rotters13
Well-Known Member
Had entered Swalcliffe as first 100 of the season but tbh I was concerned that she could do with a few more 90s! We tend to enjoy examining either side of the fences at times before committing to jump them but thought we'd just crack on at Swalcliffe.
Had the lovely dressage time of 9:06 which meant the fantastic wake up time of 4.15.
(Note the sarcasm. I think even Mum thought it was pushing the 'Mothers Day' idea when I woke her up at 4.30!) Arrived in plenty of time to walk the course which appeared to be really nice. Made very good use of undulating terrain (!) but lovely fences. Concerned about the ditch combination at 13 as my lovely horse is always concerned for the possible crocodiles and was slightly worried about the ground which was quite cut up after one day of competition already. Anyway!
Did a really nice dressage test - I guessed 28 but Polish pony enjoys sticking her tongue out at the judge so 33.5. Yet to see sheet but this does tend to happen to us a lot. (sigh). Any advice or ideas always gratefully appreciated!
Onto to SJ which has been our nemesis for the past 3 years. Warmed in SJ with a long stick and when we cantered into the ring I absolutely insisted she was forward and WE WENT AND JUMPED A CLEAR!!! We even jumped the first fence off a FORWARD stride! Was super super pleased at this point as had been imagining beautiful ways of falling off into the first fence and was delighted to have got through to the XC.
Onto the XC then: she sort of towed me into the first 4 and I sort of sat there happily for the rest as she seemed completely happy to organise herself. Had a slight mis-communication at 10 which was a double of woodpiles, I went for 2 strides and she thought 3 was better. Anyway, cantered on and we JUMPED the ditch! (Hooray!) Was super pleased at thsi point so naturally I proceeded to ride like a numpty to the end of the course with Polish Pony kindly sorting it out for me. Came home within 2 seconds of the optimum time to finish 7th!
Super pleased with the start to the season. Will be photo link up shortly but it is currently down.
On a separate note: Took my grey horse xc schooling today and lets just say things don't look great for Munstead and we're going back Wednesday! Hopefully the mighty Fat Sam will save the day...
Chai tea for those who got this far!
Had the lovely dressage time of 9:06 which meant the fantastic wake up time of 4.15.
(Note the sarcasm. I think even Mum thought it was pushing the 'Mothers Day' idea when I woke her up at 4.30!) Arrived in plenty of time to walk the course which appeared to be really nice. Made very good use of undulating terrain (!) but lovely fences. Concerned about the ditch combination at 13 as my lovely horse is always concerned for the possible crocodiles and was slightly worried about the ground which was quite cut up after one day of competition already. Anyway!
Did a really nice dressage test - I guessed 28 but Polish pony enjoys sticking her tongue out at the judge so 33.5. Yet to see sheet but this does tend to happen to us a lot. (sigh). Any advice or ideas always gratefully appreciated!
Onto to SJ which has been our nemesis for the past 3 years. Warmed in SJ with a long stick and when we cantered into the ring I absolutely insisted she was forward and WE WENT AND JUMPED A CLEAR!!! We even jumped the first fence off a FORWARD stride! Was super super pleased at this point as had been imagining beautiful ways of falling off into the first fence and was delighted to have got through to the XC.
Onto the XC then: she sort of towed me into the first 4 and I sort of sat there happily for the rest as she seemed completely happy to organise herself. Had a slight mis-communication at 10 which was a double of woodpiles, I went for 2 strides and she thought 3 was better. Anyway, cantered on and we JUMPED the ditch! (Hooray!) Was super pleased at thsi point so naturally I proceeded to ride like a numpty to the end of the course with Polish Pony kindly sorting it out for me. Came home within 2 seconds of the optimum time to finish 7th!
Super pleased with the start to the season. Will be photo link up shortly but it is currently down.
On a separate note: Took my grey horse xc schooling today and lets just say things don't look great for Munstead and we're going back Wednesday! Hopefully the mighty Fat Sam will save the day...
Chai tea for those who got this far!
great result.
