Magic 1548

Keiron was at it again with another challenge and this time he was not horsing about!

He had to learn how to be a ‘showjumper’ in just one month for a Cash For Kids Equestrian event being held at the Aintree Racecourse Equestrian centre in late July.

He appeared at an all services Fire/Ambulance/Police challenge with show jumpers competing from all the services.

Keiron completed his training in just one month and would like to thank Viv, Yvette and Melissa from Croxteth Park Riding School and if you would like to train too and discover the pleasures of riding then call them on 0151 220 9177. For directions to the school see here.

Meanwhile here are some of the first pictures of Keiron riding and completing the challenge on the day.

July 7th Update

Just thought you might like to see how I'm progressing for this cash for kids challenge on the 23rd of July. The Blue Lights - Horse of the Year Show 2010. It’s an all services fire/police/ambulance equestrian event.

I've NEVER show-jumped before and hardly ridden.

This video is after just 2 weeks of 45 minutes, three days a week training, and I actually jumped yesterday too (more video to follow). It was my first time ever and I have to say the speed and the thrill of it are quite unlike anything I've known.

The event itself is a great kids initiative both challenging the disaffected, encouraging the under-privileged, inspiring confidence, promoting great health and sport, and possibly involving and nurturing them in a whole new career. I've found, through talking to the organisers and those training me, there are many amazing kids involved and so I am so proud to be part of this event.

I have already agreed to compete next year and at a tougher level, however I am to clear three tall fences - three times - so for a novice, I think that’s quite some going for this year thank you.  On top of that I have to complete a horse control slalom course with noisy distractions where various people try to 'spook' your horse and deliberately try to make you lose control.

Have a look at the link with pictures from last years event and see how exciting it all is and if you know anyone who'd like to sponsor me then just speak to Carol Clare on 0151 472 6965. There is a fair element of risk to me doing this, however life is a risk and who would ever want to say when they go, ‘I wish I'd done this, or wish I'd done that.'

http://www.bluelightshorseoftheyearshow.co.uk/gallery.html

Friday 9th July

Well folks, "I'm doin it I'm really doin it!". Today I popped over THREE jumps in my training at Croxteth Park riding school under the watch of Melissa. We are really coming on with just two weeks to go till the Cash For Kids Challenge Day on July 23rd at the Aintree Equestrian Centre where I have to show-jump 3 fences 3 times in a circuit. I am both overjoyed and elated today. The feeling is amazing and Ruby my horse is gorgeous and I even un-tack her in her stable now too so I am learning everything, the whole equestrian experience.

Friday 16th July

Well, I have a little under a week and a half to go before I enter an arena of competition I've never done before. Viv from Croxteth Park Riding School has now got me jumping successive 3ft fences.

In competition I will have to jump 8 of them. She is a wonderful teacher. How do you think I'm shaping up?

Would you bet on me for Cash for Kids?

Check the videos of my progress and how I look now and bear in mind I have only had 9 half hour lessons!!!!!!

Call Jan or Carol on 01514726800 to sponsor me, and to learn to really ride, call Viv from Croxteth Park Riding School on 0151 220 9177.

Friday 23rd July

At the 2010 Blue Lights Horse of the Year Show, Keiron jumped with show producer Random Man With A Clipboard over 19 fences and raised money for Cash for Kids.

There are more pictures to follow but check THIS video clip of him competing and getting over all of those fences.