May 2014
Well, May is upon us and the weather looks set to improve,
I’ve already cleaned the BBQ in anticipation!
Since my last blog, both horses have been out competing at a
new event in Cumbria, Warwick Hall. It was a long journey up there (3 hours
each way) but well worth it as the event was really well organised in lovely
park land and the going was perfect. Whilst the day had ups and downs, on the
whole I came away incredibly positive.
Both Herbie and Alfie did fabulous dressage tests to leave
Herbie the stand out leader in his section and Alfie in second place by half a
mark. The showjumping was up to height and with plenty to look at with
tradestands and music around the arena. Herbie jumped really nicely and just
had one fence down (rider error!) and Alfie had an uncharacteristic two fences
down which was a shame. As the scores weren’t out at the time of me setting off
cross country I decided to ride them both sensibly and according to their
experience. Alfie flew round clear with just 0.4 of a time fault which left him
9th (a good placing to say we had two fences down!) and Herbie gave
me a super clear round with 4 time faults to add. I probably could have gone
faster on him but as he’s so rangey and inexperienced I like to give him time
at his fences to make sure we are accurate.
Little did I know that even with our fence down in the
showjumping, Herbie was STILL in the lead going into the cross country phase.
Unfortunately the time faults dropped us down to 4th but I was so
thrilled with such a stand out dressage, one silly fence down showjumping and a
clear cross country.
My auntie Hayley came with us to help which meant we had a
lovely fun day which was helped by both horses performing really nicely.
Hopefully it wasn’t too hard work and she might just come again!
Next it’s a trip to Bishop Burton for Herbie at the end of
May and then a well-earned rest for them both whilst I concentrate on getting
married!
I hope everyone enjoys this much needed sunshine.
Best Wishes,
Team Cawood
