Upton

So today was a big day in more ways than one...
With 'Interlaken W' owned by myself and Nicky Bennell looking to secure his final qualification before Hartpury CCI2*L.
'Confession Time' Owned by Em Tweedie making the step up to Novice.
And the come back for the 2nd time... (Lucky) for 'About Time Too'.

Interlaken W the lovely 6yo stallion proved just how consistent he is and with the most wonderful attitude towards his work. A 30 dressage with by far the hardest test he has done to date, still not established in his rein back but remaining in the top few. Then going on to do yet another foot perfect D/C making this his 6th out of 7 D/C this season. To finish 9th, And most importantly securing his qualification for Hartpury CCI2*L. SO EXCITING! Lovely having his owner there and friends supporting team Lanikin!

Confession Time at only a 5yo has been skipping round his BE100's with ease so deciding it was time for him to make the step up to Novice, although unusual for me to do as still only a 5yo he had become far too cocky at the smaller fences and needing more of a challenge.
He too had a tricky dressage with the rein back /counter canter but felt brilliant and tried very hard with the new movements he's been learning for a 31. One of his best jumping SJ rounds, focused and plenty of air time just an unlucky pole at the 1st. The XC was flowing, up to height and he stormed round full of confidence and enjoyed the educational run. An unlucky 20pen at a corner after a drop hedge just caught us out with his huge jump and exuberance but none the wiser to the 20pen he popped 2nd time and continued. A class round for him and a very exciting future.

Lastly About Time Too, those of you who know me with understand the heart ache and dissappintment we've had with him... After an injury before Blenheim as a 9yo, then careful rehab and the excitement to get him back as an 11yo followed by him then deciding he didnt want to play eventing.. 5 out of 5 consecutive big "E's" to add to his record; I gave up!! He hunted.. badly and team chased that winter. In June now a 12yo I decided i might just have one last go... the horse that felt like he could jump the moon! His 1st run today all be it at BE100Open for an Advanced horse not that challenging but working with his quirks it doesn't matter how big or small the fences. Proving that it may well have been a risk worth taking. Feeling back to the horse he was before injury, loving the dressage, keen in the SJ and taking every fence in his stride. Posting a 27 Dressage and a steady yet keen D/C for 5th. Will be taking each event as it comes and see where it leads...

Aston Le Walls

A fantastic couple of days at Aston! Interlaken W 6yo Stallion in the Novice. Owned by myself and Nicky Bennell once again proved his consistency and that he is very much ready for Hartpury CCI2*L next month. A 30Dr, and unlucky pole and a lovely confident clear XC. The big boys have been brilliant too in the advanced!

My own Undalgo De Windsor 11yo, got a little over excited and anticipated most movements in the dressage apart from those he wasn't meant to be doing!! He soon came out of the naughty corner following a brilliant SJ round and a fab XC clear making it feel very easy... another big run to add to his belt before that VERY IMPORTANT entry gets put in soon!

Trendy Captain Clover 9yo owned by Antonia Kaye and Milly Kaye showed today just how class he really is, lying 3rd after the dressage in a huge section and class field of 8/9yo's with 60+ starters on a score of 30.8 Dr. He jumped a lovely round in the SJ but just a very unlucky pole at the last. Then XC he really could not have tried harder knowing we were in a good position it was time to go speedy!! Adding just 2 TF to his score to finish in 7th! So happy for everyone involved especially his amazingly loyal and supportive owners.

Amazing having mum, my sister and poppy to help me and cheering us on! Such a great day after a very long week!

Thank you to team Aston Le Walls and volunteers for once again an impressively run event! Running like clock work! And to Kate Rocher-Smith at DassettEventing for amazing goodies and prizes!