Hi everyone. With Christmas over and now in to the new year (Happy New Year by the way), normally we would be thinking towards the beginning of the eventing season.
Although I am doing that, I can’t help but think we will not be eventing until late March – I hope so anyway, as there is always the potential for it to be longer. I am still planning that Badminton will go ahead in May. The team at Badminton seem confident that they can and will run even if it is behind closed doors. I have started my fitness programme for thé big B regardless – it’s always such a lottery as to whether you get in to and remain sound for Badminton anyway, so the added dimension of the Covid question mark doesn’t faze me too much.
I like my horses to go out in the field as much as possible, but with them in most of the time due to the wet and cold conditions, it’s even more important that they are bedded on the best possible bedding. For me, that is Excel Plus. As a product, I think it is the most suitable for all the horses. With not only three 5* horses in the yard but also some lovely young horses too, I want it as safe an environment as possible for them. Excel plus does just that, looks so comfortable, never seems to have any dust and smells fantastic. I love walking on to the yard as it smells so good.
Talking of yards, my big news is that I have recently moved to a new base. Field Farm has the most phenomenal facilities. With an indoor school, outdoor school, gallops, as well as all-weather AND grass cross country courses, I am feeling very lucky and it’s a great place to produce my special horses from. Do get in touch if you’d like to come along and stay for a spot of training (after lockdown sadly). I am also now neighbours with Bed-down rider Tabitha Kyle which is brilliant. She’s a talented young lady – watch this space.
There are plenty of horses in work at Field Farm to keep me out of mischief and up until Lockdown, it’s been pretty manic with teaching as well – I love being busy. Additionally, the first episode of a new television series that I am presenting for Horse and Country TV has just aired. 13 episodes about getting your horse fit for eventing. It has been great fun to do as well as fascinating. I have lost count of the number of top riders that I have interviewed for it. They have come up with some real gems and pearls of wisdom, so keep an eye out for it atwww.horseandcountry.tv .
With lockdown and Covid, remember, it’s OK to not be OK. Try to keep positive and if you’re struggling get in touch (Facebook: Simon Grieve Event Team. Insta: Simon Grieve), we’re in this together and we will get through it.
Until next time, all the best.
Simon
