Angel Gillott writes her first blog for Team Fulmart

So where do I begin guys… well  firstly my name is Angel and I’m now a Fulmart Feeds blogger.  Each blog will follow my personal journey through the horsey world, I will be talking about seasons, events, wins, thrills and spills, anything that will grab your attention!

Firstly, everyone knows the summer grass is coming through and we are getting to that stage now where the horses are slowing turning into large balloons as the summer grass hits, well this is what I thought would happen to Tom Tom (my horse) but turns out that’s not the case! Now most of you sitting here will think I’m the luckiest person alive to have a horse that you don’t have to worry about getting fat at this time of the year, well let me tell you now that is not the case… bearing in mind Tom Tom is 17hh TB x Irish draught and any work he does he puts on muscle and strips back the little fat he has, I thought this would be great seen as I was used to having an event pony that could live on fresh air but in actual fact it is more work than anything! You constantly end up worrying about keeping them at a nice weight and you don’t want to have to constantly bucket feed them with loads of feed and loads of grass because grass just means that when he comes in after hours and hours, his huge lips dangle from his chin and he stares at me with those sleepy eyes as if to say “mum I’m really tired and I’m going to bed, don’t even bother trying to ride me”, well this isn’t what I was expecting having a slimmer horse would be like let me tell you!

So after receiving the ‘Conditioning cubes’ and ‘Original Ryegrass’ everything changed, By using only 1 cup full of the conditioning cubs in breakfast and tea, not only has Toms coat become extremely shiny, he has conditioned his body fully and it still keeps improving, don’t tell anyone but it is a nice feeling when people ask you if you have used show sheen on his body but in actual fact it’s just the feed!  In terms of the Ryegrass, well his energy levels have improved massive amounts and I really mean it! I took him to Epworth for a nice training round ready for the BE season, dressage was fluent and calm, popped a couple gently in the showjumping warm up.  I got in the ring, the bell rang and he was so enthusiastic, clearing the jumps at 1.50m for a fast, clear round.  Soon as we hit the cross country he was cool as a cucumber and when we arrived back he had enough energy to go another two rounds.

Speetley BE100 open is next Saturday and we are so very excited, we would love to know what everyone is doing this up and coming month with their horses and if the summer grass has created and balloon pony’s around your ends!

 So until the next blog and adventure have a great month everyone and keep at it.

Angel

Dayton's preparation for Badminton Horse Trials shows early promise.

I think it's time for a little catch up again.

Things have got really crazy now at sjhorsesandponies, I've got so much to tell you all.

After my last blog we headed to Epworth to start our 2017 BE season.  What a fabulous event it was, with both horses placed what more could I ask. Dayton made it all feel easy and then my new ride for this season, Inola Smith's Upsalls Lorna, started our season together with a fabulous confidence giving run scoring a 29 dressage and double clear. I have to admit to going a touch fast cross country so getting reverse time penalties, she is just so quick and clever that I didn't even feel like we were galloping! Oops.

Lincoln was next... after Scylla D'Ouilleys (Ruby) car accident none of us envisaged her even competing this season but after the go ahead from the vet we brought her back into work and she felt as good as ever so I managed to get her a last minute entry.  The event was brilliant but the weather was freezing.  Ruby was superb, considering she hadn't even been to a show she did a good dressage to score 30 and the flew round double clear.  She is such an awesome mare and I'm hoping I can steal her from owner Rachael a little more this season. Dayton was on fire in the dressage scoring 25 but he was a touch to hot jumping as he had been on the gallops that week to get his fitness up for Badminton.  I think he thought he was in the national! So we finished just outside the prizes and with a bit of homework to do.

Next stop was Breckenbrough with my own and Neil's Fleur T (Blondie).  This was her debut and she was just fabulous.  I have to admit to having a huge soft spot for this pony and she confirmed how easy and talented she is by finishing 8th in her section.  She scored 29 dressage and had a very unlucky/green showjumping down.  She flew the cross country so she will have a quieter month now before running more in the summer period. Upsalls Lorna did another strong performance despite me making alterations to the dressage test.  She finished 7th with another double clear which was a relief as we had taken the decision to step her up a level the following week. The laugh of the event came at my expense... I forgot to unclip the air jacket, all I can say is I'm so glad Blondie is bombproof, quite literally!

