Friday 29th of March 2024
Claire Benfield

Claire Benfield: Kick starting the 2017 season!

So as last season didn’t finish as planned, the horses have had a holiday out in the field whilst Aoife recovered from her broken neck. We managed to keep ourselves entertained in the process by having an ‘autumn’ clean and pressure washing the stables to have rubber matting put down – spoilt ponies! And painting showjumps and doing a few odd jobs around the yard.

We have also acquired a few new kids on the block – 2 nice 5 year olds from Ireland, a promising 7 year old called Calling Card (Bond) and a new ride for the first half of the year, Master Rory, whilst his owner recovers from a broken ankle. 

After a winter of fittening work and training, Team Clark have had their first runs of the season. They are all feeling and looking great thanks to our amazing sponsors Gain Horse Feeds and Mervue Equine. And it’s really showing with people commenting on it and making me proud!

Our first eventing stop was at Lincolnshire Horse Trials where we took Fernhill Adventure (Biscuit) and Colorfast (Kenzo) to do the OI. Both boys where happy to be out and contained their excitement! Biscuit did a lovey dressage and double clear – he added some time faults xc as we take them steady on the first few outings but he still finished 7th so thrilled with him. Kenzo did a good dressage too and clear sj but he had a cheeky moment xc. 

Our next stop was at Gatcombe where we had Calling Card running in the novice, which was his and Aoife’s first run together, Rory and Kenzo in the OI and Biscuit in the AI. 

Bond did a super dressage to get a 23.3, one down sj but clear xc to finish 5th in his section so a great start for the new partnership. This competition was also Aoife and Rory’s first run together and he again did a good dressage and one down sj but clear xc. His owner, Rose, managed to come and watch and was thrilled with how he went. Kenzo redeemed himself this time by doing a super double clear to just miss out on the placings but we were really happy with how he went. 

Biscuit then did his dressage and he was super, he really has come out this year so much better, we were so happy with how he went. We decided not to jump him there as he is headed to do Belton CIC*** next week. 

After a couple of days off for me, this next week will be another busy one so until next time….

Claire x

www.aoifeclarkeventing.com

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