After a lovely holiday away with my friend Rose Bridgewood (also an event rider) it was back to business with 3 horses competing at Richmond Horse Trials. We had a good run with On stage in the Novice, doing a 29 dressage test, clear xc but a very expensive show jump, leaving us in a happy 9th place but cost us the class! Alphonso competed in the Novice and did a lovely double clear abeit slow xc just to build his confidence up! On Cue did her first pre novice and didn't disappoint, she did a lovely, possibly wobbly test, one down show jumping (jockeys error as i completely missed!!) and clear xc.
Next we had 4 horses competing at Winkburn Horse Trials. On Stage shone with a 28 double clear in the Novice and won! Alphonso did a lovely test, one down show jumping and then flew around xc until he ducked out with me at the second to last, which again cost him the class. Alfie thought that was hilarious! Julie Davis (Alfie's owner) and myself saw the less funny side!!!!
On Springs came out for a jolly feeling rather fresh! She warmed up fantastic for the dressage but just as I went down the centre she went wah whoooo! and did the test as quick as possible which reflected in her poor mark, she had the last fence down showjumping through been a little cocky so i decided withdraw her before xc which put a major sulk on her face!
On a Star kept up her good form from Hopetoun and did a lovely test in the Intermediate Novice and went double clear to finish second!
Our next stop was Burghley Young Event Horse final with On Cue. She impressed us with her mature level head and did a smart test and went clear in the jumping to finish on a penalty score of 70.4. The cut off for the final 10 was 72 so she just missed out. We were so happy as we felt she couldn't have performed better.
Allerton Park was next with On Cue in the pre-novice. Again we had a nice confidence giving run with a pleasant test, one down and clear xc. On Stage was in the novice and did another stunning test and just rolled a pole show jumping, she just felt a bit tired and quiet so i decided to with draw her before the xc. Next were the big girls, in the Strong Open Intermediate. On a Star did a stunning test for a 30 and double clear, and On Springs, who did a stunning test for a 27, also went double clear to come 7th and 5th respectfully!
Aske Hall was next with On Cue proving she can produce a good test with a 29 but then just couldn't untangle her legs over the show jumps to have 2 down. She flew around the xc and now understands she has to do all three phases well on the same day. Alphonso did a nice test but got a little tense over his back in his dressage and the same in the showjumping to have 2 down, but he impressed xc going a very confident clear. It was Alphoso's last run for the 2011 and although we had a few blips he has proved he is one for the future. He has come to the sport at an older age so he is still grasping it. Alfie's aim is Osberton CCI 2 star. Alfie's owners, Nigel and Julie Davis have given me so much support and confidence this year and I am so grateful to them for choosing me to ride their very talented horse.
This was also my last run for On Springs who didnt let us down in the intermediate to finish 4th! Clover again will be aimed for Bramham next year!
The last 3-day of the year! Osberton International with On a Star in the CCI 2 star and On Stage in the CIC 1 star Young Horse Championship. On Stage did a nice but green test with a on score of 57. She rolled a pole showjumping but did a clear xc. I thought we might have produced a better result but On Stage has had a successful but busy year and she definitely feels likes she needs to have a holiday in the field. My aim with her next year is the CCI 2 star Young Horse Championship.
On a Star did a cracking test in the CCI 2 star to be 9 th after the dressage, there were over a 100 competitors in the CCI 2 star. She flew around the xc inside the time to move up to 7th for the final phase. She did a classy clear and then we just had to wait; poles were falling every where and we moved up to 2nd behind the reining World Champion Ingrid Klimke. We were best of the British, highest U25 rider and highest placed mare.
The whole team were over the moon especially my parents, which with out their support none of this would be possible. I was interviewed by different magazines and by Sky Sports which was so exciting although we don't have sky at home so I haven't yet seen my interview! On a Stars aim next year is Bramham.
My last run of the year was at Askham Bryan with On Cue, she did a lovely test, although we were disappointed with her mark. She did a double clear to finish 6th. Cue's aim next year is the CIC 1 Star Young Horse Championship.
Woodhead before Christmas in preparation for 2012.
I have a couple of new horses for next year a mare called On Show, a gelding called On 'n' Away and a mare called French Classic.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas and a smashing New Year!
All the best, Jolyse x
