Working Ninja in the early morning at Pau
I have just returned from Pau 4* horse trials in France.
Under The Clocks felt happier and better than ever and he showed this with a big improvement in his work whilst being in an International atmosphere. There were over 70 of the world's top horses and we were sitting in 20th place after a pleasing dressage although there is still plenty of room for more improvements.
I was pleased with our dressage test
The cross country looked good for Ninja and we set off with him glad to be out doing what he loves. It soon became apparent that the lovely bit that has been so helpful in the dressage and show jumping, was not effective enough across the country, which meant brakes and steering were minimal.
Because I had less control than usual I had to be more conservative coming to the jumps and on some of the related turning fences I had to change plans and just grit our teeth to get it done. All this took more time so I had to go even faster than normal in between the jumps to stay up to speed. We finished clear jumping and only 4.4 time to move into 14th position.
Ninja was keen to get on with the job on cross country
Unfortunately with the extra exertion around a 4 star course, he was just spent like I have not seen him before. It became apparent that the show jumping would be unfair on him so we withdrew Under The Clocks before the trot up.
After all we have been through to get there this was a tough call, but we are comfortable that it was the right thing to do. He will be back to fight another day and I am looking for ways to get back there again too. We have improved greatly to put ourselves in this position and I am once again in my life excited to push much further in this sport.
Now I have to come home to Australia to try to pay for this overseas indulgence. If anyone would like some coaching or a clinic in the future from a newly inspired old eventing level 2 coach, then I would love to hear about it. Also we will be breaking in and schooling over the summer so if you want your horse to get a start or a tune up then let me know. To entice you further we sometimes get people who couple up some coaching with enjoying a great holiday in the beautiful Great Ocean Road area.
Cheers,
Murray and Under The Clocks
