Like most people, Harriet has spent the past month adapting to a new routine. Read on to find out how she is keeping busy during the lockdown and how much she appreciates the privilege of outside space…   So, this month has been a very different one.

With coronavirus hitting the UK hard, everyone’s lives have altered dramatically. Life here at HMB Equestrian is a lot quieter but I am keeping the horses in work so that when things do eventually get back to normal we haven’t lost any ground.

Everyone has had to make a judgement based on their own individual circumstances but fundamentally I believe that keeping my horses in work is the best thing to do.

I have been working hard on improving myself during this time. I am a big believer that if I improve myself, it will benefit my horse. By focusing on doing the basics really well, the horses’ way of going will improve. After all, that’s the holy grail of riding, the basics done exceptionally well.

I feel lucky that I really enjoy the training side of things but I have to admit I am missing the thrill of competition and I am also desperately missing teaching. Helping people gives me a real buzz and I am missing the sense of satisfaction it brings when you have been able to really make a break through and help someone overcome an issue, help them get that little bit more out of their horse or just help people get their confidence back. There is no better feeling than when someone ends the lesson beaming from ear to ear and full of confidence.

With the extra time available I am continually making alterations to the cross-country course and we now have some new plants and decorative bushes to help frame some of the fences. Some of the existing trees have been ‘pruned’ to help stop them from blocking the view down the field. I use the word ‘pruned’ in jest as in reality they were dramatically attacked with a chainsaw so perhaps butchered would be more appropriate!

However, they look much better and I look forward to being able to see people 100% of the time during lessons, rather than them disappearing behind a large conifer at the bottom end of the field.

In the current circumstances I consider myself really lucky to have access to outside space and fresh air; I cannot imagine what it must be like for some people living in cities with limited access to green space and some in flats with no outdoor space at all.

In the middle of winter when it’s raining sideways and I can’t feel my face I will no doubt have to remind myself of the blessings of working outside but for now I feel thoroughly privileged.

Also, a massive huge thank you has to go to all the key workers, NHS staff, supermarket assistants, delivery drivers and people in vital roles who are forging on in the face of uncertainty and danger. We salute you!

In the meantime …stay at home and stay safe.

Harriet offers lessons in all disciplines using the fantastic facilities at her yard based at Granary Hall, near York. She has also developed the HMB Super Syndicate to make owning an event horse an affordable way for anyone to share the risks and rewards of horse ownership.

For further information telephone Harriet on (07795) 562745 or visit www.harriet-morris-baumber.co.uk