And just like that the Eventing season is over for Finley and I. He is now on a mini holiday until the beginning of November but I pleased with how it ended after the trials and tribulations we have faced this year.
FINLEY
Our event after Tweseldown was Moreton – A new event to us and what a lovely event too! The best grass arenas I have ridden on, Showjumping on a surface; and a bold cross country track. The weather was ridiculously hot; and I was so grateful for early times.
We achieved a top ten finish after a lovely dressage (31); one pole showjumping, and a clear within the time cross country – despite almost jumping the start box!
Our next event was at Wellington in the 105 – Another consistent dressage and cross country round; but the lack of brakes in the SJ meant that it dropped us from 3rd place to out of the top ten. Due to a large number of events now showjumping on a surface the lack of grass jumping really did show – something I need to work on.
West Wilts Novice was a a frustrating event – yet another great dressage test; and a super confident SJ round (on a surface!). The cross country was BIG; with a couple of testing combinations later on in the course – however for a reason I do not understand he went incredibly green and stopped at the third fence
My last two events were definitely the best way to end the season. Bricky 105 showed that I still do have my brave cross country machine; and after our best dressage of the season I was so pleased with him storming round the longest, and trickiest course we have faced this year for a clear inside the time.
Tweseldown was THE PERFECT END! A 30 dressage; double clear inside the time left us in 5th place. I am still so proud of how we have progressed – especially in the dressage. For the first time in a few years Finely did not have a tantrum in the arena; and consistently was in the top ten after the dressage phase.
With the dressage ever improving – we started our campaign for the Petplan Area Festivals at both Novice and Elementary. This started with some amazing results at Felbridge with a double win; and over 70% in our first test. We now have to finish our Elementary qualification after his well earnt break!
RANSOM
I have been working hard at getting Ransom qualified for the Petplan qualifiers at both PSG and Inter 1 – and I am pleased to report that we have gained our qualification and are ready to work hard these next few months in order to be the best we can be.
With each outing we were improving with our scores – but I was frustrated at the fact that I was not able to ride the test I know we can get in training and at home. However; our last outing in September at Pyecombe proved that we are both still heading in the right direction with some of the best marks from a judge who has previously scored us low at the lower levels.
The frustration is never with Ransom; only with myself as I am grateful for every test we complete at this level!
NELSON
Nelson is still in work; and has been freshly clipped as he tends to get hairy all year round now due to his age! We have been having a couple of jumps on grass and he still feels really well – I will be having a look at the Arena Eventing Calendar to see if there is anything I can take him to.
OTHER NEWS
I was so excited that I held my first two day ‘non-residential’ camp at Tweseldown in August. It was a great success even with the restrictions which had been put in place with two days of flatwork, showjumping and cross country. It was lovely to see both old faces who I teach regularly; and new ones – I am already planning for next year so watch this space for 2021!
I was lucky enough to be given the ride of the little Palomino pony pictured above at his first 80cm hunter trial. Ellie is owned by Charlotte; and as a combination are quite inexperienced with Ellie only being five; and Charlotte only ever competing at low levels.
Since becoming their coach they have improved a great deal with confidence and ability – so I was pleased to be trusted with her steed. He behaved very well to complete the 80cm at Munstead in terrible weather conditions – he did not have an issue with the jumps themselves…just the puddles that we came across!! He finished with much confidence and scope around this level – and I am looking forward to continuing the journey with them through the winter.
With the changing of clocks, and dark evenings looming; it may be that a alot of riders will not have the time or ability to keep their horses fit and ridden during winter. I am available for schooling / riding / and general exercising during the week so please do get in touch References available.
Due to COVID a lot of the training and development I had planned has been put on hold but I am now hoping that I can finish my BECC qualification soon; as well as my British Dressage Judges Exams. Needless to say I have learnt a lot about Zoom and Teams – which I am sure I will be needed to use for the foreseeable future!
So here is to the start of winter – lets keep everything crossed it is drier than last year. Keep safe and well!
LG Eventing and Dressage 