Sit back and slide your reins - Scully the V8 Supercob

Now that the season is well and truly here and Autumn has set it, it was the very last hound exercise at Great Gidding, before the opening meet next weekend.

I got to pilot the Supercob again today, Scully. Yes, as in X-files Mulder and Scully. Whether he's named after Gillian Andersons character, Dana Scully I do not know!

What I do know is that I LOVED today. Really loved it. I've never actually ridden a cob before, so when I got on last weekend I didn't actually know what to except. At the end of last weeks exercise Tony did mention that he could jump. But from what I've seen of other cobs jumping (massive generalisation here) I wasn't overly optimistic. I mean we've seen Ben Hobdays 4 star eventer Mr Mulry fly round Burghley, but he's crossed with some awesome eventer I'd guess. So it remained to be seen just how I got on..

Any way, back to today. I arrived to see Scully had a clip, oh my gosh he looked adorable and Tara had very kindly already tacked him up for me, so he looked seriously smart. I felt like I should be stepping into the show ring he was so white!

He seemed very keen today, trotted off out of Fox and Hounds with such exuberance I overtook Sophie, the Field Master, and made 'that' faux par (meaning it is extremely frowned upon in Hunting tradition to overtake the Field Master, it's just not done so take note so you can avoid doing so in the future. So, slap on the wrist for me!) But I quickly slowed down and re-positioned myself after apologising profusely! With quite a large turn out today it was so awesome to hear so many sets of hooves trotting up the road. 

Not long after starting we turned off road onto a slip of grass, and in his exuberant fashion automatically started to canter. No trot, but a beautiful collected, head in 'I should be in the show ring' canter. I didn't want to stop really!

Like me, the rest of the field were all smiles. We even had a little-un on her pony trotting and cantering with us. So so cute! I can't wait until Frankie gets to that stage (and I don't think it will be long now!)

Our first canter was quite a bit faster than last weeks, where I got overtaken by everyone! The Supercob had been cubbing the day before I rode him last week so I think he was still re-energising the next day so was speedy but in control. Today though, well, we set off and he was fresh! So fresh in fact that when I wouldn't let him kick up a gear, a few choice bucks were put in to tell me how much of a spoil sport I was being!

But being a sensible human I knew that where we were cantering was very clay-ie, wet and slippery so Scully thanked me a bit further down when we slipped a little bit, thankfully remained upright though! He went a bit steadier then, I did try and tell him!

About two thirds into the hound exercise I was beckoned up front to be the lead horse and lead for the rest of the pack over the jumps. Now... I'd be lying if I said I didn't start getting enormous butterflies in my stomache. I mean, I've jumped some cross country fences on B recently, and popped Misty over a couple of little logs or two on our Thurlow ride, but I'm a little rusty, but as we trotted alongside a field I was shown a 2'6" post and rails to jump. 'Cool' I though, I can jump that fine, although never seeing Scully jump I just pointed him at it kicked on and over we went. 

Scully to the rescue after Sam joined the tumblers club when the coloured pony he was on bronked after landing and they parted ways. In all fairness I don't think many people would have sat those bucks, not after the awkward jump over into the field.

But with a broken rein and a run away horse I figured I'd better try and rescue it!
The rest of the pack now over the fence and Sam back on Freddie, those butterflies started flapping inside at what lay ahead. 

There was an almighty hedge in front of me, and with a ditch in front no less. 

Going first, I just had to kick on and hope for the best! Which is exactly what I did and Scully engaged his hidden V8 engine and jumped it like a stag. So much so I had to sit back and slide my reins! (My inner childhood Mary King was proud of me for not jagging him in the mouth)

It felt AMAZING! And yes that does require caps lock, it helps me convey how good it felt. Although breaking afterwards was fun as Scully knew there was a hedge on the other side of the field we were in and had locked on!

