As I write this blog entry it is pouring with rain outside, windy and generally wretched. Not that I was wishing for a white Christmas (I'm sure that 99.9% of other equestrian people are also of this opinion), but some winter sun with just a touch of frost would be nice. Thankfully our fields are holding up well and we are still turning out daily, if only for a couple of hours for some.

We have remained steadily busy with training liveries and lessons over the last couple of months since I last wrote and have a few new family members to introduce!

Firstly we have Juice and Sunny, both of whom we acquired from Eve Johnson-Houghton Racing in Blewbury. We only went there to look at Juice (Mujood) but took one long look at Sunny (Rowan Sun) over his stable door and fell in love with him. So, we accidentally came back with two retired racehorses, both of whom are remarkably quiet (Sunny is horizontal, in fact) and extremely well mannered. Juice is currently for sale and we are waiting for Sunny to mature some more before we re-back him in the summer of 2012. So here is Juice taking part in his first ever dressage test (tinsel, mask and ribbon will be explained later!):

If you are a member of our ever growing Facebook fan club then you may have also noticed another new face on the team (not that we shouted about it or anything). It is, of course, the big and beautiful Casanova. Edward is completely enthralled with Nova and comes in every day grinning like a Cheshire Cat after exercising him. Our plans for Nova are still a little hazy as he has a lot to learn but hopefully he will be set to compete in the spring. However, Nova has already taught us a few things in the short time he's been with us - (1) He's so big that he can tip standing water out of the guttering above his stable door - my advice is to wear a mac if you are going near his box; (2) He's so enormous he can play peek-a-boo over the top of Sven's stable wall, much to Sven's annoyance; (3) Feed buckets are brilliant things to lob at passing dogs/people - a standard safety issue riding hat is recommended.

Sven had his nose put thoroughly out of joint by Nova's arrival and has subsequently upped his dressage game. Long may it last!

In other news, the gorgeous little Leo (Hurston's Leonidas) has found a wonderful new 'forever' home and has settled into his new deluxe lifestyle extremely well. Not that we would have expected anything else from Leo. He really is in 7* luxury accommodation with his every whim catered to - we couldn't want more for him.

Morris has discovered the joys of drag hunting and is consequently a different horse. No grumpiness, no bad behaviour in the school and best of all, he is an absolute pleasure to hunt. So after he has won Badminton a couple of times and a handful of Olympic/WEG/European medals I think he will retire to be a hunt horse. This new, quiet Morris has been so receptive in the school that we are actually starting to put together a floor plan for his dressage to music for the Express Eventing qualifiers next year.

MORRIS HUNTING WITH THE BERKS & BUCKS DRAGHOUNDS

Finally, on Saturday 17^th December we held a Christmas Charity Dressage Competition (hence the tinsel etc on Juice, above). I would like to thank all who participated, supported and gave so generously to the cause (The Emile Faurie Foundation ), including Infineum UK , who sponsored the event. The winners were:

Antonio Gatti on Hot Brandy - Winning the morning section with 77%

Izzy Hocking on Tamera Bay - Winning the afternoon section with 73%

Caroline Howie and Wizard's Puzzle - Winners of the hotly contested Fancy Dress Award 

In total, we raised £485. HUGE thanks to all involved!

So, I'll stop waffling on now and leave you to have a wonderful (and likely, wet) Christmas from all at HDE and…..

ROLL ON 2012!

Well, the leaves have certainly started turning and the light is definitely fading earlier and earlier, which can mean only one thing… autumn is on its drizzly old way. All the horses here at HDE are looking fabulous, though, and are performing superbly in their respective spheres.

Sven has had a relatively quiet summer chilling out, contemplating the complexities of being a superstar dressage diva and getting psychologically prepared for a busy autumn and winter competition schedule with Edward. Showing that he had not lost his touch, Sven managed a fabulous 64% at Inter I upon his return to competition and is now aimed at Inter II before the end of the year.

