04/08/2026
It's been a while since my last update, so I thought it was about time to let everyone know what I've been up to over winter!
π΄ Rossie has been enjoying lots of hacking over winter, with the occasional schooling ride mixed in. My biggest focus has been building strength and developing his topline. Looking back to when he first arrived, he has strengthened so much already. We still have a long way to go, but I'm really excited about the journey ahead.
We also ticked off our first dressage outing together, bringing home a 3rd and a 4th. I've never really considered myself a dressage girl, but I really enjoyed the challenge and can definitely see us doing more of it in the future. Unfortunately, illness meant we had to scratch from the second day, but there will always be another show. I'm looking forward to getting back out there with him when the time is right.
Ross has enjoyed visits from Kim Dawkins Equine Sport Massage A holistic approach, Be Osteopathy, Northland Saddlery Services- Sylvie Webby, Bruce Peters (farrier) and Julian Greatorex (dentist) over the last couple of months. A big thankyou to all of you for helping him get as close to 100% as possible.
π€ Awa has been doing exactly what a growing youngster should be doing, being a horse! She's had a couple of quiet sits, but there's absolutely no rush. I'm enjoying watching her mature, and I can't wait for the day we begin her ridden career properly when she's ready.
π Bea continues to grow, not only physically but mentally and emotionally too. It's been lovely watching her confidence and maturity develop. Young horses certainly keep you on your toes, but they're incredibly rewarding when you give them the time they need.
π Bliss has probably had the biggest change of all. There have been plenty of moments where I've wondered what the future would look like for him, but I'm so excited to say he has finally found an amazing lease home. I truly think this is the right next step for him, to help him gain more confidence out and about with a younger rider and I can't wait to see what he's capable of.
π©Ά Luke is still happily enjoying retirement and living his best life as the world's greatest babysitter. He might not have done a lot under saddle for me over the years, but he's looked after his share of young horses and has more than earned his peaceful days surrounded by friends.
Outside of the horses, life has been busy with teaching and recovering from a pretty nasty few months of illness. As someone who likes to give 1000% to everything I do, finding the balance between work and horses isn't always easy. I love both, and I'm the type of person who always wants to give everything I've got.
So far, this year has been a good reminder that it's okay to slow down sometimes. After everything my body and mind have been through over the years π§ π¬ they occasionally remind me that I don't have to be running at full speed all the time. I'm learning to listen to them a little more, give myself a bit more grace, and remember that taking care of myself doesn't mean giving up on my goals. It just means giving myself the best chance to enjoy them for many years to come.π₯°
Bring on the longer days, warmer weather and plenty of horsey adventures. Im excited to see what the rest of this year has in store π
M π©·