Weekend Fun in The Sun - The Thurlow Ride

As mentioned in my last post, I was planning to go to the Thurlow Ride, and was very kindly lent the lovely Misty (Thank you so much Ali) around the Vesteys Thurlow Estate.

She needed to do some exercise work before Saturday, so I took a ‘rain check’ Monday night due to the forecast rain, but I was pleased to see that on Tuesday it was supposed to rain free. I got down to Hare Park after work and tacked up Misty ready for a nice dry hack. Wrong! I’d been in the saddle for all of 5 minutes before a heavy rustling in the opposite wood stopped Misty in her tracks to listen more closely, the rustling turned out to be the most almighty wall of rain approaching. I’m not going to lie, an audible swear word cause be heard subconsciously leaving my mouth as I realised I was about to get wet. And boy did I get soaked!

I’m usually a bit of a fair weather rider, but “never mind” I thought, I can dry off and change afterwards and maybe it’s just a shower. Much to my disappointment it was not just a brief shower but an absolute deluge that lasted around 20 minutes.

Once the rain had passed over I spotted this rather impressive funnel cloud slowly making its way towards earth, it was very cool to see it actually swirling visibly. I was a little worried that it would touch down near Newmarket but it swirled itself out getting longer and thinner until it disintegrated. Looked rather cool to see though (sorry my photos don’t do it justice)

Despite now being soaked, Misty and I had a ball! She was on really good form and was really happy to be out and about being ridden. Her ears were pricked the whole time and she was eager to trot and have a couple of small canters! Nothing too strenuous as she wasn’t too fit

I must say It was lovely to be alone with no-one else around. Peacefully, I watched the horses steam as the water evaporated off their rugs and spotted a rather large bird of prey stalk a hare, laying as quietly and inconspicuously as possible, only to be seen off by a rather annoyed Crow who didn’t want it around.

After around 45 minutes I called it a day and made my way for home, eager to finish off and change out of my very wet jeans and jacket. Misty was pleased to have dried off and snuggle up in her rug and tuck into her tea. 

Sadly after our rather wet ride on Tuesday I came down with a hell of a cold. I dragged myself out of bed on Thursday night to ride, only to be initiated into the Misty tumbler club after an 'absolutely terrifying' puddle causes Misty to slam on the brakes and drop her shoulder to which I fell in rather slow motion into the ground.

The view was rather lovely though!

Saturday morning, now with a sore wrist and nursing a horrific head cold I dragged myself out of bed to load up and head to the Thurlow to ride around the middle of nowhere for 12 miles.

A group of 8 of us from Suffolk Polo Club set off, Misty was on very good form and jogged the first half mile or so, very much enjoying the sun and new surroundings.

The rain early in the week had meant the ground was absolutely perfect. Not too soft with just enough give in it. Although saying that there were parts in the woods which we very deep, so care was taken to avoid those and any lost shoes!

I popped a couple of logs early on while Misty enjoyed the the pace and she was such a good girl. Luckily my little jump on Beanie the weekend before had got the rust off and I didn't fall off again!
Ironic really, I can stay on Beanie's huge leaps but fall off during a slow canter. I hang my head in shame! 

Riding around the beautiful surroundings in the sun was a perfect way to clear my very stuffy lungs, and feel less sorry for myself!

It took around 3 hours to complete but it meant everyone got to have a good catch up chat and have some fun, whether jumping or not. 

All of us bought a refreshment break, where you got a bottle of water and a chocolate bar.

I quickly ate mine and shared my water with Misty, washing off her shoulders and cooling her off. She carried me all that way and was no trouble what so ever! 

Towards the end she was slowing down and I let her walk off and chill, It was nice to actually catch my breath and really enjoy where we were because the views around Thurlow are absolutely beautiful.
With all 8 of us home safe, the ponies were pleased to be home and showered off, and given a hay net to chill in the field. 

