I'm delighted with how all the horses have come out of their winter breaks this year and have got into such good shape so early in the season. They are all feeling stronger and looking fantastic. I'm a firm believer in putting in a huge amount of fittening work and trotting up lots of hills which we have great access to hear at Clarendon Park. All the horses pre-season training has gone extremely well and I am excited about the 2014 season ahead of us. I have help from Lizzie Murray on the flat with some of the horses which has been hugely beneficial which has had a positive influence to them all. Spring Prophet has been put on the Equine Pathway after his success last season and we had a great training day at boomerang last week. I also took Oakenhall True Star (Robbie) and Catherston Caractacus (Cactus). Lizzie was doing the flat lesson and Philip Searle the show jumping. Sadly the XC training was cancelled as the ground was still too wet at that time. However, I managed to get to Rosemund Green Farm with 6 of the horses the next day so we got our xc schooling in before the start of the season after all. Today we got to the first event - Aldon Horse Trials with Robbie, Cactus and a new ride to me this season, Copas. They all went brilliantly and finished on their dressage scores. Robbie and Copas were 2nd in very competitive BE100 open sections. I am delighted with how they felt and this is reflected in their results. We are back their tomorrow with three more in the open Novice and hope the good start to the season continues.
Rain fall can trigger growth akin to a spring flush, especially if temperatures are high. Even whilst true spring may be in the past, the risk for those prone to laminitis will rise.
For the second consecutive Sunday, presenter Adam Henson has discussed the use of sainfoin during Countryfile.
''Feed the mare to feed the foal'' - wise words from many an experienced breeder. With little grass due to the dry weather, grazing can be topped up in the feed bowl.