Diary of an Equestrian!!!

2009-10-12T16:34:00.000Z

VISIT MY NEW BLOG @ www.equestrianhopesanddreams.blogspot.com

2009-10-12T16:31:00.001Z

THANKS GUYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER 2006-2008 BUT I AM GOING TO CREATE A NEW BLOG ABOUT MY RIDING THROUGH UNIVERSITY... I WILL POST THE LINK SHORTLY THANKS XX

2008-08-01T09:15:00.002Z

30th July 2008- WEDNESDAY NIGHT SHOW AT HILL HOUSE EC -

In our first class we both went clear and there were 12 horses in the jumpofff i rode fast as i could and got a time of 29.04 secs and Leona got a close time of 30.02 secs and these fast times were not beaten resulting in Jayde and I winning the class and Leona coming second, taking most of the prizes on offere. Itfelt ace to win after such a long time and i felt motivated that i could achieve whatever i wanted.

In our second class again we both went clear, i had four faults in the jump off and a time of 26.24 where as Leona went clear again with a time of 26.03 and that resulted in fifth place for her. Overall we were very pleased although we didnt get back to the yard until 11pm and home until 12am. As a very tired family we all slept in the next day.

Yesterday we had the blacksmith to both of our horses and wormed them although the weather was awful. Now we had to concentrate on our upcoming shows, and our fun day at messingham on Sunday where Leona will be doing a bareback jumping class! Watch this space!

Laura Salmon x

2008-08-01T09:12:00.002Z

27th JULY 2008- MELLS FARM SHOW -

Our show at the yard is always nice and gives us a chance to relax although perhaps a little more competitive because everyone wants to be the best. In the fifth hole derby eith water tray and fillers Both Leona and i went clear resulting in a three horse jumpoff. I ended up a close second with Leona coming third.

In the seven hole derby, we both had the water tray rail down but we still ended up in 3rd position. We also did a fun class roll out the barrell, in which Leona came 2nd and i came 3rd.
An alright show, with plenty more to come the work continues.

Laura Salmon x

2008-08-01T09:06:00.002Z

JULY 20TH 2008- MESSINGHAM PONY OWNERS -

A week after Broughton show we headed down to messingham pony owners to jump a couple of classes. In pairs we got round fairly quickly and this resulted in us coming third place. In pre intermediate Molly went clear and had 2 in the jump off. In the intermediate Jayde also got 8 faults, we were happy to have placed in the money in pirs but not overly pleased about our other performances.

Laura xx

2008-07-14T09:54:00.002Z

13th July 2008- BROUGHTON SHOW....

I was working til four so i agreed to let Leona take Jayde in the first class as well as her taking Molly in both horses went clear, in the jumpoff with molly first Leona tried to do a turn but ended up crashing into a jump not in the course so then from a stand still she went, her time of 35 secs in the lead at that early stage, a couple of horses later she took jayde in, going so fast she then did canter to halt on that same turn halt to canter and over the double, saving alot of time. Many horses tried to copy this wonderful riding but failed miserably. When it came to the placings Leona had won on Jayde and come in fourth place on Molly, of course she was especially pleased with winning.

Then the next class, i rode fairly well but had a bit of a mishap with the penultimate fence bringing it down and all of the fillers leaving me with four faults, however it was Leona's day and she went clear again, resulting in 6th place after the Jump off. When i saw the course for the open i nearly fainted, although ive jumped much bigger the first fence was so uninviting and i was first in. Sadly i was eliminated and we could feel Jayde tiring but to make a point Leona took her round and finished with just four faults. So apart from the open class it was a fantastic day, i may add a picture later.

Laura Salmon.

P.s I also would like to say well done to all the other people from the yard especially Laura (if she's reading this) so well done...xxxx

2008-07-11T09:26:00.003Z

11/07/08- AN UPDATE FROM US......

Hi guys,

I'm really sorry for letting you all down with this blog the past few months but its been pretty mad over here, i've moved yards twice due to unforseen circumstances but we're happily settled at Mells Farm now, I've had my big A level exams and i have been trying to do my best and apart from that i've been showing. Luckily i've wrote all the shows up from this year so that there isnt the big gap of six seven months and i've tried to put in plenty of new pictures for you. Now that School is finally over i will be regularly updating this blog ( between now and October for sure) and keeping it up to date, I promise. So i'll leave you with a list of upcoming events for us and a picture.

13th Jul - Broughton Show

20th Jul - Messingham pony owners

27th Jul - Mells Farm Show

Thanks to all the continued support of my family especially my grandparents, my friends old and new, my horses and all the supporters of this blog. Take Care now.

Laura xx

2008-07-11T09:22:00.002Z

29th June 2008 - CROWLE AGRICULTURAL SHOW...-

The weather was awful, Jayde was touch and go after some swelling on her flank which left her temporarily lame and everything was running late and i was supposed to be working....

We did the first class but i had a stupid stop but Leona came 4th, then in the pairs i rode beautifully and left us in a good position but leona fell off as molly pulled a sharp turn and her stirrup come off, so always check your tack before your class. Then leona fine after her fall went in the 80cm but had a couple down, i put jayde in clear round at 90cm cos i couldnt wait around being at work and she went clear.

It was quite a fun but if i say so a very very wet and damp day.

Laura Salmon x

2008-07-11T09:13:00.003Z

JUNE 2008... MESSINGHAM PONY OWNERS....

The pictures above are from the previous show because i cannot get hold of the ones from this one, Firstly we did pairs and although it wasnt the best we still came fourth because of the wind everyone was finding it difficuly, although at least one of the pairs in those who came 1st and 3rd fell off which i thought a little unfair.

Then in the preintermediate i had one down but leona went clear and did a nice jump off and finished second, Then in the intermediate leona had a few stops when a water tray uplifted and flew towards her and molly putting molly off. Jayde had one stop and one down but apart from that it was a lovely round and because of the harsh conditions no one else did particularly well so we finished joint fifth. Then i went to work.

Laura xx

2008-07-11T09:04:00.003Z

June 1st 2008 - MESSINGHAM ANNUAL HORSE AND PONY SHOW...-

I worked 11-4pm and arrived to find Leona in the novice jump off, in which she claimed she might as well as walked round with a steady (or not so steady) clear round, so she was pleasantly surprised when she came 2nd. (see pic)

So we both went in the intermediate, i had a silly two fences down and leona had three. Then i went in the open where i ended up retiring when Jayde skidded through a fence with big bloc fillers and struggled with them between her legs, she was shaken but ok and we still got some nice pictures. Although i did enjoy this show Jayde now has four studs to prevent these mishaps.

Laura xx

2008-07-11T08:59:00.002Z

MAY 5TH 2008 - MELLS FARM SHOW-

I was the only one who competed at our home show cos Leona had too much college work and i remember arriving feeling very hung over fortunately the others at the yard found it quite amusing that i could only eat mc coys crisps.

I jumped Molly in the first Class we Came 2nd

I took Jayde in the next we went clear but then had one down in the j/o so we came fourth but they only placed to fifth. Then i took jayde in the big class it was going lovely until i fell off, anyway i got back on to come fourth in the fun class - Chase me Charlie although i was feeling a bit dizzy by now. it was a fun day only ruined by having to go to work. Now i would have to knuckle down as i had my Alevel exams approaching....

Laura xx

p.s the picture is just an old one from Messingham Open.

