CLAIRE CHAMBERS and DEAN SKEATES continue their monthly series looking at life at their stud competition yard.

Well, the temperature has certainly dropped and we are well into the winter.

This last month, Dean has been training himself - with Sasha Kandavanam from WT Guide, which aims to improve the fitness of riders, whether they are involved in jumping, dressage or eventing.

We asked Sash to write a piece about what he does and how it can help (see above).

Dean has seen a massive difference and leaves every session looking forward to the next. Think of the money you spend on your equine friend’s backs, teeth, etc.

Hope this gives you all something to think about. You can read more at www.wtguide.co.uk.

Meanwhile, we have had a very quiet month, with some of the dressage horses having some time off.

Distant Prospect went to Cirencester Park Hunter Trial and flew round.

We also saw a pony there that we sold last year. It was great to see him, and see that he has gone on and done so well.

Kellerman has been out competing. He went to Abbey Dressage last, and won both his classes, and this was only his second time at elementary.

Keller has done so well these last few months. He has a lovely trainable attitude, and proving to be very consistent.

Meacham Formidable has been sold, but it’s not proving so easy with Keller not having one single phone call, so this lovely, coloured gelding is still for sale, if anyone may be interested.

We have been to look at two new young horses for ourselves - a four-year-old black Hannovarian stallion for Dean and a yearling quickfire colt for myself.

We hope to pick these up later this month, to produce slowly over Christmas, ready for the new year.

Hopefully we will have news and pictures of these in the near future.

  • If you have any queries about teaching or livery, get in touch or visit www.meachamcompetitionhorses.com Call Claire on 07849 207219 or Dean on 07743 057679.