I will update you all on the last few events of the season, as I last wrote
to you all Zu's was placed 3rd at West Wilts- this was moved to a 2nd due to one
of the riders placed being over qualified and therefore was disqualified!
Fantastic news but I had to wait 3 months for my rosette and new prize to return
as the rider in question who was disqualified did not want to return her
prize!
My next event up was with Sky at Gatcombe in the ON, he hadn't been out for
some time due to the horrible weather so I was dubious how we would get on. He
produced is best test with me to lie in the top ten after the dressage in a very
large and strong section that even saw a Burghley/Badminton horse that had
competed 4**** that year with the rider in the class. Sky warmed up brilliantly
for SJ but the SJ team opted for a un scheduled lunch break and so by the time I
went he was over boiled and we had a few fences down, I was slightly
disappointed as I know how well he can jump but it was one of those things and
the track was beefy so I was pleased he jumped it well (minus some poles!). XC
he powered round and the commentator commented on how brave and confident my
round was and even went so far as to say it was one of the best rounds of the
day! He flew round and really ate up the course. We finished around middle of
the road but I was chuffed with his performance as he is now 18 and still going
strong.
My next outing was with Zuzu at Broadway for her first 90, we had picked
this out as her first 90 as it has always been known as a small course that is
encouraging and kind for baby horses. I couldn't have been more wrong, they had
beefed the course up due to how easy it was and it was massive for a 90. The
ground was beyond terrible, we had to get towed in so I was very suprised it
even ran. Again Zu produced the 2nd best test of the competition (she's getting
good at this dressage lark!) a sub 27 test was what we took into the SJ. SJ the
ground was very holding and the arena was held in a crowded grass arena
surrounded by tents and vans so was very full on. Zu jumped her socks off just
to roll one pole where she took hold and just flattened slightly. XC if I am
being honest I didn't even think she would get round, some of the combinations
had the technicality of a 100 course. She powered her way around and I was
bowled over by her brave attitude, she seemed to really have understood what xc
is and was enjoying it. She was so bold and confident that coming down the last
hill she galloped past a fence! I was kicking myself as it cost us the win but
we still managed a top 20 placing and for her first 90 I was so thrilled and
excited for 2013 to start.
The last event of 2012 was a 3 day event at Aldon Horse Trials, Aldon has
been my nemesis event as I never seem to have good luck there. We took part in
the BE100Open with Sky, this event actually ran over most of the N and CIC*
track. The first day we almost missed our dressage slot so only had a 5 min warm
up. We produced a decent test but I definitely felt we could have produced a
stronger mark. We had the luxury of staying off side for the 3 days on the
Melbury Estate with fellow event rider Lee Honeysett. The next day was our
favorite day, Roads and tracks and steeplechase followed by XC. I think Sky was
a little confused by the roads and tracks and was always looking out for a xc
fence. Steeplechase we powered round and were the quickest round all day! XC was
one of the best rides I have had on him and we scooted round, we even added our
own extra fence in the shape of spectator tape!!! We scored a fast clean clear
with no time. The final day we trotted up in order of placings and I was lying
top 6 so it was a very long nervous wait. As we tacked up for SJ I commented to
mum on how unhappy and tired Sky looked and wasn't sure how he would be SJ. He
is normally a strong bold horse but as I warmed up it was like the engine had
run out. We took him in the arena and as it was a 3 day the course was extended,
unusually for Sky he was quiet and slow over his fences. We were clear until 3
from home when he ran out of puff, I had to carry him home and we incurred some
faults but we managed to get home safely. I was gutted as he has never jumped
like that but on reflection and after talking with mum she agreed that a 3 day
at 18yrs had really taken it out of him. We finished top 14 still so I was
thrilled with that result at least.
Now for the news on why I have been so quiet and busy....
Mid November we received a call from the person who had my ex FEI pony on
loan, they wanted us to have him back within a week! Mum was obviously furious
that she had given us such little notice and want him to come back at the drop
of a hat as she had found a new horse. It left us in a difficult position as we
have 3 stables at home and have 3 horses in these stables. We had to make the
gutting decision to return Sky to his owner. He has been a brilliant
schoolmaster and has given so much fun over the two years I have owned him he
was due to go back next May but our hand was tied and it had to be sooner than
expected. As his owners didn't have room to have him back we helped find him a
new home only 10mins from us with a older lady who would like to do the odd bit
of jumping but would like to mainly concentrate on BD and progress with him. He
is going to a very lovely home where he will be spoilt rotten and as he is so
local I will still be able to keep in touch. It was a huge blow to us and has
left a huge hole that needs to be filled.
to you all Zu's was placed 3rd at West Wilts- this was moved to a 2nd due to one
of the riders placed being over qualified and therefore was disqualified!
