Equestrian Life’s Katja Weimann gives us a must read update!

So it has been such a long time since I’ve last written for Equestrian Life and so much has been happening that I don't know where to start!

I managed to not fit in a holiday break over the winter!! I didn't make it to the ski slopes or to a sunny getaway much to my disappointment.  I was far too busy with new breakers and working young horses in knee-deep mud and on an arena that looked more like a lake than a dressage arena.

So surely I am guaranteed to get each one of them through their first water jump without any drama when they come out competing some time towards the end of the year.  As I am sure everyone involved with horses knows sometimes nothing goes to plan. Even the best thought out and revised plans can be instantly turned upside-down.  

Due to recent circumstances I have had a bit more time to work on these youngsters which I find so much fun. Doing something as simple as a trot circle, cantering in straight line, or jumping their first jump is always so different, both good and bad!!  

In my not so spare time, I did make it to a few jumps racing meetings to support and cheer on my other half in some of his biggest races of the year, pretty much all of which he won!! The spectacle of jumps racing is something that needs to be experienced in the flesh to be fully appreciated and I encourage everyone to get to a jumps race, but don't forget to come eventing!!

I also found time to go to some dressage days, managed to catch up with friends- without their horses, did some cross country schooling and taught at Pony Club. It is amazing how time flies and now we are already back to the eventing season and getting into full swing.

For me the next couple of months is operation Adelaide, as BP Gallantry is aiming to compete in his first 4*, soooo exciting!! It is now 6 weeks and counting, and all hands are on deck to get my frisky little chestnut friend to be on his best behavior when the third weekend in November rolls around. 

So we are off to Goulburn this weekend and I have decided to hitch a ride with fellow competitors as we head north to take on the New South Welshmen at their state championships. Last year my trip up was far too eventful as my trusty little truck had a major meltdown and it was towed- eventually all the way home!  It is always at times like these you can count on the equestrian community, we (4 horses, my dad and I) were graciously welcomed into a families home for a few days while the truck was fixed. Then when we broke down again, recently discharged from hospital Seumas Marwood and his one working lung came to the rescue, driving almost to Tarcutta to pick me and my 4 horses up from the side of the highway as my dad had gone with the tow truck all the way home. The generosity of friends and strangers is always astounding. Hopefully this time round our trip will be much less eventful!!

Everyone at Equestrian Life wishes/hopes Katja has a very very safe trip to Goulburn!!