Successful Day at Rowallan

We took Carousel Dreaming to Rowallan today to jump in her first ever BS 90cm class. In fact, she competed in two 90cm classes, the 90cm Open and the 90cm British Amateur Qualifier. She jumped nicely and finished 5th in both classes, qualifying for the second round of the 90cm British Amateur competition. Laguna Flame came too and he finished 3rd in the British Novice and 2nd in the 1m Open.

More Congratulations, and Incandescent Flame's First Foal is a Colt!

Congratulations to Linda Riley on the birth of a big, strong, healthy, chestnut colt last night at the civilised time of 7pm. He is by Incandescent Flame out of her mare, Piece of the Puzzle (Maddie). Although he is only a few hours old, Linda says they adore him already. What great long legs he has! He looks like he will be a bit of lad and a great mover.

Carousel Dreaming 3rd in 95cm

We took Carousel to SNEC last night for an unaffiliated practice before Saturday's BSJA show at Rowallan. She jumped really nicely and took 3rd spot in the 95cm class.

Congratulations, Picasso's First Foal is a Filly!

Congratulations to Shirley and Nicky Gray on the safe arrival of a gorgeous chestnut tobiano filly by our very own Picasso Kossack and out of Glyness True Colour. This is Picasso's first foal and to say that Shirley and Nicky are delighted is a vast understatement. I am delighted to say that I had a hand in this too (quite literally) as I inseminated the mare. I can't wait to see her. What a cutie!

Total Wipeout (of the opposition)!

We had a super result at SNEC today in the Discovery class. There were 45 competitors in the class and the competition was stiff. However, the Arabs prevailed and took 1st and 2nd spots. Laguna Flame led from the start and won the class. Ruby Shy came close, merely 3/100ths of a second slower but both of them 3 full seconds ahead of the horse in third place. The course was a 2-phase where the second section is against the clock, providing the first part of the course is jumped clear. Both horses jumped double clears. We are all very happy bunnies!

Carousel Dreaming got her 2012 season off to a promising start with clear rounds in both the 70cm and 80cm Opens at the SNEC BSJA Show today. Following the jump-offs, she finished 3rd and 5th respectively. Ruby Shy fared even better, finishing 2nd in the 90cm Amateur Qualifier, following a thrilling jump-off between 24 competitors who had made it through. She went on to narrowly miss out on taking the 1m Open honours. She had the fastest time, out of some very fast times, but tipped off the top plank. She still finished a creditable 3rd. Here is her first round in the 1m Open.

Ruby Shy Wins But Gets 2nd!

Ruby was awarded 2nd place in the Discovery at Ingliston today, following a double clear round. However, the horse that 'won' the class had 4 faults in the second phase. This went unnoticed by the judges but was certainly noticed by those ringside, including the competitor's family who were standing next to me and gave an audible gasp as the pole on the second element of the penultimate fence hit the floor. Not ones to complain, we graciously accepted second place in the class of 48 competitors. The 'winner' must know it was a hollow victory but, hey, that's life! Even judges can have a lapse in concentration. We know Ruby won the class by right and that's all that matters.