Hey, well as you say it varies from horse to horse but I am all for a bit of variety and definitely turning them out as far as the weather allows it. I ride them most days, some I put on the lunge briefly before hand, not only if they are naughty but also just to loosen off and find their balance without the rider on board.

In the afternoons they go out in the field, some days on the walker and some days on the water treadmill that we are lucky enough to have. Its all about lots of exercise and being out of the stable without much "work" and pressure. If I feel during the week that one is a little tired or could do with a day off then I will just lunge them the next day. I also like to give them a little jump from time to time, some grid work for example. In the summer we try and take them on the canter track too.

As far as competing goes, this year with Hong Kong, I didn't compete the youngsters at all but I think at that age its not so important, I prefer to take them to a few outings without competing, where I can just work them according to how they feel without having to worry about a test that means they have to go a certain way by a certain time.

I don't know if that was a bit of a waffle but do ask if anything is unclear!

1) First and foremost, its important to know your horse's legs really well so that you know if there is a change and then you can act immediately. We do stable bandage the older horses all round and some of the youngsters behind depending on whether they are prone to giving themselves a bash or if they are a bit wingalley. We use clay over night sometimes if they have had a hard work out and my GP horses always have ice packs on after work.
2) Looking for horses is a fairly personal thing - we all have different taste in what we like the feel of. A ground rule for me is that it has to "click". If mistakes happen or a horse is naughty when I try it, it's no issue, I have to feel that I will be able to work with the horse and teach them. I like a bit of character and sparkle. In fact, for the big sport they have to have real nerve so I would expect a bit of hottness and exuberance from a young horse. I think conformation is important to help your chances of keeping a horse sound. Feet, legs and back get a good once over.

With a young horse I don't care how many exercises they have learnt, or if they have been a bit nuts when out, I want to test that they are reactive - if I ask something I don't mind if they give me the wrong answer as long as they give an answer. The sharper the better although a good head does help later too. As I said, you have to feel comfortable on the horse and enjoy the ride so that you can imagine working together.

Ha, funny! Yes I get mixed up. For us the Grand Prix and Special are the same for a few years, they are actually going to be changed for 2009! I visualise my tests a lot and practice them at home, not always the whole thing but sections.

On young horses it's confusing as the tests are always different, millions of mediums etc, but I usually find that once I've ridden through one I know if for the time being! Its just practice - I used to be terrible at remembering them and I still find it easy to take a wrong route if I have my hands full and I'm concentrating on how the horse is going!