July has been a relatively quiet month for
me on the eventing front with only Kate Lyon’s Harry Robinson going out to
competitions. He started the month at Aske Hall with an attempt at his first
Intermediate but after picking up 20 penalties across country I decided to pull
him up and save him for another day. He has since consolidated his Novice form
with two good runs at Buckminster and Little Downham Horse Trials, gaining 5th
and 6th place respectively. He now heads to Burgham International
this weekend to contest another Intermediate. Alongside him Miss Brodie is
making her return to competition in the Open Intermediate following her post
Bramham holiday. She feels good and is ready to get going with the aim of the
CCI3* at Blenheim in September. I will be rounding of a busy weekend of
competition at Frickley Park with Abbie Boden’s Zafira in the BE90 open.
My five year old Bella Cruise, owned by LRD
Electric has been busy putting in the hours SJ and XC schooling at various
venues as well as competing at some dressage and jumping shows in readiness for
her first event at Aston le Walls in a few weeks, hopefully followed by her
first BE competition before the end of the month.
I have had my first experience as a BE80
coach this month at Breckenborough. As always Helen and Tom Bell put on a great
event and the course was a perfect introduction for those getting into
affiliated eventing. The concept of having the coaches on hand to help
competitors and pass on advice is a great idea and one which those competing at
the level should really take up.
I am now entering a very busy period of the
year for me, teaching at several PC camps. This is something I enjoy, as it is
where I started off with a non-horsey background and I love to inspire the kids
to take their passion for riding as far as they can.
This month I will also be running a 2 day
eventing camp at Killerby Hall Equestrian, details of which can be found on my
Facebook page and website. I will also be competing at Aston le Walls, Shelford
Manor, Somerford Park and Keysoe.
Until next month,
Phil
