Events diary

Names	Event	Date	Info
Monty	Superstar!	2014	What a fabulous year it has been with Monty and I am so lucky to have such an amazing horse. He seems to really enjoy his training and defies his body shape and lack of natural athleticism with an enormous dollop of enthusiasm. He has achieved massive things this year, progressing from competing at Novice up to Medium all this year. Fingers crossed he is still up for more in 2015!
Chloe and Cadbury	Horsey MOT	Oct	Cadbury has seen various people to get him in tip top condition for his forthcoming fixtures and is currently enjoying a wonderful holiday, getting muddy and playing with his friends in the field. Fingers crossed for vet sign off to get back on!
Fi and Eva	Saddle fit sorted	Oct	With a new saddle fitted there will be no stopping them now! It will be lovely to see Fi back on again and Eva will definitely appreciate having something constructive to do!
Kate and Boysy	First proper jumps!	Oct	Boysy had his first proper jump training and loved every minute! He is a very exciting prospect and it is lovely to feel him getting stronger and growing in confidence. The jumping is also really helping him develop his canter.
Kate and Monty	BD Area Festival	Oct	Monty qualified for the Petplan Area Festivals at both Novice Open and Elementary Restricted. He worked in really well on both days and gained impressive scores of 68.55% and 66.64% coming 8th in each class!
Kate and Monty	BD Regional qualification	Oct	Monty has had an amazing season and is feeling do much stronger and balanced. he has moved up from getting a 72% Novice test to being ready to start going out at Medium. He has gained Elementary Restricted Regional Qualification in just 4 shows. Very proud of the chunky chap!
Justin	2 more stables available!	Oct	Justin has been working really hard with building a couple more stables to cope with demand! Lovely timber framed stables with an airy environment. Justin has also built a separate tack room to service the stables. Happy horses in situ!
Kate and Monty	AM Dressage training	Sept	We managed to fit in one more training overnight stop before the lorry becomes too cold to sleep in! Great fun again and really concentrated on improving Monty's hind leg engagement with him doing a good job of canter shoulder in on the second day.
Megs and Diva	Toomer Farm ODE	Aug	Diva is back and she's raring to go! Her first event after a bit of time off and she was well up for it, giving Megs a fantastic ride and coming first in her class. Lovely to see the pair back in action.
Just and Oz, Kate and Monty	Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show	Aug	Oz's second show and a great part of his training! The show was really busy and Oz was amazing with Just doing a great job of keeping him concentrating, coming fourth in the class. Monty on the other hand was naughty in his Novice Hunter Class, had eyes on stalks in the main ring, decided waiting around was boring and nearly ditched the ride judge!! Well sat. I think we may forget the showing career!
Kate and Monty	Moreton BD Area Festival	Aug	Monty qualified for the PetPlan Area Festival for the Novice Open class so we went to Moreton in Dorset. He coped brilliantly with the busier atmosphere and although we couldn't do a first warm up test, he was amazing and got 68.55% and came 13th out of 39 just missing out on the prize giving by .4%
Just and Oz	Mid Somerset Show	Aug	After a bit of practice in the in-hand bridle Oz went to his first show and although incredibly excited about the whole thing behaved well and came fourth. He looked stunning all clean and plaited!
Kate and Monty	Training with AM Dressage	July	Monty and I went away on a little holiday to Gloucestershire for two days training with Matt Frost. A fabulous two sessions which I feel has really helped us to progress and a fabulous opportunity to learn watching others ride.
Megan and Sindy	Tweseldown One Day Event	July	Only their third event together and every time Megan improves. After a last minute emergency alternative dressage test re-learn, Megan managed to keep it together and finish on a very respectable 40 points with one pole rolled in SJ and a lovely clear xcountry round.
Boysy	Grown up and working!	July	After taking it really slowly to start Boysy in his work, he has taken to being ridden without a care! He is such a lovely character and so far seems totally unfazed in his work. Fingers crossed the laid back attitude continues!
