24 September 2013
Harvest is over, the heating is on and there’s less than 100
days until Christmas.....this must mean that the Eventing Season is drawing to
a close for another year! We have just two more events (Bishop Burton and
Askham Bryan) before ‘The Boys’ get a well earned rest.
We have not had a bad season by any stretch but it has been
one of a few ups and downs, Richmond Horse Trials (at the end of August) was no
exception. Herbie was doing his first BE100 and Alfie was stepping up to Novice
for the second time. Herbie’s strongest phase is usually the dressage but on
this occasion he was thoroughly distracted throughout his entire test by a very
naughty Alfie whinnying from the lorry! He then had 2 show jumps down and a run
out cross country at an offset double of skinnies (he’s a big horse with a big
stride and ended up running past the second part) – all in all not Herbie’s
day!
Alfie on the other hand did a beautiful dressage to leave
him 3rd going in to the show jumping, he then jumped a beautiful
clear round so I went in to the cross country phase with it all to play for.
Fence 6 was a ditch combination and from nowhere he put in a really cheeky
stop, he came back round and jumped it fine the second time but this left us
with 20 penalties so well out of contention. Whilst I was really disappointed,
Alfie is a super horse and all horses have blips and do things to test us so I
knew it was just a case of going home, digging a couple of ditches and
restoring his confidence which I believe we have done now.
Events like Richmond are frustrating but they give you a lot
to work on and make you even more determined next time out...so Allerton Park
couldn’t come soon enough. It’s a beautiful event with classes right up to
advanced so the level of competition is often high but both boys really did
rise to the occasion. Alfie reminded me why I love him so much, posting a foot
perfect double clear to end up 4th and Herbie really shone and
showed that all the hard work was worth it by posting a double clear to end up
3rd. It was a great weekend and Mum and I came away feeling very
lucky to have the horses we have and with the confirmation that hard work and
attention to detail is what is needed.
For now my priority is Bishop Burton in 2 weeks time where
Herbie will contest his third BE100 and Alfie his third Novice......watch this
space!
Best wishes,
‘Team Cawood’
