July 31st: Sam (Kyzyl Double or Quits) at Summerhouse. Clear over a 13-fence course but out of the placings on a slow time. He much enjoyed jumping on a surface after the rock-hard ground of last month.
Clare Harris’ beautiful foal by Xanadu out of Aiofe (Eachliem Bletchley Park, ISH x ID). Aiofe was one of the easiest mares I’ve had to cover, and it seems appropriate that she should give Xan his last, posthumous foal. Thanks to Clare for the photos.
Sam (Kyzyl Double or Quits) has three mares in foal this year: Jenny Barnes’ Linhay Lale (by Atamekan, here following the Bloodhounds), Anthony Giles’ Lily (Flight of the Lark ) and Michelle Godwin’s thoroughbred Alice, here newly out of training.
July 25th: Very mixed day at Sapey ODE last weekend. Went wrong in my dressage test *again* (same test, different error), SJ unimpressive, fall and mandatory retirement XC. So it was a pleasant surprise to find Sam had given me my best dressage score since 1970! Worth braving the 30 degrees and concrete-hard ground for!
Lovely shot of Xanadu’s son Merlin, now four, bred by Meghan Eaton and now owned and produced by Lili Minton-Roberts. Lili’s mum Josephine comments, “reminds me an ex-steeplechaser I once rode… really nimble and balanced for a youngster.” He looks very much loved – lucky lad. Thanks to Josephine for the photo.
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| Sam’s first ODE at last! His Grass Sickness, my 2½ years mostly bedridden with Rheumatoid Arthritis, his spell in a professional yard where he was trashed in his back, rehab followed by Covid… we’ve fought against unremittingly long odds for too many years. Our debut had some fluffs in Dr & SJ (I forgot the bloody test) but he went clear and inside the time XC – a tremendous first showing. Only a small one to start – 80cm XC & 85 SJ – but onwards and upwards! Photos by Ultimate Images. |
May 30th: Good day with Sam at Hartpury. Two very nice rounds, with only one fence down in total (26 jumps) – and he was as good as gold, despite having gone to Meadow Stud for AI collection only last week. Photo by Jasmine Punter Photography.
A spectacular, if very soggy, ride over the Malvern Hills. Both Teddy and Sam seemed to enjoy the views as much as we did, and a double rainbow preceded us over Castlemorton Common. Thank you to Hazel Carter for a great set of pics! 
May 16th: Congratulations to Clare Harris’ ID x ISH mare Aiofe (aka Bletchley Park) on producing this gorgeous palomino colt by Xanadu. A deserving posthumous son.
May 14th: Well done, Sam. 80% motility at Meadow Stud (https://www.facebook.com/MeadowStud) today. Results on their way to to Northants – thank you, Parcelforce!
May 13th: Happy first Birthday, Karakhanym (Oyun Shael – Ainur by Atamekan). Little Black Madam is bright as a button and today learned to load like a pro in just one session!
May 2nd: Kyzyl Double or Quits (aka Sam) on his way to a couple of placings showjumping at Kings Equestrian, Bromyard. Great to be out and about again after a year without transport! Photo courtesy of Jackie Hancock Photography. First show since 2019! Well done to Teddy and Sam, who got back into the groove with a 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th in 85 cm and 90 cm showjumping.
R.I.P XANADU July 1st 2006 – Jan 7th 2021
We start the year in the worst way imaginable: the loss of Xan to a twisted gut. It proved inoperable and he was euthanased on the table.
He leaves an appallingly empty space on the yard.
He leaves a legacy of some outstanding foals. We look forward to following their progress in future years.