Tag: show

Hickstead the return

I’m home after a very long, very emotional and very wonderful weekend at Hickstead. My god, I bloody love RI.

I am so proud of each and every one of the 11 other Carleton riders today. If I thought being team manager last year was an emotional rollercoaster, adding riding in too and it was one hell of a ride!

With hindsight, my focus had been on getting us and everyone there, rather than my preparation with Buddy. He was in one of his more feral moods. Still we started well and ended well, shame it unravelled a bit in the middle.

He got his legs in a muddle at Fence 3 and had it down. After a rather awkward jump at Fence 4, the arena came rushing towards me at an alarming rate. Thankfully I managed to stay in the plate. Just. But it killed our canter and we had a stop at Fence 5. He cleared it at the second attempt and we headed to Fence 6 – the iconic planks….

Yup, you guessed it. He had it down. He was in good company as so did many other competitors. And Fence 5 saw a number of stops. So I didn’t feel quite so bad about our round.

I realised that it was only his second competition of the year. Talk about throwing him in at the deep end. I know I can ride better. I didn’t eat or have coffee before my round. I didn’t get the best night’s sleep. Driving the new lorry took more out of me than I thought. These are things that I can work on.

Overall we did it. I can now say that I have jumped twice at Hickstead. Maybe third time will be the charm?! For now I have more memories and another two photos to add to the collection.

Judgy

Bert came with me to judge a local show jumping show. He clearly felt he should have the top job rather than sleeping under the desk. He jumped onto my chair and was very interested in the course walk.

It’s always inspiring watching people’s rounds. So much love for their horses and ponies. Whatever happens, it’s clear to see. And to see improvements through the rounds. Makes me want to get Buddy back to competing again.

I have to say that Bert was such a good boy. He has zoomies round the arena before the show. Then he settled under the desk or behind me – eating a body part or sleeping. He was so quiet at times, I almost forgot he was there.

He did manage to chew his lead when I left him to present the rosettes. But he soon got the idea that I was coming back.

It’s been an odd day. First Mother’s Day without Mum. It’s always been a weird day for me. So glad I was able to do something that I love, I’m very good at and occupies my brain.

The tears came when I got home…

Carriage driving

Bert is utterly fascinated by the carriage driving from The London International Horse Show.

I have to admit, I was the same the first time I saw it. Thought it would be a bit dull. I was totally wrong, it was super exciting!

I’m sad that I’m not at the show this year. I couldn’t leave Bert for that long. So watching the coverage is the next best thing.

So far it’s looking good that Bert will enjoy coming to horse events with me in the future. Bring on 2025…

Nations Cup

This morning I headed off to my favourite horse show – Royal International, Hickstead. I was coming down on Sunday for the BRC Team of 3 competition. I have friends competing this weekend. So I thought balls to it, I’d come down for the weekend. I could catch up with my parents too.

Today was the Nations Cup. It was a cracking competition with Team GB taking the win! Watching John Whittaker riding at the top level at the ripe old age of 68 is inspirational to say the least.

Initially I was sad that Buddy and I aren’t here competing together. We will be back next year I’m sure. I get to share Hickstead with more people. I ended up speaking to some people by one of the rings. They’re local so laughed when I said I was too. And not at the same time.

They said it’s true that you don’t appreciate what you have on your doorstep. They come every year and can’t remember when they first came. It’s a family tradition.

After the competition had finished, I popped to surprise my Mum. Before heading to stay the night with my Dad.

Tomorrow I’ll be back at the Showground to support the showers, watch the jumpers and welcome my teams for Sunday. Might pop to the shops too. Well it would be rude not to really…

Aesthetic

An early start for me as I needed to be at Easton College for 7am this morning. It was Carleton Riding Club’s show. After a morning on the laptop scoring dressage tests, it was time to set the course for the afternoon jumping. Much more fun than wrestling an excel spreadsheet.

The practise jumps has mismatched poles. This bothered me as it’s not a great aesthetic. Grateful that my friends know me and understand my desire for co-ordination. The poles were soon matched up, making me smile.

It’s a good job I’m not a demanding diva or anything…. I think they still love me after making them change them.

It was another great show. I love being part of such a supportive, friendly club.

Groom

Headed to the Suffolk Show bright and early today with Vic and Ernie. Well maybe not bright but definitely early. We were just about to leave when I realised I was wearing jeans. Not appropriate groom’s wear. See, not so bright. Not sure where my head was this morning. Too busy trying making sure I remembered my hat. Grateful I live so close to the yard as I was able to whizz home to pick up some more appropriate trousers.

A broken down bus meant a detour round the country lanes. We met a Good Samaritan who came to our rescue and told us to follow her. Which we duly did. Poor Ernie was bouncing around in the trailer down some rather narrow tracks.

Still we arrived in good time. Just as the heaven’s opened. Luckily it was a passing shower. Before we knew it, it was show time! It was all going on! It was rammed by the ring. Not seen that many people at the show for many a year. There was a motorbike display going on in the main ring. That was really loud. The ring was buzzing with music, people, children, dogs and a tannoy going on. Quite the challenge.

Still Vic and Ernie held it together and came away with second place. Very proud of my charges today.

Once we got back, I took Buddy for his constitutional. Before walking home. Cause I hadn’t walked enough today. My step count will be high today! Think we will all sleep well tonight.

HOYS

For many years I’ve been saying that I wanted to go to HOYS. Little did I know that my first trip would be as support crew for a competitor. Talk about making memories!

My goodness, the lorry park is vast. I’ve walked 8.5 miles so far. And may have bought myself some more riding tights. Got to meet the owner of the company too. I now have 8 pairs of her riding tights. She even recognised my name from the orders. Whoops!

Now snuggled up in the lorry ready for a 4am alarm. Oh how love the smell of show shine in the morning.

Dulcet tones

I was invited to judge and commentate at the first John Lake Riding Club show tonight. I had a co-commentator for a bit when this sweet little pup joined in.

It was a lovely, low key show. Perfect for those starting out or wanting to boost their confidence. It was great watching everyone in action.

Buddy and I will be joining the action no doubt.

I had lots of complements on my commentators voice. Seems I really do have a voice for radio….

Notch

It had to be done! I now have a ‘Royal International Horse Show 2023’ notch on my Notch – Passion For Life bracelet.

I was given the bracelet as a present a few years ago. But it’s only this year that I’ve added to it. I was given one for my birthday to celebrate our trips to the Combined Challenge Championship this year and the Five Star Championship last year. Seemed appropriate to add one for Hickstead.

It’s a great concept. You add achievements. And let’s face it, I love an achievement. I’m already plotting and planning our next ones.