2008-07-11T08:50:00.005Z

EPWORTH HUNTER TRIAL- APRIL 08-

Little did we know that today was going to be one our best days so far of the season, we started off in the novice pairs class

and both of us jumped a lovely clear round and we finished in sixth place.

Then we both went into intermediate again i jumped clear and had a lovely round finishing third and Leona finished 1st club members.

So it was a really good day for all of us at Epworth but as usual i had to dash off to work.

Laura x

2008-07-11T08:45:00.003Z

Bagmoor Hunter Trial - April 08.

Leona took Molly in the novice and went clear and came 3rd/4th i cant remember lol. Then we went into open pairs where i got us eliminated by jumping the wrong fence, i was quite dissapointed with myself but everyone makes mistakes and i wont be doing it again lol, so i have to move on for Epworth next week.

Laura xx

2008-07-11T08:37:00.002Z

MESSINGHAM PONY OWNERS APRIL 08'...-

The first show of the year and we were all very excited to be out and about after an eventful winter, moving yards twice and ending up at Mells Farm, my winter exams and my 18th birthday.

Anyway firstly we did pairs, we rode quite well the only thing that let us down was our change over but we ended up sixth so we were quite pleased with that. Pre intermediate molly went clear and came 3rd and i came 5th. Then i had to leave for work at my new job as a bar maid/waitress but leona jumped jayde in the intermediate and they had one down....

Laura xx

2008-01-01T11:52:00.000Z

01/01/08 - HAPPY NEW YEAR-

Happy new year everybody i hope 2008 brings you all the best. Jayde went for her final check on her leg just after christmas and everything is fine which is fabulous. We've started training properly again for the competitions our first likely to be on the 19th of this month at Willerby Hill. Jaydes going well thanks to Leona putting in a couple of extra hours in on her and Molly is well Molly.

I'm really looking forward to 2008 it's a big year for me. I've got to work hard at school to achieve the results for University and i want to polish off my showing career on a high. i'm definately not saying its the end of my riding and dreams but things may have to be postponed and the future with horses is far from certain. Even if this year or the next few years lead me away from horseriding showing and my dreams one things for certain i'll be back.

I've been to a few to many parties and it's time to knuckle down in what i hope will be a great new year. Wishing you all the best.

Laura Salmon x

2007-12-04T12:55:00.000Z

4th December - Updates from Southdale -

Since our last competition i've been really really busy with school work, applying for university for next september, choosing courses and meeting work deadlines, it's been hectic alongside riding and caring for Jayde.

Jayde and Molly are both well as is leona, i'm just on the end of a nasty throat infection which caused me to spend a week away from college and a week away from Southdale, i'm keener than ever to get back to the stables and have been back at college for a day so far and am madly trying to keep up because i want the best grades i can get so i can go to my chosen uni to do an english and education teaching degree, whilst i am there i also hope to join equestrian societies, however riding other horses without jayde will be strange im sure it will be a good experience for me.

We currently have no competitions planned until trailblazers show jumping Jan 9th providing all is well when i'll hopefully jump the 85cm/95cm or 95cm/105cm classes, up until then i'm going to be working hard to get ready for my january examinations.

I recently got a comment from America asking about my type of riding, currently i do not compete 3 day eventing as there are many disciplines in England as im sure there are in America however i compete in more than one type of discipline to keep myself occupied and my options open however i am pretty sure that sooner or later i will specialise in 3 day eventing as the one day events i have participated in have been great fun and i love dressage, cross country and showjumping until then i will continue to compete separately, i hope this answers your question, thank you.

I'll probably update you very soon, so stick with me during this busy time.
Laura x

2007-12-04T11:57:00.000Z

28th October - Epworth Equestrian Hunter Trials -

For the past couple of visits we had only had rain at epworth equestrian despite some ribbons and prizes we still would prefer the weather to hold, the october chill had really set in, the horses were wearing blankets we were wrapped up in winter jackets and drinking hot drinks and keeping ourselves warm before our event. Because the course at ?EEC is so long we only entered one class, the Novice Pairs, it was a challenging novice course having two water obsticles ditches etc and we were just out to have fun.

The event came up very quickly and both Jayde and Molly were jumping very well and we had a very good start setting off strongly and quickly jayde was very headstrong and raring to go unfortunately at some jumps we had some sticky patches and acquired two stops each at the different obsticles, we knew we had no chance of winning but definately enjoyed this fun day and it was well worth it.

Not knowing when our next showing would be we decided to relax our training to give us all a well deserved break.

Laura Salmon x

2007-10-29T12:22:00.000Z

14th October 2007 - Bagmoor Hunter Trial 2-

I cannot deny i was nervous after my fall at the last hunter trial at bagmoor but i was so much infact that for the novice pairs i took molly round instead of jayde, we did well having only 3 stops between us on the course and being only 0.3 secs off the winners time in clearing the time section, then in the novice individual we both had 20 pens each again we both cleared the time section and we had a lovely day and i even jumped off the drop which means i am now over my scare a few weeks ago.

The next show for us would be on the 28th October at Epworth Equestrian Centre for a hunter trial, also in my next update i will answer one of my reader's questions.

Laura x

2007-10-29T12:07:00.000Z

7th October 2007 - EDRC Hunter Trials...

We were very excited about the autumn epworth district riding club hunter trials and wanted to get out there and put some pressure on the other riders at the show, leona and i were competing in novice pairs and the individual intermediate class.

We arrived in plenty of time aand was enjoying chilling out whilst waiting for the competition when we got ready to ride there was a sudden rush to warm up because the class filtered through very quickly despite this we still rode very well having a quick time in the timed section and only getting 20pens on the main course, pleased with our performance we walked the horses to cool them off and went back to the trailer to rest before our next class.

Our next class was the intermediate i went round very well just having 20 pens at one fence due to jayde stumbling and ending up on top of the jump because unfortunately i didnt shorten her up enough but i didnt think i'd done very well, leona had two stops so we decided to call it a day and go home. A few days later we recieved a bulging envelope from EDRC to say that i had come 3rd club members in the intermediate and Leona was 4th, what a lovely surprise it was tofind out that we were both in the top 10 of the competition, we were very pleased.

Next week we would go to the second Scunthorpe pony club bagmoor hunter trial.

Laura Salmon x

2007-10-07T19:30:00.000Z

23RD SEPTEMBER 07- HILL HOUSE UNAFFILIATED SJ FINALS.

We had anticipated this show for a couple of weeks and and were looking forward, with Molly qualified in the green novice and novice finals and Jayde in the open finals we had it all to play for.

Everything was running late on arrival and due to my injury of my achilles tendon, i decided to put Jayde in the Novice Derby Championship instead and let leona take her in the Open Champs. Anyway we walked them round the grounds to loosen them up when it came to Light that Molly is petrified of Donkeys and thats what had been spooking her in that arena.

In the Green Novice Molly had one stop and in NoviCe Championship she went clear and then again in the jump off but it wasnt really Mollys sort of jump off course and she came 11th. Everything now running really late and darkness closing in on the non flood lit arena they decided to time the first round of the rest of the classes, i cant deny i was nervous but i decided to keep it steady to help me build my confidence back and it worked jayde put in the best round and went clear, jumping as and when i asked, unfortunately i was 0.28secs outside of medal positions but i Came 7th in the Derby Championship, now really dark Leona took jayde in the Open Championship which stood between 3'3 and 3'6 and had one rail however with only one clear in the class Leona and Jayde took Fourth place and won a medal too, a great day back for my first show!

