Emily's Blog having recieved coaching from David through Inspiring Minds Equestrian Coaching

Please find Mays blog, hope you enjoy reading it.
Busy, busy, busy!

Benthli and I had some amazing training this month, it started with a proactive lesson with Gwyneth Lewis. Again we worked on collection so that I can develop my feeling of the trot, which will mean i can make effected corrections in the competition arena. We also worked on getting Benthli really deep in the contact so that he gave across his back, which resulted in him being able to lift his back when I asked for the collected steps. Due to the fact we had too much neck bend on medium canter circles we worked on straightness in all paces so that Benthli's head was in the middle of his chest. This in itself made the collection a lot easier for him because he was straight.

Not to forget we also went for a weekend training to Darryl Thickitt's. This was very beneficial as it took place in the beginning of May, which set me up for the busy weeks a head later in the month. Mainly we worked on getting Benthli to accept working in an FEI frame. We did lots of transitions to get Benthli's hocks underneath himself, also some very collected walk steps which added to the aim of the lesson, which was to get him to accept a high-level way of going and frame.

Only two points left to get and we are off to the summer regionals elementary restricted! This month has been very important for looking at my progress charts and sending then to the Northern Region RDO (Regional Development Officer) so that I can be put forward for Home International, Inter-regional and U25 teams 2013. We have also been checking scores for sending an application to the Pony Selectors to hopefully be invited back back to Pony Viewing 2013 so fingers crossed. Finally we have qualified for Petplan elementary restricted, which we also did last year. I have also set myself a mini goal to qualify Benthli for medium Petplan restricted. So you could say Benthli and I have a hectic schedule coming up, which is all very positive!

Training with Kate Lewis, BYRDS squad test riding, BD test riding, games, lectures, plaiting up, fun and a great time with Benthli! You could say BYRDS camp was crazy, hectic and enjoyable, you would be correct. We had an amazing time I learnt new things in the lectures, got good feedback from the test riding and helpful techniques to improve Benthli's way of going. Let me break it down...

Over the course of the weekend I had two very helpful lessons with Kate Lewis. We worked on similar things as we work on with Gwyneth and Darryl getting him deep to soften over his back and getting him to nearly do half steps to help the collection. Kate said "he had great expression in his trot" and one of my friends mum said "he has so much presence in the arena" bith very good comments that made me realise just how lucky I am to own and ride Benthli!

Camp test riding I don't think could have gone any better. On the Saturday I rode the B squad test and it was a lovely neat test with no mistakes. The scores and comments from the judge reflected my opinion on the test. Winning B squad was a great achievement and that was the first time Benhtli and I had rode the B squad test the judge gave comments such as "I sat with elegance and good poise" on the Sunday I rode the FEI Pony Team Test. I was over the moon with Benthli we won the class also. The test flowed well and I got him nearly in the FEI frame. To top BYRDS camp weekend off my team won the team award! What a great weekend!

On Monday there was a selection compeition, which Benthli and I took part in, it could have gone a bit better in the B squad test but then I came back again and did really well the in the elementary. Putting the B squad aside we rode elementary 40 and scored 66.77% coming 2nd. Even though Benthli was tired after a busy weekend he still tried his best and he did me proud.

Last month I ended my blog telling you that we where going to Sheepgate tack and togs championships. We did really well in the championship tests we competed elementary restricted, Benthli and I finished 7th over the two days and again it was a very good weekend.

My final section of Mays blog I will disscuss competing. Where do I start... This month we visited two new venues Manor Grange Stud where I came 1st and 2nd. We then went to Yorkshire Riding Centre. Where we also came 1st and 2nd.

Few...

Well what can I say? A perfect busy month! Will I be at the summer regionals elementary? And will I qualify medium Petplan? Let's wait and see what happens in June...

Bye for now
Emily