Welcome to France - the gates of Versailles
It’s been such a busy time since I last updated you all. I am not really sure where to start!
Do I fill you all in about my experiences at WEG and Burghley? It seems like it was a lifetime ago now, as there’s been so much happening since I returned! I certainly had a wonderful time over in France and England, with the trip starting with a little break in our journey in Dubai staying with friends Annie and Chris McRoberts. They were tremendous hosts, and we really enjoyed our time there. It was mid-August when we left Canberra (so rather chilly) so to arrive in Dubai to high 40s temperatures was somewhat of an extreme change. One wonders why we went on a 6km walk one evening – but I think we’ve all proved that Eventers are a little crazy. We saw most of the sights, and continued on our journey onto Paris. We spent a few days enjoying all the tourist attractions of that beautiful city, before heading down to Saumur to stay with friends who have an apartment on the river Loire. Saumur is a town that has the Cadre Noir, or the national riding school. We of course went for a visit, but most of the horses were at WEG already for the opening ceremony, so we weren’t able to see a performance. We spent several days driving around the area enjoying all the sights and saw one or two chateaux (I swear there’s one on every corner).
From here we went to Normandy, where we stayed in a B&B which was run by an English couple. We were certainly well looked after and enjoyed MANY evening meals as Peter was a chef by trade. Much to my horror I turned into one of those people who posts photos of their meals on social media (did I mention there was unlimited free wine with our meals?). Being part of a crowd who all share the love of horses and eventing is something else. Sadly things didn’t go as well as hoped for the Australian or NZ team, but that’s horses!
From WEG we travelled over to the UK and caught up with friends in London and Durham before heading to Burghley. This really is a great event, and I really loved it there. If only I had a magic credit card that doesn’t need to be repaid, but alas I don’t so I returned with a set of studs and a pair of reins (but given how I prefer holding onto the right rein I wonder why I bothered with one for my left hand!)
Caught on camera twice at Canberra!
When we arrived back in Australia, it was 3 weeks until the CIC event in Canberra, so I had to hit the ground running! For the first time ever, we ran from EvA80 up to CIC3*. This was a logistical nightmare but it all worked out in the end (but not sure if the committee are talking to me anymore). We were really lucky with the weather over the weekend (but of course rain every evening would have been nice – but you can’t have it all) and I think the majority of the competitors enjoyed themselves. We are lucky with a great hardworking committee, albeit a small one. Fiona Gruen from Wallaroo Equestrian is our press officer and she was able to ignite some interest from mainstream media which was fabulous. (You can see the ABC TV interview here) Being interviewed by reporters isn’t something that happens every day!
A fortnight later it was time to drive up the road to Lynton Horse Trials in Goulburn. This event is held on a private property and was looking spectacular. After years of wanting to ride over the Prenovice track, I finally did. However, after looking over old photos it seems I had ridden that track before – back in 2002. Not much has really changed in that time, giving credence to the saying if it works, don’t change it! Astro roared (literally) his way around clear with only a few time faults, I made a bit of a racket also having a fantastic time cheering to friends on my way around. Miracle of miracles, I finished JUST inside the top 20 - I’m one who looks for my scores from the bottom of the page, working up!
Astro picking up his feet at Goulburn
And now, a fortnight later, it’s time to head off to another simply stunning private property that we invade – Wallaby Hill. I’m attempting the Prenovice track there – hoping it’s third time lucky, as I’ve managed the walk of shame both times I’ve entered that class. Alex assures me that my bogey fence from last time has gone – so I’m hopeful all goes well.
On the home front since my most welcome return home, I’ve started working part time – simply to pay for after school activities it seems! Abby has started piano lessons, and Ben has joined Scouts. The girls still enjoy their ballet lessons and all three still attend swimming lessons. Somehow, I’ve also managed a few hours in the vegetable patch, and the weeds are almost under control. I’ve got raspberries popping up everywhere – looking forward to making more jam soon! Self seeded tomatoes are appearing everywhere, and I’ve sown corn, basil, zucchini, snowpeas and beetroot too, so there’s definitely no rest for the wicked.
Phew – that’s over – sorry it’s been such a long winded update – well done for reading this far!
P.S. Massive thanks to John and Mack who made the whole trip possible