The weekend after we went to sandtoft to practice for the hunter trial on ther 7th of october and i'll let you all know how that went later on.
Laura x

2007-09-25T08:31:00.001Z

BAGMOOR HUNTER TRIALS - 16/09/07-

On the day of the bagmoor hunter trials leona and i were entered in two classes, novice and open pairs, everywhere was busy, parking was a nightmare and the course kept being held up for accidents.

In the novice leona set off on Molly first and jumped a lovely clear round and went round the time section clean in 24secs, i also jumped clean round the solid part of the course and in the time section i went round in 21 secs however i brought down the 2 falling rails to have 20s added on to my time knocking me out of contension, however leona managed to place 3rd, which was very good out of 80 and i came 20th. Fab first round.

We set off positively into the pairs classes knowing that for molly it was the first time she'd tackled this course at bagmoor, so we took learner options at the first table, our strategy was to change so molly was infront at the water complex which involved jumping two barrells then a step in to a passage way of water and then followed by a log pile, infact it was jayde who dropped into the water first leading the way. the rest of the course was going well and jayde was getting bolder. we got to the drop and she leapt off it me loosing my reins, stirrups and balance, and eventually falling off landing on my heal, damaging my achilles tendon and resulting in a hospital trip and a spell on crutches. leona however carried on and cleared the rest of the course and kept the flag flying for our camp. Well done Leona!!! even Jayde and molly were fabulous. But would i be ok to ride in the hill house show jumping finals the next weekend?

Laura Salmon x

2007-09-15T08:06:00.000Z

MESSINGHAM PONY OWNERS FINAL SHOW 2007- 09/09/07-

Sunday the 9th of September, another show for us and we travelled as planned to messingham pony owners, the show field looked quite busy and the classes were running a bit late so we had plenty of time to relax and inspect before the competition.

We were entered in 2 classes each, the pairs class and the intermediate, for me if time permitted because i was working that night. It was our first pairs class and we weren't sure how either of the horses would react at the change over in this speed class, both horses went really well and we fought off 20 other pair teams to take sixth place, a lovely triumph for our first pairs together. I then had to leave for work leaving leona to jump molly and jayde in the intermediate. Molly went round ok and came back with 12 faults i think and jayde who is on form went round clear until the last fence which she breathed on and it fell. Quite a successful day and definately a confidence boost for this weekend.

This weekend i've gotten down to train Weds, where both horses were shod and i rode both of them jumping in the school, then after college on thurs we got down to take all 3 out and today i expect we'll be jumping or hacking out before going to walk the course at bagmoor at two.

I've been really busy since getting back to school with all the work i've gotten, and also ive been to the hospital to wear a heart monitor just for a ECG recording. But we're really hoping this weekend goes well for us, especially as we ride another pairs class.

Laura Salmon x

2007-09-03T09:14:00.000Z

MESSINGHAM PONY OWNERS SHOW 26/08/07-

Well after a long time i'm finally getting round to updating the blog, been really busy with work, Essays for college and riding of course, especially with the new term starting wednesday. The summer seems to have gone way too fast.

Well last sunday Jayde and I minus Leona and Molly went to Pony owners at messingham where we jumped only one class, due to the late running and i had to be at work for 5, Jayde went well and performed having 2 rails, one due to a skid which unbalanced her and the other was just a mistake on my part. what can you blame on a horse, but for her first show in so long not too bad.

I must mention that poor leona has gotten tonsilitus and is suffereing so we're hoping she'll be fine to show this coming weekends and to start college on wednesday. we've also had a scare with jayde this week we got a call to say she had an inflamed eye, and it was swollen huge when we checked it out thankfully after three days of saltwater bathing it has cleared up and her eye is just watering a little, but it was a really close shave.

Here's our schedule for the next few weeks.

9th Sept- Messingham Pony Owners Closing show

16th- Bagmoor park hunter trial

23rd - Hill House Showjumping Finals

7th Oct - Epworth Hunter Trials

So we're really busy over the next few weeks but its a good job jayde's so fit. Anyway i'll put some pictures into this entry.

Laura Salmon x

2007-07-24T14:10:00.000Z

A TRIP TO THE VET: 20/07/07 -

After Her injury in January this year jayde has required several check ups by the vet to make sure she is still healthy. Well on this Friday we drove her up to Swanbridge Vetinary Hospital, Hull for her to get a Scan and X ray on her leg.

We arrived at 11.45am just 15 minutes before the appointment was due and registered her only to find there was delays of about 2 hrs, as a vet hadnt shown up. So we were advised to put jayde in the stable which had been prepared for her and leave her and go off into nearby towns for the day. Jayde in her stable, Below;

We went for a mac donalds and then into a nearby town of Beverley where i got some bargains and last minute things for my camping trip to weston-super-mare for T4 on the beach which was fantastic, it was televised on channel 4. Then at 5 o clock we got a call to say jayde could be collected.

Having found nothing wrong with her leg only a splint, they said they were happy with Jayde's leg and she could be discharged straight away. They also advised to book jayde in for 6 months time for a final check up on that leg. We travelled home and put jayde and molly in there stables as jayde was still a little dozy from being sedated and it was going to be a wet and Windy Night.

We're going on holiday to Newquay for 10 days and then when we get back it will be very busy getting ready for horse shows so until then.

Laura Salmon x

2007-07-19T07:57:00.000Z

AN UPDATE FROM SOUTHDALE 19/07/07-

Hi it's been along time since i've written but i've finished off my year at college and have been riding jayde and working quite frequently so i've been struggling to fit it all in. I've been on several university visits too.

Tomorrow Jayde is off to Swanbridge vetinary practice for a scan on the leg that she injured preseason this year, so we will be spending the day there with her. They will have to shave her legs but i'm not sure what the judges at showing will think to a horse with its legs shaved.

I'm off on my holidays, from fri night to monday morning i'm off away for a weekend to go to t4 on the beach hopefully the weather should be nice because lately it's been awful for July, and then i'll have a couple of days training before going on holiday to the south for ten days. It gives me time to relax away from college work and horses, obviously the horses are the one i will miss.

So we'll be back showing 5th August and then believe its pretty busy right up to season close in december so i'll update you after that show again, because otherwise there'll be nothing to say until then.

Happy Summer 2007
Laura Salmon.

2007-06-24T17:03:00.000Z

HILL HOUSE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 24TH JUNE 07 -

Well knowing it was going to rain we chose very wisely to go to hill house indoor rather than crowle.
If you placed in the top 10 you qualified for the jumping finals in september... which was an aim of mine particularly.

Leona went in the novice 2'6 and jumped a nice clear round and in the jump off pulled some daring turns and came 4th and qualified for the novice jumping finals in september. then in the 2'9 derby leona had a bit of trouble with the water tray.

I took jayde in the intermediate 3'0 and she just had one down but i ended up turning a circle when i missed a jump giving us 8 faults then in the 3'3 - 3'6 she jumped fab just having one down and there was only 2 clears and we came 6th qualifying for the open jumping finals in september.

Also our friend Holly did well at Crowle today.