Fantastic news but I had to wait 3 months for my rosette and new prize to return
as the rider in question who was disqualified did not want to return her
prize!
My next event up was with Sky at Gatcombe in the ON, he hadn't been out for
some time due to the horrible weather so I was dubious how we would get on. He
produced is best test with me to lie in the top ten after the dressage in a very
large and strong section that even saw a Burghley/Badminton horse that had
competed 4**** that year with the rider in the class. Sky warmed up brilliantly
for SJ but the SJ team opted for a un scheduled lunch break and so by the time I
went he was over boiled and we had a few fences down, I was slightly
disappointed as I know how well he can jump but it was one of those things and
the track was beefy so I was pleased he jumped it well (minus some poles!). XC
he powered round and the commentator commented on how brave and confident my
round was and even went so far as to say it was one of the best rounds of the
day! He flew round and really ate up the course. We finished around middle of
the road but I was chuffed with his performance as he is now 18 and still going
strong.
My next outing was with Zuzu at Broadway for her first 90, we had picked
this out as her first 90 as it has always been known as a small course that is
encouraging and kind for baby horses. I couldn't have been more wrong, they had
beefed the course up due to how easy it was and it was massive for a 90. The
ground was beyond terrible, we had to get towed in so I was very suprised it
even ran. Again Zu produced the 2nd best test of the competition (she's getting
good at this dressage lark!) a sub 27 test was what we took into the SJ. SJ the
ground was very holding and the arena was held in a crowded grass arena
surrounded by tents and vans so was very full on. Zu jumped her socks off just
to roll one pole where she took hold and just flattened slightly. XC if I am
being honest I didn't even think she would get round, some of the combinations
had the technicality of a 100 course. She powered her way around and I was
bowled over by her brave attitude, she seemed to really have understood what xc
is and was enjoying it. She was so bold and confident that coming down the last
hill she galloped past a fence! I was kicking myself as it cost us the win but
we still managed a top 20 placing and for her first 90 I was so thrilled and
excited for 2013 to start.
The last event of 2012 was a 3 day event at Aldon Horse Trials, Aldon has
been my nemesis event as I never seem to have good luck there. We took part in
the BE100Open with Sky, this event actually ran over most of the N and CIC*
track. The first day we almost missed our dressage slot so only had a 5 min warm
up. We produced a decent test but I definitely felt we could have produced a
stronger mark. We had the luxury of staying off side for the 3 days on the
Melbury Estate with fellow event rider Lee Honeysett. The next day was our
favorite day, Roads and tracks and steeplechase followed by XC. I think Sky was
a little confused by the roads and tracks and was always looking out for a xc
fence. Steeplechase we powered round and were the quickest round all day! XC was
one of the best rides I have had on him and we scooted round, we even added our
own extra fence in the shape of spectator tape!!! We scored a fast clean clear
with no time. The final day we trotted up in order of placings and I was lying
top 6 so it was a very long nervous wait. As we tacked up for SJ I commented to
mum on how unhappy and tired Sky looked and wasn't sure how he would be SJ. He
is normally a strong bold horse but as I warmed up it was like the engine had
run out. We took him in the arena and as it was a 3 day the course was extended,
unusually for Sky he was quiet and slow over his fences. We were clear until 3
from home when he ran out of puff, I had to carry him home and we incurred some
faults but we managed to get home safely. I was gutted as he has never jumped
like that but on reflection and after talking with mum she agreed that a 3 day
at 18yrs had really taken it out of him. We finished top 14 still so I was
thrilled with that result at least.
Now for the news on why I have been so quiet and busy....
Mid November we received a call from the person who had my ex FEI pony on
loan, they wanted us to have him back within a week! Mum was obviously furious
that she had given us such little notice and want him to come back at the drop
of a hat as she had found a new horse. It left us in a difficult position as we
have 3 stables at home and have 3 horses in these stables. We had to make the
gutting decision to return Sky to his owner. He has been a brilliant
schoolmaster and has given so much fun over the two years I have owned him he
was due to go back next May but our hand was tied and it had to be sooner than
expected. As his owners didn't have room to have him back we helped find him a
new home only 10mins from us with a older lady who would like to do the odd bit
of jumping but would like to mainly concentrate on BD and progress with him. He
is going to a very lovely home where he will be spoilt rotten and as he is so
local I will still be able to keep in touch. It was a huge blow to us and has
left a huge hole that needs to be filled.