Over the last few weeks I have been busy taking the horses out and about to dressage and show jumping competitions to put into practice the training we have been doing over the winter. I have been really happy with how they have gone and very pleased that we can recreate the quality of work we have been doing at home in a competition environment.

Scooby has come back from his holiday at the end of last year far stronger and feels absolutely fantastic, which is great news for the beginning of the season. Simon is feeling very well and we are really starting to develop our partnership, and his jumping in particular feels awesome at the moment.

Chappy is a year younger than Scooby so I felt he would benefit from a little longer holiday to let his body mature and allow him to develop mentally as well as physically.  This has proved to be absolutely the right thing to do as he is looking amazingly well and I am looking forward to taking him to a few competitions in the next month or two.

I am very excited to announce that I have signed a new sponsorship deal ea.ST Riding Wear, a contemporary equestrian clothing company based in Germany and new to the UK. I have taken delivery of a whole new wardrobe of riding wear, from breeches to tops, jumpers, jackets and competition clothing too! The clothes are amazingly comfortable and look extremely stylish. The fabrics used are very modern and sporty looking which means they are comfortable and yet perform well to keep you warm and dry without getting hot and sticky.  I am thrilled to have the support of such a brilliant brand. Look out for product giveaways on the HMB Equestrian Facebook page!

Now the rain has finally relented I have been able to make some improvements to the facilities here at HMB Equestrian. We have worked hard to create a new area for parking that is easier to get to and can accommodate bigger horse boxes and have also done some maintenance and ground work in the cross-country training field to keep the fences in tip top condition. As part of our longer term plans we are also putting in a water complex and extending the current cross-country field so by this time next year we will have lots more exciting fences and combinations to tackle. I am constantly looking to improve and upgrade the facilities here so I can continue to offer a top class training environment.

The teaching and training is getting busier and we had the first HMB camp of the year over the Easter weekend which was extremely fun, despite the weather being totally against us. Everyone had a great time and plans are already afoot for a second visit later in the year when hopefully the sun will shine and the rain will hold off.  One group that is booked in for a camp later in the year has requested a hot tub which I think is a great idea – what better way to spend a summer evening after a full day’s training than to relax in a hot tub with a glass of prosecco? Genius!

As I write this we are literally days away from the first event of 2018, the lorry has had a spring clean and has been washed and polished, the lockers repacked and the drinks fridge has been restocked so we are all but set to go. I can’t wait to get out and I am really looking forward to the members of the Made in Yorkshire Syndicate being able to see all the winter’s training coming to fruition! 

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 anyone can share the risks and rewards of horse ownership.

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