Paulank Brockagh loves travelling in style now
We've been flat out since my last blog and all the horses have been going well so far this season, young and old!! It seems that the winter’s hard work from Sam is paying off and all the horses are improving which is always very rewarding from the ground!! We've been all over the place so far and I am definitely enjoying the comforts of our gorgeous new Empire lorry, last Sunday we headed to Weston Park with four in the Advanced having left Dorset at 4am driving out of Weston Park at 8pm and I enjoyed every second of a steaming hot shower before our long drive home!!
We are now just over two weeks from Badminton and with both Happy Times are Paulank Brockagh heading there we are starting now to count down the days. I love Badminton (well I don't know who doesn't) my family home is about 15 miles from the estate and I went to Badminton every year whilst growing up, always wondering what went on behind the stunning arches next to the house. The buzz that surrounds the event and when you are there is pretty special and it certainly is everything and more than I ever imagined it would be like and certainly feel very lucky to have ever had the chance to groom there.
Lucy and I teasing Sam last year during our course walk as he could only just peep over this large drop into the water!!
It's very busy with two horses and certainly doesn't leave too much time for shopping (unfortunately!!) however I do always get the chance to walk to course with Sam and Lucy, getting to see how Sam walks each fence is always very interesting, however it’s very hard to keep my mouth shut and a straight face when you walk up to most of the fences on the course....they are fairly HUGE!!
After Badminton we are heading to Tattersalls, where I haven't been yet, but having heard lots of good things about the event and I am looking forward to my first visit to the Irish event!
Sam Smith live!!
A few weeks ago I enjoyed a rare 'normal' 24 hours and headed to London with my house mate and young rider Caroline Harris. She'd bought me tickets to go and see Sam Smith live for my birthday. We had an amazing time and enjoyed being out of the country for a day however we both we're looking forward to heading back to a slighter quieter more peaceful Dorset!
I then went on to go to Richard Meade's Memorial service, I was incredibly fortunate to keep my horse with Harry and Richard for almost six years whilst I was at school. I had some great times during my time there whilst I was growing up and spent endless days hanging around trying to be helpful and always getting involved with whatever was going on. Richard always took the time to help me with my horses whenever or whatever time it was and always paid huge interest in how I got on. I will be forever grateful for all that he taught me in my time at Church Farm and will never forget all that he taught me. It was a beautiful service that really showed what a great man Richard was and everything that he gave to the Eventing community and beyond during his lifetime.
With the season underway everything would be a lot harder without the support from Sam's sponsors. Turn arounds made easier with the support from Equilibrium
Sam and Lucy's second child is due any day so we are enjoying a slighter quieter time, well just a few less trips in the lorry for the next week just in case!! We seem to have been very lucky and had some hot weather, it’s so nice to have most of the horses living out and enjoying time out in the fields now its drier, let’s just hope the good weather continues!! We have a local pub just down the road from the yard and on nice sunny evenings after work we all hop in the car and head to the garden there for a sun-downer to end the day.
Well next time I blog there will be a new Badminton Champion, what an incredible year we have had since Badminton last year. However I am excited to see whose dream will come true there this year and I just don't think you can predict who will win it this year....
Imogen
Resting up after a long day at Weston with Happy Times