With the end of season dinner organised for later that evening everyone rushed home to get showered and out of our jodhpurs to try and look half respectable for dinner!

Talk about a whirl wind day but it was so needed. The day was topped off by having beautiful sunny weather, and the good company and surroundings made it all the more enjoyable!

Now to prepare myself for next weekends fun! Hopefully I will have regained the full movement in all my limbs by then!

Sophie xo

Jakeira Polo Team - Greenheath and Newmarket Liner Tournament

After a busy weekend it's nice to actually sit down, so I thought i'd write a little summary update of this weeks polo tournament.

It started on Wednesday night as team Jakeira headed down to Cambridge County Polo Club in Lode for their deciding match for the weekends Greenheath and Newmarket Liner tournament. 
It's a little odd for us as we're used to playing Saturday and playing the final match on the Sunday so the ponies got a little bit of an odd surprise to be loaded up into a lorry to be taken to a match, rather than their usual evenings ride!

The weather was beautiful if not slightly chilly! But the sun was shining and the ground was dry! 
This match saw the first time that Emma Darrington would play for team Jakeira so everyone was keen to see how she'd do and she did not disappoint. As everyone rode their ponies onto he field Jakeira gathered for a little team talk and tactical discussion on who to mark, who is going to be the player to watch out for on the opposing team etc!

The team they were up against was Frolic Farm Polo Team and with their goal handicap they started on 3 goals ahead of Jakeira, so they definitely had making up to do!

After some slightly scrappy stop start chukkas and Jakeira slowly but surely were making the goals up but it was going to be extremely tight. It looked like Jakeira were going to loose their match by the skin of their teeth, but with just seconds to go Phil Seller clouted the ball down towards the goal and with no-one from Frolic being able to catch him and everyone trailing behind, he whacked it through the goal to bring the score up to 7! 

The deciding goal about to do scored!

The whistle blowing literally seconds later. They'd done it, they were through to the final!

The ponies were boxed up and off they went home to rest up and be ready for the weekends final.
In good ways and bad, the rain came on Saturday, making the ground soft for the weekend but also verging it on slightly too wet and risking it being cancelled.
Our match was moved from 4pm to 5pm allowing the pit slightly longer to dry earlier in the day before the games began on Sunday so when we arrived the ground was in pretty good condition. If not slightly divoted from earlier matches.

The Ponies were tacked up and ready to go, riders donned their whites and polo shirts and made their way to the pitch.
I warmed up Emma's horse Priscilla so I made my way to the side of the pitch to watch and Tweet from Horseback  

From the very beginning Jakeira were dominating the ball and had scored 2 goals in the first chukka. Secret weapon Emma being left unmarked meant she funneled the ball into the goal just before the whistle ending the first chukka bring their score up to 3.

In the second chukka they'd rehorsed and were back on and straight on it. Another goal was scored, followed soon by another. The Buccaneers trying really hard to mark the Jakeira players and making them work but by the end of chukka 2 Jakeira were leading 5 - 1.

Fresh ponies were bought on and chukka 3 commenced. If they could keep up this great team work and pace it was going to be in the bag.

Buccaneers were not going down without a flight and held the ball for a lot of chukka 3 but Jakeira marking their players really well meant they only scored 1 more goal bring them up to 2 against Jakeiras 5. With just 30 seconds before the whistle and some great team work between Carl Harris and Francis Molyneux Jakeira were able to tap in a goal ending that chukka 6 - 2. 

Fourth and final chukka, would Jakeira be able to hold on to their winning lead? Buccaneers were absolutely on it with some tough ride off's trying to keep Jakeira away from the goal and to their credit they went on to score 3 more goals in chukka 4. They were going down fighting! But Jakeira rose to the challenge and scored another 2 goals. The whistle went and the match ended 8 goals to Jakeira and 5 to The Buccaneers. 

The ponies were walked back to the box, with very happy faced riders. 

Ponies were untacked and washed off, equipment was bagged up and final beers were shared in celebration just before the prize giving.