Sven - looking ready as ever

14.2hh - just turned 12 yrs old

Westphalian - Chestnut Gelding.

Fun PC pony has been to Senior Camp twice, on PC teams for Eventing, Dressage and SJ, draghunted  lightly past two season. Has 4 BD points and has been a member of U21S Dressage UK

Easy to do, no vices, easy to load shoe, clip etc.

Sensible & Safe

Good in Traffic and with Farm Machinery etc.

A loving home is essential for this very capable chap.

Price - £6250

07860669161

The last few days have been truly action packed for everyone at Ridgeway View. Jolly successful too!

On Saturday 16th, Ali and Jesse headed off to Ascott Under Wychwood BE90 with Supporter Z (Rudi) and Miss Bella Brightly(BB). The rain was relentless in the morning, but luckily both Rudi and BB's times were quite late on in the day, so when the sun came out at about noon we were all very thankful! BB did an immaculate test to lead her section on 27, and Rudi produced an excellent test for 23. Both showjumped well, but in a 'baby' moment, BB had one down. Fortunately her lead in the section was enough that she could afford a rail. Both horses then excelled themselves XC and flew round inside the time. Rudi's 23 and double clear put him into 2nd place (not bad for his first affiliated event in 2 years!) and BB only went and WON!! Clever ponies.

 BB flying into 1st place!

On Sunday 17th Edward made the trek down to the West Country with the Craven Pony Club Dressage teams for the area qualifiers. An extremely good day was had by all, but we need to mention Breanna Howie and Biscuit in particular, who WON their intermediate arena (Breanna is only 12!) and has consequently qualified for the Pony Club Championships at Draycott House. Clever, clever girl!

Tuesday 19th brought more success for HDE clients - Edward joined the OBH Pony Club Dressage teams at Badminton, where most were placed and Chloe Webster won her arena.

Joey (3* event horse Carry on Joseph) is out for the first time since April on Sunday 24th, doing a couple of tests at Hunters Equestrian with Morris. Koko will be going to East Soley 2000 to do some dressage and Morris will be flying round Wilton Intermediate on 31st (fingers crossed for the ground!).

I hope that you are all enjoying a successful summer too and that we will see you at Ridgeway View soon!

For Sale: Miss Bella Brightly (BB)

Seven year old, pretty dark brown mare, 16hh.
Has done a bit of everything but really excells in the dressage arena. Esablished at Novice level with BD points, ready to move up to Elementary (started lateral work and esablished simple changes through walk). Well schooled and very easy to ride on the flat.
Lovely scopey jump, and XC schooled. Entered up for Ascott-under-Wychwood in July.

A pleasure to have on the yard, great to shoe, box, etc.

Would make fabulous RC/PC all rounder.

£8500.00 ono (plus VAT)

Currently in training at Hurston Dressage & Eventing.
Please call Edward for more details: 07949 931948 

It always seems like we start these blogs off by saying how busy we are... No change this time! Edward is flat out teaching and competing and Ali is riding too many horses to count at the moment. When we get a moment to breathe we will announce some more clinic dates.

Edward had a fabulous first outing with a new ride - Miss Bella Brightly (BB - currently for sale) owned by Jane Gwillim-Davies - at Novice and will continue to campaign her until she is sold. She is a smashing little horse with a lovely personality and will make a fabulous little dressage horse for someone. We will get some pictures of BB up on this page soon.

Leo (Hurstons Leonidas) is growing into his huge neck and shoulders now and had a great first outing of 2011 with Edward for 65% at Novice, without even being pushed! Both BB and Leo are next out at Hunters on 27th April.

Sven (Korenbloem Santiago) had his first outing of the year at the Winter Dressage Nationals Petplan PSG Finals - a huge ask considering neither of them had been out at this level since August. They produced a good test for 9th place overall. As always Hartpury put on a great show and we had a fabulous day. Sven will be contesting the Premier Leagues at PSG, Inter I and Inter II throughout the summer.

