Getting through the difficult times.

So the season started as quickly as it ended. Both James and Holly were fortunate enough to be able to run some horses at Swalcliffe Park and Lincolnshire. The younger horses ridden by Holly started the weekend off showing much promise, Impressed owned by Tiny Clapham picked up a 5th in the BE 100, Don Diva also owned by Tiny jumped a beautiful double clear, sadly the fence judge felt he deserved a 20 pens at the water, very frustrating but that is sport. A quick turn around and both Holly and James headed off with the older horses who did not disappoint. The ground was not ideal so they both made the decision to run slowly. DHI Lupison jumped a fantastic double clear in the OI as did One Of A Kind with James, Mr Sneezy had his first run since Pau, he rolled one pole in the show jumping but felt fantastic XC jumping an easy clear.

Sadly due to the truly heart breaking situation that is going on right now with the coronavirus British Eventing have made the sensible decision to cancel all events for the foreseeable future. The yard at Windy Hollow will continue to operate, the whole team will be ensuring the correct biosecurity measures are taken to help try and prevent the spread of this horrid virus.

A few words from both Holly and James.

I am obviously devastated about the season already coming to a stand still, we all work so hard over the winter months preparing ourselves and setting goals and then for it to not have an outcome at the end is not easy, but saying that the health of every individual in our country is far more important. Being young, fit and healthy the virus is not such a threat to myself but it really does effect those who are older and those with medical issues that are around me. Their lives are far more important than our sport. As a community I really feel this is the time we need to stick together and support each other. The next few months are going to be tough on everyone. But together we can get through this.

Where possible I will be of help to anyone that needs it, wether that is shopping or just being on the end of the phone to someone who is in isolation and is feeling low. My phone is on 24/7, so please please do not hesitate to call. As a rider I will continue to train my string of horses so that they are ready to compete if that time comes. If anyone would like help with a training plan for their horses or advice with their training please get in touch and I will do my best to assist you.

The best advice I can give to other riders is to set realistic goals that you would like to achieve with each of your horses to ensure you are training in a useful way and that your horses are benefiting from it. Both James and I will remain active on social media sharing various training sessions we are doing with our string of horses to help give you all idea's.

Please stay safe and remember we will all come out the other side.

Holly x

I would be lying if I said I wasn't gutted about the season not continuing, but I know it is for the best and everyones health and well being is far more important. Being so far from home and my family at a time like this is not easy, but I just hope everyone stays as well and as safe as they can.

I was starting the season with the strongest string of horses I have ever had and I had big hopes for all of them. Putting that a side they are still on my yard and I am so fortunate to have such loyal owners who will still be supporting me when we get to the other side of this.

Their training will remain the same, I will still be working on improving them. I will back off there fitness slightly as we will not be going cross country, but it is a good time to continue ironing out any problems and improving them.

I am more than happy

to help others with their horses, so please drop me a message and I will do my best to offer advice and tips.

At times like this we really do learn to appreciate the smallest things in life.

Look after yourselves and those around you and stay positive.

James x