- Blenheim Palace International 8/9YO CIC***
- Aston Le Walls with the babies
- Wellington and Gatcombe International
- Bicton International
- Hartpury CCI**
- The Festival of British Eventing and Smiths Lawn
- Aston Le Walls and Calmsden
- Barbury Castle International and Upton House
- Catton Park and Chepstow 4yo
- * Exciting opportunity to own part of Cruise on Inny!*
Swalcliffe Park
So this weekend we got the 2019 eventing season underway and no better place to start it than at my local event Swalcliffe Park Equestrian. A fantastically organised event, amazing volunteers that were always smiling even in the most challenging conditions! Thank you!
First horse was the baby of the group, Confession Time owned by Emily Tweedie. Now a 5yo it was obvious he had not forgotten anything from his 4yo education. A lovely test for a 32.8 followed by a great D/C, adding a few time to his score saw him just out of the ribbons but with a young horse that jumps like him those 'air time' seconds added are soon forgotten about. Some huge jumps and feeling pretty mega! Lots learnt, his first experience of mud and an exciting season ahead!
Day 2 and a slightly less challenging wind to contend with.
Dressage: Consisted of some additional posh trotting movements and plenty of power although not always in the right direction! All 3 horses very happy to be at a party, so not quite the dressage scores we know they are capable of but certainly their jumping made up for it.
ShowJumping: Lots of lovely coloured pole jumping and plenty of height given!
XC: 4 Great clears and educational rounds!
New ride 6yo CHF Archie owned by Jane Blakesley-Grimes tried really hard in his first ever dressage test with plenty to work on but huge potential with more mileage. A perfect D/C for him and we can now say he is an event horse having completed his first ever event and not only that but placing 8th.
Interlaken W, 6yo stallion owned by Nicky Bennell and myself, felt like a pro. He had fun in his dressage! Then jumped a perfect and speedy D/C XC finding it all very easy.
It was great to have 'Hero's Row' owned by Rosie Dent and Iona Dent back out doing the job he loves! He too found the excitement of his first party and the XC going on a bit much for the dressage so not his usual great test but made up for it in the jumping phases. A very unlucky 4 faults but a quick clear XC!
It was great to have all my owners together and lots of supporters over the weekend and despite less than ideal conditions, everyone kept smiling. Huge thanks to my family, grooms, owners, riders, sponsors, farrier, physio, vets, supporters and all involved with GHE this weekend, over the last few months and years! I couldn't do it with out you all! It's a huge team effort!
