Introducing Sugar - By Pam

I thought it might be nice if we could introduce ourselves and our horses to each other on this site so I thought I would start the ball rolling by introducing Sugar to you. I purchased Sugar about 4 years ago from a dealer, she had come from Kingswood Equestrian Centre, Shropshire, it is a renowned competition venue http://www.kingswoodec.com/ I think the person who owned her had got into financial difficulties and soon ran up a large livery bill, which on such a good facility wouldnt be difficult. She was sold on to a dealer whom I purchased her off and of course I didnt get her papers with her as she had been confiscated!! I checked with the yard manager and they told me that she had been competing at novice level in dressage and was scoring around 65%, so she knew more than me. She is lovely to handle, she like all horses has her odd quirks like she doesnt like worming syringes, but is great to handle in almost all ways. She loves a fuss and good groom. She doesn't really enjoy riding out alone and prefers to be in company, so that could do with some more work.

The first time I took her out to compete on her I went to Weston Lawns in Bulkington where I used to live http://www.westonlawnsequitation.co.uk/ the competition was high that day and I came 5th, so you can imagine I was chuffed, but of course Sugar was better trained than me! I was lucky at that particular time though as I had a dressage instructor and judge teaching me who was on my yard at the time. Since I have had Sugar in this area I have found it difficult to school her because facilities and yards local to Bonsall are few and far between and as Bonsall is so hilly, it has been difficult to find a flat area to school on so Sugar has been wasted really, but I am sure she has enjoyed her time off and she seems to have calmed down a lot since she has rested. We had to sort a pelvic issue out with her last year, I think she fallen in the field so most of last summer was wiped out really, but she appears to be fine after manipulation by a guy that Sam Bradley recommended to me.

I have now moved Sugar over to Alderwasley she is at Sandyford Farm which has a school http://www.sandyfordfarm.co.uk/ and I have been allowed to mark a 20 x 40 mtr area out in the field to ride in so I am going to be able to school again this year, my health willing, which I am quite excited about. We have a trailer and she loads fine so I am hoping when Sugar is fit and and I am well enough we will be able to do shows again.

Sugar is 15.1 hh, I think she is blanket spot apaloosa and I have had people say that she looks like mustang or small sports horse, so I am not sure what she is really. I believe she is about 12 - 13 years old. A friend of mine took her to a one day event and she did really well at dressage, she jumped the majority of the cross country jumps and gets quite excited at the prospect of jumping, but me being that bit older and not wanting to not bounce at my age I dont really do jumping. If there is someone that wants to have go at jumping her that can teach her what to do they are welcome to have a go! So I am going to try and tidy her up a bit schooling wise this summer and plod around the lovely lanes in the Alport/Alderwasley area and if my health improves get out and about on the trailer with her Amber my husband's horse or any friends that may like to join me. My health problem is preventing me from exercising her as much as she needs so if anyone wants to volunteer to help please get in touch.