May 2010

May 22nd   Saumur & Sun & Super Horses 

 

Well last year it was hot, this year it is hot, hot, hot! FH&C are at Saumur for the Three day Event. It is a pleasure to be here and cover the event. The Hippodrome at Verrie, just behind the Ecole National d'Equitation is a superb venue. We have had a chance, over the last few days, to catch up with old friends and also to watch new up and coming talent. The Japanese rider Kenki Sato caught my eye as someone to look out for in the future as a force to be reckoned with. In the competition that FH&C are running, 'Search for a Grass Roots Rider' we are hoping to be able to scout someone who shows promise and dedication and commitment. Would it not be lovely to see our rider, up there in the future, competing with the champions. If we can help someone towards realising their dream then all the better.

More news after the Show Jumping tomorrow........A Plus

May 18th   The evening chorus in France

Spring is definitely here at last. Sometimes, unusually a little too chilly for my liking at the moment. Nonetheless its my favourite season, as it brings energy and promise. The sound of the cicadas and crickets during the day often goes un-noticed due to the business of life in general, but as the day slows down and there is time to sit and chill and savour the dusk time warmth and delights of the evening - with a crisp wine in hand - you become aware of the therapeutic Mediterranean crescendo all around. Hardly ever seen, these busy insects totally create an 'ambiance of France.' Delightful!

With most of the 'new additions' now born, its a time to clear out the old and plan for the new.This is something very much on my mind at the moment  as we have exciting projects in the pipeline and its often difficult to be patient. Plans are underway for the World Equestrian Games trip to Lexington Kentucky, which promises to be fabulous yet exhausting. only 130 days away I am told!

The new  FH&C On Line Shop is work in progress. The shop front, so to speak, should be available for you to see soon. Sourcing suppliers and buying stock has to be a plus of this job. From jeweled dog collars or superb leather tack and quality country clothing to personalised corporate merchandise, we will have it all.  Delivered to your door. Stress Free.

Well done to the French at La Baule last weekend. Its a wonderful show jumping venue there, although we were rather disappointed with the nearby dressage Arena. Not particularly good going for decent horses!

So off to collect our FH&C Press Accreditation for this weekend.......

A'Plus

May 5th   Post Badminton and still no Internet connection!

So we return from a very cold and wet Badminton in high spirits. Congratulations to Paul Tapner and his team and to the FH&C Team who worked tirelessly in sometimes quite unpleasant UK weather. It does make you appreciate living in France and returning to the sunshine.

The two French riders, Pascal Leroy and Benjamin Messie, did well to finish 25th and 30th amidst some seasoned pros. Many withdrew or where eliminated so well done to you both. A full 'Post Badminton' is being put together and will be available on the Badminton pages, just use the 'search' box on the front page to see. We have some fantastic pictures and some really brilliant 'scoop' interviews. One from Sue Benson the 'course designer' of the 2012 Olympic Cross Country Course at Greenwich. Interesting and exclusive!

Coming home is always a good feeling, however returning to still no Internet connection is not so funny. It seems incomprehensible that in this modern high tech world we live in, that Orange and France Telecoms cannot sort themselves out. I have to say they are incompetent and down right rude. There is no responsibility taken or accountability within this type of sector. Its the most infuriating 'shoulder shrug' that almost drives you to commit the unthinkable. So I find myself sitting in a lovely Internet Café in France, soaking up the atmosphere and ambiance and working away. Maybe I shall do this more often!

Bonne Route à tous