Lots of Firsts for the Season

Morning everyone,

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend? I am having a quiet one after spending most of last week and all of next week in the Big Smoke, aka London! You could say I was just a little bit relieved to be back in the countryside and everything was green and fresh!

To continue my runs of early mornings I got up early yesterday morning to resume my duties as Groom. That's right, it was Team Orange's first show outing of the season. Just a small show but a good one for Olivia's and B's first show together. They'd done the practice but now was time to get 'suited and booted' and go into the ring. I'd been really excited all this week and we had had lots of products to try from Smart Grooming and get Beanie all smart and shiny! 

Team Orange (Georgie, Mum Wendy, Olivia, Olivia's Mum Donna and I) got down the yard early to plait, scrub and polish to make B look his best, well as good as we could with still some Winter coat lingering! We tried out some new top secret products (which I cannot wait to be launched because they're simply brilliant) and in no time at all B was plaited and sparkling! 

We loaded up and made our way to the show, upon arrival we unloaded and had a quick cup of tea while tacking up B and Olivia got into her breeches, shirt and jacket (which still fits from ages ago, lucky girl) and made their way to the warm up arena. Luckily it was quiet so B and Olivia could get their bearings of their space and have a warm up. B was very on his toes to be out and about so he took a bit of working in but it wasn't long before he was ready and they were being called into the ring for the Riding Horse class. Despite being a little fresh B moved well, listened to Olivia and the whole Team and I were ecstatic when the Judge called Beanie into first place! What a way to start the 2017 show season with a win straight off the bat!

They made their way out the ring to greet us and we were all excited voices about how well Olivia had ridden Beanie and how well he had gone for her. Then after a quick refreshment break and a drink Olivia and B were back in the ring. This time for the Ex Racehorse class. In the short break B had calmed down and wasn't so on his toes fresh but still had the exuberant paces we were hoping for. He really was floating around the ring and engaging himself, it was like he had been speaking to Valegro for tips! I stood in awe and watched as he and Olivia didn't put a foot wrong, so with nervous anticipation waited to see how they would do. Of course we were absolutely delighted to see they had been pulled in first again! Another red ribbon for the new pairing so all of us were extremely proud and excited. Clearly Beanie hadn't forgotten what showing was, but he had also tested Olivia cause he's not always the easiest horse and can get extremely strong. 

I think the photos speak for themselves on just how well he was going. Talk about pointing your toes B!

I absolutely love this picture of Olivia, look at her face. Just so pleased! Georgie Mum and I are extremely proud of them both! 

Now back at the trailer we sat discussing the classes over beautiful fluffy pastries (Well done Mum and G) cups of teas and chocolate bars! We washed off B as he got a quite sweaty, Olivia got changed and we packed up to head home after a successful day. He really was on form today. Georgie said how much she enjoyed watching from the sidelines (she can't show right now as she is really rather pregnant) and it made her feel so proud watching a horse she has produced entirely herself never once thinking of sending him to a producer for them to do it like so many others do. Even when she had just had a baby! And saying that I must mention how proud I am of her, she's produced Beanie up to County Level showing entirely by her own will and understanding. Having lessons from very kind and knowledgable people and she's taken on board everything they've said and as a result both of them have gone from strength to strength. I am I will be the first of many to say Well Done Georgie!

Olivia held up to her nerves after quite some time off from showing and she really is unflappable. Never once showing her nerves or showing how strong B was even when they were cantering round and he's pulling like a freight train. I am so excited to be part of this awesome group this season and see how we get on. We always have a giggle at shows so it's so nice having Olivia and Donna to come along with us and enjoy the giggles, good food and early mornings!

We are attending another show soon as well as a couple of clinics organised by our wonderful Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) coordinator to really step up our game ready for Suffolk and Royal Norfolk shows, as well as some other exciting events! Plus Olivia and B have got their first jumping competition to come (not sure where yet though) so we've got lot's going on and lot's to look forward to!! 

PS if you're reading this and haven't looked at our Facebook competition, then head over there now to be in with the chance to win an amazing basket of goodies!

See you soon, Sophie x