Somerley Park

Love this event – Holly and I came 7th in our first CIC** here in 2010.

Downgraded this year to Novice being our first event back. Had the long drive up to Hampshire but definitely worth the travel. Holly was so relaxed in her test scoring a 29 maybe all that dressage practise has paid off! The show jumping warm up was a nightmare they were running late and had to wait 45 minutes to jump, the ground was quite soft and sticky which Holly hates. Just managed to jump a few a went straight in to jump a clear round. Warming up with royalty is always cool and when they fall off it is good to see it happens to us all! 

I have to say I was a little nervous going XC and rode like a idiot at the beginning after having a little chat to myself we kicked on and jumped a super clear. Had 6 time faults probably for being too slow at the beginning but got home safe which is the main thing, we came 6th with 35. Very happy! Had a few coffees before we hit the road back home!

Somerley Park International (CIC**) - 31 March - 7th!!

I was at Somerley with Holly Tuesday and yesterday for the ** and am pleased to report we came 7th!

There were around 65 starters although 11 withdraw at the SJ because of the conditions. It was really very sticky in the SJ because of the heavy rain particuarly overnight on Tuesday. Only 7 clear rounds in total of which Holly's was one.

I rewalked the XC and thankfully the sun came out and the wind picked up so it dried out a bit, one fence was removed because it was waterlogged. We had a great round XC, one small sticky moment at the water with two skinnies, but got back safely with a nice clear round only about 13 seconds over time (5.2 pens). I used my new watch, first time I've ever gone round with one which I think helped. I remember looking at the watch about half way round and already 4 minutes had gone so I kicked on!

Great result as this helps me to get the qualification I need to do *** later in the year, if I'm able to secure funding!!!

Next event with Holly is Belton on 16 April the Advanced (U25). I'll be at South of England with Duffy and Corby on the 10th.

Isleham - 7 March 2010

Had a good day with Holly yesterday at Isleham, we came 3rd in the Intermediate. 31.8 dressage, one pole down SJ and 14.4 time penalties XC. The pole in the SJ was my fault put in one too many strides and got her too close to the fence.

Duffy had a good dressage 34.5 (4th after dressage) but unfortunately had three poles down a real shame as he has been jumping so well over the winter! Still first event of the season so plenty to improve on!

Next event Twesledown Intermediate with Holly Hot Lips!

I'm also entered into Somerley International CIC** (30-31 March) and Belton Park AU25 in April.

Not sure about you but I'm enjoying the sun too, life with horses is so much easier when it's dry!