Another busy week at Altogether Equestrian. For the British Dressage Winter Championships the yard did a demonstration on the gala nights. It was amazing fun and a lot of glitz and glamour. Literally head to toe in sequins and sparkles. The horses were amazing with spotlights, a big audience, dry ice and our Little Mix music playing loudly! I love doing demos and really enjoyed riding 17 year old Madge who was a total pro!
Then there was a few days to prepare to take Jack (Dutchman) out at PSG. We went to Hunters and West Wilts. The goal was to get 65% which would qualify us as a partnership to compete internationally at young rider level. He was great and completed both tests mistake and spook free to get 65.6% the first day, and 69% on the second day! It finally felt like he was producing the quality of work he does at home in the arena. 
Now preparations are starting for our next trip abroad, where Jack can now represent Ireland internationally. Can't wait. 

We arrived back from Spain with the 2 lorries and 7 horses on Wednesday night about 9pm. Unfortunately main rider at Altogether Equestrian Beth, was out of action and so with a staff member down it was straight back into work on the yard. 
On the Thursday Anna said to me as I was riding her 5 year old mare Holly for the first time; "Will you be able to do 2 novices by Sunday?" Quite a scary concept considering the last time Beth had taken her out she got 79%!!
3 days riding her and many other horses and then it was show time, our warm up was pretty lively and we showed the spectators the above airs talent that Holly shows and went in for our first test. With not being very used to each other there were a few hiccups such as cantering in the medium trot and breaking early in the canter. We ended up on 68% for that test. 
Next we went in for the second Novice and managed to hold it together to perform a clean test. To my surprise we got 80%! I was thrilled because I have never even got close to that before and that I managed to ride Holly so she could get the results she deserves and make the most of the opportunity that I had been given. 

Welcome to my new website, it is a really exciting step forward for me and my growing profile. 
Here I will keep you up to date with my weekly activities and excitement and post lots of photos and videos of my day to day goings on. 
Please feel free to get in touch via my social media or send me an email!
​Alex