Hartpury International

A rather crazy and busy couple of weeks for Ginny, the horses and the team!
Creeslough headed to Hartpury for the CCI** and Shannondale Sparky for his first 3 day and first CCI*.

Creeslough did a disappointing test, usually far more settled than he was on this day. He was a little on edge and anticipating alot of the movements which made my job particularly hard. Disappointed with his test he scored an expected fair 57.
Shannondale Sparky tried very hard in his test with a couple of mistakes but he was rideable and made nothing of the particularly atmospheric arena. He produced some really nice movements, the judges were slightly harsh with his mark of 52.

On XC day both courses were looking just amazing with perfect ground and a real credit to the Hartpury team.
Shannondale Sparky ran first, with plenty of questions asked particularly at the quarry with a rail in and a left handed corner out, it caught out a few horses and riders. Sparky felt brilliant and remained straight and genuine as always to come home just a few seconds over the time but a clear round on his card.

Creeslough flew round the CCI** track which was stronger than previous years and he too just a couple of seconds over time but a brilliant clear to complete.

Show jumping day brought torrential rain... always fun! But thankfully the indoor international arena was able to be used for the final phase. Shannondale Sparky came out well following his XC, with the younger horses you never know how they will adjust to the altered format and some find it strange doing their SJ last. Sparky did not seem to mind and had just an unlucky rail, one which caught so many out.

Creeslough also felt well following XC but sadly had 2 rails down after jumping well, just finding the triple a little on the long side.
The SJ phases were certainly an influential with very few clears. Ginny was very happy with how both boys performed but plenty of room for improvement as always!