I was disappointed not to get in off the waitlist with Carlensky, especially as I have entered my first Novice on her so feel I could use the run. Dayton put in a brilliant performance at Norton Disney to finish 3rd on his dressage score of 16, I'm sure I will never get to finish on a score of 16 and double clear and not be in with a chance of winning as the leader has already finished on a score of 11 - it was definitely a strong section! It was also a great day for a few of my clients, Kate Musgrave was first to get in touch to tell me she had won her first ticket to RIHS on her pony Charlie.  Kate is one of my regulars at Thornthorpe and after watching her in competition the previous week and feeling she should have won then I was thrilled with the news. Less than an hour later Carrie Pilliow informed us that she had picked up her ticket to the trailblazers finals.  It gives me as much pleasure knowing I've helped these guys achieve their goals as it does when I achieve my own.

We decided to take Carlensky mid week showjumping to Sykehouse as she hasn't been out in a while but she showed us she doesn't need the practise by winning the Newcomers with a lovely round. Kroon Freddie jumped his biggest ever track to finish in 2nd behind her.

Eland lodge was my last run with Dayton before Badminton and he felt brilliant, albeit we added a few moves in the form of walk to canters and a change in the dressage but he jumped his best ever double clear so with a few more training days planned we are feeling almost ready for the big day. Upsalls Lorna stepped up a level with ease, she scored her best ever dressage score of 24 and jumped a beautiful double clear round a very bold course, I really feel she is starting to trust me now and enjoy her job. After the 3am alarm and the fact that it was my first ever event self transporting the results were a bonus, driving and riding is daunting when you haven't had to do both before!!

Next week I head to Northallerton BE, we then plan some British Dressage and Showjumping outings before hitting the road to Badminton, I'm also taking Joanne Pullan's Kroon Freddie with us to compete in the BYEH class before he heads to Chatsworth the following week, as usual it's all stations go but that's how we like it!

That's it for now. I will write again in June.

Sam x

A gentle hack out almost ends in fatalities

It's been a couple of months since my last blog and much has happened in those few weeks. We had some great family time, it was Charlie's first Christmas when he understood what Christmas is and he got very excited about opening his presents.  He's grown and changed so much recently and is a proper little man now.  He helps me everyday and I can't actually imagine life without him.

After our break I was refreshed and ready for a show fix. All the horses were feeling and looking super. We did a few local stops at Arena UK, Vale View and Bishop Burton and with some pleasing results decided some dressage was also in order.  Epworth and Manor Grange made perfect venues.   I made the big step up (for me) to elementary on Dayton and true to his style he smashed it.  I feel we are established at that level and even in just a few shows I'm much more comfortable and already thinking that Medium isn't to far away now.  I do credit this to the hours of training and the correct method my amazing instructor has educated me to use, patience, practice and understanding is absolutely everything.

I've also enjoyed a few sessions with some new coaches; Caroline Moore really upped my game in my cross country training techniques and I'm now itching to try them out in competition; and Noah Brook also gave me quite a firm lesson on a training day at Somerford.  He really made me realise that I can do it when I trust what I'm sat on. I felt I jumped some real tough fences that day and actually did it technically correct rather than as a showjumper.

I have to admit to being a touch sad waving Ebolensky off for Spain where she is competing on the Sunshine tour with Matt Sampson.  We have had the best four years together and I'm pretty sure I'll never get a horse quite like her again.  She was an absolute princess but the time in her career had come for her to step up and she deserved the chance with the big boys and I know she will do me proud.

I have had one disastrous moment that I feel very thankful to have survived and fortunate that the horse involved is on the mend.  Scylla D'Ouilly (Ruby) and I were out enjoying a hack when we were approached by reckless drivers, paying little attention to the conditions, resulting in Ruby landing on top of one of their cars.  It was extremely upsetting for everyone involved; seeing your horse gallop off down the road bleeding is not something I ever want to witness again.  As she made off down the road I was relieved that she had all her limbs and they were working, but terrified at the same time as I had no idea where she was going or what damage she had sustained.  The car was written off and Ruby is still on box rest with stitches, cuts and bruises.  I feel thankful that she is still with us but I'm so angry with the drivers involved and their lack of respect for other road users, which caused an accident that was totally preventable. Ruby is a very experienced horse who is not easily upset or spooked!

