Since I last wrote the middle part of this season has been a very busy one! We have been out eventing every week plus fitting in plenty of training with my three fabulous coaches – Chief Mentor, Sam Griffiths; Lisa White and Ros Morgan.
First up -Treborough hill
We took 4 babies there. It provides lovely educational tracks for younger horses, without there being a huge atmosphere.
Isington Red Faerie, who is a beautiful 6yo, who has just stepped up to Novice, did so in style. She lead the dressage and jumped double clear just adding some time to finish 4th.
Next up – Barbury
This is one of my favourite events. It is fantastic for the owners and sponsors as it provides all the glitz and glam whilst being very spectator friendly. My ‘super cob’ (aka Faere Spirit) was making the step up to 2* and did a super test to get 49. Sadly, he really didn’t enjoy the slightly firmer going in the jumping.
Gapolio
The lovely 6yo Amoroso Gigi Z jumped another stunning double clear to finish 6th in the Novice. She will now be ridden by her new owner who will aim her at junior teams in the future, I’m pleased to be staying involved in their development.
Dauntsey to Wilton – and some nice placings
Dauntsey always provides some challenging xc tracks which are big and bold. I was thrilled with Faerie who picked up another 4th in the Novice. I was even more thrilled with my giant spooky baby Falko TH (almost 17h 2) who has really grown up. He jumped a beautiful double clear to come 3rd.
We then set off to Wilton where I had four horses – all jumping double clear with 3 being placed. My horses seemed to enjoy the softer going after finally getting some rain. I was very pleased as Faere Spirit made up for Barbury with a lovely double clear!
..And on to Smiths Lawn & Hartpury
Smiths Lawn next where Falko proved what a talent he is finishing 2nd and Faerie producing another solid performance for a double clear and 8th both in the Novice.
I then headed off to Hartpury with the ‘super cob’ who was contesting the 1*. He is notoriously spooky and sadly the banners round the dressage arena obviously had dragons in them, so did not produce his best test; but still got a 51. But ‘wow’ did he make up for it after that – jumping the best double clear he’s done to finish 15th out of 70 horses. He will now step up a level before the end of the season!
Super cob at Hartpury
A successful Bicton
I’m very pleased to end this blog by saying the lovely ‘Red Faerie’ picked up a fabulous win in the Novice at Bicton. She is one very exciting 6yo and will head to Osberton CICYH*. Falko has also been amazing again with another double clear and 5th!! And to top it all, Gapolio jumped superbly round the CIC*. I really am very lucky to have such a wonderful group of young horses!
And an added bonus is that my top two horses – Billy Bumble and Epica, who have been off for minor injuries – are now back up and running, in full work and feeling better than ever.
Bumble competing at Lion d’Angers in 2015
