Unfortunately, since my last blog I have
experienced the biggest low of my career so far. Blenheim did not have the
ending we were hoping for. Sadly after posting a qualifying test score with big
improvements in some areas Jules broke down part way round the XC course. In
four seasons she has never given me a bad XC ride and although she was jumping
the fences she didn’t feel like her usual self. I put her odd way of going down
to nerves and maybe the weather conditions but after she put a stop in half way
round – something she would never normally do – and then riding downhill I knew
something wasn’t right and made the decision to retire.
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| Jules in her final outing at Blenheim |
Unfortunately she had suffered some serious
damage to her tendon and we are now looking at getting her right and retiring
her from top level.
To say I am devastated is an understatement;
I owe Jules my whole career and more. However, along with the amazing memories
which I will treasure forever she has given me opportunities and experiences
that many riders never come close too. I am hugely grateful to the syndicate
for their support with her over the past few seasons.
On a more positive note Harry jumped a
fantastic double clear in the Novice at Bishop Burton this weekend to finish 3rd
and Bella got a second event under her belt with an unfortunate couple of inexperienced mistakes at difficult
combinations on the XC after a nice test and clear SJ. She will have learnt a
lot though and is coming along nicely.
I now end the season with Harry and Bella
running at Askham Bryan and Oasby as well as planning some end of season
training dates. I am also seeking more rides for next season and looking at
setting up another syndicate after the success we have had with Jules, so if
anybody is interested in being part of that journey please get in touch.
Phil
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