Miss Brodie prepares for Blenheim and Phil has his first BE80 coaching session at Breckenborough

July has been a relatively quiet month for me on the eventing front with only Kate Lyon’s Harry Robinson going out to competitions. He started the month at Aske Hall with an attempt at his first Intermediate but after picking up 20 penalties across country I decided to pull him up and save him for another day. He has since consolidated his Novice form with two good runs at Buckminster and Little Downham Horse Trials, gaining 5^th and 6^th place respectively. He now heads to Burgham International this weekend to contest another Intermediate. Alongside him Miss Brodie is making her return to competition in the Open Intermediate following her post Bramham holiday. She feels good and is ready to get going with the aim of the CCI3* at Blenheim in September. I will be rounding of a busy weekend of competition at Frickley Park with Abbie Boden’s Zafira in the BE90 open.

My five year old Bella Cruise, owned by LRD Electric has been busy putting in the hours SJ and XC schooling at various venues as well as competing at some dressage and jumping shows in readiness for her first event at Aston le Walls in a few weeks, hopefully followed by her first BE competition before the end of the month.

I have had my first experience as a BE80 coach this month at Breckenborough. As always Helen and Tom Bell put on a great event and the course was a perfect introduction for those getting into affiliated eventing. The concept of having the coaches on hand to help competitors and pass on advice is a great idea and one which those competing at the level should really take up.

I am now entering a very busy period of the year for me, teaching at several PC camps. This is something I enjoy, as it is where I started off with a non-horsey background and I love to inspire the kids to take their passion for riding as far as they can.

This month I will also be running a 2 day eventing camp at Killerby Hall Equestrian, details of which can be found on my Facebook page and website. I will also be competing at Aston le Walls, Shelford Manor, Somerford Park and Keysoe.

Until next month,

Phil