If only real life had danger music
Things were going so well….
I have to admit to a few aches and pains after hunting Harry at Attwood but an easy sitting down day was planned on the tuesday as I was attending the BSJA Coaches Seminar at Towerlands. This was fronted by Billy Twomey and Peter Charles. It was an interesting seminar with the main focus on a disciplined approach to the flatwork basics. I was mildly amused as a slightly frustrated Billy jumped on one of the horses to show how he wanted it done, only to realise how difficult the horse was and declare that the rider was doing a fab job already – we’ve all been there!
Then on thursday I got squashed, and squashed proper – metal fence, me, horse – ouch! Several hours in a hospital waiting room only to be told I’ve cracked a rib, nothing can be done, take lots of pain killers, it could be six weeks….SIX WEEKS?!
On the saturday morning, an ever sympathetic Martin announced (with tears of laughter in his eyes) that watching me to try to get out of bed was like watching a beetle stuck on it’s back. I really didn’t see the funny side…..which seemed to amuse him even more….
So some days later this week, still nursing a cracked rib and a generally bruised and painful body, I really wouldn’t have chosen to have someone drive into the side of my car. Yep, that’s exactly what happened next. I had a proper Victor Meldrew moment. Argh!
Luckily for me, Martin and Louisa have been stars. They’ve done the horses and kept everything going. Bored rigid, I have caught up with nine months of paperwork and have managed to do most of my teaching, swapping jumping lessons for flatwork ones, and keeping my sanity!
I’m off to watch Martin hunt Lexie at Bassett’s Manor today. Given the forecast of 5 degrees and heavy rain I may prefer to be in the car after all – frustrated but warm!
Busy week for Harry
This week Harry had a jumping lesson on monday, a flatwork lesson thursday and finished the week hunting on sunday – I don’t know who is more exhausted! There is usually less teaching and riding for me in the winter so I have more time for my horses. I certainly made the best of it!
This was his third lesson with Sally (Thurloway) and we had been very disciplined about doing our homework in between…and horrid homework it was too! I was really pleased with how he jumped and relieved that Sally was pleased too. More homework for next time…
His flatwork lesson was his first with Char (Lassetter) and we didn’t disgrace ourselves but Char delivered the disappointing blow to Harry’s huge Irish ego that he will not be the next Totilas. You mean Edward Gal won’t be chewing his nails waiting for our Prelim debut?!
Having made the decision that he would benefit from some regular hunting this winter, I now have to take him out! To put this in perspective – I am 5’4″ and Harry is 17 hands. He is only 5 years old, this was his third day out this year and he was terribly excited. I think it was the concept of queuing that bothered him most. He boinged about like Tigger, plunging and snatching the reins out of my hands – “I want to go, and I want to go NOW!”. He did jump really well though and it was a great end to the week. 
Zalena
Zalena came to me for schooling about three months ago. She’s only five but had been rested for about eight months after suffering an injury to her stifle and needed to be brought slowly back into work. Her owner (Zoe Squirrell) is also suffering – her’s is a broken ankle – so is not able to ride her.
Unfortunately Zoe’s ankle has not mended and she needs another operation and a further three months off work sick. So finances mean Zalena must be sold.
Zalena has been a star throughout her stay with us and today passed her vetting with flying colours! We wish Claire Carter the best of luck with her – I’m sure she has a great future ahead.
The pics show the before and after. She’s been a pleasure.
Good luck girls!!
Lily
A new girl joins the team – Lily. A three year old 7/8 TB unbroken mare by Groomsbridge May I.
Hopefully we will back her before the weather turns nasty! 
About
Janine is a British Dressage Regional Trainer based in Kent. She competes from Prelim to PSG but with a background in the training of young event horses she is also very popular for show-jump instruction and cross-country schooling. She is a UKCC qualified coach, is on the BHS Register of Instructors and is a Pony Club B Test Assessor.
She has a broad range of clients with numerous wins and placings in British Dressage including the all important qualifications to the Regionals, riders to the National Winter Championships via the Area Festivals and a rider on the Pony Progress Squad. There are British Eventing winners and qualification to the much sought after Badminton Grassroots Regionals. On the showing side there is the National Side-Saddle Working Hunter Champion, and riders at HOYS in the Search For A Star classes. With a very diverse bunch of clients nothing gives her more pleasure than to receive a text with the day’s results. However she is happy teaching all levels, so long as you want to improve.
Janine is based at Carmen Court near Tonbridge but also teaches from home in Swanley Village. Most of her teaching is in Kent and the local Sussex area but she can travel further by arrangement.
There are very popular jumping clinics at Carmen Court from April to August each year, and clinics through the winter under cover at Four Elms Farm. Janine is always happy to do clinics at other venues in the South East.
She has been very successful with rider confidence problems and helping with the psychology of training and competing. As coach, Janine is often very much part of the team as required.
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