Watching the yachts racing in the 2018 St Thomas International Regatta.
I was extremely fortunate to get away from the long long winter for three weeks to visit family and friends as well as soak in the sunshine and warmth of the Virgin Islands. I have commented elsewhere on the state of the islands following the two devastating hurricanes last September which is not to be taken lightly... the media did not exaggerate the hardships everyone endured and continue to face on a daily basis. That said the mood felt very positive and everyone was just getting on with fixing things up in true island style!
I was also lucky enough to take this time off in the knowledge that Panta was being cared for and trained during my absence by Adie and Andrew J. Murphy meaning he could continue with his work and development so we could hit the road running when I came back - so to speak - I really don't want to hit the road again... it hurt! Panta feels great and is looking fab. One aspect that concerned us all however was his saddle, kindly sent with him by Anneke but which, with his change of shape, no longer fits him.
Ellie Martin of Bespoke Saddles came with a selection of secondhand saddles for me to try and as luck would have it (It seems like luck is playing a big part in my life right now!) one of her own handmade saddles - very similar to the one I bought for Rhapsody - felt like it had been made to measure for me and Panta!! One more box ticked... Result!
While I was away Regine attended the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne and also the Chef de Mission meeting in Tyron for the WEG in September... which is now only 150 days away... eek... trying not to panic! The benefit of being jobless though means I have time to look into all the details that are coming through for the feed imports, veterinary requirements and accommodation. I have also been receiving press releases from the FEI which I have been sharing on my Facebook page - some interesting information is coming through. As much as I enjoy spending time on all things WEG, I seriously do need to get a job now!!
Panta and I did a little low key competition in the week to get us both back in the arena and he went really well. His paces have gone up a gear if not 2! We go to Hickstead next. Panta hasn't been there before so will be a very good outing for him to a new venue. Looking ahead - May is going to be a busy busy month with lots of training planned with Andrew... and today Spring arrived at last! Lots to be thankful for!
I was also lucky enough to take this time off in the knowledge that Panta was being cared for and trained during my absence by Adie and Andrew J. Murphy meaning he could continue with his work and development so we could hit the road running when I came back - so to speak - I really don't want to hit the road again... it hurt! Panta feels great and is looking fab. One aspect that concerned us all however was his saddle, kindly sent with him by Anneke but which, with his change of shape, no longer fits him.
Ellie Martin of Bespoke Saddles came with a selection of secondhand saddles for me to try and as luck would have it (It seems like luck is playing a big part in my life right now!) one of her own handmade saddles - very similar to the one I bought for Rhapsody - felt like it had been made to measure for me and Panta!! One more box ticked... Result!
While I was away Regine attended the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne and also the Chef de Mission meeting in Tyron for the WEG in September... which is now only 150 days away... eek... trying not to panic! The benefit of being jobless though means I have time to look into all the details that are coming through for the feed imports, veterinary requirements and accommodation. I have also been receiving press releases from the FEI which I have been sharing on my Facebook page - some interesting information is coming through. As much as I enjoy spending time on all things WEG, I seriously do need to get a job now!!
Panta and I did a little low key competition in the week to get us both back in the arena and he went really well. His paces have gone up a gear if not 2! We go to Hickstead next. Panta hasn't been there before so will be a very good outing for him to a new venue. Looking ahead - May is going to be a busy busy month with lots of training planned with Andrew... and today Spring arrived at last! Lots to be thankful for!
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