Weston Park

We had an early start on the Saturday. I had four horses in the Advanced and Josh had one in the OIU21. Two of mine, Stan and Floss, were doing their first Advanced. The course was in fact very good for those two as it wasnā€™t overly difficult.

It was possibly not enough for the two Badminton horses, Quin and Sparkles (pictured), who would have liked a few more technical lines. Weston had done a good job and the ground was giving, not deep and not hard which I am always grateful for. 

Sparkles had a good prep run for Badminton. Quin had a bit of a moment at the Kidney Pond where I didnā€™t ride particularly well after the first element. He had a stumble jumping out of the water and then was on a half stride coming out. He hesitated after the first element and was then not on a good distance. The rest of the course, Quin was ā€˜bang onā€™, really going well.

Floss was a bit green. He has been asked questions regularly since I have had him but is a sensitive fellow – despite that, he has so far always found a reason to do it. Even if heā€™s a bit unsure, he still tries.  Heā€™s a good jumper and just needs more mileage. 

Stan gave me a good feeling in the SJ and I was really pleased and proud of him. His 20 on the XC wasnā€™t really a run out, he drifted as he took off and went over the top of the red flag on the skinny so I did a circle and re-presented.  He has come out more confident this year.

On the Sunday, Archie and Bambi did the Intermediate. The Intermediate track was in fact more educational in places than the Advanced. Archie did a good dressage with a double clear to win the class which was very pleasing. He felt more confident and it was his best run to date. Bambi jumped well with just one rolled pole but he tried his best. He will now go to Burnham Market for the 3*S. 

Josh was the star of the day on the Saturday with Bert, coming 4th in the U21s with a double clear. He looked really good and organised at all the fences.

I go to Burnham Market next with Quin, Floss, Stan and Bambi.

Cheers,

Bill

Posted 11th April

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