Allira Fontana captured this shot of us at Equestriad
What a month it has been. Trying to follow what was happening over at the amazing Badminton Horse Trials, and competing at Wagga was a tiring experience. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was lucky enough to be at Badminton.
Now I can visualise what it’s like; where the horses are stabled, the atmosphere of the main arena, the enormity of the XC course, the trade stands and the queues. Knowing riders who are there, and knowing people with emotional connections to them makes it a stressful time for all involved. You know how much time and energy goes into preparing for such an event, and watching them ride XC is terrifying! At the same time though, you can’t help but feel incredibly impressed with how they performed and hoping that they are not being too hard on themselves. It simply was an incredible course, and while it is drawing some criticism I’m just pleased that no one was seriously hurt, so in that respect it wasn’t a disaster.
Back on the home front, things have been running as you’d expect; school’s back (PHEW) and with it all the activities such as ballet lessons and swimming lessons. We’ve had teeth falling out causing great drama and distress, and generally life goes on. Astro had a couple of weeks off while we went ballooning and John continued his recovery from his spider bite. Astro came back into work well, got clipped and seems to have improved his attitude to eventing as I’d hoped - as we jumped clear XC at the recent Wagga Wagga event. This event was run using the new facilities at Charles Sturt University, with lovely sand pads for dressage, and an indoor arena where they held the showjumping.
Indoor show jumping at Wagga (above) and at Camden Equestriad (below)
Much to my horror, there were two dressage judges. I dislike being critiqued by one judge, so to be insulted by two was almost too much, but luckily they were both quite nice ladies and I was mid field. The Pre-novice class jumped in the evening which was very entertaining. It made tacking up in the dark and the drizzle interesting as it didn’t occur to me to pack a torch or light. Quite frankly I’m amazed I got the buckles in the right holes! Given I’d not really jumped much in the previous four weeks, I’ve lost my already limited ability to “see a spot” so it was a rather entertaining ride, especially when I almost jumped the wrong jump, quickly realising at the last minute! The relief when I finished was very evident in the photos! I thoroughly enjoyed my XC round, but didn’t wear a watch as I had decided coming a lowly 20th or something after my expensive rails meant I wasn’t going to push things around the quite twisty track. So it was rather amusing when I galloped along thinking, right this is near the minute marker, and looking down to see my dress watch!
Astro joined the crowds at the Equestriad event in Camden. I think every eventing horse in the State was there. It was a fantastic weekend, and I enjoyed myself immensely. Mack looked after the kids again, so it was a very relaxing weekend for me, and I ALMOST wished they were there when I saw the petting zoo and the jumping castle. Riding wise you probably wouldn’t call it a great success; after warming up very well (for our standards anyway!) things didn’t go quite so well in the dressage test when he caught sight of the XC course with horses galloping around on the hill. Halt at X became, spin around and let’s have a good look at how they’re going. Things continued in the very tense and inattentive manner for the duration of the test. The show jumping was held in the main arena, with a big screen TV and in a prime viewing area. All well and good for later on when I wanted to watch others, but I really dislike having people watching me. Getting ready for my SJ I really thought my heart was going to pound a hole in my chest I was so nervous! Once I got on, things slightly improved and I was able to hear myself think. My round started off a little shaky, but once we had a close call at the third when we barged through the jump, he started picking up his feet and jumped very well over the rest. Thankfully I didn’t fall off in front of everyone, but it was close! The XC course was very similar to the previous year’s course, when we went clear so I was able to sleep well and not be too concerned about it. Seems though I should have put a little more thought into riding the line between 15A and B as I totally stuffed it up and we charged past B and jumped the log that wasn’t flagged! However, I was very happy with how he has gone XC over the last two weeks. I just need to get very determined and not trust him (which is kind of an oxymoron, as if I didn’t trust him to jump – I’d never get out of the start box!).
This weekend NCHTA is running a clinic with Sam Lyle, so that will be great. Mack is going away fishing for the weekend, so the kids will have to entertain themselves while I have a few lessons. Must ring Mum and Dad and ask them if they mind having them for a few hours on both days before they read this.
Take care and keep on smiling!
Kate
