EASTER arrived at last, but however early or late it lands in the year, I'm still left counting down the days.

I like to give myself the annual challenge of 'giving up' something for Lent. I usually opt for chocolate or sweets, although that always resulted in an increased consumption of the other to compensate, so this year I thought it was about time I tightened the rules. I abstained from chocolate, sweets and cake — but have to admit that cookies and anything else sweet that didn't quite come under my 'banned' list became a good substitute.

Having looked forward to satisfying my sweet cravings for so long when Easter Sunday arrived I really wasn't so fussed — it's funny how we want what we can't have.

Bank holidays have never really meant much to me as an athlete, training continues pretty much as normal. This year I took it one step further and had a competition on Easter Sunday. I wasn't particularly keen, especially as it involved being dressed head to toe in thick white material whilst stuck indoors in Birmingham for the whole sunny day! Although I can't complain as it was a great opportunity to get some extra fencing experience.

I may have kept up my training over Easter but my timetable was flexible, so much so that I managed to nip from Bath across the M4 to Badminton Horse trials on three separate occasions. It was certainly worth it and I'm sure any of you who were lucky enough to attend would agree. This is the first time I've watched the show jumping live, the atmosphere was amazing; eventing is now certainly on my list of Olympic events to see.