I've had such a magic month back on my wonderful ponies since the dreaded ankle.
Fresh from Highclere we took 4 to Goring Heath, Chance placed 2nd and both Jack and Fish did 29 dressage and double clear. Rowan was a little green in places but is gradually regaining his confidence after Borde Hill's tumble.
On to Blenheim where Willy Do and I were selected to represent NZ at the Olympic Qualifier and as first team member to ride. He did a super test for a slightly disappointing mark of 55, jumped a wonderful clear XC with just 5 time faults and his best ever show jumping for 4 faults. He finished in 19th place qualifying him for Badminton and The Games and his score counted towards NZ winning team gold, definately a feeling I could get used to! So thank you Greenlees for a wonderful year and thank you Toddy and my girls for preparing him so beautifully.
Sprouty ran in the CIC at Blenheim and was a little rusty in the dressage but then jumped lovely double clear to finish 8th in this hotly contested class which was a great thrill.
From Blenheim we went to Purston where Chance won his first ever novice which was hugely exciting for his lovely owner Gail Lothian and I. From Purston on Thursday we spent three days at Gatcombe where Gill Watson's horse Jack came 4th in the Intermedite with a super double clear Fish jumped a double clear in the novice, Rowan was again a little green at the water after a super test and clear SJ, and Luke gave me a great run around the 2* for 5th place.
All in all I couldn't be more thrilled with the boys. I'm so grateful to Fran and Lyd for keeping them going for me and am now really excited for Little Downham and Pau to round the season off, fingers crossed the ribbons continue to head our way!