Zeus, Avril, Bee	Breaking and Training	July	It has been a busy summer with horses coming in for breaking in and training. All horses have been lovely to do and thoroughly enjoyable to work with. Zeus has gone on to a lovely loan home and Avril and Bee will be reunited with their owners soon.
Tanya and Cash	Kingfisher Equestrian	June	Tanya didn't ever think she would see the day that she and Cash actually got out and went to a show under saddle. What a fantastic achievement to go to the dressage show and do a willing test with some really nice comments from the judge. When's the next one?! Fab job.
Megan and Diva	Kingfisher Equestrian	June	Just to prove that Diva isn't past it and there is plenty of life in her yet, Megan took Diva out to the dressage show. In a very strong field they came a very respectable 3rd.
Jess and Kiwi	Ashton Show	June	Jess has been working so hard, preparing herself for trying some Working Hunter classes this year. She had her first go at the weekend and did a great job. Now with this experience under her belt, Jess can really have the confidence to go out again - oh and practice cantering in a snaffle!
Kate & Monty	Half Moon Dressage	May	The weather was definitely not up for a dressage competition today with gale force winds! Nevertheless, there was a good turn out and Monty is really showing more maturity every time we go out. 1st in N27 and 2nd N30 only due to stupid pilot error of course!
Megan & Cindi, Kate & Monty	Dorset showground showjumping	May	First time out jumping on grass this season for Cindi and first time ever for Monty. Really interesting how both horses were so different to jump compared to in an arena. Cindi was a lot stronger and Monty just downed tools! Studs required for better confidence next time but a great learning experience and both behaved well in such a buzzy atmosphere.
Megan & Cindi	Toomer Hunter Trial	April	A cracking round by Megan & Cindi, with a bit of dodgy scoring/time keeping by the officials! Finally all got sorted out and Megan was declared winner!
Kate & Monty	Wellbeck Dressage	April	First time at this venue and it was quite spooky! Monty didnt take to the banners in the arena well but worked through it and I was really please with how he went. Shame the judge didn't agree!
Kate & Monty	West Wilts affiliated Dressage	April	Have finally registered Monty so now is the time to get cracking! Got our first points and I was really please with how he went in the warm up especially as it was blowing a gale and snowing!
Megan & Cindi	Larkhill affiliated one day event	April	Megan did a great job of holding it together after a very excited Cindi did her own version of the dressage test and got a fabulous double clear. A very respectable start to their season.
Emilie & Dinki	Badgworth show jumping	March	After only a week, Dinki proved what great potential she has by jumping two fabulous rounds, finishing 2nd and 5th. More exciting times to come!
Megan & Cindi, Sarah and Mabel	Toomer Farm x-country schooling	March	Great to be out across country at last after such a long time due to injury and soggy ground conditions. A great pre-run for Megan in preparation for the season and a fabulous first experience for Sarah and the sterling Mabel.
Kate & Monty	Half Moon Dressage	March	A bit of education for Monty going out to his first affiliated show to see if he has grown up a bit! He could have worked better but did well enough and gave me a wake up call to make sure I warm up more thoroughly to get him more through. Thanks to Jane for coming with me in case of emergency!
Jess & Kiwi	Badgworth Show Jumping	March	Jess has really been working on her confidence with jumping and overcame her nerves to take Kiwi to a show. Three clear rounds later, she came back grinning ear to ear and is feeling great about jumping now
Megan & Cindi	Badgworth Show Jumping	Feb	Megan has been doing a fabulous job of building a partnership with her new horse and her efforts were rewarded with a clear round and just one rolled pole in the jump off for overall 6th place.
	New show jumps	Dec	The fantastic jump for joy show jumps have arrived! Should make life a bit easier as they will be lighter to carry and won't need painting. Who is going to try them out first?!
All of Orchard Farm	Christmas party	Dec	The indoor school was transformed with decorations and banners and looked a very fitting venue for our Christmas bash. Mulled wine and chilli kept the body temperature up as did some rather bad dancing!