Everyone left to put their ponies away fed and rugged for the night before we all met up for a lovely drinks and celebratory meal.Thank you so much to Carl and Jo for treating all of us to a delicious sit down Chinese last night, very very kind of you!

I know I speak for the rest of Jakeira when I say everyone is very much looking forward to Suffolk Polo Club's Mansfield Advisers & Tattersalls Flaming June Tournament at Hare Park Stud! It's gonna be some very smart turned out ponies and hoping for another winning match!

See you there, Sophie x

Jakeira Polo Team - Graceland Tournament

Day 1 - Jakeira vs  Mansfield Advisers

Photo by Lens & Hound Photography 

I awoke Saturday morning from a lovely lay in to see the sun shining and was instantly excited to get to Hare Park. When I arrived, annoyingly, the clouds had descended, thus making it quite chilly. But with the first match underway a steady stream of people started to arrive.

Steph and I then went down to the round pen and started getting the horses ready for their match against the Mansfield Advisers at 4pm.

I'd been very kindly sent some more products to review by Smart Grooming so we had great fun sprucing polo ponies and making them look like they should be turned out for the show ring! They looked the best ponies of the field with French plaited tailed and glossed hocks, eyes and knees! 

After tacking up the ponies and putting on the very fancy team numnah's they were all set.

The sun slowly started to come out, the heat rose and preparations for the match were underway. The team, made up of Phil Seller, Francis Molyneux, Jade Nunn, and Paul Clay looked effortlessly smart in their team kit and made their way onto the field.

Phil Seller, Paul Clay and Carl Harris

Jakeira started with a 1/2 goal advantage due to the goal difference between teams as Mansfield advisors had higher goal players.

The first chukka didn't quite go to plan as Francis got a stick in the face by the opposing team, resulting in a frustrating fat lip which isn't going to put anyone in the best frame of mind. 

And with a couple of penalties just gone wide Jakeira started the the last 2 chukkas 1 goal down.

Third chukka went more to plan with the team working better. Loads of amazing blocking done by Jade keeping Victor well away from his 4 goal player Fabio, thus keeping him from feeding the ball to him to score. And Francis working well all the time to keep on Fabio at all times, making his life hard work on the pitch.

Into the last chukka and there's a 1/2 goal in it.

I'm watching from the sidelines walking off horses when I hear from the commentary box that Jakeira fly the ball from through the goal, and they're a goal ahead! I whoop to the ponies who probably think I'm mad!

Then as I turn the corner, they're back in play and Mansfield take the lead with a goal. Gutting but it's not over yet!

Then Jakeira score again.. 

It's all to play for and with only a few minutes left now and everyone is sweating and puffing in the muggy heat! 

Then it happens, Mansfield score again, and again. There's hardly any time left on the stop watch to make up the difference..The horn sounds and it's all over. Mansfield win 8 to Jakeira's 6 1/2.

I'm gutted for them, but everyone played amazingly! There were some very obvious fouls missed by the umpires but a lot can be taken from this match and improved upon tomorrow..

Ponies are washed off, bandages rolled, tack put away and talk of tactics and what can be done different are chatted about over a BBQ and beers.

We watch the final match of the day and see that Jakeira will be up against the Buccaneers. Fingers crossed for day 2!

Day 2 - Jakeira vs The Buccaneers

The second day of the Graceland Tournament started with extremely muggy weather, over cast, hot and constantly threatening to rain. Jakeiras match was due at 3, just when we were due showers.
Ponies has been rested overnight and were tacked and ready to go. Umpires made their way onto the pitch followed by the teams, they lined up and the whistle blew to start the first chukka. Both teams were determined to try and score, riding off players and defend their goal against the opposing team so when the whistle blew to signal the end of the first chukka the Buccaneers were still on their 1/2 goal handicap advantage.

