It was just lovely to see Mark, Anna and Sophie who made fantastic time to arrive at Montenmedeo In time to watch Culana Z jump a lovely clear round. The sun was out so we sat and watched the Grand Prix qualifier before going back to the apartment and then having a lovely supper in Vejer. The hot water in the apartment is fairly inadequate for one person - so for four of us our skill at "camping showers" was well tested.

Emma jumped well on Friday for 4 faults and Luendi also had a pole. Unfortunately this was the theme of the weekend, although Emma actually jumped very well and in every case was unlucky, particularly in Sunday's Grand Prix where she just touched the middle of the combination, I thought we were clear.

I woke to strange noises on Saturday - Anna and Sophie blowing up Birthday balloons! So many lovely birthday cards, lovely birthday presents, including Sergei and Aleksander (Meerkats) who I love.

We had a lovely evening at Pino's Pizza restaurant with Gemna, Nattie,Michaeli and Georgia joining us. Sadly Mark, Anna & Sophie left first thing on Sunday to get the girls back to work on Monday.

Shane has several pupils out here this year, so has been able to watch Luendi's rather poor progress. I just have to get the measure of keeping her, and me, off her forehand.

Culana Z has continued to jump better and better and has become quite pleased with herself having been terribly timid. Sophie hacked her out with me and we managed to pass three peacocks - a trial I failed on my own. Luckily Lima was completely unbothered by them! Lima is now going really well on the flat and jumping the clear round with confidence and control, both which were very lacking previously. I even feel tempted to do some little dressage competitions in her. I expect that enthusiasm will vanish when she jumps her first clear round.

Emma jumped clear every day in week 4. She was placed in the Accumulator and 4th in the Grand Prix. I thought the GP was ridiculously big so I was absolutely thrilled to jump one clear, never mind a reasonably efficient jump-off round. I was first to go in the jump-off which was great for me, I just did my own thing, a bit quicker and a bit tighter than usual and couldn't be affected by watching others. What a star she is, she tries so hard, I haven't always ridden her well and she just keeps on doing her best. This year she feels as though she is finding it really easy. We have slightly better brakes and I am confident that I can make her wait for the good shot and she seems more confident that I might be right. I also think that being more aware of sitting up for Luendi is paying huge dividends for both Emma and Culana Z.

Emma GP Week 3

Culana and Lima playing in the sun.

Sunshine Tour - To the end of week Four