But with the rest of the pack now over, I reengaged the supercob, and kicked on to the other hedge. This one was minus the ditch, but was rather a bit bigger. Scully, ears pricked, sailed over it once again. That horse is a champ, he just doesn't jump like a cob! He's a eventer in a cobs body, he really is!

Then onward towards another post and rails, a nice full up 3'0" or so, he yet again flew over no problem. With my confidence growing the butterflies flew away! I'd not jumped hedges or fences this big in a very long time. But, like riding a bike, I hadn't forgotten how to jump! 

With jumping now over with, we had a brief few canters while on the way back to the yard. Horses well and truly happy! Every one of them ears pricked, dirty but happy. 

Supercob all tuckered out, snuggled up in his stable! 

Back at the yard and with all the horses washed off Sophie, Ginny and I headed over to the tack shop across the road - Somersby House who were having an open day event today so we had a look round. I figured that my riding hat was smelly and old and I could do with a new one so I treated myself to a Champion jockey skull cap. I have little 57cm head which is advantageous as no VAT, thumbs up to little perks.

I'm now home, with the washing machine on washing all my mud splattered kit ready for next time, when ever that will be! 

Thank you as always to The Cambridge University Drag Hounds - Henry for lending me the Supercob, Tara and Sam for tacking him up and Tony and Ginny for taking us all out, as well as Sophie for being a wonderful and entertaining field master! 

Opening meet is next week at Manor Farm in Stretham. Link to the meet card here. 

Now for Horses in Training Sale at Tattersalls this week, wish me luck! I'll probably need it!!

Sophie x

The Husk - Brand new breathable products for your horse, all in areasonable price range

A new up and coming brand you may have heard of are the HUSK (Horse Active Sports Kit). Developed for the propose of bringing the fore front of innovation in horse equipment to the masses but keeping it reasonably priced! Good right?

Back in June Georgie and I tried out their very first prototype, a dressage numnah that is both comfortable and cushioned - it supports and distributes your weight evenly over the horses back, but being made of a breathable woven fabric, it subsequently allows air to circulate between the skin and the saddle. Therefore reduces sweat and keeps the skin cool, allowing the muscles to remain cool which is so important to reduce the likelihood of muscle damage when exercising.

And with all good equestrian equipment, you want it to look and striking and cool as possible. Which it does so, don't you think?

The technology behind HUSK. is that it's made up of this special honey comb woven fabric that allows air to flow under the saddle.

You can even see from the above photograph just how cushioned it is, it allows the saddle to mould to the horses back, therefore not creating any pressure points, but keeping the breathable structure.

The evidence - A saddle patch that is basically completely dry after exercise. This was after schooling in a HUSK. numnah for a solid 45 minutes. 

They've also created an entire range of new products too, not just numnahs. It's still a young  growing company, with advise being given by some of the best professionals to help build the best innovative products, without rushing it!

Prototypes are still being produced for the Jump pad, made to fit the monoflap and dual flap saddles. Cut perfectly to fit just right! 

We can't wait to have one for cross country!

Not just numnahs but a range of boots are on the horizon, just days now until they're released. We have a funny feeling they're going to sell out the first batch in no time at all.

I've written before about the importance of keeping tendons cool but supported, and now you can do so with the HUSK. tendon boots. They do look very smart indeed! 

Not only boots, but also bandages. A different type of support but a different role in equestrianism, same breathable system! Usually used for dressage, or just day to day schooling but keeping the tendon protected from knocks, strapes or just general support while the tendons flex, all while allowing air to flow over the tendon area and keeping it cool. 

They just look so smart and well made, we absolutely cannot wait to try them out! Keep your eyes peeled on our twitter for a release date. We'll be retweeting all the action from The HUSK.

Even more exciting is that we've been working with The HUSK. on a revolutionary new pad, and it's like nothing else out there. Won't spoil the surprise but it's traditional in it's look but revolutionary in it's design. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more info!

