So to complete my catch-up blog, here's what happened in August: The month started well with good placings at Smiths Lawn. Kiwi unfortunately was off with a mysterious hot fat leg, but Pennyz had a great double clear for 3rd place in the Novice and Scar made my week by winning the Pre Novice!! So exciting, his first win! The twisty course in the thick of Windsor's wood worked in my favour with both as they dashed round the trees speedily thanks to Pennyz's bouncy rythm and Scar's racehorse stride to achieve some of the fastest times of the event.
That week I also gave my Olympic presentation to the Avon Vale and Hampshire Hunt pony club camps. I always enjoy meeting new pony clubs and both provided great audiences. For the Hampshire Hunt my Olympics physio', Sarah Cruickshank, was able to make a special appearance too as she had just flown in from NZ for a visit! 
She was my beloved housemate until last winter when the horrible Home Office refused her a Visa for no good reason and I have really missed her, so it was blissful to have her company for a couple of weeks and catch up on the past few months, and enjoy a heavenly physio' session! Sarah and I also made a trip to Gatcombe together for some shopping and socializing, I was sad not to have any horses to ride there and after months of smaller events the Advanced show jumps looked absolutely huge! In the trade stands we found my huge photo modelling the coat on display and Sarah was determined I should be photographed next to it!
It rained so much that West Wilts had to be cancelled the night before - a little annoying as I was meant to run all three in the Novice and the straight forward courses would have been perfect for them. This meant no eventing for them until the end of the month, but meanwhile I ran George for the Stents at Aston le Walls the following week. This was his first Pre Novice where a brilliant double clear gained us 4th place, very exciting with all the family supporting, I am thrilled with his progress, he is really enjoying his new job!
The following week, at Burnham Beeches, George excelled himself by winning the PN with a double clear on a 28 dressage! I am really enjoying riding him. Scar and Pennyz did well in the Novice too. Scar has gained so much confidence and did so well for his first Novice just rolling a pole, he is so genuine xc and tries so hard even when he is not sure what to do! Pennyz finished 5th, but I was furious with myself for making her have a pole down in the SJ by totally misjudging a striding! This was not my favourite event... tricky to find and incredibly dusty with no grass cover and a light wind. The dressage is also across a main road and the electric fencing was left on between XC and trade stands giving me a shock! Leaving is even trickier as one is ejected onto Burnham one way system in the suburbs and I had no idea where to go and many routes have low bridges!