XC schooling....

Yesterday we had another trip to the fantastic facilities at Aston Le Walls for some more xc schooling.

I tried a new bit on RAYEF and he went really well, he likes to be in control so I now have him in a rubber snaffle!

Karen Huyten bought SANNAN VALLEY JUSTICE  along for me to school... I haven't xc schooled her simce 8th July but she was in great form.

COOLEY LORD LUX and COOLEY AGAIN came for another play, they were both very good and excited to be out xc again so soon!!

I schooled a pony called SMOKEY that I have in for schooling and he was very cute... I do love being able to still ride the ponies!!

The highlight of my day was having my first xc school on the new boy, PAMERO, he was electric! I hadn't even seen him go xc so was hoping he was as mega as his previous owner had said... and he was!! After the first little spin round, Yogi said to me "it's a good job its not a hot day otherwise you would catching flies with a smile like that!!"

A huge Thankyou to Emma Bearman who was on hand to take some photos for me....

Here is one of PAMERO...

And one of RAYEF.....

First XC school of 2014.....

Today we headed to Aston Le Walls for the first xc schooling session since the end of the 2013 season!
With all this wet weather it was fantastic to make use of Aston Le Walls new all-weather xc schooling ground.
Cooley Lord Lux was a bit nervous of all the other horses whizzing round in all different directions but he jumped great!
Obos Cooley was on brilliant form, he felt really established on his lines and seemed pleased to be out doing xc again!
Controe was having his first outing since 8th July so he was totally over excited but had a fabulous time! He so enjoys his jumping!

I gave Francesca Sargent lessons on Nankin and Cooley Again, she rode beautifully and both horses jumped fab!

Exciting times....

We have a very exciting new addition to Team Collett.... PAMERO 4.

Clive Smith (Kauto Star's owner) has very kindly decided to buy an event horse for me to ride. PAMERO 4 is a 7yo German horse who has competed in showjumping and a handful of events.

The main aim for this year will be to take him to Le Lion D'Angers for the 7yo World Championships.

PAMERO arrived last Wednesday and has settled in extremely well.... I can't wait to get to know him better and begin to build a partnership with him.

Last weekend I had a little trip to Ireland... I had an absolutely fantastic time hunting with the Fingal Harriers. Going hunting with Sam Watson and Ciaran Glynn seemed like a good idea before I went but I did have to 'grow a pair' when I saw the size of some of those ditches!!!!!!! Luckily the horses we were given were incredible and we could just leave them to it!
My visit coincided with the David Foster Injured riders' ball.... this was a great evening and the Irish really do know how to party!

I then headed off to World Class training for 2 days of dressage lessons.... RAYEF, OBOS COOLEY, COOLEY LORD LUX, NANKIN and COOLEY AGAIN were all very well behaved.
Angela Tucker, Nick Burton and Gill Watson were teaching and I now have lots to work on ready for the season that is just around the corner!!

NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!

Firstly I would like to apologise for the lack of updates.... I am making a New Year's resolution to keep my website updated!!

So much has happened since my last diary page.... The last update on here was whilst I was in hospital in July (shocking!!!), so I would like to start by saying a huge Thankyou to everyone who supported me through what was a horrific time! The support I received after my fall was unbelievable and kept me going!
I was so fortunate to be able to do my rehab at Oaksey House, the help I got from the team there meant I was able to make a very speedy recovery and pass the doctors just 6 weeks after my fall.... looking back on it now I know just how lucky I was to be back competing 7 weeks after my fall. My injuries were 2 broken ribs, a fractured scapula, fractured vertebrae, punctured lung and lacerated liver.... so it really was an achievement by the team at Oaksey House to have me back to full strength and fitness!
I know it sounds cheesy but I truly did have a fairy tale ending when Noble Bestman gave me a winning comeback on my first run back... I owe it all to my head girl (Felicity Roberts) who had him schooled to perfection for me!

The young horses were all turned away after my accident and I just concentrated on having a few good runs on the older horses to finish the season.....

Obos Cooley had a great run round Gatcombe CIC** and headed to Le Lion D'Angers for the 7yo World Championships, unfortunately we had to withdraw him after the dressage due to an illness.
Cooley Lord Lux jumped clear xc in his first CIC* and gave me a super ride round his first Intermediate to finish 9th.
Nankin-W won a novice section at Gatcombe and then finished 2nd in 6yo CIC* on his last run.
Allora 3 was absolutely brilliant when she was part of the winning Nations Cup team at Waregem CIC***, before heading out to Boekelo CCI*** where she was awesome again to help Team GB secure the Nations Cup series win.

In November I spent 2 weeks with my best friend in Dubai, this holiday was a much needed break! Team Collett moved yards in November and we are now based at Windy Hollow stables in Lambourn.
Unfortunately this move has meant that I no longer have the ride on Allora 3 and Noble Bestman, this news has been totally heart-breaking but I am very much looking forward to the 2014 season and a new start at Windy Hollow.

THANKYOU to all my sponsors and owners who have stood by me and supported me this year.... without all of them I would not be able to do the job I love.

Now I think you are all up to date with everything..... I promise I will do regular updates from now on!!!!!!!!

Laura x