I am delighted to be able to share the news that I have been selected for The Howden Way, British Eventing Tier 1 Talent Academy and Wesko Equestrian Foundation Young Eventers Pathway. A fantastic reward for our results in 2023, and an exciting opportunity for professional development.
Super Nova excelled at our first training camps, showing that her small size does not limit her performance! Afterall, she was one of the fastest horses in her in her first 4* at Aston Le Walls last year, where we finished in the top 10.
Camp number 1 was at Solihull Riding Club with the Wesko Young Eventers Pathway, kindly supported by Agria Equine. Philip Surl and Nikki Herbert delivered great training, and the camp was a brilliant opportunity to spend time with the other riders selected for the pathway. Greenhays Saint Ramiro, known as Ronnie at home, had his first opportunity to show everyone his superb talent and trainability. It was his first stay-away, so he came out very excited, but soon settled and worked well with the other horses. I am really looking forward to taking him out with Nova more often and commencing his first season eventing. At 5 years old, he is the start the growing performance horse breeding programme at Greenhays Stud. I feel very lucky to be starting the ridden careers of horses who are sure to excel at all levels of equestrian sport.
Camp number 2 was at the Hothorpe National Training Centre with the British Eventing Tier 1 Academy. Greenhays Elegant Mail, Evie at home, joined Super Nova for 2 days training. This high performance camp was action-packed, inspiring and incredibly helpful. The 4 hour drive home provided a good time to reflect and consider my training of horses now, and in the future. Philip Surl complemented Nova’s progress since he saw her the previous month, and our jumping rounds were faultless. Kylie Roddy and Andrew Fletcher delivered 3 action-packed flatwork sessions. It was clear that Evie’s natural talent will help her score highly in the future. Nova showed her experience with much improved flying changes. As riders, we were put through our paces in a strength and conditioning session. Specific strength and conditioning circuits will really help my training in the future, and provided a great insight into rider physiology. The horses also benefitted from a vet check and saddle fitting.
It will not be long before the 4 year olds will be joining the older horses at competitions. The winter provided an excellent opportunity to start their ridden careers and make sure they are calm and trusting ready to progress under saddle. Greenhays Captain Tom (Tom) and Greenhays Class Act (Theo) were excellent at their first trips away from home to Chard Equestrian, so I look forward to aiming them for the Burghley Young Event Horse class at Badminton Horse Trials in May.
Even more excitement! At the end of end of March, we look forward to welcoming foals from Super Nova’s recipient mare (embryo transfer) and Greenhays Reflect, both by Can Ya Makan.
I hope you are well, and looking forward to Spring and Summer. For more regular updates please follow my Instagram and Facebook.
Wishing you all the best,
Alexa