past. The rest of the day was taken up with Training. I rode Muziek twice just to get him used to the atmosphere and the venue. It was all quite exciting for him because it was a very big competition, which included National Able Bodied Dressage and Show Jumping as well as a massive County show that ran for over a week.

Saturday 5th May 2007 - My birthday ... horses and riders all arrived in Germany today, fit and healthy. It took two days for the horses to travel to Germany, under the eye of the GB vet and osteopath following all the way.

Thursday 3rd May 2007 - We travelled to the Unicorn Trust - Gloucestershire where all the Horses were meeting to pack the 3 transporters ready to leave in the morning. 12 horses were going to represent Team GB, very exciting.

Monday 16th April 2007 - We had a new arrival today; 17.1hh 5 year old Dutch Gelding, Reece and we bought him from Julie Fairway - Kent. He has a lovely character, and I am very excited to start working with him! Pictures coming soon...

Sunday 15th April 2007 - We travelled to our final World Championship Qualifier which was held at Vale View Equestrian Centre - Leic. I had a lot of difficulties in the warm up with Muziek, but after an hour I finally got through to him, and we went in to do a slightly underpowered and cautious test, but it still achieved us over 66% which was very good considering the working in. I will now work on his submission before The College Premiere League next weekend where we will be competing in the PSG and junior classes.

Saturday 14th April 2007 - Today we went to another World Championship Qualifier at Beaver Hall Equestrian, Leek. It was a lovely sunny day, and Muziek warmed up well. He went into the arena and was good, stayed calm and fairly relaxed, considering the last time we were there judge Chris Porterfield said 'nice samba down the centre line' obviously it wasn't my intention! He did a good test today, with only a few issues in the walk and we came out second to World Class Potential Gold/Performance rider Denise Shawns with 69.24% above the qualifying criteria.

Friday 13th April 2007 - There will be a fantastic lecture demo on 'HOW TO PREPARE YOUR FREESTYLE TEST & MUSIC, WITH GRAND PRIX FINAL' on the 27th April 2007 at Vale View Equestrian. It will be taken by Angela Weiss and Geoff Kroll. Angela is in charge of the floor plans, and I have worked with her on all of my high 70% freestyle tests for both of my horses. Geoff has produced fabulous music that both suits the horse and what the rider likes.

I will be taking part in this demo by riding Muziek to our very successful Prix St George freestyle to music which recently gained us 79.3% and will be our last practice before Mannheim International - Germany. I will also be riding another horse to demonstrate how to put together a test from scratch. If you would like more information about this event, please get in contact! It should be a very enjoyable evening, with some very useful tips! Not to be missed.

Sunday 25th March 2007 - We competed at the Winter National Para Championships today at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Leicestershire, and I won both the Grade IV Championship class with nearly 70% and the Grade IV freestyle with 78.3%.

I also won the overall freestyle championship because I got such a high mark over all the grades. Mac was a very good boy! This was an amazing achievement because I used my new Kur, in which I had only ran through once, and was at Prix St George level, which is the highest you can do for a grade IV Kur.

Friday 23rd March 2007 - I won my first World Championship Qualifier at Richmond, North Yorkshire with 70.35%, competition was stiff, but we did a good solid test especially considering they were running half an hour late, so we had an hour and a half to warm up.

Wednesday 21st March 2007 - I am really excited about the launch of my new website.

I hope you find it interesting and I will keep it updated with news. I have just been told I have been selected to compete at Mannheim International, in Germany 4-9 May. This should be great experience for my current horse, as he has had little exposure to the International atmosphere.

This weekend I am attending a World Championship qualifier where I will also do a Prix St George, and the Para Winter National Championships.

So I will keep my website updated with the news…