OTECC Comp report

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SpruceRI

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Arrived at Royal Leisure in plenty of time as didn't get lost this time!

Walked the course for the C2 (2ft 9"-3ft) and couldn't believe how many jumps you can get into a school that size (17 inc. a double). Anyway the jumps were lovely. Lots of bright coloured sponsored fences plus a smattering of the brown XC types. Thought Rosie wouldn't be that keen but she was fine.

We got under a few as I didn't really plan my turns very well, but she jumped clear inside the time to win the class!

Class D2 (3ft-3'3") wasn't much bigger, but the last jump, a very narrow arrow head caused a bit of problems. Rosie had the first jump down
frown.gif
but was clear after that to come 4th.

Was really that surprised that even though the course was twisty, spooky or brightly coloured, hardly any of the horses or ponies were worried and all jumped well.
 
No, this was the last qualifer. Don't think I'll go to the Final. It's just so far away and I can't think of anyone that would want to come with me.

I'd have to kip in the trailer as I'm skint, and can't afford a B&B and that would be a wholly unpleasant experience and one that none of my friends would want to be part of either.

So, will have to watch it on TV instead!
 
Very well done - it was a fun event.

Re the final, Hattikins is in the same position as you and the organisers are putting polite pressure on her to go as they've lost a lot of finalists because of the distance and are having to pass down the line. I did investigate the cost and the timing, this may help you decide:

Requires Friday off school/work
Driving each way about 5hrs for us from Sussex - returning through night on Saturday
Cost of stabling £20
Cost of twin room Friday night in Travelodge 1mile away from venue £39
Couple of tanks of diesel £100
Entry fees for classes £18 each
Misc. extras food etc. £???

Too much for an event where the final result will be a lottery as it's judged on closest to optimum time, if you do win you would have to go all the way back up north for the lesson with Ollie Townend

I've talked myself out of it just writing that list. We only have a trailer too or if we were going I'd offer to share with you but our car struggles a bit with one large horse as it is.

Such a pity as it would have been great fun to go had it been at BCA.
 
Hi Beetle

Just had a conversation with my Dad about the possibility of going there and back in a day. Think it would take about 4hrs for me as I'm on the Kent/Sussex border.

I asked him if he'd drive on the way there and I'd drive on the way back.

It's 180 miles from me, and he said no way. Especially as I've only qualified for one class. Even if it was 2 he can't bear all that hanging around for in essence just 4 mins of jumping. He hates wasting weekends doing horsey things! And I hate seeing him mooching around look bored and fed up which is why I rarely ask!

Spending that much money at this time of year is too much too really. (Booking a lesson with Oli would be a lot cheaper!) Normally I'd camp, but don't fancy tenting it at this time of the year either.

I agree with the lottery of the whole thing in terms of possibly being one of many to go clear and then not coming anywhere, no chance of a speedy jump off round where you know whether you did well enough or not.

I entered a while ago in the hope of qualifying when the Champs were at BCA as that was a reasonable journey to make, but I don't think this is.

It's a difficult one because I am quite competitive and don't normally compete just for the prizes (as most places you don't get anything at all!)

Thanks for the cost breakdown, that's pretty much what I thought it would be.

Will think on
 
Hi there!! You could probably enter your horse in the higher class also, doubt all are going! Would make it more worth your while plus as you prob know there is also warm up joker class!!

We are travelling four hours to get up there and whilst we hoped it would be at BCA as planned!! (WHICH IS 15 MINS AWAY!! arghhh!!!), we too are kipping in the lorry (no living we are on straw!!) not hiring a box again having just come back from MHOYS which we hired for. Great venue, hot food and BAR!! Go on come along!!
 
Marsden, which classes are you doing?

My god daughter has offered to come with me. She can't drive but she's good map reader!! I know she wants to go to the Travelodge, but I just can't afford it all. Sleeping in the trailer would be stinky no doubt and when it rains it leaks! Suppose we can take a tarpaulin to put over the top, and bricks!!

It just seems a shame not to go which is why I want to!

Will have another look at the finances tomorrow and contact the OTECC people to see if there are any vacancies in the D2 class
 
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