Horses & Politics

I've had a bit of an exciting week!

On Tuesday, we at Spike Media went to film the Socialist labour Party European Election Broadcast, which is always a pleasant job to do. We had a very tight deadline, which so far, with my nerves intact and only just, we have met, but we have used SO many tapes and couriers etc, I just hope people will vote on the 4th, especially women.

I have to say, the people we deal with in the Socialist Labour Party are delightful, and once again the weather was fantastic, which makes filming pick up shots easier. The sandwiches and cakes at the end of the day are always a bonus, so thank you Louise for organising that. A big thank you also to Ricky Tomlinson for giving us a copy of his autobiography, called "Ricky", a generous gesture and appreciated.

Sunday was a day off from editing politics, and I went with my friend Jacqui to Glenbrae Riding Club Open Show. I spent Saturday night plating and making Mum's horse Bombay look wonderful, cleaning tack - again! And generally trying to get my act together for an early start in the morning.

The sun shone all day for us, and the horses coats gleamed. All was well. I had entered two classes, Riding Club Horse and Riding Horse. Eventually, when I was tacked up and ready to go, I felt the Bombay getting a bit excited, but didn't think any more of it as he hadn't been out and about for a while. Got into the ring, and I could feel him coil up like a spring underneath me. I did think a smack on the bottom would settle him, but I also thought I could end up in the next county, so decided just to try and ride him out of this mood - he was exceedingly agitated. The photo above was taken a few seconds before he blew up and chucked me off!

The only excuse I can think of for Bombay's behaviour, which was totally out of character, was that he was reacting badly to pollen or whatever. He has an allergy problem which is exacerbated at this time of year.

Anyway, I didn't get back on board, as I thought he would repeat the performance and I had injured my shoulder when I landed on it. And to be truthful, I was a little shaken.

Jacqui and Annabel Lea had a wonderful day. They were placed first in the Veteran In hand class and forth in the Ridden class, which means they qualify for the Veteran's - whatever! Qualifying for the veteran's was he reason we were there in the first place. Annabel is 23 years old and looks much younger and her zest for life and work has not diminished.

Back to the PEBs, most of the English and the Welsh versions are being broadcast tonight. - Don't forget to vote on the 4th June!!

Bank Holiday Weekend

It's a hard life!

English Bull Terriers - What are they like! Fleur joining us for a coffee break on Sunday morning! She obliviously needed a rest after working so hard with the horses all morning - she should try doing some work instead of being under my feet all the time. Anyway, she made me laugh!

On bank holiday Monday, Jacqui and I went to Easterton Spring Show. I had planed to take Mum's horse, but I discovered on Sunday evening when I went to "pretty him up" and plat his mane, that he had lost a shoe! (Second time in two weeks!) So I rushed back to M&D's and dragged Ruth out of the field, washed and brushed her and left her in the stable over night for the show in the morning.

Ruthie has not been worked since July two years ago, as she was away being covered last summer. Well, what a wee star she was. She did a really good show for the judge, of which I'm really proud of her, she moved well and stood still! (Ruth is such a fidget.) She was place first! Okay, there were only two entries in the Registered M&M class, but she was placed ahead of a welsh section A pony - that is SO unusual to have a Dartmoor ahead of any shape of Welsh Mountain pony. I'm just thrilled to bits that she did so well, and I mean with her manners and performance. Is she a contender for Border Union DPS star show this year?

Jacqui and Annabel Lee did very well in the Veteran Horse classes again this year, both in-hand and ridden, and were reserve champions. Annabel was a little stiff in her off front shoulder, but that didn't seem to interfere with her performance. As usual, Jacqui had her turned out beautifully and the horse looked stunning.