Having made the decision to move away from straw, we tried out a number of different types of bedding in order to determine which would best satisfy the following criteria: 1) comfortable for the horses, 2) easy to use, 3) biodegradable, 4) cost effective.
Sorbeo came out as the clear winner; we couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was to muck out, and how much the horses liked to lie down on it! I like the fact that you save money on the transport cost – as you add water yourself to fluff them up – and that they are made sustainably in Scotland 🙂
Head to www.sorbeohorsebedding.co.uk to order your trial pallet!
Ariat boots are completely unrivalled in terms of their comfort and durability, and I don’t think 12 hours on my feet would seem nearly so pleasurable in anything else!
The clothing range is equally fantastic – the jodhpurs are wonderfully lightweight and stretchy, and their range of jumpers and coats means I am always warm and dry.
Little Beau was prone to nosebleeds, and having been on an inhaler 3 times a day before Blair CCI*** in 2006, our vet wasn’t sure he would be able to maintain that level of fitness. However, by changing his bedding and religiously using a Flair strip every time he galloped and competed, he went on to win gold at Blair the following year, and then fly around Badminton! Since then I always use Flair strips when I go cross-country – Little Beau is a testament to the huge difference they make.
Dormy House hotel and spa is the perfect rural retreat; perched high above Broadway if offers incredible views across the Cotswolds, and is the ultimate in Farmhouse chic. There are a selection of beautifully decorated rooms, and you can really indulge both in the wonderful fresh cuisine, and in the Scandanavian inspired thermal suites within the spa.
I am lucky enough to be able to take advantage of both the superbly well equipped gym, which helps me to keep strong and fit for riding, as well as the pool and spa, which are top choice when it comes to needing a bit of de-stressing and invigoration!
I would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the photographs on this site; there have been some incredibly special moments with some very special horses and people, and I am so grateful to Adam Fanthorpe and Dave Cameron in particular for capturing the magic and enabling them to be treasured forever.