As I write we are heading off to Helen Bell's for some cross country schooling.  I have lots of exciting and challenging ventures coming up this year and I look forwards to sharing all my experiences with you. The BE season kicks off in just two weeks time - it's scary how fast this has come around, it will be Badminton and the BYEH season on no time at all.

I'll be writing again in April, until then, that's it for now.

Sam 

New horses for 2017

Bella Cruise

 The 2017 season is finally on the horizon and things are in full swing at home to ensure we are prepared for our first runs of the year. Each horse has its plan for the season and I have been out competing at dressage and showjumping competitions to prepare them as well as starting to take them XC schooling. Harry Robinson has just had a solid British Dressage outing at Bishop Burton ahead of the regional championships in Feburary. He took 3^rd place in a competitive Elementary section scoring over 70% and we are busy preparing to compete in the Novice.

Harry Robinson

I am pleased to say that I have a new ride on a 2* horse called Comarcos Primero Naciado or Nobby, who will be owned by myself and some existing owners. He made a winning start to his time with me, taking top spot in the BS 1.15m at Bishop Burton earlier this month. Alongside him I will be campaigning in 2017, my current rides Harry Robinson owned by Mrs Kate Lyon who is at Intermediate level and Bella Cruise owned by Detech Europe at BE90/100 as well as my other new ride Barolo owned by Mrs Louise Knock who has currently competed to 1* level.

On the training front I have several days planned including an event training day at Killerby Hall Equestrian and two arena eventing training days at Richmond Equestrian Centre through British Eventing. 

That's it for now!

Phil

Horse of the Year Show is a dream come true.

Well with Christmas now literally just around the corner and only one more show of 2016 left I'm sat here thinking 'oh my god' where has this year gone?! It doesn't seem two minutes since I was sat in this very spot last year totally depressed and wondering when I was ever going to ride again due my my very poorly broken leg.  I'm currently sat reflecting on what has been a rollercoaster year but boy have I enjoyed it!! 

Do I want to do it all again.......   Definitely! 

Last time we caught up HOYS was my next stop. All I can say about that experience is 'wow' and as always Ebolensky was my absolute rock.  She took the huge occasion in her stride and jumped a beautiful round, it was so nice to have her back to her best.

A trip to Cyprus with Neil and Charlie was pretty soon on the calendar and I was more than feeling ready to put my feet up just not before Billionaires last outing of 2016 at the British Dressage Petplan championship at Houghton Hall.  With his outings running up to the championship I was feeling positive and in the collecting ring he felt amazing.  Sadly, I let the side down... I forgot a movement in the test.. I was devastated.  The rest of the test just felt like perfection and I really thought I'd blown it.  I was so angry at myself but luckily the three judges were impressed with our work and we scored a huge 74% and we won.  Our closest rival scored more than 2% less and considering my error you could say I was rather pleased.  It backed up my theory of what a special horse he is and what a lucky lady I am to ride such a talented gentleman.

On a slightly sadder note just before we departed for our holiday I had decided it was time to say goodbye to my faithful friend Ryan's Way.  He played a huge part in my career, my parents purchased him as a 3y/o for me when I was still in ponies and he was the first one I produced from scratch.  We had lots of ups and downs in our time together and he taught me so much but I felt that at 21 this year he wasn't getting any younger and winter was going to be a tough time for him with age not being kind to him.  It was my fairytale for him that he would leave us on a summers day, in the sunshine, from his field that he shared with his friends. It was the hardest decision I have ever made but as if to tell me I was doing the right thing the sun shone bright and he left me happy, if a touch stiff! Even now thinking of it makes me cry, he will always be my special boy 

Now where's that plane...

Two weeks seemed to fly by.  We had a fabulous time in the sunshine and for the first time ever I was not really ready to come home.  Tthe weather was glorious and playing with Charlie 24/7 was fantastic but as with everyone I have work to do. 

Since I came home the focus has mainly been on getting all the young ones in to a serious routine and work out exactly which direction they are all going in. 

Coon Freddie is loving his winter work after his break. He's very fresh and happy and has jumped double clear and been placed every time out.  He will be aimed at BYEH and BE 5yrs old classes and his owners have just placed another one of their exciting youngsters with me, Grafiba, who is an interesting prospect.  He's a big lad, standing at 16.3 at 3yrs old but he's gorgeous.  Dressage will be the focus for now as we don't want to rush him in the jumping phase, although he is looking every inch an eventing star.

