The horses have all enjoyed their end-of-season holidays and have gradually returned to varying degrees of work. The Burghley trio were the first to start their break and therefore the first to come back in; they were lucky that their holidays coincided with the dry November weather, and they continued to live out throughout their period of roadwork.

We build them up gradually with a combination of walking on different surfaces and gradients, a stint on the water treadmill and basic flat work in the arena. The final stragglers have recently returned, so once again, we have a full house.

I like to see the horses looking like fat, hairy and happy bog-ponies, before gradually returning to their more recognisable physiques as top-class athletes. This process is gradual – as their work increases, they progressively have more of their coats clipped off, transitioning from a basic bib clip to a trace, and finally a full clip once they start to gallop.

The intervening period offers an opportunity to focus on the correct basics. I use a range of exercises, often with poles and working on different gradients and surfaces, to ensure they take a correct way of going and rideability into the next stage of their training.

All the horses have benefitted from their time out and feel great. I’m looking forward to upping the tempo in January when we’ll increase the intensity of schooling, and start the fitness work for the early spring targets of Kentucky and Badminton.

Like the equine crew, the human members of the team have each had a well-earned break. As well as a chance to rest, recuperate and have a change of scene, it’s also finally provided an opportunity to reflect on what a superb year it’s been and celebrate together.

Author