5:30am – Strength training and stretching time. It’s important to treat yourself as an athlete! Pilates based exercises keep me fit and sound so I can ride effectively all day long.
6:15am – Sunscreen on and we’re ready to step outside and start the day. Thanks Guinot Institut Paris for protecting my fair skin from the elements all year round!
7:00am - First ride for the day and we’re starting with the eventers. Some work on the flat for Eminence who is back in action ready for the 2014 season. Fantastic and versatile SOILTEX arena surface courtesy of Capricorn Equine Products.
7:45am – From one end of the spectrum to the other – young Nemo is learning the ropes and we’re very excited about his future. Sadly, you cant keep them all - Nemo is on the market and will make someone a fantastic eventing prospect.
8:45am – It’s time to start teaching!
9:30am – More lessons! And while I’m busy on the arena teaching – the horses are enjoying a massage from Viki Flint at Ebony Equine Fitness and Equestricare!
10:15am – Back in the saddle, this time riding Sonya Crute’s lovely mare. We’re working on becoming more “uphill” and expressive in the paces.
11:00am – Jumping! Tequalo has been in work for a while now and as usual is very excited to be jumping again. Tequalo is preparing for Pre-Novice this eventing season and is on the market to make room for the next lot of youngsters to come in.
11:45am – More jumping! Now for some skinnies training ready for Lucinda Green’s trip to Australia for the Living Legends Super Clinic in February.
12:30 - Time for lunch. Eating healthy in important as an athlete and having a big salad for lunch helps keep me energetic all day long. Pack yourself some fresh fruit and trail-mix for snacks too!
1:00pm – Now for something completely different…I’m heading back onto the arena to ride another horse! It's important to do a good warm-up and warm-down - this can be a great time to take them out for a quick walk to expose them to different things and relax.
1:30pm – Fifth ride for the day, Jaybee is beginning to work on his flying changes and will be making his competition debut this season.
2:00pm – Still going! It’s warm out here but there is no rest for the wicked! I have put another layer of Guinot sunscreen on and I’m onto the next horse. Young Beethoven from Mapinduzi Performance Horses has just turned 5 years of age and is an absolute pleasure to work with. Beethoven is also for sale.
2:45pm – And another! Here is Don Dorado, also from Mapinduzi Performance Horses, just starting his ridden career!
3:45pm – Time for some laps in the pool. Fitness is hugely important as a rider and an aspect I take very seriously. A runner at heart, I have had to turn to the pool in order to stay fit and get my back strong enough to run again following an injury. Catch you all in 1500 metres!
4:30pm – Back home and ready to do some design work and paper work for Living Legends Super Clinic. Thanks Horseland Midland for your support for this wonderful event – come along to the wine and cheese evening at Horseland on Friday 21st Feb to meet our living legends.
5:30pm – One last ride and a little “Tandem Coaching” while I’m at it with Portland Jones from Equine Insight. A format we have found very successful in the past – though I must admit we hadn’t tried it from horse-back before!
6:30pm – Horses are all tucked in to bed and it’s time for some stretching, a healthy dinner and a Gin & Tonic for me! (It is a Thursday after all!)