Talk to you soon

Laura Salmon x

2007-06-13T07:50:00.000Z

VISIT FROM THE EQUINE DENTIST AND A NEW ARRIVAL AT SOUTHDALE FARM... 11/06/07-

I had thankfully completed all of my exams and i had one last day of study leave before returning to class. This was the Day Robert Ruddy Equine dentist was coming to our stables to give the horses a check up.

Last time Jayde had the dentist she was really stressed so we had chosen to get Molly, Jayde and Jasmin (our little grey mare) sedated. Other horses at the yard were done whilst we were waiting for the vet. Jayde was done first and just needed her teeth filing as they were a little sharp, Molly had the same and jasmin had more extensive work done. They were all really sleepy Bless!!!

My grandparents had bought Jasmin for the dentist from her Loaners in a nearby village only we had in mind training to sell for Jasmin as it's mine and leona's dream career and we wanted to start young. So Grandad decided that her loaners could either buy her or we would have her back after hearing her rider wasnt very interested.

So Jasmin got to stay at our yard until any further decisions are made and be trained and she hasn't half got a jump on her. I'm going to check the horses tomorrow and ride jayde because Grandma and Grandad are taking a well deserved Holiday. And in the case of Jasmin i'll let you know what happens.

Laura Salmon.

2007-06-07T08:38:00.000Z

MESSINGHAM 102ND ANNUAL HORSE AND PONY SHOW - 03/06/07.

It was already boiling before we set off so there was no doubt that suncream and sun hats would be required we arrived with loads of time at half 12 to let the horses settle in with the trade stands, the fair rides and many other attractions including a vintage car show, the atmosphere was buzzing, the sun was scorching reaching about 25 degrees and after some time around the show ground, we decided to retreat to revising for our exams the next day, mine biology and leona's in maths.Jayde and Molly were looking great and just chilling in the sun, we knew we had a long wait because they were only on class 3 and we were in classes 7 -9, novice to open jumper classes.

After a wonderful day at 5pm Leona rode her first class which was about 2ft6, and she had two stops at a psychodelic filler but got over 3rd attempt and also had one of the skinny double down, 12 faults. But in all the classes many combinations of horses and riders were eliminated. Then i jumped first in the intermediate at 7pm and made a speed error coming into the skinny double knocking both parts down, leaving me on a score of 8, again in the intermediate leona had 3 down, and i decided to wait for the open, which was 3ft 6, and at half 8 i finally got to jump, but we were both tired and had 5 rails down disastrous i know but at least we had no stops, so that built my confidence alot, knowing she would go round bigger tracks now and she seemed to really enjoy it.

Due to the pending exams on the monday, we got the horses into their travelling gear, and left them with our grandparents and a friend who would take the drive back to the stables with them, our dad picked us up to get us home for some revision, and as there would be no meal prepared for us at home at half 9, we stopped in at Mac Donalds, before going home to shower, revise and sleep.

Monday morning we were all still knackered, and my grandparents, who didnt get in til 12am!! so they had the day off and leona and i went to school for our exams, mine went fairly well but leona seemed a bit unsure of what she had done, then on tuesday i had french and my final exam yesterday in chemistry,which all were reasonable. Molly's getting shod today and having a weekend off cos leona is of away with her friend. We'll next be competing in a fortnights time at Crowle Show or Hill House Equestrian so you can catch me there!!!

Overall, Messingham show this year was great fun and a great chance to catch up with some of our old riding buddies, the atmosphere and weather were great, and even our jumping was ok, compared to alot of other riders, but next year i would leave it later til arriving so there isn't such a long wait. i want to take the oppertunity to thank my grandparents and my parents for being a huge help and making it possible for us to do this,for this show and the rest of this season and previous seasons, Thank You. So Messingham this year was great and we'll be back next year. And I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

Laura Salmon x

2007-05-28T11:08:00.000Z

EPWORTH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE SHOW CROSS 27/05/07 -

It was raining and i mean throwing it down, but it was show time and not even the weather was going to stop me from trying to win and get my hands on the money. We arrived with little time to spare, we quickly registered our arrival at the secs office leona number twenty two, and myself number 19, i was riding at 1.03pm for the show jumping phase and twenty minutes later, for the cross country i only got on at 12.55pm in a bit of a panic but i managed a fifteen minute warm up because due to the weather everything was running a little bit late. at 1.10pm i went nervously into the ring, feeling ever so slightly cautious due to the ground been a little slippy, although i was only the novice phase with jumps up to 2'6 and xc jumps up to 2'9, and i'm used to going in the 3'3 classes i was still doubtful of my performance. It started off a little unsmooth and jayde was pulling but she settled down and turned it into the dream clear round, then i walked for ten minutes before popping the practice xc fence a couple of times to get jaydes mind into the next part of the competition. We set off strong on the xc course and considering how long it was only had two stops giving forty penalties overall, This left me and Jayde in the top ten finishing line.

Leona took molly, in for sj who really wasn't going to perform well in the down pour we was having and she got 16 faults, even though mistakes set aside it was a very stylish round, and in the xc leona missed out a couple of the more challenging fences leaving her with no chance of a high position finish. But we did all enjoy our ride.

A couple of days ago Leona recieved a letter saying she had placed in the top 30 of the region in dressage and had qualified for the Stonelege dressage championships, but dressage isn't leonas favourite discipline and she decided she wasn't going to be in the finals at willerby next weekend.

As for me after i finish my A level exams in 08, i want a gap year & i have decided i wanted to do something horse related for a year, to earn some money before uni, so an apprenticeship or yard work and so i can really concentrate just on jayde, showing and horses without any school work, which would be something i've never had the chance to do. I look forward to that. Anyway its the Annual 102nd Messingham show next week and i'm in the intermediate and open jumper classes, see you there!!

Talk to you soon
Laura Salmon.

2007-05-24T08:38:00.000Z

RIDING YESTERDAY...SCHOOLING AND HACKING....

Jayde is still looking a little bit under toned so i've been riding her alot to try and build up some extra muscle because i'm on study leave from school, obviously i'm working hard at home, riding and work, but this week i wanted to put some more into my riding and try and get Jayde a bit more toned for sundays show cross competiton.

So i flatted her for half an hour really concentrating on stopping her leaning habit especially in canter which made me use my leg, then i jumped concentrating on a straight approach into fences using barrels i'd layed down as a guide and then i took her onto the fields for some cantering before walking her back to cool her down.

Due to the slight obstacle of a 4 mile xc course, i took molly out for a long hack, incorporating, trot canter and gallop, i'm just trying to strengthen her a bit for leona, whos not on study leave, today me and my friend Izzy are going to ride and take both the horses out before the farrier comes at half 2.

Laura Salmon.

2007-05-21T08:56:00.000Z

EPWORTH EQUESTRIAN SHOWJUMPING - 13/05/07 -

Despite drastic weather warnings we made the 1hr trip to Ep Eq anyway where soon after arriving it began to rain. We could see that there would be a long wait until the intermediate and open horse classes so we kept jayde inside and we sat in the car eating our packed lunches kindly made by our grandma.

2 hrs later it was time to go and i was number 14. Jayde went well in the intermediate and we ended up in 4th place, pleased i was ready to tackle the open which also came well and ended up against one other girl in the jumpoff unfortunately i came 2nd rather than winning but also got my hands on some money. Quite a successful day all round.

Now i'm getting ready for show cross at Ep eq on 27th May, where i take part in a sj and cross country phase, i'm really looking forward to it, and now i'm on study leave from school, and about to sit my AS level exams in Biology, Chemistry, English Lit and French, i can also spend a little extra time getting jayde ready for the shows alongside Revision for school.

