Team Levett were at Wellington today. I had three in the Advanced and Josh had Bert in the OI â a last run before embarking on his trip to Montelibretti with the Junior Team.
Bambi had a good mark in the dressage. Floss, I feel, could get better quality work. Archie (pictured) was a bit green and over excited in the dressage! But will produce the best test of all of them eventually. He is, after all, only 8.
The ground was a bit firm which was a strange feeling as we have had very little of that this season! The courses were good and in the Advanced there was enough there to do for sure, in a good way. All three horses â Archie, Bambi and Floss â went brilliantly XC. I didnât wear a watch. I was surprised by Flossâ time in particular as I didnât feel I was riding him that hard. He was taking me. I rode them all in a similar way and I would always say Bambi is the quicker horse, but not today.
SJ was a bit strange as they are all good jumpers, so, to have two down with Bambi and one with Floss was frustrating but as it turned out, I wasnât alone. It was a bit âup and downâ and a bit to look at in that arena. Archie jumped a marvellous clear and in fact overall, had an excellent round both in the SJ and XC at his first Advanced. I was very pleased with him. One of his owners, Miranda Heynes, was there to cheer him on which was terrific.
Dotti did a pleasing Novice run on the Friday, finishing 10th. She was really good XC. Still a little green in the dressage. She feels like she is jumping better and understanding what is required. There was a bridge type fence in the water which she had never seen before but she took it on brilliantly. She has a good gallop and can hum along.
It was a good outing for them all. They will go to Cornbury for the OI on the Thursday, with maybe Bart having a run there too. Then Bambi will head for Boekelo and Floss and Archie to Lignieres.
Cheers,
Bill
Posted 29th August
