Burghley Boy

Bert and I headed to Burghley Horse Trails today. It was an early start, but totally worth it.

This was Bert’s second time there. Lucinda Green always says that you have to take a horse twice round Burghley or Badminton before you know if they’re true 5* horse. It seems the same is true of Bert. He is clearly a 5* puppy on today’s performance.

He’s been doing so much better with his lead walking that I didn’t think I’d need his control halter. That was my first mistake. My second was using the long line rather than a lead. So I am now sporting two rather large blisters on my hands!

It’s not all bad though. Sure he dragged me about. A lot. And got reprimanded. A lot. He stood patiently by each jump waiting for the horse. He’s mastered settle and wait.

He still wants to run with the horses. And do everything between the jumps at warp speed. I did remind him that while the horses have a man optimum time, he doesn’t!

He got a bit overwhelmed in the crowds. It was a lot for him. He was asleep by the time we got out of the car park to head home. He’s crashed out now too.

My feet are aching from the walking. My arms might be a bit longer from all the pulling. But my heart is full. It’s so incredible watching the action today. I’ll never get to that level. I know a few people who have. I’m very happy to live vicariously through them!

As for Bert, he’s going to have to go on a lead boot camp before next year as I’m planning a few eventing outings. I love eventing, I really do.