Jane, Megan & Kate	Edge of Glory Tour with Geoff Billington and Oliver Townend	Dec	A really good night, great fun and the boys made a great comedy duo! The horses were all so talented and it was interesting to see their youngsters and remember the ones to watch for the future.
Kate & Fiona	British Dressage Convention	Nov	I finally got to see Valegro! Of course he deserved double gold. A fabulous day with stunning horses and a lot of ideas to put into practice. Remember as Carl says - training a horse is easy!
Foula and Circe	National inter-schools show jumping	Nov	Foula did a fab job of piloting Circe around the track, for the only clear round of her team. This was despite a very hairy warm up in the rather conjested arena! Well sat Foula!
New horse handling barn	The horse handling barn is now open!	Oct	The barn includes a washdown area with mats and a 'dry' treatment area for clipping/shoeing etc. Should make life a bit easier and keep the yard tidier and safer.
Zeus and Nooks	Training complete - for now!	Oct	Both horses really enjoyed their routine and work over the past 6 weeks, with Zeus proving the great potential he has as a lovely little show cob and Nooks engaging well with training and the first stages of ridden work. It is lovely to see them both return home as confident and willing youngsters. We look forward to seeing them back in the Spring.
Megan and Diva, Megan and Rocky	Toomer Farm cross country schooling	Oct	Both Megan's were eagerly awaiting their day at Toomer! Big Megan wanted to test her skills amd brakes post accident and little Megan needed to take Rocky through his paces.
Monty	All grown up jumping dude	Sept	As a typical youngster, Monty is weak in the canter, but as part of our jump training session he maintained a great bouncy canter throughout take off and landing on a 90cm track. He is starting to get it! Must start going out with him on a ticket
Megan	Back in the saddle!	Sept	After a nasty fall, which put a temporary stop to Megan's equestrian exploits, she is now firmly back in the saddle. Go girl!
Zeus and Nooks	Arrival at Orchard Farm	Sept	New recruits! Both horses are here for training to prepare them for a great future ahead.
Tango	Sold to a lovely home	Aug	With Tango's return to be sold, it was important to match up the right home for him, where he could continue to progress. Ryan and Tango made a great partnership and it will be lovely to see Tango increase Ryans' confidence jumping. A lovely success story of Breaking to new partnership.
Tanya, Kate and Tango	Kingfisher Dressage	Aug	Tango's first outing! He loved all the attention getting ready, loaded first time and was an absolute star at the competition. 69.6% and joint fifth in the first test and for the second test, Tanya competed in her first dressage test in 10 years, overcoming a few nerves to ride a lovely test with 60.9%.
Catherine and Harry	Kingfisher Dressage	July	Catherine has been working really hard over the past few months and Harry has really come up in his work and looks amazing physically. The hard work was rewarded at the competition with fabulous results - 3rd in Prelim 1 with best turned out and 4th in Prelim 7.
Kate and Amber	Ambers first competition - Half Moon Dressage	July	The time has come to take Amber into the big wide world! She was a dream to plait, loaded calmly and travelled well. She started tense in the warm up but then relaxed and got into her work, working in with at least 5 others. With some lovely work under our belt, it was our time to do the test - however, she had a frozen moment when faced with a new arena, white boards and a car! Lots of familiarisation to be done at home and then we'll go out again.
Lydia and Pippa	Pippa's new home	July	Pippa has found a lovely home with Lydia just down the road from here. She has got two friends to play with in the field and lots of grass! Wishing Lydia hours of fun and we look forward to seeing her back for lessons
Megan and Diva	Dorset Showground show jumping	June	Megan and Diva stepped up a gear with great success and entered the affiliated 3'3" and 3'6" classes. Diva jumped brilliantly and had just one down in the first class and then got a double clear and came third in the second class!
Kate and Monty	Mock dressage test with Helen Griffiths and Alicia Anderson	June	Monty had a very good try at his first Novice test, even getting a 9! There are areas for improvement but he gave it his best shot, especially the new movements. BD registration won't be far off!