The HUSKs facebook can be found here. I recommend you follow it to keep up with all the release dates and new products

Sunday fun day, Hound exercise 2 of 2!

Where to start, it's been such a whirl wind day. Well, much like last weekend it was a beautiful sunny day, if not slightly cooler but I am not complaining - It was very warm last weekend.

I was running late this morning after an unexpected turn of events that I won't go into, but I arrived to find Monkey already tacked up for me. So without wasting time I got myself ready and jumped on ready to go.

With the field a bit smaller this week we were all ready to set off, so at a brisk trot a pack of about 7, including me, set off up the hill in Great Gidding.

With a lot less road work this time we soon got on to beautiful set aside and into the most breath taking scenery. It's absolutely beautiful over in sticks. Sadly I couldn't take my phone out for a photo but think rolling hills, beautiful trees in all shades of orange and birds tweeting all around

Lots of trotting through, what felt like Jane Austin country, both horses and hounds were warmed up so we braced ourselves and had a canter. Monkey was an absolute angel and didn't try and tank off with me which is nice, we strided away to enjoy it. He really is such a good boy! 

Not long after we encountered a small ditch. Very much in Monkey style he jumped more into the the bottom of it than over it but it's not about style, it's how you get over it, right?

After about an hour we made our way back to the Fox & Hounds to put the horses away and wash them off. Monkey felt he wasn't done though, as the adrenalin was still running by the looks of his quivering flanks. He loves his job a little too much It would seem!?

Back in his bed he had a lovely roll and snuggle up. Erm, got a bit of straw on your face there mate.. 

A lovely sausage sarnie and drinks were awaiting us in the garden, once all that tack and equipment was put away of course. So generous of Henry! I'd happily do this every weekend.

I now have to give Monkey back to Sophie, I hope I've looked after him well?! 

He is a truely lovely lad and has given me a lovely couple of weekends.

Thank you to Tara, Sam and Ginny for tacking him up and looking after me. The Cambridge University Drag Hounds, what a lovely group of people, I'd highly recommend you go out with them if you can! 

Sophie x

Hound Exercise 1 of 2 with the Cambridge University Drag Hounds

After last weeks 12 mile ride, I've finally been able to regain full mobility in all of my limbs. I'd be lying to say I wasn't waddling around the office like John Wayne on Monday, cause I absolutely was and for a couple of days too. Stiff as a board I was, but finally I can ride again and will no doubt be just as stiff again come Monday.

At the moment I've been so very kindly lent quite a few horses to ride. One of these is Monkey, so I must say a big thank you to Sophie and Henry from the Cambridge University Drag Hounds who very kindly lent me Monkey for today's Hound  exercise.

Sophie messaged me about a week and a half ago and asked me if I'd like to ride Monkey for the first hound exercise of the season, and of course I jumped at the chance. 

Sophie has been so very supportive in my quest to borrow or hire horses for previous meets so lending me her beast that is the large bay gelding, Monkey.

Monkey by name, monkey by nature. I mean just look at that cheeky face!

I spent Saturday doing a whole lot of nothing, but did muster enough motivation to polish my boots and get my shir and jacket in a bag ready to be up early Sunday morning.

With my car loaded and sat nav set I made my way to the Fox and Hounds in Great Gidding, just outside of Huntingdon. 

I arrived with plenty of time to spare, so I brushed Monkey, tacked up and got myself ready.

The weather was rather foggy and chilly when I left so I decided on a long sleeve with a shirt over the top and my jacket.

Well just after we set off I started to regret the long sleeve tshirt underneith, I was boiling.

As the sun was out and it was lovely and warm, with it draw out a really large crowd! Lots of people in the car park ready to set off. So nice to see a good turn out and everyone looking so smartly turned out!

With the hounds now ready to go we set off at a fast trot up the road. Not wanting to upset Monkey I slotted him up front where he usually is, last thing I wanted was to fall off cause I made him wait!

But he was a gentleman, trotting beautifully along, no trouble at all.

