Keep calm and ride on

The day after the GB eventing team won silver it seems fitting to Blip a horsey picture. This is the stables I have spent many a happy and hot hour at over the past 6 years (with the exception of the 10 months I spent on crutches - but the less said about that the better!)

It is one of the best run stables in Jordan with a range of Arabians and lovely european horses and lessons that cater for riders of all ages and abilities. Samanta, the owner, is the toughest and best riding instructor I have had the very good fortune to ride with. She was hoping to compete in these Olympics but marriage and motherhood interrupted those plans. Fingers crossed for 2016!

Horse riding and also polo are both really popular here in Jordan and one of only 9 Jordanian olympic athletes competing in London 2012 is competing in the individual equestrian event.

The stables were very quiet today as Wednesday is closed to allow the staff and horses a well earned rest. I called in at 12pm when all the horses are resting in the shade of the stables waiting for their lunch, but from 8am tomorrow the paddocks will be full and the arenas alive with the sound of 'eyes up and heels down!'

I'm no competitor but you can't beat an early morning ride out!

A canter is the cure for all evils.
Benjamin Disraeli