Tango	Going home	May	Tango is ready and raring to go after his training camp. It is lovely to see him go home full of confidence and ready to start his career.
Megan and Rocky	Kingfisher show jumping	May	The difference in this combination is a joy to see! Megan had a really succesful day, coming 3rd in the 2'6" and winning the 2'9"/3'!! Well done.
Tanya and Cash	Training progression	May	Cash is looking amazing, really muscled and in great condition now he is back in work. They have been making great progress, hacking, schooling and jumping - all without a lame step.
Pippa and Tango	Jumping with a rider!	May	Both of the youngsters have been progressing brilliantly, really wanting to work and going forward. They both have proved their ability as future jumping ponies, taking it all in their stride!
Cherry	Megan's new horse	May	Cherry is a new project for Megan, to break in and bring on. She is very sweet and incredibly pretty. Diva seems a little jealous!
Megan and Diva	BSV Show at Wincanton Racecourse	April	Trying their hooves and hands at something slightly different, they entered the open working hunter class and finished third. Imagine what could have been if the feathers had been trimmed off ... Also third in the 3ft show jumping.
Megan and Diva	Toomer Farm Hunter Trials	April	First place in the 3ft! A truly amazing day, proving that this combination have really clicked and all the hard work Megan has put in has paid off. Fabulous!
Suzie Peacock	Biomechanics insight	April	Suzie has been over from the States for clinics in SW England and has been enlightening us all to her way of training, focusing on rider biomechanics.
Tango	Training camp	April	Tango has arrived for a few weeks of breaking and schooling.
Megan and Rocky	Show jumping day camp	April	Megan had verbal diarrhea after this day! Even three foot looks small she said! maybe Megan won't just specialise in dressage now!
Kate and Monty	Kingfisher show jumping	April	Monty is a fabulous little horse in the making - no confidence loss from last time. Double clear in the first class with sixth even with a slow trot jump off and just a plank tipped in the second class jump off
Megan and Rocky	Kingfisher show jumping	April	There is no stopping Megan and Rocky now! A really calm and consistent clear round, repeated in the class, resulting in fourth place. Excellent result and it just proves that you can do it Megan!
Megan and Diva	West Wilts show jumping	April	Diva demonstated again that she is really starting to get that show jumping isn't all about galloping! A tidy round and fast jump off ended in a great result of second place.
Catherine and Harry	OMG!! Topline!!	April	Harry looks like a million dollars after Catherine's hard work of slowly building up his topline and good old Orchard Farm grass! Competitions are now being scheduled ...
Tanya and Cash	Back on board!	April	The day Tanya has been waiting for! Cash is officially back in work and Tanya's smile is from ear to ear. Slow progression now is planned to really get him back up to full fitness and soundness.
Megan and Diva	Kingfisher Dressage	March	72% in the prelim with second place and 62% in Megs first ever Novice meant another progress step for this pair.
Pippa	New home	March	We picked up Pippa to start her new life as a family pony. Wormed, bathed and trimmed, she is looking more like it! Now starts the fun of humanising and training her to be a confident pony.
Megan and Diva	Toomer Farm Hunter Trial	March	After a six hour wait with very happy parents, Megan proved it was worth the wait, finishing second in a very crowded class - fab result.
Kate and Monty	Kingfisher Show Jumping	March	Really pleased with a very grown up day out. he worked in sensibly and gradually reduced his overzealous canter throughout the day! Clear in the 2'6" with a pole rolled in the jump off and clear in the 3' but a crashing fall in the jump off stole our thunder! Another learning experience ...
Megan and Diva	Cross Country schooling at Toomer	March	Diva was on fire! Clearing all fences with ease and with a controlled flowing canter. There are only two jumps left for the pair to complete at Toomer now!
Vicki and Cruize	Jump training with Hugo Froud	March	After a few months out of jump training, Cruize set to work and had a really good session, springing off the hocks much better. His first point to point race is planned for April
Tanya and Cash	Hoof re-modelling	March	Cash has now got a nice new looking hoof with his nasty crack having been drilled, sculpted and filled by the farrier. Onwards and upwards now Tanya!
