Hartpury International CCI*

Hartpury with the ready to go CVS Indian Summer and last minute catch ride Skehana DualStar.

CVS Indian Summer had been going so well in the build up to her CCI* debut, feeling on top form and very much up for it. The trot up went well and the preparations for her friday test, were just brilliant. So much more lift and elevation, of an already flashy mover. There were high expectations and looking for a top mark.

Minnie did us proud in a very atmospheric arena with so much to look at she kept her concentration for most of the test, just a couple of mistakes but i was very happy with how she coped and performed. Scoring a very respectable 47 dressage. It's exciting how much more she has to give and how competitive she will be in time at the next level.

Skehana Dualstar does not find dressage the easiest of phases but he really does try his hardest. Having only ridden him a handful of times, Ginny was not entirely sure what to expect but they got things together pretty quick and he performed his personal best test, scoring 59. 

Good ponies all round for the dressage now on to the XC. The biggest factor of all being that it was the longest course they would both have done but both feeling fit enough and up for the challenge. Never sure how they will cope with the change of format, it was going to be interesting but both horses were just fantastic! There were plenty of questions on this CCI* course. With a strong water  and plenty of skinnies.

CVS Indian Summer gave a great ride and felt bold and confident all the way round. She definitely made nothing of the course. Skehana DualStar also cruised round as if there had been a partnership from the start of the season, he too made it feel very easy. They both travelled well but did tire a little on the last hill, which happened to be where a normal national competition would end, but they kept on jumping and came home clear with just a couple of time each.

Finally trot up and Show Jumping day!!

Both horses stormed through the trot up on sunday morning and then onto the show jumping. Skehana Dualstar jumped a super careful and brilliant clear round, feeling just brilliant. It was very exciting for owner Jemima Stewart. CVS Indian Summer sadly wasn't quite her self so it was decided to pull her up and save her for another day. 

A lovely time at Hartpury overall, but obviously sad for Nick and Claire Foster as it wasnt quite the result everyone had hoped for. But that is the highs and lows of eventing! It just makes you stronger and want it even more!