I have a soft spot for him anyway as he's such a character but today I fell in love with him even more. He's such a quirky lad! He was a gentleman to get ready and tack up. 

I'd say we probably covered a good few miles, 10 or so I'd estimate, but we were in the middle of nowhere and I having no bearing on where we were so god knows really. 

Maybe next time I'll put my app on to track our route.

The quiet of the countryside was so nice, amplifying the sound of hooves on the pavement.

2 hours of intense trotting later we finally made our way back into Great Gidding.

I could have drunk a gallon of water I was so thirsty but very kindly had Monkey taken off me to untack and cool off so I could finally get my jacket off and cool down!

With a refreshing couple of glasses of water later I finally felt a bit more human, if not a little bit of jelly legs!

Ever the kind hosts I headed across the road to the beautiful garden for a well earned bacon butty and a glass of ice cold Coke to sit in the sun.

Finally after a few while later and some calories later I regained the feeling of being human again, and with my legs worked properly again I packed up my car of boots, whip, jacket, shirt, hat and tie to head off home for a well earned rest!

I can't wait for next weekend now! Looking forward to it.. 

Sophie xo

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

Weekend jumping fun in the Fog!

Sorry for not blogging in a while, it’s been a mad whirl wind of starting a new job shipping horses around the world, and having very very busy weekends!

But alas, Autumn is setting in and it’s beginning to get chilly. The grass season for Polo has ended so I’m back doing what I do, grooming for my sister. I’m sure she’ll be happy seeing as I’ve hardly been around this summer to help her. Bad sister award goes to me!

But while she’s away on holiday (i'm so jealous) she asked me to ride Beanie and give him some exercise. Obviously, as I’m sure if you’ve read my blog before, I don’t have my own horse. I’ve been very lucky to be able to ride some friends horses and keep my riding skills up to scratch. Riding this weekend got me wondering, do you ever really forget how to ride a horse, or are the skills still inside your brain, but just a little rusty?

I went to Canada about 3 years ago now to ski, but when I got back I made the decision I wanted to spend more time with my family, and in doing that, get back into horse riding as Mum and G spent a lot of time with horses. When I got back into the country, Georgie was super pregnant (nearly 8 months if I remember rightly) and her horse Marcus needed riding so I got back on and having not jumped a horse in years (and I mean years) I went cross country schooling. To my credit I didn’t fall off and he went rather well.

Since then I’ve brushed up on a lot of my skills and (modestly) I’m a pretty good rider, and have never forgotten all I’d learnt. I’ve been lucky that friends have helped me brush up on stuff I haven’t had to do in years like bandaging a horses legs, plait tails and such, which we’re in my memory somewhere but could remember vaguely.

Anyway, back to riding on Saturday I got up at 6.30am and got to the yard in the thick fog to ride B. Mum being a total worry mutton insisted I just walk and a little trot, but being a person who is a bit stubborn and head strong I ignored her and had a few canters and even jumped some cross country jump.

B was such a good lad and loved going out for a ride. He was very keen and having Boris the Irish sports horse for company, who really strides out, he was in a great mood. Riding around Little Bradly in the fog really was very beautiful. There rows of trees around the fields looked like a giant army waiting to run at you at any moment! It was like riding around the Shire a little bit, if only I was Hobbit sized to make it more realistic.

With the rain we’d had last week the ground was a bit wet in places, but in others was absolutely spot on! The canters were just perfect, he was a bit keen and wanted to canter fast but I kept him steady and he was a good lad!

Nearing the end of the ride there was a row of logs and cross country fences and I just couldn’t resist. I asked for a nice steady collected canter, and with B going into jump mode locked on and knew his job. We flew over and it felt so natural, bearing in mind I haven’t jumped in about 3 years we sailed over everything. I didn’t have to hold him back, he saw his stride and took me. No messing with trying to tell him, he just seemed to know.