Morris went out at BE100 Open level for his opening event of the season, having not competed since August due to the wedding and the big move. He was really rather feisty in all three phases as he was so excited to be at a party again, but behaved beautifully and won the section on a fabulous 25.5 dressage and double clear. No rossies for Morris at Goring Heath Novice though as Ali wanted a steady clear XC to go all the direct routes ready for stepping back up to Intermediate in June.

Rudi (Supporter Z) has recovered from his operation last summer and is fighting fit and ready to go eventing again! He is out at Mattingley with Koko (Koko Dancer), who has been a star this year so far and is jumping beautifully, so watch this space!

We need to welcome our newest member of the team: Zoe Abbott joined us in February as a full time groom. Zoe will be doing her BHS stages, being tortured weekly during her lessons with Edward and doing much of Morris' fitness work, as well as all the general yard duties that Edward and Ali no longer have time to do!

This weekend brings Badminton Horse Trials and huge excitement as Team HDE go and support and cheer (very loudly) for Team Tapner. Edward, now nicknamed 'Tanker' by Paul (Taperz), has been helping Paul with his Badminton dressage preparations on Kilfinnie II. SO GOOD LUCK PAUL!!

That's all for now - Happy Spring Time!

14hh 7 years old British Riding Pony.  Celebrity is a striking bay gelding who is good to load, travel, shoe and handle. He is happy to hack both alone and with company.

Celebrity has three stunning paces and has been placed at un-affiliated dressage. He was also shown in-hand as a youngster by his previous owner.He has started jumping at home and shows great promise and has attended several pony club rallies over the winter.

Celebrity is a young superstar in the making who requires a confident knowledgeable rider to bring out his full potential. He has a lovely temperament and although he does crib, this has had no adverse effect.

Five star home essential for this lovely boy.

£3500 ono

Tel 01865 326465 /07880993676

16 hh, Bay gelding, 5 year old, IDxTB, excellent conformation.

We have had an absolutely manic couple of weeks here at Hurston Dressage and Eventing. First, on 10th December, we moved to our beautiful new premises in just outside Wantage. It is fabulous to finally be here but there is a lot of work to be done! The ponies have all settled in extremely well and are all snuggled up for the winter in their thickest rugs, lots of hay and lovely thick beds. We do have to wait until the ground thaws out before we can separate our huge fields into smaller ones for individual turnout. Hopefully the school (a whopping 60x25m all weather!) will be started in January. All VERY exciting! In the mean time our horses are all benefiting from the incredible hacking we have here - direct access onto the ridgeway - and a covered walker.

We do have a few more stables here than at Petwick so do have limited spaces available for livery. Please get in touch ASAP in the New Year if you would like to come and have a look around.  

The following weekend, 18th December, Edward and Ali got married in Surrey and were meant to be heading off for a fabulous honeymoon in New York, but sadly due to the snow flights were cancelled and they detoured to the New Forest instead!

This weekend obviously brings Christmas and with it comes family, friends and lots of food! We will update the blog with developments here at Ridgeway View over the next few months.

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year from all here at Hurston Dressage and Eventing!

Job vacancy:

Part time staff member required to join our small, friendly team. Possibility to go full time next year.

We are looking for a reliable person to take sole charge at times of our expanding competition yard. Own horse, accommodation, good rate of pay and training offered to the right person after trial period.

The successful applicant will have relavent experience of yard work, handling and exercising fit horses and turn out to a high standard.  

Please call Ali on 07712 776321. No texts please.

Koko, our little ex-racehorse, has completed the first stages of her retraining. She has recently been out and about doing dressage and show jumping and winning a few ribbons in the process! Here are a couple of pictures of her at her first outing where she achieved a fab 69.4%.

We have had a great summer here at Petwick Stables. Firstly we would like to say a HUGE WELL DONE to all our clients who qualified for and did so well at the Pony Club Champs - you all did us proud!

