Last Sunday me and riding buddy Sophie braved the cross country (XC) course for the first time this season. I was, to not put too finer point on it, shitting myself. I was so scared I was actually shaking - but I needn’t have been! Saxon loves it so much and is so good that after the first 3 jumps I was totally relaxed and loving every minute, such an awesome pony.
The third jump that we did was called the “Step and Palisade” and it actually featured in the pre novice class this year (it goes intro -> pre novice -> novice -> intermediate) so its not a beginners fence and it looks terrifying!

The uphill-ness of it means that you pretty much have to let the horse gallop after the step up. Me and Sophie both took one look at it and said “no”. Our instructor said yes…and made me do it after Sophie fell off (great confidence boost - first time XC since I broke my bone and he’s making me throw myself up a step, hill, jump.) But, bless little Saxon, after I went up to it and turned him away from it we went again a second time and aced it no problems. That feeling going up that hill was amazing - I actually did a happy scream and shook my fist like I would in a film.
So anyway, Sophie’s photographically talented sister came out and took some photo’s so hopefully I’ll get them posted up on another page if anyone is interested (but I expect not somehow :P)

Lotsa Love
Kat
xxx