Kate and Catherine	Conrad Schumacher clinic	March	A fabulous opportunity to watch Conrad train a variety of ridden partnerships. Lots of ideas scribbled down to put into practice when next on board. Watch out Harry and Blaze!
Kate, Catherine, Megan and Megan	Helen Griffiths flatwork clinic	March	We all really enjoyed our lessons with Helen and each of us felt that we had progressed and some good homework to get on with! Helen will be coming on a weekly basis.
Megan and Rocky	Pony club SJ rally	February	After a few tricky weeks and an intensive weeks training with Kate, Rocky proved to be the talented pony we all knew he can be! Megan rode in a lovely soft way and they had a lovely time. Keep it going!
Megan and Diva	Kingfisher dressage	February	Megan got a hat trick! A beautiful test in the first class resulted in three rosettes - 1st, best U16 and best turned out. The second class was equally as pleasing with a second place. What a dressage diva!
Kate and Monty	Kingfisher dressage	February	The weather made it a bit touch and go and plaits were rapidly banded in. Monty was fabulously behaved and managed to maintain the canter work in a balanced, if a bit speedy, way. Third with 65% in P7.
Justin and Justin	New rubber brick floor for the walker	January	Wow! the Justin's have come up trumps again! The walker is now better than ever with a new rubber brick flooring - great cushioning and grip.
Amber	Pole work	November	A major achievement for Amber - she is gradually overcoming her debilitating fear of poles and managed to trot calmly over 5 poles on both reins!!
Doughnut	Retirement home	November	The lovely gentleman Doughnut has arrived to enjoy his retirement years at Orchard Farm
Kate and Monty	Half Moon	November	A good day out with Monty behaving himself at a new venue. The canter 20m circles are still a bit unbalanced but had some lovely trot work in P1.
Megan and Diva	Kingfisher	October	Heading off to Toomer Farm for the last of the season (hunter trial) but when we got there, we could not get in - teach us not to prebook. Dashed of to Kingfisher to try some showjumping. Knockdown in the 3ft but pulled back to get first in the open. Good thing we keep my change of clothes in the lorry.
Kate and Monty	Kingfisher	October	I love this little horse! First SJ trip out at a new venue and jumped a fabulous clear round. Looking forward to many more jump competitions to come!
Megan and Diva	West Wilts EC	October	Only been to West Wilts once before and having a clear round cross country last time, meant I could not wait to go back. Super clear in the intermediate class with a fantastic result of coming 3rd out of 74.
Megan and Diva	B&SV hunter trial	October	After sat nav took us 30mins out of our way (grumpy mum) Diva and I managed a very respectable 7th place in the 2.9ft .
Megan and Diva	West Wilts EC	October	Went clear in the intermediate. Will have to sort out Diva in the time section as we need to slow down for the maze.
Megan and Diva	Pontispool	September	Again jumping clear at 2.9-3ft. Went for the long route to be safe but cost me getting placed. Came 17th out of 85.
Megan and Diva	Toomer Farm	September	We had a great time jumping around the red course which is 2.9-3ft. Had a hiccup with my saddle slipping so jumped the wrong jump.
Megan and Diva	B&SV pc one day event	August	Had a great day even though the dressage judge made a mistake! But still did two fab clear rounds in the show jumping and cross country and came 3rd on just our dressage score.
Kate and Blaze	South West inter-county dressage	August	Very exciting to be part of the Somerset team for this new competition. Blaze tried his best for me and coped really well with the flags and other arena paraphenelia to give two flowing tests.
Megan and Diva	Shepton show	August	My first big show didn't go too badly! After the bump in the warm up Diva and I went into the jumping ring and came out with only two knocked down, so very happy.
