What better way to spend a cold and wet August Bank Holiday weekend then updating my blog after a night of drinking and dancing at a dear friends wedding reception.
The last few months have been incredibly busy, and with the added freedom of being able to drive the lorry I have been able to increase the amount of training that both Ransom and Finley have been getting to help boost their performance (and mine!) At competitions.
RANSOM
Ransom’s boot camp was going well with an outing at Pyecombe Equestrian being a huge success. We competed in two Advanced Medium tests with two wins! We even managed a PB in the same test only 5 days previously he scored 7.5% less! It has become obvious that he certainly does not want to slow down.
We then entered the Pachesham Equestrian Festival of Dressage after qualifying earlier in the year for the Advanced Medium, and PSG Championship classes. The heat was extreme, and did affect our work; but overall Ransom behaved incredibly well coming a credible third in the Advanced Medium, and winning the PSG!
We received some fantastic prizes including clothing from Huff Equestrian, Earrings from Gemma J jewellery, and a gorgeous sash.
Training continues with Robbie Carpenter who certainly works wonders with both Ransom and I. This was noticeable at our most recent outing to Pyecombe where we competed in the Advanced Medium and PSG.
Ransom was much more rideable in the arena; showing improved straightness and self carriage. Although some judges cannot see past his conformation I am continually thrilled with how much more this little horse gives in every outing – and we still managed to come away with a 1st and 2nd place. All this competition practice will hopefully set us up well for the Petplan Area Festival Finals in October; and my end of year goal of competing in an Inter I class.
FINLEY
Finley has been incredible as I continue to battle with performance anxiety on his behalf – it has been a tough few months!
After the long bout of hard ground and heat it was thought that Finley had a niggling concussion injury which meant I had to withdraw from Farley Hall mid June, and missed out on our run at Eridge in July. It was decided that he would have pads put on in front to help with the ongoing ground conditions; plus a steady strengthening rehab program.
With Finley back on form we headed to Chilham Horse Trials at the end of July for another run in the Novice. As I had early times on the Sunday morning we decided to stay the night before at a local yard. This was Finley’s first stay away show and he settled incredibly well.
As I walked the cross-country course I knew that it was going to be our toughest course to date. I was also suffering from a shoulder injury after partially dislocating it only a few weeks earlier so knew that a couple of the combinations would be tough.
I shouldn’t have worried as Finley acted like a complete pro – a beautiful dressage test, a fair show jumping round followed by a super speedy clear (where many were getting excessive time faults!) to finish SECOND only 0.1 behind first place! The most amazing result before heading to Gatcombe for the Corinthian Cup.
Sadly Gatcombe was not the positive memorable experience I was hoping for….
Finley coped well with staying away again and settled into his temporary accommodation.
Arriving on site at Gatcombe I knew it would be a huge ask of him; even in the atmospheric dressage arena. He however exceeded my expectations in the arena and produced a beautifully calm test scoring lovely marks from both judged finishing in the top half of the class.
The show jumping arena was nothing like I imagined or had experienced before…EVER! It was terrifying even to watch with busy tradestands, sponsors marquees, spectators, attractions, and the cross-country course. All this was far too much for Finley. And although we got round the showjumping he took a huge knock of confidence at the combinations which meant that we could not go cross country.
The knock on effects of Gatcombe have been significant for Finley as we headed to Firle International Horse Trials. I couldn’t even appease him in the show jumping and for the first time ever he completely shut down on me and refused to jump a combination.
Worried that I may have ruined my super event horse; I have taken the decision to not pursue my one star goals for this season. I need to concentrate on building his confidence round a lower level with only a few events left this season I am hoping we can end it on a positive note.
With lots of training and exercises round combinations at a lower height; we headed to Felbridge to take part in the combined training in the 100cm class. I am thrilled to report that Finley was a lot happier feeling confident and forwards in the show jumping meaning we achieved a clear round. This; combined with a great dressage meant we won this class! Completely exceeding my expectations of the day.
I am currently on the wait list for Goring Horse Trials so fingers crossed I get in; otherwise our next outing will be at South of England Horse Trials.
NELSON
This geriatric ginger has been having the time of his life this summer!
The incredibly hot weather has meant that his ridden work has been minimal. However we have still managed a few outings.
We headed to Tweseldown to compete in their unaffiliated horse trials. I had to work very hard to contain his excitement during the dressage test; as he has taken to leaping up and down on the spot! He scored a very respectable 32 which was followed by a double clear to finish SECOND in a large section. We even managed to collect some ‘too fast’ penalties which I didn’t think was possible!
We then swapped eventing for the showing ring as we competed in the Veteran class at the Horsham and District Riding Club Annual Show. Nelson wowed the judge who wanted to take him home! He won his class; and was chosen as overall veteran champion. This qualified us for the Sunshine Tour Championships at Hickstead which are in a few weeks time.
TRAVIS
The trials and tribulations of educating a baby are real!
Helena Dunlavey’s Travis “Global Traveller” has been progressing well with his training. His first horse trials was at Tweseldown back in June. The dressage was a little tense and wobbly but a 34 was pleasing considering this was his first time on grass.
The show jumping was slightly exuberant which cost us two poles, but he made up for this by storming round the cross-country clear inside the time to finish 15th. A very good start to his eventing career.
His next horse trials was at Borde Hill. This was a big test for him; but he stepped up to the occasion well. The dressage was calmer, and the show jumping was going incredibly….too well! He got rather tense and strong towards an upright – the combination of him jumping me out the saddle, heading down hill, picking up speed, and an abrupt turn to the left; meant i dismounted to the right and was unable to go cross-country!
The highs and literal lows of youngsters!
Travis has also been competing in combined training, where he continues to improve with every outing. His jumping technique is much better, and he is now tackled cross-country training like a pro! His next event is at Tweseldown in the 80cm class.
OTHER NEWS:
Earlier on in the year I had a moment of madness where I signed up for a 10km charity challenge with my work colleagues (Grove Lodge Vets) to raise money for two worthy charities:
WADARS – Worthing and District Animal Rescue Society
Canine Partners
The 10km Gauntlet Games took place on an incredibly hot day in July. The whole team did incredibly well and completed the challenge raising over £2000. I managed to finish in good time; but unfortunately sustained a shoulder injury at the third obstacle (a partial dislocation with torn ligaments and cartilage!) Exercise is definitely not good for your health!
I have also been doing a lot of instructing over the summer months; and was kindly selected to be team trainer for Petersfield Pony Club at the Dressage, Showjumping, and Horse Trials Qualifiers. They had numerous teams and individuals entered who all did incredibly well; with some qualifications for the National Championships.
Their Junior Camp was held at the end of July; just before I headed off to Gatcombe. I had a fantastic ride who certainly excelled themselves; jumping a huge show jumping course at the end making me a very proud instructor!
So not everything has gone to plan these last few months…as things rarely do. But it is OK to deviate from the plan. To regroup, retrain, and rebuild confidence. That is exactly what I am doing in order to have a fun few months ahead.
LG Eventing and Dressage 