The last twelve months has been full of ups and downs. Earlier in the year I suffered two prolapsed discs in my back. Another major blow was injuries to my three and two star horses Toowomba and Vedette. While this depleated some of the horse power in my team, Versailles had been performing at Novice as well as two talented young Training horses Greta Gabo and Vilinco. Sights were firmly set on the CCI* and Young Sport Horse at Taupo Three Day Event in May, until the physical discomfort from my own injuries ended my Autumn season early.
I spent the Winter months concentrating on rehabilitating my back and upon medical advice, made the decision not to compete in Horse Trials until I was feeling back to 100 %. Although temporarily out of the eventing scene, my life in the stables has been far from quiet!
I have now started two more home breds, both by Corlando and looking very promising. An interesting addition to my stable has been Xodo, a 4 year old Freisan Stallion from Crystal Mountain. At his first two dressage outings Xodo gained 70 %. Another very exciting horse new to the stable is Kinnordy De Vito, who is by Danzante. I now own a half share along with Dean Hewittson. De Vito is proving to be a talent, as after only two months together he went out to his first show and won both classes with a 77% and 74%. De Vito's next show was Waikato Dressage Champs held in November, where he competed at Elementary level for the first time. He placed second in the Novice class on the Saturday and won the Novice Challenge on the Sunday.
I have just taken the ride on Christen Hayde's two star eventer Tandarra Sweet Talk, and am planning on upgrading Verity to Intermediate in the coming season, so I have a lot to look forward to in the New Year.
With a string of eventers and dressage horses ready to go in the Autumn, I think it is going to be a season packed full of fun!
[Back]