I Hope all goes well for us on Sunday.
Laura Salmon.

2007-05-21T08:53:00.000Z

MESSINGHAM PONY OWNERS SHOW- 06/05/07-

We arrived nice and early at the show where we were ready to win. Leona even bought some new travel boots in cerys for molly and grandma bought us each a whip, mines bright pink :-P
I rode first in the 2ft 9 having just 2 poles, seeing us out of the competition and in the 2ft 3 leona had 4 faults. Then leona took molly in her first 2ft 9 since willerby last year and molly went round with a couple down. I had to leave to go to work as i could see the open would be outside my time range but leona jumped it 3ft 3 and came 4th.

So i was really pleased with both our horses and us.

Laura Salmon xx

2007-05-21T08:47:00.000Z

HILL HOUSE EQUESTRIAN SHOW JUMPING- 29/04/07-

Another boiling day in the UK and another Showjumping competition for me and my Family. We travelled down to Hill House Equestrian centre for their competition in hope of winning some prizes.

Leona firstly took molly in the 2ft 3 class in which she cleared and then in the jump off went clear again and ended in 3rd place and then in the 2ft 6 class in which she came 6th having a pole in the jump off. So for Leona it was quite a good day.

I was a little nervous but jumping 1.15m in the practice ring but it didnt really go my way and in the 3ft i had 12 faults, all careless rails down and in the 3ft 3- 3ft 6 i had two stops at fences so it wasnt really my day.

But Family wise we had 2 prizes so it ended up ok.

Laura xx

2007-04-27T07:20:00.000Z

EPWORTH SPRING HUNTER TRIALS 15/04/07 -

Well the weather in England really has gone a bit funny hasn't it, i'm not used to competing in 20 degree + heat til july and August, so to have it in April is slightly bizarre. We arrived knowing our classes Pairs and Intermediate were about to start so we quickly went to register our arrival only to find there would be a 3hr wait in the boiling sun til our first class. So we kept the horses in the shade with plenty of water and a hay net. We waited around and we sunbathed and had some food and then finally it was time to prepare for our class.

We started off well in pairs clearing the time section until i missed a fence, i just didnt see it lol obviously the heat got to me so i turned around and jumped it but i knew that it cost us our chance of winning and later in the course i had a stop at a jump which i would never expect to be in it but after that we had a good home straight.In the Intermediate both Molly and Jayde cleared the time section and went out on the main course with a strong start however Leona and Molly missed 5 jumps out knocking them out of the competition and then Jayde stopped at one jump which i couldnt get her any where near so i went round it eliminating us too. But Jayde cleared every fence except that one so although disappointed i was kind of pleased too. i just hope that this weekend at Hill House EQ

it's not so hot!!!!!

Laura Salmon x

2007-04-27T07:13:00.000Z

PICTURES FROM BAGMOOR HUNTER TRIALS....

Above Jayde and myself
Below Leona and Molly

Laura Salmon x

2007-04-21T09:56:00.000Z

Bagmoor Spring Hunter Trials - 08/04/07...

The first real atmospheric event of the year on easter sunday, because when you are there everything buzzes, it was a lovely warm day.. we've been getting a few of those in England recently lol!

Leona took Molly in the Prenovice class, as she's still building up her experience and molly performed a lovely Clear round to come 4th place.
Then we both went in the novice which went rather well but both had faults, again a very fun day for all of us.

Laura Salmon x

2007-04-21T09:51:00.000Z

Epworth Club Training - 31/03/07...

Knowing we had alot of hunter trials up we scooped up the oppertunity to have a pre show practice on one of our local crosss country course so two weeks before the spring hunter trial at epworth we travelled there for some practice.

In our afternoon session there was only leona, another girl and myself so we made full use of this time to go over most of the fences there.

It was a wondeful day with lovely weather... who could ask for more?

Laura Salmon x

2007-04-21T09:43:00.000Z

Hill House Show - 25/03/07...

The Morning i got back from Belgium and literally into the country i was asked if i wanted to show jayde the very same day, although tired i wasn't going to pass up the oppertunity of winning something, or building my reputation, so i went along with Leona and Molly to Hill House Eq Centre 1 1/2 hrs away.
Leona Took Molly in the Green Novice class in which Molly did well, only having 4 faults after having a rail down, and then in the Novice Class she went clear but in the jump off brought two down, but a very tired Molly still pulled in 8th position.

The i took Jayde in the 2ft 9 Derby which included a massive water tray and i was really nervous about how jayde would take it after a not so smooth warm up, but Jayde did really well and took me over it fine, just having one down at the double combination.

Afterwards i was completely Knackered so i allowed Leona to jump the Intermediate Class on her which is 3ft - 3ft 3 and Jayde took this all in her stride and came 6th overall.

A Fairly Successful day for all 4 of us.

Laura Salmon x

2007-03-15T10:12:00.000Z

A CHANGE OF PLAN....

After getting the times to ride at sykehouse we realised we wouldnt be able to get there so unfortunately we pulled out and moved on to a more local jumping competition at epworth, to jump 2 small classes seen as jayde and molly havent jumped since december.

Although the trailblazers dressage is all over for our family we carry on been positive anyway took jayde in first class and she was really good and we came 5th overall, and then in the next she jumped brill too and tapped a pole which came off the cup on one side and balanced on top of the pole below it so just four faults for that.

Anyway Leona then jumped Molly who was quite lazy but she got round and did fairly well in both classes. I think Leona is riding both Jayde and Mol in trailblazer jumping this sunday at Willerby however i won't be there as i'm off on the return visit of the belgium exchange, so for now take care.

Laura Salmon.

2007-03-09T09:48:00.000Z

WILLERBY HILL 2ND ROUND COMPETITION.....

On Saturday we had an early start knowing that Leona was riding at 9.52am and i was at 10.06 am, so we had to be up to get ready for Willerby, and the atmosphere was good and everything was cleaned and carefully prepared.

Leona when we got there only had 15mins to warm up and was soon in arena one ready to perform the test prelim 16 but Molly was feelingg quite lazy and didnt give much impulsion and leona scored 54% and came 21st.

I was fairly worried how Jayde would go, as she had only been back in work 10 days and these competitions need much more time to practice than that. but in the warm up ring something clicked and she came good, in the arena i felt it went well but not well enough to have qualified as we had a couple of mistakes which didnt seem like big ones to the ordinary untrained eye but i knew they were, but we still got 63.5% and came 13th place.

No qualifications but for me and jayde quite a successful trip and we have sykehouse on sunday to try and make our last attempt to get through, wish us luck.

Laura Salmon x

2007-02-27T12:47:00.000Z

MY LESSON WITH TRACY....

Last night after college i went down to the yard (which was very muddy) only to dsicover i had no jodpurs lol, so i had to ride in the jeans i was wearing which was mmmm different, especially trying to fit my chaps and spurs over them.

i was expecting Tracy at 6 so saddled Jayde up at quart to and got on to work her in and practice before she got here, but as normal she was late and didnt turn up til half 6, jayde was leaning on her left shoulder quite badly at first but to try and improve this we practiced turns on the haunches which helped with that a little bit, after settling her down in the canter we took Jayde through prelim 16 the test for the weekends regional finals and Tracy thought it went rather well apart from eveytime she struck off in right canter she was on the wrong lead so we spent the rest of the lesson practicing this, and Tracy advised we concentrated on this in training for the rest of the week until the competition. Overall we were all pleased with Jaydes behaviour in the lesson. And molly spent another relaxing night in her stable doing nothing as leona couldn't be bothered......

