August 2006
Training in Ireland
On 16th August, me and my parents headed off to Dublin for a training session and competition before the final selection of Irish riders for the Paralympic Qualifier in Moorsele, Belgium.
Unfortunately, Indi had to stay ay home as there has been an outbreak of 'Swamp Fever' (Equine Infectious Anemia - EIA) in Ireland and we didn't want to put him at risk. I used borrowed horses/ponies for the training sessions with Anne-Marie Dunphy at Spruce Lodge. For the competition at Marlton Stud on the Saturday, the Keoghs who own Spruce Lodge lent me a very nice Pony Club pony who produced a decent test, under the circumstances.
Following the competition, I was told that I had definitley been selected to go to Belgium in September for the Paralympic Qualifier, along with Eilish Byrne, based on our on-going good competition results. I'm not sure yet who else is going to Moorsele, but we really need to get a team together, especially for the Worlds at Hartpury in 2007.
While in Ireland myself and the other riders attended a very productive meeting with Liam Harbison from the Paralympic Council of Ireland. We talked about team and individual goals and we hope that there will be more funding in future for Para Equestrian riders in Ireland.
Winnie and Indi both on form
While I was away in Ireland, Hayley took Winnie for a practice at Broomhill EC at Grindleton, Lancs. She entered N32 and N36 (which is almost Elelmentary level) and she won both classes easily with 72% and 68%. More importantly, she loaded easily and travelled there on her own, behaving impeccably all day. Sometimes we forget that she is still only 6!
The next week, me and Hayley took Winnie and Indi down to Barnsley for lessons with Becky Moody and again they both went really well, and Becky was very happy with how Winnie is progressing, thanks to all Hayley's hard work. This was followed by Becky coming up to our place to do some teaching, so I had another couple of good lessons, and Hayley also had a lesson on her eventer, Funny Bones.
Hopefully I will be able to fit in at least one more lesson with Becky or Hannah before the Nationals in September.
Fundraising Event
On Tuesday 29th we held a fundraising event and Girlie Gardening Party. I raised nearly £100 from a raffle and sales of some fine art prints of horses donated to me by Bridget Tempest.
Thanks to Carole and her Girlie Gardeners for bringing their wares to sell - if you're not familiar with their products they basically sell things like gardening gloves and wellies etc - all in lovely pinks and pastel shades - very fetching!