Hopefully at some point I’ll be able to get fitter and do a round of cross country on him. He’s a bit of a tank at times as he is so strong and willing but he’s just so genuine! So with home a mile or so away I washed off his muddy legs, gave him his breakfast and let him fill out in the field in the now sunny warm weather.

More riding please! Fingers crossed to the Thurlow ride next weekend. See you there?

S xo

Burghley Trot Up - My Favourite Outfits

So following the success of my Badminton Trot up blog post I did a while ago which had so many views I wanted to write another one for the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 

It's not often we get to see riders scrubbed up and looking their best so I quite like doing a post celebrating what outfits I like most.

Nicola Wilson - 

Photo by Horse & Hound Twitter

At Badminton I picked Nicolas outfit as my favourite and Burghley didn't disappoint. Yesterday had varying degrees of temperature and weather so I think for a cold wet day Nicola looked really good.

The brown jacket compliments the shoes, and the black skinny jeans are a staple to knit the outfit together. The colours are on trend for Autumn! And as with Badders, I love a pair of ankle boots!

Pippa Funnell -

Photo by Horse & Hound Twitter

I really like this outfit of Pippas. The cream trousers are a brave choice around horses at the best of times (we've all had beautiful immaculate jodhpurs covered in slobber or what not just before the big moment, am I right?) so for a trot up in front of the press is especially brave, but they go so well with that top! The colours are, like Nicolas outfit above, on trend for the season, and I love the pattern.

The boots are lovely, and with a good wedge heel are good for running in.

Very nice well done Pippa!

Ben Way - 

Photo by Horse & Hound Twitter

Ben was featured in my last post and not much about his outfit has changed, It's similar with a few small changes, but it's classic and I'm alright with classic. Those navy chinos compliment the green tweed and the shoes bring it all together.

He's also really cute so that helps! Cute, well dressed gentleman. A+

Lynn Symansky -

I think before I start I must admit that this outfit is my favourite of the day. It's bright and gorgeous and I love it. That yellow rain coat is divine. I mean, I couldn't pull it off but it compliments her hair colour and the horses colour! 

Much like Pippa a light colour trousers is brave with horses but they go so well with the jacket. Finished with sun glasses and a scarf accessories are great! 

Wills Newton -

Photo by Horse & Hound Twitter

Another striking jacket andcombined with the bright chestnut of her gorgeous horse Newmarket Vasco One, it is works.

Not too flashy with just black jeans and black shoe boots but practical. The detail at the back of the jacket is pretty and brings it a little bit extra.

Dee Hankey -

Photo by Horse & Hound Twitter

 I really like this outfit. Fedoras are my new favourite accessory this winter and works super well with this outfit. The black of the jacket and the hat, outshot by the jackets brighter statement sleeves works really well. Not sure on the shoes though.. 

Gina Ruck -

Photo very kindly provided by Nico Morgan. Thank you 

Gina's outfit is beautiful. I love the paisley smock top/dress and nipped in at the waist adds contouring, and the belt and long boots match. I love a good matching belt and boot combination. 

I also love it when an outfit compliments the horse too and these are a perfect pair! Runner up in my favourite outfit for sure

Charlotte Agnew -

Photo by Nico Morgan! Love it!

I love this photo by Nico Morgan it's so fun and cheeky. The detail on Charlottes top is really cute, and with simple plain jeans and tassel boots it's boho chic, much like her outfit at Badminton. Very nice Charlotte!

Honourable mention - Ben Hobday. It just isn't a trot up without swooning over Ben. I think I speak for everyone that we cannot wait to see you back well again, riding and looking more dashing than you do now. Get well soon Ben! 

I know this post is a little short but unfortunately I cannot be at Burghley, but horses aren't gonna ship themselves!

Please feel free to share your favourite Burghley trot up outfits with me via Twitter @sophiexjane or @gsshowing and I look forward to seeing second trot up outfits? Who will, shock horror, wear the same outfit again I wonder!