Here we are again and I’m happy to say we’ve had another good day in the office!
Well what a time I'm having! Eventing can be full of ups and down and I've learnt to enjoy the good times when they come.
At Aachen we watched the groucho's display to celebrate the next Olympics in Rio
A packed main arena for the nations showjumping competition, which we were able to watch.
I was so excited to get two horses into Aachen, Haruzac and Underdiscussion. Some of my very supportive owners jumped on a plane to come and see what many consider to be the world’s best horse show. This event really is made for riders and their entourage, with catering during the day, catered parties at night and passes into all the stadiums. Leave it to the Germans with their flair for organisational precision to pull off a stunt like CHIO Aachen. It really has to be seen to be believed. You not only get to enjoy the worlds best jumping horses in their final run before the Olympics but through the week we were also able to cheer on the top Aussie dressage riders and the amazing world number 1 Australian carriage driver Boyd Excel.
The first water and also the bridge for the carriage driving event.
For me the show was made that much better by being able to enjoy two great rides on Haruzac (Harry) and Underdiscussion (Mel). Harry, being the reliable beautifully tempered competitor that he is, was obligated to go early to fill his spot in the team. He did a super test, trying every step of the way and with just made a few mistakes at the very end in the extended canter and the centre line he finished on a score of 44 penalties. Even a horse as genuine as the mighty Haruzac was taken back by the grandeur of the massive Aachen arena, and had an uncharacteristic rail down, but he was in good company as many other good horses did the same thing on the day.
Haruzac gave me a great cross country round
He was quickly forgiven of this mistake when the next day he was one of only a handful to go clear and under time on the cross country course, showing what a reliable cross country machine he is. Harry, being such the winner that he is, was a bit taken a back when he saw one of his stable mates coming back with the blue ribbon.
Underdiscussion came out in style in the dressage and did a 37. He coped so well in the show jumping arena, jumping clear and showing us he was made to be at such a big show. The big and very testing Aachen cross country course had me questioning whether I was over facing Mel when I saw riders like Ingrid Klimker, Sam Griffiths and Bill Levett have problems. But this little horse gave it everything he had on cross country and I was so impressed with how easily he jumped the big fences and how much gallop he has. For a little half warmblood, he's bloody fast! Fast was the key in the end with the two horses in front of him after show jumping having time faults, which saw the little speed daemon move up into first place. I have always said that this is a horse that once he got everything right he won't come second.
Mel was a star and was so fast!
It wasn't until the presentation that it really sunk in what a big thing I had done. I had just shown the world what a force Australian eventing is and that us little Aussie eventers will always be a force to be reckoned with. This has given me a lot of confidence in the wake of the Olympics. I can't wait to go back next year and see my name on the famous honour board.
The other exciting news is of course my Olympic selection. I have had the dreaded phone call before from the selectors but this time it came with good news, that Holstein Park Leilani and I had been selected to be a part of the Australian team at London 2012. It was not all smiles though, as my mate Sam Griffiths was left off the team on his well seasoned horse Happy Times. It goes to show the depth in talent Australia must have to be able to afford to leave a horse like that off the team. That said, I am very excited to be a part of the team selected. Leilani being so experienced has already had her final pre-Olympic run in an Advanced Intermediate at Salperton. She is looking fantastic, feeling stronger than ever and showed everyone she means business when she lead the dressage in the 4* Olympic combined training class at Barbury Castle.
Unfortunately it's not all good news. While we were away, the rain continued to drench the UK. While we keep being told it is the worst summer anybody remembers we can't help but think "why are we living here?". Although, to avoid sounding like a winging Pom, I have to say that on a sunny day it is a stunning country and you very quickly forget how soggy you have been for the last few weeks.
Let's hope the next blog is laced with gold!
Thanks to Libby Law for the photos
Before we stop I want to tell everyone that Bek and I are both trying to ‘give up alcohol’ for a while as we are doing ‘Dry July’ in aid of adults with cancer. If anyone would like to donate please go to www.dryjuly.com and look for the team 'Prisoners of mother England' - all proceeds will go to adults living with cancer. We thought it was a good thing to do to prepare for the Olympics and so far we are one week in … so far so good. We have substituted to sparkling mineral water and lime, although we have to say winning at Aachen did create an obstacle because it seemed un-Australian to celebrate without a drink!
What is Dry July?
Dry July is a non-profit organisation determined to improve the lives of adults living with cancer through an online social community giving up booze for the month of July.
Whether joining as a part of a team or as an individual, DJ's (Dry.July.er [dee-jay] noun: a person or team actively sponsored to participate in Dry July) take on the 31 days of July to raise funds and directly help adults living with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life.
This year Dry July is proud to have on board twenty beneficiaries across Australia and New Zealand. The campaign operates a full circle fundraising model, which gives DJ's clarity on how beneficiary funds are used within each hospital. It is important to the Dry July Team to deliver an efficient, low-cost campaign, utilising online technology to minimise administration costs.
Dry July is also a chance to raise awareness of individual drinking habits, the value of a balanced healthy lifestyle, a personal challenge, encourage positive change and an awareness of a healthy attitude to alcohol consumption.
Our Mission:
Directly benefit adult cancer patients with real and tangible change by providing funds to create better environments and support networks for patients and their families.
Raise awareness of drinking habits and the value of a balanced healthy lifestyle.
Our Vision
Be a well respected not-for-profit organisation locally, nationally and internationally in the online, cancer and hospital community.