Phil Seller and Francis Molyneux firmly holding off competition from the Buccaneers

Second chukka commenced and with the whistle, the rain came. Not just a light drizzle bit proper rain. Worried for slipping ponies this chukka wasn't as fast, but having swapped onto fresh ponies and Jakeira being absolutely adamant to score this time the whole team worked together and within no time they scored not once, but twice. Leaving Jakeira 2 goals to Buccaneers starting of 1/2 goal. 

I spy a Cal Rei numnah 

A quick pony swap and onto the third Chukka. I walked Boo off to get her breath back so while walking off I watched from the very side of the pitch. Not long after the whistle Jakeira scored again making it 3 to 1/2. Then great teamwork between Francis Molyneux and Phil Seller they scored again making it 4 to 1/2. The pressure was on the Buccaneers and to their credit they did score to bring the tally to 4 goals to Jakeira and 1 1/2 to the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers weren't going down without a fight, but with the earlier rain and the pitch a bit slippy, play was halted when Justin Bird for the Buccaneers pony slipped, legs went from underneath it, which threw Justin and then pony rolled over the top of him. Play was obviously halted and umpires and first aiders rushed onto the pitch to access the player. Much to his credit Justin walked it off and got back on, much to many applause from the viewers on the sidelines. 
Not long after the whistle went to signal the end of the third chukka with Jakeira leading.

With nerves getting tenses and players getting tired it was final pony swaps and onto the forth and final chukka. With players having the accident fresh in their minds the last chukka was intense but not as quick. Jakeira keen to keep their lead, scored again, making their lead sizable.
After a foul from a Buccaneer, team Jakeira were given a penalty and up stepped team captain Carl Harris to take the shot. With a little less oomph than i'm sure he'd of liked Carl swung and hit the ball with it rolled into the goal, it counted and it was a goal and Jakeira were now firmly ahead at 6 goals to 1 1/2. Lot's of great defending by team Jakeira meant that Buccaneers were unable to score again and with final whistle blew meant they'd won their match.

Phil and Carl discussing the match after the whistle 

I'm sure I can say that Jakeira were pleased with their win, they learnt a lot by working together and will discuss tactics for their next tournament match together. 
They should be very proud with how they did and both matches were very exciting to watch.

All photos expertly taken by Michael Lake from Lens & Hound Photography

Onto the next one!

Sophie x

Weekend Update - Pimms, Polo and Poles!

Morning readers, I hope you all had a lovely horsey weekend?

I did and thought i'd do a little update for you all, as that is what this blog is for afterall!

Saturday I had a lovely lay in and feel so much better for it. I was starting to get drained so a good lay in did me the world of good!
I then forced myself out of bed early afternoon and headed down to the gorgeous Hare Park for the Pimms and Polo afternoon.

Really well plays chukkas and match! Really impressed to see some great horses and their riders. Very close match but the White team came away victorious!

I managed to get some photos on my phone of the action. They're nothing special but they're also not too bad!

Sunday I made my way over to my parents house to go with Mum and Georgie over to  Prestige Equestrian Centre down the road from us in Castle Camps, where we hired their beautiful school for an hour to get the rust off B's jumping and vary his work. We already know he is very well schooled, and that he can fly over cross country jumps, but wanted to remind him that not all jumps are immobile and that he needs to pick his little legs up! 

He did really well, as I said he is a little rusty but he did do well. He's learning that not all poles are flimsy plastic and he needs to tuck his toes up on avoid clonking a hard wooden pole and they hurt! 
He had one such clonk but quick as you like he then learnt, keep his toes up and no lagging!

Here's a little video!

So overall, very happy Sophie. Lovely family, lovely new friends, lovely horses and just over all nice times! Bring on my weekends like this 

We're visiting a smaller show this weekend for Georgie to have a go at some more jumping and then not long until Houghton Hall!
I'm sorting my lead rein outfit out as Frankie and I are going to do our first lead rein class, i'm excited!! 

Look out for a post on that, i'm gonna try and scrub up well!

Sophie x