Kate and Monty	Stourhead Show	August	Oh dear, looks like the teenage tantrums are now upon us! Monty thinks he knows everything about shows now with 'why should I' about everything
Chloe	Back home	August	With a healthy heart beat scan and the all clear from the vet, we brought Chloe home. Only 10 and a half months to wait ....
Megan and Diva	Blackmore and Sparkford vale pony club senoir camp	August	I had a wonderful time at camp, riding twice a day and what a suprise we had a water fight! It was a small one, but it was still one.
Kate and Monty	Somerton Show	July	First time ridden off the yard could have been a bit dramatic but we managed to keep it together for a fantastic first dressage comp with 66% and 3rd place!
Emma and Monty	Somerton Show	July	With a five minute test run the day before, Emma did a fab job of keeping Mont in order for the in hand coloured class, with only a couple of slight wobbles!
Chloe	Pregnancy take 3	July	Fab news! The scan has shown a positive pregnancy for Chloe. We will leave her at stud until the heartbeat scan for safety and then bring her home
Megan and Diva	Banwell equestrian	July	It was a really good day as I qualified for Cricklands David Broome Event Centre, getting 63.75% in prelim 14 plus also coming 3rd in my class.
Megan and Diva	Naydon equestrian	July	Even though Isla was everywhere wanting to ride Diva,we still did our best dressage test ever, getting 68.63% .
Megan and Rocky	Up and running	July	With a thorough MOT of back and saddle, Megan and Rocky are well on their way of creating a solid partnership for exciting times to come.
Megan and Diva	congresbury horse show	June	What a day! it was boiling and full of flys but still got a 4th/3rd/2nd in the show jumping.
Chloe	Pregnancy?	June	Second scan confirms Chloe is not in foal. But hey thats nature! Trying again ...
Kate and Blaze	Half Moon Dressage	June	Somehow managed to dodge the terential rain showers with an ok test, although lacking impulsion at times. Finished fourth in E50
Jenny and Tiggy	Kingfisher Dressage	June	First time out in over a year and great success of a calm and willing warm up and test. Sets up a good foundation for more competitions this season!
Megan and Diva	Pony Club team show jumping	June	Another great performance from this exciting partnership! Despite the hammering rain and slippery conditions, the BSV team finished fourth overall.
Kate and Blaze	Stretcholt Dressage	June	First time at the venue and the rumours of spooky arena are true (think the green stool may have been the culprit!). Just about held it together to get 6th place in E43.
Belinda and Prelude	Stretcholt Dressage	June	After injuries and missed opportunities, they finally made it to a competition! Both had a happy experience and enjoyed being out and about again.
Chloe	First foal	May	Lots of driving around with frozen semen in the back of the car, late nights and scanning, we finally inseminated Chloe. Will she or won't she take???
Megan and Diva	BSV pony club show, Wincanton	May	Lovely show at a great location with megan riding a lovely class to come 2nd in the Working Hunter.
Megan and Diva	Wyle Valley Pony Club hunter trials	17th April	Great result after a very long wait! A cracking clear round with final placing 6th.
Lilly and Pudding	Pudding arrives!	11th April	Lilly's first pony has arrived! The cutest skewbald 11.2hh fluffy boy. Lots of fun to come!
Megan and Diva	Toomer Farm Hunter Trials	Sun 10th April	First time out as a combination across country and a lovely controlled flowing round. Plenty of potential.
Helen and Quienta	Kingfisher Dressage	Sun 10th April	Well done Helen - first ever test and competition now under your belt! Looking forward to the next one ...
Emma and Felix	Kingfisher Dressage	Sun 10th April	Emma rode a lovely test and suprised herself by enjoying her first ever dressage competition with people watching! Great result with 69.1% and overall 6th place.
Kate and Blaze	Half Moon Dressage	Thurs 7th April	Blaze relaxed better this time and did a tidy test with some lovely canter work scoring 7's. Final score 62.5% and fourth place in restricted elementary 50.
Megan and Diva	Kingfisher Jumping	Sun 3rd April	Megan found her brakes and came 2nd in 90cm and 1st in 1m. Congratulations!

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