Tom McEwen riding Colibri De Riverland at Barbury
Barbury was one of three events to re-start the eventing season last weekend, albeit 'behind closed doors'. The stunning Marlborough Downs location was looking its best after recent rain and all competitors performed under clear blue skies.
British team gold medallist Tom McEwen claimed the intermediate class riding his own and Alison McEwen's eight-year-old Coilbri de Riverland, a horse now well established at this level. Tom almost made it a one-two, but had to settle for third place on his mare Cassiana de Riverland while Georgie Strang separated Tom's rides on Red Hot Cooley
“I was happy with all my rides - they felt fit and well, pleased to be out. I think everyone there was pleased to be out,” said Tom “Yes it felt a bit odd to have no spectators or tradestands but there were advantages. There was more space in the showjump warm up for starters and having two collecting rings worked really well.
“The cross country course might have been a little softer than usual but it was still educational and appropriate for a first run back after the break, while the ground was the best I have ever seen it at Barbury.
In the Open Intermediate Tom was back in the money, finishing second on Bob Chaplin, a past runner up in the Six-Year-Old World Championships when ridden by co-owner Paul Tapner.
However, the fastest round of the day from Therese Viklund and Viscera promoted the pair to the top spot in this class. Just 2.8 cross country time penalties was good enough to move the mare above Tom and third placed Tim Price on Spartaco.
Adding to his tally, Tom also posted a novice win and four more top four placings; he has definitely put his lock-down time to good use.
Event Organiser Alec Lochore's courses rode well with cross country clears the order of the day, although show jumping clears were harder to achieve.
Alec commented: “I was very pleased with how the event went over the weekend. I firmly believe that all social distancing measures were adhered to, so credit to riders and owners for managing themselves in such a respectful manner.
“It was a great team effort from everyone involved, with quite a few new and unusual protocols in place – many of which were very well received and may remain. Lovely weather, good sport and excellent going made it a very positive experiment.”
More to come soon from Barbury in our full Subscriber-Only wrap-up …..
