On June 13 approximately 50 fortunate F and I members and guests assembled at Carl Hester’s idyllic Gloucester base to feast our eyes and fuel our minds with Carl’s inspirational ways. The morning started with Carl discussing his four year olds and then progressing through the ages and stages finishing up with Dances with Wolves…

“Forward Forward Forward………” I heard in the background of my “hands free” as I turned the car around and waved for the third time at the man walking his dog who laughed and waved back. From there Traffic Controller Ann talked me in to the yard! Needless to say I missed the best part of…

It was unusual to drive south from Northumberland to find that spring was also late at Badminton with slow growing grass and no swallows in the main arena on the Friday. However, sun, blue skies and a fresh wind made perfect conditions for course walking. Nick started by saying how well and fit all the…

We were blessed with lovely sunshine when we headed to Boomerang for our cross country training with Janette Brakewell. It was bitterly cold, but, at least no rain and the going was ‘good to firm’. The schooling area is regularly harrowed and you really couldn’t complain about the going although it was a little frosty…

This is the first time that I have ridden at an F&I Course and both myself and my horse thoroughly enjoyed it. The first day was all about the fundamentals, which after all are the base to everything. We worked in particular on straightness to create more power. We started in walk; weaving in and…