Laura x

2007-02-26T09:48:00.000Z

Good morning,

i wasn't going to post this morning but i thought i would let you know how the weekend went.
On saturday Jayde was much better and seemed to enjoy going through Prelim 16, and we got quite far on with it especially seen as it rained heavily, as always.
And yesterday we managed to learn the test completely, and trained alongside Leona and Molly. Jaydes leaning in quite badly on her left shoulder, a result of her injury, however i'm hoping an hour with Tracy tonight at six, which will hopefully sort it out.

I'm really getting quite excited now, remembering how i love the show season spring - autumn. I would of liked a little more training time but it can't be helped and we're going to do our best. Will probably post once more before regionals, but don't hold your breath, i'm very busy.

Laura Salmon x

2007-02-23T10:13:00.000Z

A QUICK UPDATE....

I got down on Wednesday night as you know and Jayde was really full of herself and i mean really, so put her on the lunge and that didnt manage to get it out of her Tracy is really busy so cant get her until next week, so we've almost cut out all of jaydes energy food, so shes on 75% bulk, to try and settle her.

i havent started learning prelim 16 yet, which is quite a worry, but i will definately start this weekend whether jayde is misbehaving or not, then i have to learn prelim 13, for the Sykehouse Regionals a week later, which hopefully we will be in better form.

I can't get down today but my grandad is putting her on the lunge for 20 mins and taking her out which will hopefully keep her well, until tomorrow when we are doing extensive training, 20 mins on lunge and at least 1 hour of practice and the same on sunday... if i dont have a hangover.

The willerby entries are all filled in and are waiting on the kitchen side to be posted, which i will do tonight and then i have to get the sykehouse ones filled in, i've forgotten how busy Shows make you all through the week not just the day itself of the day before! i need to wash jaydes mane and tail and plait her up next friday....

Anyway so long...

Laura Salmon x

2007-02-21T13:26:00.000Z

BACK ON THE BALL......

Finally yesterday i got back on a very hyperactive jayde, she was lovely in walk but her trot has somewhat to be desired, so i stuck her on the lunge to get rid of some of that excess energy, she had a really good buck lol. but settled down, when i got back on her she was lovely. then i hosed her leg down for the 2nd time she has ten mins twice a day before and after exercise.

The vet is giving her a check up today when she gives Molly her flu and tetanus jabs, and i'm catching the bus from school to the yard so i can give her some extra training to get as good as possible before the 3rd & 11th march, regionals. I'm also hoping to get a lesson with tracy on the next 3 fridays for additional help with jayde.

so i'll let you know how jayde is either tomorrow or friday.

Hasta Manana

Laura Salmon. xx

2007-02-18T13:57:00.000Z

GOOD NEWS JAYDE HAS RECOVERED FROM HER INJURY...

it's been more than a month since i last posted but i've been so busy had my exchange student marie over before that and on a skiing trip for the last week so i didnt have the time, Jayde is fine and back into her training programme which is just as well seen as the regionals are only 2 weeks away, we are doing prelim 16 and we reallly need to get the entries off and learn it.

Jayde's leg is still slightly swollen but the vet said she's fine to resume into her normal training and she's wearing boots in the field for protection, shes definately full of energy and things will be back in full busy swing on tuesday.

i just can't wait i'm so excited 2 regionals in consecutive weeks before i head off to belgium the other way and when i return it will be already mid season, actually i think its going to be a good one.

Laura Salmon x

2007-01-17T13:55:00.000Z

TODAY I THOUGHT I'D QUICKLY POST....

To let you all know how well Jayde is doing, the swelling has almost gone completely and the 26th doesn't seem impossible however due to a belgium exchange the competition on the 3rd of feb is off, however here's a tinkle into my schedule so far-

March 4th - regional finals at willerby

march 11th regional finals at sykehouse

April 15th- Hunter trials at bagmoor park

anyway i have to go because i have double english literature now, Take Care

Laura Salmon

2007-01-14T11:23:00.000Z

UPDATE ON JAYDE'S INJURY....

Hi it's two days since i last updated this blog, well i went down to see Jayde yesterday and her leg was looking a bit better, the swelling has relieved slightly and she doesn't appear to be in pain anymore which is always good. she's taking her bute through a syringe and her antibiotics in her food, which has had to be cut down not forage but concentrates due to her lack of work, i think she will definately be back in by january 26th in flat work and possibly jumping by the middle of march. So it's looking Good.

Well i'm staying home today to get my College work done, and chill out, because i'm working later but i'll leave you with a pretty pic from us in october at Willerby in the 75cm Qualifier (above left)

Take Care

Laura Salmon x

2007-01-12T20:24:00.001Z

VETINARY REPORTS FROM TODAY & TUESDAY...

As you know unfortunately my partner for the trailblazers jayde became injured recently and in the last week has made two trips to the vets. On tuesday Jaydes leg was still very swollen and she recieved a pain killing injection, antibiotics and but and booked in for a return appointment today. My grandparents made the trip with jayde because i was at school. The vet is pleased with the progress that she's made and has decided there is no tendon or serious damage which is a relief because when your best friend becomes ill everything goes through your mind, believe me, and she will stay on the antibiotics and but until the course runs out of course depending on how her leg is.

Tomorrow i will go up to the yard and see how she is, i'm hoping her recovery will not be one which drags on because i am already missing riding her even though i am riding some of the other horses.

I will keep you informed.

Laura Salmon x

2007-01-09T14:38:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR...2007!

Well i hope everyone had a good xmas and a happy new year i did, but sadly i'm back at college now preparing for my AS levels.

Unfortunately Jayde is injured putting our training for the up coming 2nd rounds on march 4th & 11th back at least 2 weeks, she was taken to the vet today because she was in pain and her left foreleg was swolen round her fetlock joint, and the vet gave her a painkilling injection and some anti biotics to help the swelling go down, she said it is likely there is no serious damage or damage to tendons or ligaments and she has to go in again on friday for a check up,hopefully she will be back in work by January 26th, so keep your fingers crossed i can't deal with bad luck.

Molly is well and leona is putting a little more time and extra effort into training her until jayde is back in work i am riding other people from the yards horses which is always a nice change.

Well our first show will be at willerby hill on February 3rd, and i'm
hoping it will be a great opening and practice for what lies ahead of us in my last junior season.

Laura Salmon x

2006-12-23T11:24:00.000Z

SUM UP OF WILLERBY & 2006.

We arrived safely at Willerby hill at 9.30 am last sunday ready for a day of competitive jumping however unfortunately it was not to be our day, we all had a great warm up and because i was working i did 75 in stead of 95cms and heres what happened, jayde started off nicely but then had 3 poles down knocking us out and molly wouldnt jump a second part of double at all :-( then we reframed our minds for 85cms and i was first to go, jayde started off beautifully but as we turned for jump 3 the jump wasnt up! so i had to stop and no one knew what was going on so i looked like an idiot finally the jump was up but not on properly and jayde lost her rythym and we caught it we also had a nother pole down when she stumbled in the middle of the double, i wasnt exactly unhappy with this performance though, infact pleased at her efforts. Molly just basically wouldnt jump a huge spread burning her out of the competiton....

