Thank you everyone ! Yes, I agree about the reflection, but it was surprisingly difficult zooming in yet getting the subject in the right place. I had plenty of chance to practice but this is just the beginning.

I think the last one might have been better as a panned shot to give more of an impression of speed but I was keen to try the new settings.

All these shots were hand held and of several hundred (i) taken yesterday, very few were out of focus. My main fault was placing the subject in the right place - this was probably because I had zoomed in too close. I was fortunate to be with the pros by the water jump - the first time I've been able to talk about photography seriously with anyone 'live'. They had some serious kit ...

I was fortunate to bump into a reporter at a horsey event who was a Pentax User which made a pleasant change from the Nikon and Canon gang!
He gave me a few tips about settings for action shots using Tv rather than Sport mode, and these are some I took today :

Nice colours and style - gives us hope that spring may arrive soon ....

Thank you, Stan.
One more that I took yesterday. If anything it was a little too bright and any of the obstacles that were close enough to get the horse coming towards me were into the sun. But I like the expression on this chap's face




For some reason the colours are not as warm as the one on my desktop and this shot looks rather dull here ...

Well done ! Otters move so quickly they are not always easy to catch! I've never seen a wild one, only in wildlife parks.

Incredible shots !
I also find it interesting that these birds have been ringed.

Fabulous sharp Waxwing (never seen one) and red squirrel.
We have the red ones here but I've never managed to get close enough to photograph one. Unlike the old grey squirrel, they don't come near the bird feeders.

Thank you very much for the comments - and I'll have a go with the burn tool.
In fact #3 is also my favourite - he's my instructor . I hope he'll be pleased with the result.

One of the problems with taking photos of horses jumping is that they can sometimes look rather static, i.e. without much feeling of movement. It's probably got something to do with the angle where the shot was taken. Plus I think being able to catch a determined look on the rider's face as he looks in the direction he will be taking may give an idea of action.

Yes, I agree, Alan, shots of the horse going away aren't good.
Shots taken sideways on can look dramatic, but I didn't include any above because I thought they were dull. Here's an example :

These are my first attempt at horsey action shots. The first day was dull and drizzly but things brightened up after that. It was a lot harder than I thought but I learnt about the best distances. The tripod was invaluable thought the last shot was taken rather quickly and handheld - he was a long way away! I did a little tidying up of clutter the background in one or two, but little PP otherwise.
Kx + DL 55-300

Nice shot. It's a pretty thing - not one of your poisonous one, I assume ???