Getting back in gear

Well, it's been a long time..................

For reasons too boring to go into (we mean we don't want to share our web-site woes with the whole wide world - Ed) it's been some time since our last publication of stable news.
Still, a new NH season dawns, with fresh hopes, targets for horses (and humans) - it certainly sets the body tingling with anticipation.

Does everyone else relate October with the 'real' start of the Jumps Season?

Yesterday (Saturday) was a real treat in Hawick, one of those glorious, end-of-summer days that made it a pleasure to be in the open air. Misty start, warm sun burning away the dying embers of fog giving way to a warm, pleasant late morning and afternoon.
Truly we're in God's Country!

Lots of owners took the place lining the gallops for the 2 Saturday morning lots.
Saturday morning first lot would not be the same without the regular gallop watchers from the Peeskie Partnership, and the lads were in position to see how their winning chaser Shadow Boxer was coming along. Alongside the grey and and doing 2 spins up the gallop were

• Shadow Boxer
• Bollin Julie
• Allegheny Valley
• 'Achilles'

and coming up just the once was

• Bollin Fiona

The Potassium Partnership (see below) were well placed at the top of the gallop for second lot

• Hartforth (Gary)
• Nodda High Kid (Ryan)
• Snapping Turtle (Matthew)
• Ellistrin Belle (Kyle)

who all did a couple of gallops. This was Ellistrin Belle's first time this season in coming up twice, and she is progressing particularly well.

• Charlie Bucket (Kingy)

came up just the once  - he is looking big and well after a summer's grass.

In fact, in common with most, our horses have summered tremendously well, and we can crack on with turning that fat into muscle in preparation for the season to come.

Potassium Partnership syndicate get together

Well, if its end of September, it must be 'Potassium Syndicate morning' (truth be told, every morning is Potassium Syndicate morning, as it's a pleasure to welcome the members anytime).

Anyway, Nick and his cohorts assembled in good time to see their promising young hurdling mare Ellistrin Belle in her stable box, and being saddled up to join her stable mates in setting out for the gallops just after 9.30 am.
Nick showed the group round the stables, chatted with other owners and our team members and were in position in good time at the top of the gallops.

Ellistrin Belle had previously been doing just one spin up the gallops, but today with Kyle in the saddle, she travelled very well in a couple of gallops alongside Hartforth, Nodda High Kid and Snapping Turtle. The syndicate were delighted with her form at this stage of the season, and plans were set for a run in a maiden hurdle at Kelso on 19th October. We like the mare, who realistically will come into her own when able to compete in handicap company over hurdles.

King Kalium was never the easiest horse to train, and the group were delighted when he won at Ayr last season. He's been retired from racing, but is enjoying a less stressful life these days - as a good home has been found for him during the summer.
As well as Ellistrin Belle, the syndicate has an exciting 3 yr old half brother by Midnight Legend to look forward to. He's been through his initial gallop education with us in the spring, and will re-appear at Dodlands around Xmas, with a bumper planned in the spring. A very promising sort.

Oh, and we're delighted you enjoyed the 'elevens's' of tea, scones and jam. Nice to see old and new members.

Ellistrin Belle (Kyle, left) with Snapping Turtle (Matthew)