Well in true 2018 form, any kind of plan I had for July completely went out the window!

Wallace sadly didn’t react to the treatment in his mouth as we would hope and it has been decided that it is best for him to have the remainder of the season off. He will be reviewed in September, but realistically won’t be fit to event again this year. He instead is loving life in the field getting fat – certainly have a very confused event horse on my hands!

With having to withdraw from several events this season due to all kinds of reasons it has given me lots of opportunity to volunteer. I think everybody who events, either at grassroots or the higher levels, should take some time to volunteer throughout the season, especially as the sport relies so much on us! Not only that, it really makes you appreciate the huge amount of effort that it takes to put on an event for us as competitors to enjoy.

Now onto more exciting news..! So I have spent the last two weeks based down south on a professional yard with Henry. I was given the opportunity to go, and with everything else seeming to go wrong I thought well I have nothing to lose. It has been the most fantastic experience, I have learnt loads, Henry has improved so much within such a short space of time. We came home on Sunday, via a detour to compete at Frickley. I have such happy memories from there last year with Finn in the 1* and once again it didn’t disappoint. Henry did a lovely test for 33.8, one pole SJ and clear inside the time XC to finish just outside the top 10, despite the torrential rain throughout the entire day.

I am delighted to say that I have been offered a full time job, so as of the 20th August I will be moving away to be based with Jeanette Brakewell. Henry will be coming with me and once Wallace has the all clear he will hopefully come too. It’s a huge change in circumstances but a fantastic opportunity that I am very excited about!

-Katy Mousdale

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