Edward has been out competing with both his boys (Sven and Leo) with great success. Sven is fully qualified for the Meduim Winter Regionals, but also the Petplan PSG held at the Winter Dressage Champs in April. He has also achieved 62.89% at Inter I and is raring to go at Inter II. Leo has been out at Novice level and earned a couple of points at his one and only outing. He has now been castrated and is moving better than ever, so watch this space!

Morris had a great summer too, having moved up to Intermediate very successfully. Ali and Morris are now going to concentrate on honing their showjumping skills to ready themselves for the step up to Advanced (hopefully!) next year. Ali's new horse, Koko - a 15.2hh ex racehorse - is progressing fast and is booked in for her first dressage test later on this month.

Livery-wise we are currently full for the foreseeable future, but we may be taking on more stables at some point over the next few months, so as always, we can put any training liveries on a waitlist and contact you as soon as a stable becomes available.

Apologies for the lack of clinics this summer - with the amount of lessons, rallies and camps over the last couple of months we just have not had the time, but will get planning them ASAP!

We have had a very busy couple of months here at Petwick Stables, both livery-wise and competing.

Edward and Sven started thier season well with 3rd place in an Advanced and 7th in a PSG. Their next few outtings include Wellington Premier League and Hartpury CDI.

Morris flew through his first Intermediate with Ali, finishing 11th overall and is now aimed at the BE Champs in August.

We both have more rides in the pipeline and are working hard to get them ready for affiliated competition later on in the year.

We are now almost fully booked for summer training liveries, so if you would like holiday/training over the summer please get in touch ASAP to reserve your space. Similarly with lessons we are getting booked up a couple of weeks in advance, and with Riding Club and Pony Club Camps around the corner we are pretty flat out, so the earlier you can call/text us about a lesson the better!

We will also be announcing more training clinic dates shortly including further 'Racehorse to Riding Star' days.

Clients of ours are always looking for horses, and we also know of many horses for sale (usually before they are advertised) so if you are looking for a horse, or are selling please get in touch to see if we can help!

8yrs pretty bay mare
Came out of racing March '09
Has done lots of round work
Has done in hand shows last summer: she won and was placed in them, qualified for the Champs this October at the David Broome Centre
Jumps coloured fences, fillers, gates, grids etc.
Loves cross country schooling, very brave
No vices but not a novice ride
Good out hacking
Would suit a riding club home or would make a nice ROR show horse
£2500 OVNO

Please email: srozak@hotmail.co.uk

Welcome to our new blog - here we will keep you up to date on all the goings on at Hurston Dressage and Eventing (HDE) and list horses and other equestrian items for sale (a small admin fee - £1.00 per item - applies). To list an item simply go to our Online Shop and follow the instructions.

First of all we would like to say a huge WELL DONE to one of our most loyal livery clients, Emma Corless, who, with her horse Fitling's Essence of Honey (Esso) achieved a wonderful score at Advanced Medium last week. This is the product of very hard work and perseverence over the last 18 months. A fantastic result.   

Here at Petwick Stables, we have been amazingly busy since the snow finally melted, teaching, riding, training and competing. Our horses all look incredible and are fighting fit coming out of the winter.

Our clinics have proven to be extremely popular and get booked up very quickly, so if you want to take advantage of discounted lessons with Edward please see our calendar page for dates. The next one is Sundy 21st March.

Unfortunately we had a (small!) disaster on our way down to Kingston Maurward Advanced Medium Open Regionals, meaning that Edward and Sven could not compete. However, thankfully both horse and rider are fine. Sven is going better an ever and they are aiming at Inter I later on this year.

Morris, Ali's eventer, is now more than ready to go Intermediate this year, but first has two Novice Regional Finals to complete and hopefully qualify for the Festival of British Eventing. Fingers crossed!

We have had quite a few horses in and out for training livery, and are currently taking bookings for mid May onwards. At the moment we have a little ex racehorse in (Snoopy!) who is making fine progress with his re-training. Watch this space for pictures and further updates. Please call us if you would like to book your horse in.  

That's all for now, but check back for regular updates!