Monday Morning....

Things were a little hectic to update everyone yesterday.

The good news is that I have completed my first 4*. Ginger had two fences down in the jumping yesterday, but despite that i am utterly thrilled with her.

The early morning began with a healthy leg stretch in hand for Ginger before she had her breakfast at 5.30. Then her legs were routinely iced while she ate while having a lovely massage for the blanket. I took her for a gentle stretch at half six to see how she felt. Perky...., really good news after the endurance day on Saturday. Trot up was at 9am which we sailed through. Then off to walk the course..... It seemed huge with lots of lines on related distances, not Gingers' forte. But all was to play for! I watched a couple of early rounds before heading back to the lorry to change. Meanwhile Alex had packed most things away and got everything organised so we could both watch the afternoon jumping session.

We were randomly selected for the dope testing by the FEI after jumping, needless to say Ginger did not oblige so we spent an hour in the stable before having her bloods taken. She even managed to roll, did not please Alex as she had her plaits in for the parade! Oops.....

We watched the final 10 horses jump in the afternoon when we had paraded in the main arena and I'm so pleased for Caroline Powell and Lenemore on their victory. It was much deserved for them and the MacKinnon family.

We have made it home in one piece and both Ginger and Cristal are having a lovely time in the field before Cristal heads to Blenheim on Wednesday.

All the horses at home are in good form and are having a day of jumping and schooling. Tomorrow we head for Weston Lawns with a lorry load for World Class training before packing and heading off to Blenheim on Wednesday morning.

While we have been away at Burghley, Wills Goodhew has joined us for the foreseeable future to come and see how we do things. He has brought his horse 'Fred' to come for schooling.

I also need to say a massive thank you to my crew on Saturday who helped to make things run so smoothly. They consisted of Fergus Payne (in charge on water bucket filling and general icing), Felicity Hook (washer off'er extrodinaire!!) and Tom McEwen (holder of the Ginger Ninja!). This meant Mum and the Walkers could watch and enjoy things. John Studd, the breeder of the Killinghurst family, also very kindly came to add his support to the cross country day.

Thanks must also go to Leigh Miller and Andy Thomas who help to keep me and Ginger on the road during the season but particulary during this week. My body is hugely appreciative of all the poking and proding they do!! I promise one day to be a good patient!!!!!

All can say now is ROLL ON BADMINTON 2011