End of Our Competition Season

This morning really felt like the start of winter, dark, foggy and chilly, October signals the end of my competition season, it’s a long time since January and everyone needs a time out (especially when you start the morning with a smack of the feed bin over the head). In theory, a break is a great idea, however last weekend marked my first weekend of no show and I miss it so much already. We had to stop sooner than expected due to Paris feeling a little under the weather, she was off for two weeks so we decided to leave her out. Pixie then decided to develop a rash and unfortunately missed out on the final at raheen na gun. It’s not all doom and gloom, with a lot more time on my hands I plan on bringing Rocco in from his semi-retirement, at his age, he doesn’t take a lot of work and knows his way around an arena better than me, I can sit back and enjoy the ride.

After a phase of four faultitus, Pixie had the perfect finish to her season, she has been amazing for the last month. We made some much needed changes to her bridle and the new set up definitely agreed with her, the quality of her jump returned and I felt like I had a lot more control with her head up off the floor. Kitty Shanahan also worked her magic and I have a completely different horse. Pixie is a tough cookie and always tries her best, when I enter the ring, regardless of what I do, Pixie will help me out. She is her mother’s daughter and I feel so lucky to have Poes fighting spirit live on. The league in raheen na gun was a huge success for Pixie she was in the top 2 each day she jumped, without taking off the handbrake. Woah was the word of the month, with our new control, we were able to be a lot more efficient with the turns and use Pixies canter. It was a big shock to feel the mare go so different and fingers crossed we can carry this new approach into 2022.

As usual, I am wondering is Paris part human, she felt incredibly sorry for herself while she was sick and wanted sympathy from everyone, who knew a stuffy nose was such an ordeal. She also yawns in my face constantly, how would she cope with a long weekend of jumping. After a long season with a lot of jumping and training, we decided she probably was a tad tired and deserved some time to relax and grow stronger over the winter. I was disappointed to leave her at home the first Saturday, we left the yard with only Pixie, that is a huge step considering at the beginning I dreaded even trotting around the warm-up arena. The drama queen also decided she was over her tiredness and wanted to come, a lot of kicking and screaming from her stable ensued, clearly shows are much more exciting and worth the effort ( the yawning was obviously to demonstrate she was bored of me) She has made huge progress this season. She went from being a terrorist in the 80cm to confidently popping around 110cm with hopefully a lot more to come considering she still is only 5. As the season advanced I became to rely on her as my clear round horse.

To keep myself amused and from dying of boredom, I have joined a couch to 5km class, I participated in this a few years ago. This will act as time filler, while I count down the days to season 22, its also great for my fitness when I get back into the ring. I hate running and I whinge a lot, but I feel great afterwards and hopefully it will help with my riding next year. Rocco is coming back into work this evening so I wont be taking too much down time, we don’t have a set agenda, only to enjoy yourselves and have fun. With all of the issues we experienced with transport this year, I need to make a difficult decision about what the future holds for my lovely Diva. Perhaps we will sell her, I thought about it previously but I am a hoarder and love all of my buddies and couldn’t bare to part with her. As my most fun horse who is always up for a challenge, I am considering some cross country schooling, the thought of it puts the fear in me but maybe ill wear my brave pants and enjoy stepping outside the confines of the sand arena.

I have skipped Halloween and am aboard the Christmas express. I love Christmas, guilt free shopping and unlimited food, what’s not to love. Equestrian world have gifts for everyone, from our loyal canine friends, to Barbour gift sets for the non-equestrians, below is some of my favourites. With all of the warnings of shortages and possible delays, we need look no further than equestrian world of Maynooth. I love going in store and leaving with red bags of treasure. Ill have to make my Christmas trip earlier than usual this year to avoid missing out on the best deals and products. Also don’t forget every 20 euro spent enters you in a draw for 1000 voucher! What an amazing prize!

My Santa letter is going to include a good pair of white breeches, David has a huge range and there is no better way to kick start the new season with some new gear. I have my eye on either the equiline full seat or samshield rose gold. Also, I like to stock up on my favourites spring socks and samshield hunter gloves.

Equiline Cedar Ladies Full Seat Xgrip Breeches - Equestrian World

Samshield Ladies Adele Breeches - Equestrian World

Ideal stocking fillers:

Samshield V Skin Hunter Gloves - Equestrian World – my absolute favourites, I cant ride without these glove!

Spring Revolution Abstract Tech Sock Pink 727 - Equestrian World a new find for this year, an essential for a log day in boots.

Barbour Saltburn Beanie - Equestrian World perfect for hiding the helmet hair between classes!

For the non-horsey person

Anything from the Barbour range would be a perfect gift. I love the red wellies, stylish and also super practical for mucky Ireland

Barbour Town & Country Wellington - Equestrian World

They come in green for the those who prefer the more traditional look - Barbour Town & Country Wellington - Equestrian World

There is also a great range of timeless jackets that are effortless stylish, or gillet which could be wore all year round, check out the full range below.

Searching Barbour - Buy Barbour at Equestrian Wolrd | equestrianworld.ie

Furry friends

There is a vast range for pets online and instore from dog toys, to matching coats and gorgeous leather collars.

Searching Pet Toys - Buy Pet Toys at Equestrian Wolrd | equestrianworld.ie

Happy Jumping/Shopping,

Jade