Picking up where I left off, I decided it was time to get my bum into gear and work hard to what was going to be a competitive Young Rider class at Candlebark Horse Trials and being Jett’s second Pre Novice start I knew the stakes were high.
My aim after FOW was to produce a calm, relaxed and accurate test and Jett did exactly that and was sitting 4th after dressage, I was extremely pleased with his efforts (my dressage pony was back). I set out to walk the course on Saturday afternoon and was happy with what I saw. I realised it was going to be a good course for Jett because there were plenty of confidence building fences alongside some questions and some bigger elements. So off we went and Jett produced an honest round and we were under time. That left us coming into the show jumping in second place, but unfortunately we took one rail down. Apart from that it was a super round and he jumped like a star. We finished the weekend taking out fourth place, so I was over the moon!
Jett jumping his way to fourth place at Candlebark Horse Trials
We had a weekend competition free after Candlebark, and the following week was Tooradin Horse Trials (26th & 27th October) apparently this was just not the weekend for us, a disappointing test on the Saturday didn’t give us the competitive edge needed for score board. Show jumping was straight up on the Sunday morning and unfortunately we took two rails down despite Jett's best effort on the tricky undulating grounds. But he finished the day with what was the best Cross Country ride he has ever given me, his confidence is really starting to build up and Tooradin offers a good course to do just that, with the added bonus of 20+ mosquito bites!
Tooradin was a disappointing weekend after how well we both performed at Candlebark but I always try to find the good in amongst the bad and as strange as it sounds to me Jett is now qualified to do 1 star (pretty good for a pony that was doing Intro this time last year). We are also entered to do Lakes & Craters 3 day Event Pre Novice which I am pumping myself up for because I know exactly what needs to be worked on between now and then. I really want to focus on producing good quality tests for the next two months, it is our biggest let down as a team. Jett is becoming a really confident jump horse and I respect him for that because it gives us a great chance to finish in the placings when we get the dressage right. I have entered to do the Boneo Park Dressage Day for November so helpfully this will help us take a step in the right direction and get our dressage back on track and more importantly consistent!
Team Bianca and Jett!
All eventers can understand that it is hard to get the whole ‘3 phases’ thing right, even on the best of days a simple mistake can be the difference between the top eight and the bottom few and we all know how frustrating it can be. I really enjoy and idolise watching the top riders and how well they can process everything, it gives me a good perspective on my own faults and how I can improve my riding.
The month of October has defiantly been a slow one for me and I’m really looking forward to the last two events of the year for Team Bianca & Jett! Also a massive thankyou to Infinity Cottage & Fat Pony Equestrian Apparel for all your support!!
Until my next blog, stay safe and be happy!
Bianca x
Thanks to Bianca's mum for the photos!