Louise Abba has sent me a gorgeous prospect in her fabulous mare Gea.  This mare has jumped double clear and won and been placed every time out British show jumping and she made her dressage debut last week and won both her tests even beating my own Fleur T.  Gea is for sale and as much as the goal is to find her a new partner I genuinely love her and hope I get to ride her for a while to come yet. 

Moss Farm have have given me the reins on their lovely 4yr old Zambesi Girl and Bollywood. Zambesi Girl made her winning competition debut with me at Port Royal and I'm hoping Bollywood will be ready to be out in the new year.

I can't forget a small mention for the big guy, Dayton.  After a short chill time after finishing eventing he is now back in work and working hard towards the British Dressage regionals.  We have finally decided to take the plunge and to step up a class and this week we won both our elementarys with +70% scores.  This is a big milestone for me, coming from my previous showjumping background. I've had to work hard in the dressage phase, although I have had lots of experience in the novice classes but most of the horses are sold before I get to step them up.  I've also held off stepping up as I'm a perfectionist and I didn't want to let him down by not having the training in place that we needed.  I feel that waiting and training hard has paid off and it is a big credit to his owner who has been so supportive and helped us blossom into a great team.  Who knows one day I may be saying the same if we step up to medium.  Every time I step up a class I say 'that's it, that's as far as I go' so who knows.

With just that one more show to go before another chill out over Christmas I'm feeling positive about what may be to come in 2017.  With another fabulous bunch of horses to ride it's very exciting! 

I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas and new year and I look forward to catching up in 2017

Sam x

Some new prospects arrive for next season.

With the end of the season here I have been reflecting on my performances from the past few months, to decide what worked well, where improvements can be made and to make plans for next year. I like to make a main goal for the season for each horse and work back from there deciding which events they need to do in their preparation as well as any pre-season training competitions and with next year’s British Eventing calendar out already I am busy making loose plans for the horses ahead of 2017.

Barolo

Alongside Harry and Bella I have just gained an exciting new ride for next season in Mrs Louise Knock’s Barolo. Rolo as he is known at home was bred by Louise and has competed upto 1* level already. I also have on trial a potential horse to run under the syndicate, this horse has competed up to 2* level and I am still seeking possible syndicate members to come on board with this exciting opportunity.

Kate Lyon’s Harry Robinson has been busy with some British Dressage shows over the last month and I’m pleased say that in just two shows we have qualified for the winter regional championships at novice level. He has had some great scores over 70% and finalised his qualification with a convincing win at Northallerton EC last week.

The quiet time has also given me chance to get my owners and sponsors together for our annual end of season team outing to the Chinese. We had a great night and it is a fab opportunity for me to say thanks to everyone for their support.

Finally, Fulmart Feeds are running another competition to win a lesson with me at my yard in Scarborough or at Claxton near York.  If you're interested in entering take a look at Fulmart's Facebook page.  The competition closes on 10th December.

Until next time

Phil

Askham Bryan and Oasby Horse Trials complete the 2016 season

Bella Cruise at Askham Bryan Horse Trials

 The last few weeks have brought a great end to my 2016 eventing season with successful runs at Bishop Burton, Askham Bryan and Oasby. Kate Lyon’s Harry Robinson jumped a brilliant double clear in the Novice at Bishop Burton at the beginning of the month to take third place and finished his season in style at Oasby by gaining his first intermediate placing with eighth in his section. LRd electric’s Bella Cruise has also finished her season well. After a couple of inexperienced errors at more technical combinations on the XC at Bishop Burton she was on form in all three phases at Askham Bryan and feels like she is beginning to understand and love her job.

Harry Robinson at Oasby

It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster of a year for me with the main highlight being completing my first Bramham with a fabulous clear XC on the amazing Miss Brodie and obviously we've then had the massive low of her injury at Blenheim. All in all it has been my best season to date with some great rides on some lovely horses. I am so grateful to my wonderful owners as well as my family and team for making it all possible.

It was great to catch up with the Fulmart team at Askham Bryan horse trials. A big thanks must also go to you for keeping the horses fueled to do their job and looking in fantastic condition, your support makes a huge difference.

The forthcoming months will see me holding some training clinics while the horses have a short break before we start our winter training programme in readiness to be back bigger and better for the 2017 season. 

Phil