What has squad member Georgina Rose been up to this month?

October has been a busy month for us with the last of the hunter trials, and the horses beginning to dig out their winter woolies. We started this month with a hunter trial at Stockland Lovell, a 2'6 senior class. We put in a good clear with a relatively fast time, although I felt that she wasnt as quick as last time out at Straitgate Farm, where we finished 2nd. It was good enough for 8th though, which I was pleased with considering the size of the class.

We took time out at the end of the month to enjoy a 12 mile fun ride at Ashill in Devon. It included a ride up the Kittow racing gallops which was great fun, a a nic way to round off what will probably be the best of the weather!

This month has also been one of progress, especially for my 3yo NF gelding, Al. He was broken mid September, and is now trotting confidently and beginning canter work. He is very willing and calm, but can only go a few strides before the baby wobbles set in and he falls back in to trot. He is trying hard and giving his best, and I have every confidence that it won't be long before he gets the hang of it! He also tackled his first trotting pole, which he did brilliantly. I am really pleased with him, he is showing such promise and is particaurly special as he is the first pony that I have broken.

Our other horse Merlin, has started to get grumpy now that the grass is becoming less appetising and he is having to wait for us to come down and give him hay and feed too. With the colder weather setting in, he is starting to get a little stiff and awkward when you first get on, so I am hoping that Organic Horse's Joint Power will relieve him a little, as well as their Respiratory Power to help ease irritation from hay dust. He is looking well for this time of year though, and I hope that this is a sign of things to come as he can be quite a poor doer. My mum has started getting back into riding again this month, so Merlin is playing the role of riding school horse for the time being which he throughly enjoys as it means going slowly, which is what he does best!

I am currently studying for my BHS Stage 1 exam, and the end of the month brought me just over half way through the course, which really hit home how close my exam is in December, but I feel quietly confident, so fingers crossed! I have also booked myself in for the Ride and Road Safety Test course which starts soon, so plenty to be getting on with.