Now the horses have a rest until 14th jan or maybe the 3rd of February pending and its a good time to train and get ready for next year and the upcoming trailblazer second rounds which are ever on my mind. The low of the year for me was definately
August where we got eliminated in both jumping phases of a ode and only got 43.5% in the dressage, my lowest ever and the high for me has been coming 2nd in junior and 4th overall in a trailblazer qual with 64.5% and getting to those second rounds and a step closer to the finals.

it's been quite an eventful year to us but as ever the road to the finals next august goes on and so does my riding, Merry Christmas to all and a Happy new Year! i hope 2007 brings you all the luck you want & need as for myself, See you next Year!!!!

Laura Salmon x

2006-12-16T11:28:00.000Z

TODAY I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU WHAT GETTING TO THE FINALS WOULD ME TO ME.....

If Jayde and I get through to the finals at Regionals in March, i would be exstatic, it would mean all the hard work we have put in has paid off and i would be so pleased, i would finally of accomplished a good thing in my junior dressage year and it would make me the happiest person alive and behind all of this would be me and Jayde. Proud.

BACK TO NOW...

It's the day before the final show of the year 2006 and i'm hoping it goes out with a bang as we hopefully get to regionals in jumping 85cms/95cms. Today i'm going to really work jayde to give us as much chance at willerby tomoro and Leona will be doing the same, wish us Luck!

Laura Salmon

2006-12-12T14:11:00.000Z

RETURN TO RAINY DAYS....

it's afternoon on tuesday and it's rainy cancelling another training session with Jayde, so instead i thought i would come on here and update you about epworth club show, and about other bits and pieces.

Saturday 10th, Despite our concerns Molly was fine to go to Tickhill along with Jayde, It was a very icy and frosty morning and the wind was very chilly, so we had to go slower than anticipated, so it took us 2hrs + to get there meaning we missed the pairs relay. But we made it for our team with Elaine and Emma and Leona and I. Jayde jumped a lovely clean round and our team came 6th! and So i decided to Gymkhana which was funny, but jayde was a star and took everything in her stride, flags, posts, swinging letters, and our team came 3rd. Then we was awarded the prizes and selection boxes and we travelled home back to southdale in under 2 hrs.

Sunday, it was raining again, so leona and i just lunged Jayde and Molly and they both went well even if molly needed more encouragement to move and jayde less, it was cold and dark so we fed them and jayde went in for the night.

Well today it's raining, only just brightening up and i have been at colllege this morning, doing my work, in French, Biology and English, and i intended to ride but the weather was so horrid i decided against it, and watched my fave tv show ever Strictly come Dancing and it takes two.

I will update you later in the week before we go to willerby hill this weekend to close the year.
Laura Salmon x

2006-12-08T09:34:00.000Z

first post of December!

This week i have been very busy with college work and reviews, not so much with work, but i've still been getting down to the yard often, as we have Epworth Club Christmas show at Tickhill arena tomorrow.

It's a 2 hr drive to Tickhill and Molly has come down with a cough but we are keeping our fingers crossed that she is fine to go and also that jayde doesnt come down with it too, it should be a great show with a good atmosphere.

I've got to get a map as we have never been there before but that adds to the pre show build up! My Grandma and i are off to lunch to discuss the plans and packing for tomorrow, she is checking molly out this morning and lunge jayde to keep her calm and fit.

well i'll update you all on sunday after the show.

bye for now,
Laura Salmon x

2006-11-25T16:00:00.000Z

WILLERBY HILL CHRISTMAS DRESSAGE SHOW & TRAILBLAZER QUALS....

Fridays session went not so well and i was very anxious about this mornings performance,in the warm up jayde was very welled tuned and listening for once and i felt really good about nailing prelim 10, i went in and smiled most of the time jayde was fab and we scooped a fantastic 64.54% and took 2nd in the junior section and 4th in the combined section, i won a medal, a rosette and of course my much wanted qualification...regional finals here i come yay! the rossette is red and white and gorgeous and says mey xmas on it lol.

prelim 14, molly went lovely and they looked great and leona got 58.52% and cruised in at 6th place and jayde not so polished this time got 56.54% and took 8th place, and those score cards and rossettes are in the post...

overall it's been a wonderful day and things are looking up for us....

Laura Salmon x

2006-11-22T10:16:00.000Z

TUESDAYS LESSON....IT DIDNT COMPLETELY RAIN FOR ONCE!

So, tuesday had arived time for some tuition once again.... and in our arena new flood lights have been put up so i expected her to be a bit shy aswell as afte having mondaY off but for the first 35mins she was unpredictable one minute she was complying the next she was going mental, and tracy took me through one of the tests but jayde was just messing around so TRacy got on her for ten mins to give her the business, when i got back on she was much better and we finished on a positive note. Tracy advised i cut her feed down and lunged her the days i couldnt ride...

So today my Gran is going to lunge her with side reins on for 45 mins, as i'm woking tonight all though it would appear i have caught a bug maybe the flu and am having the day off college, work is undecided...

On Friday i intend to ride her for 1h 30mins or until she settles down, so she is good and ready for saturdays competition at Willerby hill.

Laura Salmon x

2006-11-22T10:13:00.000Z

THE WEEKEND RIDING SESSIONS... SAT & SUN,

On saturday and sunday Jayde was much better behaved and i manged to run through the tests a couple of times which went relatively well, on saturday her canter was like a dream and she went fabulously well,
Hopefully the road for us is clear !!!!!!!

Laura x

2006-11-18T10:25:00.000Z

FRIDAYS LESSON WITH TRACY....

Well the weather disliked us again yesterday and in our lesson with tracy it rained and the wind blew but we carried on.

Having missed my tuesday riding spot with jayde due to obscene hours of working Jayde had a little too much energy and took ages to settle down.

By the end of the lesson she had calmed down and now we are focusing on the WH quals for dressage on the 25th Nov. We've sent our entries off today and i am doing prelim 10 and prelim 14 and leona just 14.

Today i am hacking her out before practicing dressage so it wont all get to her head too much, she has to remember she has her winter break coming up soon, so i need all the training and practice now for the 3 last competitions this year accumalating in christmas SJ.

Thats all for now

Laura Salmon x

2006-11-18T10:16:00.000Z

ROUND UP OF JUMPING AT WH....

On Sunday ~Morning we were up bright and early for trailblazers quals at WH, leaving the yard at 08.30 am, not really much to pack as we'd packed the car in the nights before. When we arrived after 1hr's drive, we went straight and entered. Molly in 75cms as a main class and Jayde in 75cms as a warm up. Molly went fairly well until she did a dead stop at the water tray and Leona managed to slip off. Jayde on the other hand flew round nicely but caught the rail on number 6! No quals there. Leona took Jayde in 85cms to get some experience of bigger classes and again Jayde had one rail down :-(. After that i went for my main class 95cms and Jayde jumped lovely over the first 4 jumps but then stopped at some wall fillers which was daft because she'd already jumped them and i ended up on her neck which knocked her confidence. After that she would jump it and it was the end of the road for us.

Not too disheartened we travelled safely home to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead of us.

Laura Salmon x

2006-11-09T22:02:00.000Z

TUESDAYS LESSON WITH TRACY.....

