I just loved Ireland and can't wait to go back there
Just when we thought the weather was back on side another event has been cancelled! We were meant to have a pre novice run at West Wilts with the babies, Charlie and Teddy and it’s a shame it didn't run as it turned out to be a lovely sunny day. We spent the morning hacking out around Cucklington and tomorrow we're off to West Wilts for some combined training instead. Just what the ‘kids’ need.
I’ve been very busy lately enjoying some lovely rides on lovely horses and managing to pull of wins in both the CCI1* with Graf Liberty and CCI2** with Underdisscussion, at Tattersalls in Ireland. The win was very welcome following a much less than desirable journey to Ireland. We left the yard bright and early in the morning, drove seven hours to Holyhead and as a result of ‘unforeseen circumstances; missed the 2pm ferry. The Irish Ferry company were (thankfully) very accommodating and allowed us to board the next ferry... at 2:40am! As it turns out, there is not much to do at a ferry terminal for ten or so hours so we did what any respectable team of horse people would do and ate the weeks worth of snacks. Time well spent.
Heading back to the Tattersalls stables
It was onwards and upwards from here and we arrived at Tattersalls at around 7am the following morning. Although very confused as to what time of day it was Elena and Lizzie did a great job sprucing up the horses for the trot up and they were both accepted (phew). The facilities were amazing. Tattersalls is a big sales and racing facility and we were very lucky to have great undercover stable blocks. Graf Liberty (Danny) looked very impressive in the trot up and it left Burto feeling like he had been here before. As it turns out he had. He was Irish bred and sold at the ring right next to the trot up. Both his breeder and first owner were at the event and recognised him straight away. Talk about a small world.
On cross country with Graf Liberty
Both Underdiscussion and Graf Liberty did outstanding test and proved that going near the beginning of the class isn't always a disadvantage as they both went early and did the only sub 40 tests in their class. Tattersalls is quite a flat cross country course with its fair share of ditches. The going was perfect and they both ran extremely well, jumping clear and under time to hold on to their first places. It was a true credit to Danny's honesty to jump around this 1* track as he is still very short on runs at this level due to all the event cancellations this year. Mel gave me a beautiful ride around the 2** and showed what a galloping machine he is as he ran down the nine minutes easily. I was surprised to see the going on the show jumping arena held up so well despite the heavy rain the night before. Mel did another one of his beautiful foot perfect rounds to finish first, after which I had to rush to the other arena to jump Danny in the 1*. He also held on to his first place by jumping clear. It was a very exciting few hours.
Horses enjoying a pick of lovely green irish grass
This was the first time in Ireland for both of us and I think it is fair to say that it is one of the most accommodating countries I have been to. It wasn't just the event staff who were fantastic and helpful, but almost everyone we came into contact with wanted to go out of their way to help you. We will be back for sure!
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Photos by Libby Law
