Since my last update, I’ve been to Berrima CIC event where we were in the EvA105 class. And I’m delighted to inform you that;
- I actually ENJOYED my dressage (I think because I wasn’t embarrassed by how he was going – we placed mid field – woo hoo!)
- I was the 2nd fastest in the showjumping (had one rail, a bit disappointing - check out my round below.
- I went clear cross country – but was the second slowest, somehow I think I have a bit of work to do to balance this timing issue out.
- I finished in 12th place, which put me on cloud nine for a while.
In between Albury and Berrima was Easter, and we headed over to Leeton and joined our friends where they hold a balloon meeting every year. We basically take over the camping grounds and it was a great time away from home, but early starts with the briefing on the field at 7am (usually it’s at 6 so this was a luxury – thank YOU daylight savings) so not exactly a sleep in. I’ve decided that balloonists are a lot like eventers – they can’t help themselves even if they’re not flying, they love watching them fly. I’m not sure how many photos we have of balloons – but we keep on taking them!
Warming up for dressage at Berrima
Next up was Albury, and we (John, Laura and myself) ended up driving down from Canberra on the Friday afternoon (got the older kids into an after-school programme which they LOVED) and we set off down the Hume Highway. Getting there the day before is a luxury I don’t often get, but it makes for a much more relaxing weekend that’s for sure. Dressage again was not too bad and we placed midfield again! Shock horror – this is almost becoming a habit – I still look for my name from the bottom up – it’s just taken me a little longer to find it. The reason for this improvement you ask? I think I was over riding him last year in my determination to improve my scores so much so that I think I bored him to death! So this year – I’ve cut back on the work I give him, and he’s much much easier to ride – go figure! (it doesn’t say much for my riding ability though does it.)
Show jumping at Berrima
Anyhow, the show jumping was pretty decent and I had two rails … I didn’t ride it was well as I could have, but isn’t that always the way? The cross country course was also rather large but positive riding was all I needed – so off we set. But it seemed that Astro didn’t want to play that day and didn’t have the same feel into the jumps that he normally does. Despite some pretty serious encouragement by way of a whack behind the saddle, his attitude didn’t improve and we stopped at 5B (a brush) and when he ran off fence 6 I decided to walk home. I wasn’t enjoying my ride, he didn’t feel right and I wasn’t happy to continue over that track given we weren’t really on the same page that day. It’s the first time that’s happened, but I’m pleased I didn’t carry on which could have resulted in something go wrong because I’ve got a fair bit to look forward to in the next few weeks.
School holidays ISN’T one of them, but they’re happening anyway. But what I am looking forward to is heading away at the end of April to the UK so John and I can go to Badminton! It’s pretty much up there with the best birthday present ever if you ask me. We head away on the 29th of April giving ourselves a few days to get over the journey with friends in Devon and then we will driving over to the event from there every day. To say I’m excited is an understatement, but I’ve got to survive the holidays first. I’ll be telling you all about it in my next blog and I’m also going to be doing some reporting for The Eventer magazine so it wont all be fun and games because I'll be working as well! Who am I kidding of course it's going to be fun!
I can't wait to get to Badminton
I organised another clinic with Sam Lyle on Sunday and I had a fair bit to do that day. My lesson was at 8.30, and the electrician was due at our house at 8 (we are doing some renovations) and Mack wasn’t keen on keeping an eye on three little people while there were live wires around the place. So I called in a few favours and dropped Abby off to a friend at 8am – well that was the intention – because just as I’m just about to rush out the door, I was asked – can you do the vaccuming? Say WHAT? I was supposed to be on a horse in half an hour and you want me to be domestic – but given that I’m hopping on a plane and leaving him with three kids, I don’t really have a leg to stand on so I gave the floors the quickest lick and a promise they’ve ever had, dropped Abby off, drove the 10 minutes to Forest Park (where he’s agisted) and ended up being only about 15 minutes late! I was pretty chuffed with that effort I have to say – so when it comes to juggling, I’m getting pretty good at it – and delegation, as I’d forgotten to organise Sam some lunch. As usual, Astro was great at Equestrian Park – pity he doesn’t go as well at other venues – I even coaxed Sam into letting me jump the 1* water, such that I think I am now quite well equipped to head over to Badminton and give a few tips to the riders there …
Ben (eldest son) has just proof read this article and is keen to let you all know that this afternoon we spent some time building this rollercoaster (which I’m hoping will keep him occupied for a while over the next two weeks)
Hopefully I’lll be able to send you all some news from the grounds at Badminton House!
From the luckiest blogger at Eventful life,
Kate
