2020 had started incredibly well with the boys fitness, training and early competitions – however with the horrific winter weather, and now the COVID-19 outbreak the season for everybody has now been put on hold for the foreseeable future.
This has given me yet another opportunity to reflect on our goings on over the last few months – and our training going forward until we can compete again. I have made the decision to continue to ride during these times as the horses were fit a raring to go. Plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to improve.
RANSOM
I only managed to get to one competition before lockdown with Ransom which was in February run by Step Aside Dressage. I was aiming for my qualifying scores for the Veteran Championships to compete at Advanced Medium and PSG. The rather horrific weather led to another soggy warm up but Ransom performed well obtaining the double win; and our scores needed at AM.
Our next outing was meant to be stepping back up to PSG and Inter 1 to get those all important scores; but sadly Ransom had Cellulitis which put him out of action for that week. I am pleased to report he is now happy and well and working hard to improve his pirouettes and tempi changes.
Practicing our 1 time tempi changes
NELSON
We continued with our Arena Eventing at Pyecombe in the run up to their championship show which was held at the end of February. Having previously had many successful days at Pyecombe; I thought that their early February competition would also be just that. Nelson was flying round the course and was all set to win the class until he promptly dumped me at the last fence! This goes to show that after 25 years he still likes to prove he cannot be trusted 100%!!
However he did redeem himself on championship day coming 8th in a large class as well as overall 2nd Reserve Champion. Not bad for a 29 year old.
FINLEY
Finley had been the busiest of them all; with his training being ramped up ahead of the start of the Eventing season.
He was also very much still enjoying the Arena Eventing at Pyecombe; and with the introduction of their 1.10m classes; it gave us more to focus on. Finley yet again flew round at this height winning the class; and also picking up a second place in the 1m.
We had also qualified for the Championship show; where he gave me the most AMAZING round being one of only two clears. Being the superstar that he is we managed to be 7 seconds faster; and were crowned champion. I was lucky enough to win a sash and beautiful rug (as modelled by Finley below)
Whilst having fun with the Arena Eventing I knew I also had to focus on improving our dressage especially as he was now registered with British Dressage. I was able to get in two more Affiliated competitions – the first being at Step Aside where he produced two amazing tests. The highlight being the 70%+ score in his Novice, and a credible 66% in the Elementary.
I also substituted Ransom for Finley at Pyecombe’s first outdoor event of the year; where he yet again produced two beautiful tests. However this time he was not the judges favourite; leaving us in third place. I have learnt by now not to worry too much about this as I know how well he did perform; and more importantly I was happy.
We did manage to compete in our first unaffiliated Medium test after an incredibly educational lesson with my fab trainer Robbie Carpenter. Finley is very green at this level but has the potential to produce a nice test. I was aiming for a 60%+ score, so was pleased with just shy of 64% knowing that we deserved a few extra marks for certain movements. I could not have asked for more!
We were raring to go for our first event of the season at Tweseldown; but sadly this was not meant to be due to the constant torrential rain that we had been having. Therefore the event was abandoned and we have yet to event. THANKFULLY….before lock down I was able to go and school round the BE Novice course where he flew round the whole thing. Bitter Sweet.
One of our last outings before lock down was back to Hickstead to school round their incredible all weather course. I have been holding a lot of clinics there (and will again when all systems are go!) Finley was awesome and jumped his socks off including some of the intermediate fences. A great place to have left our training before lockdown.
OTHER NEWS:
I attended BETA International at the end of January, which was incredibly informative. I was able to browse a lot of new and exciting products from some companies which I use on a daily basis; as well as listened to some fascinating talks held by the Society of Master Saddlers. This gave me more of an understanding; and I hope to attend some of their training days later this year to further develop my knowledge.
I also attended what has turned out to be the last International Eventing Forum held at Hartpury College. Another very informative day with the main focus being that of Horsemanship. Some brilliant demos and talks were held by some of the best in the sport: Andrew Nicholson, Robbie Power, Adam Kemp, Eric Smiley, and Gillian Carlisle who spoke in depth about Thoroughbreds / RORs; which of course plays close to my heart.
To keep busy during lockdown I have been putting my artistic skills to the test and have been upcycling old palettes and jumps so that I have something fun and interesting to train over. This includes revamping my pre existing planks, making showjumping fillers, shoulder brushes, and an arrowhead. I am just waiting for more paint to arrive so I can make them as ‘professional’ as possible!
Lastly; it has been important to keep up with my own fitness so that once this is all over I will be ready to compete and train. This has included some wonderful runs and walks in my local countryside as well as some killer home work out videos!
So what ever you have decided to do during lockdown and these unprecedented times; I hope you are able to visit your four legged friends to help keep you happy and sane; but most importantly I hope you all remain safe and well.
LG Eventing and Dressage 