Team TB is prepping for the autumn season with some rigorous training (both equine and human!) – and a new home’s needed for Cherry and Sebastian
Luke Perrett Photography
It’s been a quiet month for team TB – lots of training, with fine tuning of each phase as we look forward and plan for the autumn event season.
Wellington was our only event in the August diary – sadly a bad case of human tonsillitis for me means we are unable to attend. Instead we have turned our attention to Cornbury House for the International and Young Horse Championship, from 6th to 10th September.
We have had to say a sad goodbye to head girl Eve Mitchell this month as she moves back up north with her family. She left a hole in our team, but thankfully it was swiftly filled by Rodger, a Sicilian who has been working for Paul Nicholls in his racing yard for the last seven years. We are already benefitting from his experience and knowledge – he is an incredibly hard worker and brings lots of enthusiasm and motivation to the yard!
Time off
With such a quiet month in terms of competing it’s been vital to maintain the horses’ fitness ahead of their autumn schedule. They follow a strict fitness program, galloping for three lots of intervals every four days, as well as some serious hill road inclines once a week, which we do at a slow trot. This helps to strengthen the back end of the horses, making them really engage their muscles and building their top line as well as improving their cardiovascular fitness.
We also managed to have our first family holiday for many years, which was so relaxing. Mallorca was warm and filled with lovely food and wine.
However, this has meant I have had to increase my own fitness regime ahead of our next Internationals! I’m working out at least six days a week after work, splitting between long slow runs, short and fast 5km runs and sessions in the gym working on core, glutes and upper body strength. In eventing, the rider’s fitness is just as important as the horse’s – it’s not just them strengthening the back end!
Hopefully all the training will pay off at Cornbury House – both Freestyle R and Cor Y Taran take on the CCI3*s.
Cherry and Sebastian
We also have two gorgeous miniature Shetland Ponies back to re-home. Three years ago we rescued 11 of them, finding wonderful homes for nine and keeping Jack Jack and Bilbo as turn-out companions for the eventers. We find them hugely beneficial on the yard – and how could you not love them?!
Cherry and Sebastian, through absolutely no fault of their own, are now looking for a new knowledgeable home. If you think you have the time and the experience, please do get in touch 07478 339300.
I have been sponsored by professional photographer – Luke Perrett – I look forward to sharing his photography across the season, and we hope to join up with Blackfort Equestrian, my clothing sponsor, too.
Exciting times!
tootsbartletteventing.com
