So we said a very prompt farewell to 2017… a year of ALMOST two halves (8 amazing months, followed by 4 months that went way beyond character building and I can’t wait to leave behind). As they say (or sing) “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…“

January and February were hectic months. When the team and I weren’t and about competing, we were busy ‘back at the ranch’ entertaining a yard full of very fit competition horses. With the seasonal weather deciding to be VERY seasonal, it all made for some rather interesting days.

We kick started 2018’s competition schedule on Wednesday the 10th of January, with a visit to Richmond Equestrian Centre, where our fresh ponies knuckled down and produced some super work and achieved some excellent placings. This theme continued throughout the first couple of months of the year; we enjoyed visits to Northallerton and Alnwick Ford. Whilst most of our outings were aimed at furthering the education and extending the experiences of our horses, I also had one eye on the up and coming regionals. There was a plan devised to ensure that each of the qualified horses had an opportunity to run through their tests prior to the actual competition. This almost ran like clockwork, however there was a small hiccup with a wagon malfunction en-route to Alnwick Ford. Thankfully both horses and driver were all okay and returned to the yard safely. Despite this, and the weather’s best attempt to disrupt our routines and plans, we were not to be defeated and ploughed on (through gritted teeth at times); Team Chapman are made of strong stuff.

The first of our two regional trips saw us trucking to Myerscough, where I took TCE Happy Boy and Inocencio DHI. They both behaved impeccably and I was really proud of their attitudes and work ethic. Towards the end of the February, we headed north (to Morris Equestrian Centre) with three horses on board; TCE Honneur, Freckleton Montbretia and TCE Shine a Light. This was a new venue for us, so it was a relief to find that everyone was most welcoming; we will be heading back there again. Each of the horses tried their hardest and reminded me how lucky I am to have such super rides.

Whilst National qualifications weren’t achieved, I have been reminded by many that it’s still only six months since I dislocated and broke my ankle, underwent surgery and excruciating rehabilitation (which is still ongoing). I am still awaiting further surgery. I have also to be excited by the fact that each of the horses that I had qualified were youngsters (with the oldest being only five.) So, whilst I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and trying not to be too hard on myself or dwell upon the ‘what should have been’. It’s full steam ahead now and time to work towards competing at Premier Leagues, maybe young horse classes and the Summer Championships, as well as continuing to get our amazing young horses out and about.

I’m looking forward to saying goodbye to the snow and welcoming Spring. Bring on March…

…Snow!

– Melissa Chapman

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