In my lesson on Jayde on tuesday with Tracy, jayde was really unsettled so tracy jumped on to help me out, but the end she had stopped having a hissy fit and complied to canter a 20m circle nicely, with longer strides, tracy was also confident that i would make it on the 25th Nov Quals, which was an extra boost of confidence i needed.

College closed early on wed and despite having to be at work for 5pm i managed to get 40 mins in on jayde and practiced keeping a steady rhythm in canter and i popped a few fences as a practice for sundays jumping qualifiers at willerby. In which i'm doing 2 classes, in which i need a double clear to get to regionals. She went nicely.

So i've spent the week doing the usual, college, working, riding every spare minute and now packing for this weekends equestrian event at WH. Every one keep their fingers crossed for me, i need to ride well and have no bad luck.

Laura Salmon x

2006-11-09T21:55:00.000Z

TRAILBLAZERS DRESSAGE QUAL 5TH NOVEMBER.....

When we arrived at willerby everything seemed fine and for once it wasn't too cold, but in warm up it soon became apparent that it wasnt going to be my day, jayde was rushing a round and it was taking me all my time to calm her and myself down, afte is stressed over a hair net.

Jayde went ok in the test but for the second part of the canter she lead on the wong leg which ended up seiously jeopardising our position, i came out with my confidence knocked and felt unhappy after all my hard work. Molly went well.

when the results came out i was expecting around 40% but a pleasant suprise as i got 57.72% unfortunately 0.28% under what i needed to qualify, leona on the othe hand scooped 7th place and a qualification to regional finals on 4th march with 62.72%.

On 25th november i have one more chance to get through and being so close this time and with another couple of lessons, i am pretty sure i can make it!

2006-11-03T21:22:00.000Z

2 DAYS.....

Well i've managed to crawl out from this endless world of work and homework and gotten to ride jayde and molly this afternoon, Jayde was fab and is looking a good prospect for sunday however Molly on the other hnd could have quite alot of improvement and hopefully leona will neaten her up a bit. I've just been so busy.

Jayde was shod on wednesday, so she's got nice shiny shoes on, no risk of them coming off from being loose. Tonight i've just started sunday's packing, and now i know when we both ride i can alter the schedule so it's more appropriate :-) I ride at 12.59pm and Leona at 1.06pm.

I have a whole load of college work to do but my main focus this weekend is making the 58% grade, so i can proceed to the regional finals!!! in March! So tomorrows going to be a lot of final preparation, cleaning, polishing and packing even more.

This is when it gets busiest for me...

Laura Salmon x

2006-10-31T19:38:00.000Z

LESSON WITH TRACY

today i had my dressage lesson with tracy at 2.30 - 3.30, firstly i worked jayde in and got her bending and responsive before Tracy settled us down and fine tuned some points of my riding as a whole. After Jayde was settled down we went through the dressage test step by step, improving each time and then unfortunately it rained! heavily! and i got soaked!! Tracy thinks we should get high marks for the trot part and slightly less for the canter, but thinks we have what it takes to get the required percentage.

I have some College work to get on with but firstly i need to write the weekends plan, also today my sister and i got a letter inviting us to Epworth Club Christmas show invitational, which is mainly fun class and things like teams and pairs which is always a nice season finale.

The farrier is reshoeing the horses tomorrow as Jayde's shoes are coming unstuck and we can't risk her dropping one at Willerby on Sunday, when it's probably going to be freezing, lots of flasks and warm rugs required there!

Laura Salmon.

2006-10-30T22:17:00.000Z

YESTERDAYS RIDES....

yesterday i did dressage with both Jayde and Molly, taking them through the tests and trying to smooth off some of the rougher parts, like the canter cross overs, i will get my trainer tracy to go through it with me tomorrow to cover it even more, and after my lesson i will apply the techniques to my riding with molly.

Finally the entries for the prelim 10 qual have been put in the mail box and the first big event will be on thursday finding out the times which we ride at on the sunday, saturday will be a prep day at southdale, lightly working the horses, plaiting up, and packing up the last of the gear to go to willerby. And sunday morning will be an early start, timing with not much room for error, so when we have these shows i have to write the plans for them on the monday or tuesday of the week before. if i get time i might write up one of these schedules on here, but i am working weds, thurs, and sat nights til 9, so i might not get the chance.

Alls well but busy at southdale, so for now

Laura Salmon.

2006-10-29T09:43:00.000Z

1 WEEK TO GO...

Currently there is one week to go until the dressage qualifier where i need 58% or above that doesnt seem to hard but depending on your horse it can be! When i rode jayde yesterday, i put her back in her snaffle and she went as well as she does in her pelham which is good. My main faults were the canter cross overs in the prelim 10 which i am working on and i really need to keep my legs very still :-).

Did i mention the photo above is us on route to coming second in an open jumper class!

I'm not particularly worried now but if the main faults aren't sorted by next saturday i may freak a little... I can always get tracy to help me out with the steps in my lesson on tuesday.

Talk to you soon

Laura Salmon

2006-10-27T18:26:00.000Z

ALL ABOUT TRAILBLAZERS....

Trailblazers is the biggest unaffiliated finals in England and holds it's prestigious five day show in August. Competitors get there by firstly qualifying through a first round by jumping double clear in showjumping and gaining 58% or more in dressage then, every centre holds a second round and depending how many attend depends how many go through, no more than 10 go through.

Jumping classes include
75cm (2'6)
85cm (2'9)
95cm (3'1)
105cm (3'6)

Currently i am involved with the 85cms and the 95cms.

Dressage involves these levels
prelim
novice
elementry
medium
and freestyle

And i am taking part in pursuing the prelim dressage series, wish me luck guys!

Laura Salmon x

below is jayde and i in a 75cms TB jumping Qual. if it works well.

2006-10-27T17:57:00.000Z

Hi I am Laura Salmon, Aged 16 From North Lincolnshire, UK. My one love is horses and i have decided to write this blog to share my passion, feelings, thoughts and experiences with the Equine.

Most riders have a great deal of financial support behind them and manage to own or ride five or six horses where my sister Leona, 15 and i only own one each. My Horse is Jayde, she's a 16,1hh 9 year old irish sports horse mare and completely black, she is the love of my life. Molly is a 15,1hh 5 year old welsh cob mare, dark bay and belongs to my younger sister.

Today I arrived at Southdale Farm early, at 8.30am to turn out the horses into the field, that's the other riders horses. I kept jayde up and decided to ride early. I took her into the arena for a session on the flat concentrating on keeping a good position and using my seat and it was fairly good but Jayde was a little discontented at the others enjoying themselves in the field whilst she worked. So i made the decision to hack her out and try and calm her down so we hacked through two local villages then back up the bridle way which leads to Southdale cantering and splashing in puddles having a great time. When i got back i decided to give Jayde a short break before jumping so i set up a bounce of small fences and 2 strides later a cross pole, knowing this coujld be somewhat fun and beneficial. Jayde had settled down in the arena and was really jumping well, this time her canter was in a much better rhythm and i was pleased

Hopefully when i ride her tomorrow she will show the same positive attitude and carry it through so my trainer Tracy can give us that push to get ready for the trailblazer dressage competition on November the 5th, when i am doing Prelim 10 qual and possibly prelim 14 qual and when Leona returns From Iceland and chooses her Class i will finally be able to get those entries sent off!

Will write soon

Laura Salmon x