Update (April 2005)

Just a short update on Queen and I - this weekend I rode in my first show for the year at Pretoria Equestrian Centre - IN THE RAIN!

Queen and I picked up 2 third places in each of my classes - needless to say we were both soaked to the bone - not pleasant.  I was so proud of her she really jumped like a star - so now we have enough points to jump in C-grade.  I will keep her in D-grade for a few more shows - just to get a bit more practice and definately put her up to C-grade by the middle of the year.

Update (August 2003)

About 2 weeks ago I rode in the Amateur Show at Westlake and I won both classes. That same weekend I rode a D-grade show at Silver Pines and won both classes there too. I'm holding thumbs about the show at Silver Pines because that was one of two selection shows (for the Eastern Gauteng Team) - the next one is in August. So hopefully by winning this show I should have a good chance of being selected - hopefully.

It was nearly a bugger up because Westlake were supposed to have their show on Saturday and Silver Pines on Sunday. When I phoned Westlake to find out riding numbers they told me that they had changed their show to Sunday !! I nearly freaked, I didn't know if I would be able to go to both because one was in Krugersdorp and the other in Boksburg ! Shame poor Queen I stuffed her so full of Endurance mix I don't think she knew what hit her. But luckily I managed to make it to both with not much time to spare I might add - that was way too stressful.

My next show is only in August so I've got a bit of time to play with - luckily because I hurt my back last week riding or gyming, I'm not sure, so I haven't been riding for about a week now - Queen must think she's on holiday - hopefully I can have a ride this weekend. When you are used to riding almost everyday - to not ride for 2 weeks is torture !

Update (May 2003)

Her last show for last year was the Amateur Series - they got to the finals, but then unfortunately had a pole down. Michelle -" I don't know if it was my nerves or Queen deciding she didn't like the look of the huge lips she was supposed to jump over - oh well, next time."

At the beginning of December Queen had to go to North Rand Clinic to have a hook removed off her tooth -"It was a bit of an ordeal for both of us, I wasn't popular with her because I had to starve her of her dinner and breakfast - but she seems to have gotten over it now", says Michelle.

Watch them in 2003 at - E-Grade Festival at THS, then Burlington, then West Lake.

Michelle's New Year Resolution: "I've decided to give it my all this year - and ride like I've never fallen off - so, watch out, here we come!!"

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Latest in the line-up of proudly sponsored Herbal Horses is showjumper, Playful Queen. Playful Queen was bought off the track as a green four year old by her present owner, Michelle. Sadly, she was a rescue case, severely lacking in food. But Michelle took her home and showered her with love and good care. "She still gets aggressive at feed times," says Michelle, "even though I've owned her for the last four years."

Happily for Queen, she is not denied a thing these days. Michelle says she is quite a lady when it comes to eating carrots - she takes a bite, chews it completely, then politely comes back for another. "I guess she is just living up to her name" says Michelle.

Some of us have been lucky enough to experience the feeling of complete compatibility with a horse from the minute we set eyes on them. This is what happened to Michelle when she tried Queen out on the track. Even though she was out of condition and refused to walk over a pole, Michelle was determined to have her. "From the moment I sat on her, I knew this was the horse I wanted."

Michelle's instincts seemed to be correct. With tons of TLC and careful schooling with the help of wonderful coaches, today Queen is showing excellent potential as a showjumper. As you can see from the picture, she has a lot of scope. Michelle puts it modestly: "She has got over her fear of poles on the ground!"

The pair at the moment are jumping E grade, with D in the very near future. They say that if you find a good mare, they are likely to be not only good, but brilliant. Watch this space!