Autumn brings with it an inevitable theme of change. The eventing scene has more of a cruise-control feel than a high-gear tempo. Horses with a season of international campaigning behind them face a welcome wind-down and even the summer sleek of horses’ coats takes on a more befuddled appearance, in preparation for the colder months ahead.

September days in my yard involve a shift in focus from my more senior to my younger horses. I always approach the latter part of the season with the objective of upgrading several young horses to novice level (and discovering some stars of the future while doing so). Thus, my weekends are currently busy with regular outings in the smaller eventing classes.