Okay maybe not the healthiest but gee they tasted good!
It is hard work being an athlete, especially an equestrian athlete, especially an equestrian athlete who has to drive 17hrs across 3 states with three passengers and four horses. Somewhere along the way you are bound to have your athlete status and nutrition plan challenged by the Golden Arches, the homemade pickles and chutney sandwiches or the good old favourite of a Twix and a V to keep you going across the Hay plane. Not to mention the compulsory visit to the fantastic Hay Bowlo Chinese or trip home when you arrive at your stop over of Wagga Wagga and decide the two blocks to fetch food is too far to walk and the 2 minute noodles on the tray are looking like a mighty fine option. (Special thanks must go the Rachel Lee for supplying the hot water to make dinner possible)
Arriving at Adelaide made me think about my great horse Chief Justice (above) who died a year ago
Adelaide, even though it wasn't the greatest event for me this year, is always a great event. I was happy to see the dreaded bank from 2009 was nowhere to be seen and I took a moment as I walked the course on XC morning to think of my old 4**** horse Chief Justice (Rupert) who had passed away a year ago to the day who would probably be the best XC horse I would ever ride.
Walking through the lake at Adelaide
Of my three merry companions Crystal, Bridget and Liz, Crystal stole the show finishing on her dressage to place third on Mustang in the 2**. Bridget and Liz had typical first Adelaide experiences, where even though you are riding well, your horse is jumping awesome and you have followed your plan to the T… The tough Adelaide cross country track still gets the better of you anyway! It was pretty amazing to be at Adelaide to see Burto as he gained legend status winning the 4**** on a borrowed horse.
Once home from Adelaide it was onto a plane and down to Melbourne then drive to Shepparton to join up with the other half and enjoy part of the victorian show jump run where my horse Copabella Verdi was waiting for me. You know you've had a big week when you turn up at the airport and the not so friendly flight attendant informs you that you have in fact booked your flight twice and bids you good luck in getting a refund!
Copabella Verdi looked quite happy to see me
We had a great show in Victoria but as I drove along the Hume Highway for the third time in two weeks I couldn't help but think … there can't be many shows to go!
Wish me luck!
Tallara
