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Monthly diary — March

Lucinda Green

The Petplan Equine 'XC the Safe Way' clinics this month have been fabulous

— I've met some really good and interesting people.

This time of year we need to sharpen our reactions so our horses respond more quickly to us. I try to teach the paradox of having the horse listening while encouraging him to think for himself and really want people to go away with something useful. I learn so much, too, and it's satisfying seeing someone feel the 'feel' and improve.

At home, my Advanced eventer Cry Freedom and very green hunter, Bill, are coming along well. I took Cry Freedom to a Jumping and Style (JAS) event where my daughter Lissa and I both competed Hors Concours - she 'beat' me into 2nd place, Then, Cry Freedom actually won the Open at an Arena Eventing competition — I was so excited as I don't win much these days... As for Bill, he's not at the competing stage yet, he'd take forever even to arrive at the first fence.

But he has come to a couple of the clinics for a look around and is becoming less horrified about hacking. He's like a little boy — everything is new and there's so much to learn. At the moment it's as if he's at kindergarten, making paper hats and cardboard castles.

Don't forget to visit the archive to find out what Lucinda
got up to last year