Yesterday we had a fascinating visit from world class teacher Yogi Breisner MBE. Harry Stock’s family had organised an early birthday present, initally as a surprise, for Harry and he was joined by Conor Shoemark and we invited our Chairman Jon Hughes and his wife to watch too. Yogi watched Harry and Conor on two horses each firstly warming up and then jumping around our carpet loop at the yard and then we took them across to jump the hurdles and the fences next to our straight carpet gallop.
What a worthwhile morning for us all – Harry and Conor, although already very capable riders, picked up more vital tips and thoroughly enjoyed it as did all of us spectators. The horses – Somewhere To Be, Cottersrock, Cup of Ambition and Good Tradition all benefited hugely too. Yogi is so interesting and we have talked to him about arranging for him to come back and have a session with all our team here over obstacles – as they all school regularly but will no doubt benefit from a session with him – and also an evening where he will come and talk to our owners too. I’m sure he will make that an informative evening but entertaining too as he has already shared with us some of his David ‘Duke’ Nicholson stories with no doubt more to come! Thanks to the Stocks for the idea and great that the whole team will undoubtedly benefit from it in the New Year too.
Mondays are hectic here and today was no different. Vet Jeremy Swan, Physio Maggie Turner and our Farrier Nick Partridge all in. We had a visit from owner James Fairrie as well to watch Dr Dunraven on the gallops. James was buzzing after watching him and delighted with how happy he looks and the feedback that Foxy, who rides him every day, gave him about his well being. He will hopefully run at Huntingdon on Sunday – fingers crossed as I hear snow mentioned… only my sons are excited about that word!
Conor Shoemark was in this morning and we schooled Spice Girl (Harry), Cul De Poule (Ash) led by Champion Court (Alfie) up the hurdles and then Champ led My Lad Percy (Conor) up the fences. It was Alfie’s first time up the fences and he is improving all the time with plenty of schooling and tuition – you’ll not be surprised to learn that he had a huge smile following jumping Champ up the fences – what a buzz he must give you! Surely no better schoolmaster! 2nd Lot Buckle Street (Conor), Twentyoneblackjack (Ash) and Pomme De Nuit (Alfie) schooled over hurdles on the grass and back on the loop Oscar World (Mick) and Weyburn (Harley) schooled. A successful morning with everything jumping well.