tigers_eye
Well-Known Member
A lovely day was had by all, the weather was fantastic, and I have to say I have never met such a friendly, helpful, professional group of helpers/volunteers/stewards. I said thank you to as many as possible as they truly were outstanding.
On to Mr Liberty's first BE report: plaited last night and threw everything in lorry. Got up at 4.30 this morning, drove through Watford seeing people on their way home! Left yard at 6, picked up OH who'd stayed in bed for an extra 45 mins
. Got there, walked course, thought quite twisty, but on the whole very nice, started encouraging, then asked few more questions in the 2nd half, including a coffin with a jump with a drop on the way in with a stride to the ditch. Had an alternative, whoich I thought would be wise to take as I didn't want him stopping at the 1st element, when he suddenly saw the ditch.
Went off to warm up for dressage, was quite fresh and on his toes, but got him relaxed and working nicely, then went over to arena and THE WHITE BOARDS WERE LIBERTY-EATING MONSTERS!!!! He wouldn't go within 2 yards of them unfortunately, and ground to a halt twice when I tried to force the issue
. Twat. So a mark of 41.something wasn't too bad really, she must have liked some bits. Didn't get my sheet.
Was really quite cross with him, but no time to dwell on it as had to go and show-jump. He hasn't seen an sj course in about 3 months which was worrying me slightly, but the fillers weren't too scary. Did a nice clear, so went back to horsebox more cheerful. Had a natter with lucretia on my way back!
Quick fag break, then xc preparations. By now L is thinking he's due a break! Warmed up without stopping - a plus! Set off out start box quite warily, but got better and better as we went round. Granted he got a few smacks and there was some true thelwell kicking going on, but in general he was quite bold (for him). Trotted a couple of the turns so we didn't overshoot fences, jumped the coffin
. Very funny though, walked through the water where HJ had her mishap, then I just sort of expected him to take up canter again... but no, he would have quite happily continued to mooch along in walk! Finished really well, clear with 11.6 time. Rang Connie, his breeder, and she didn't believe me when I said he'd managed a double clear!
Don't know where we ended up, but between now and Munstead I am going to build every kind of dressage arena I can, and maybe put boards in his stable! Really pleased with him, now off to put photos in gallery.
ETS: just looked at BDWP, we were 29th.... onwards and upwards I hope!
On to Mr Liberty's first BE report: plaited last night and threw everything in lorry. Got up at 4.30 this morning, drove through Watford seeing people on their way home! Left yard at 6, picked up OH who'd stayed in bed for an extra 45 mins
Went off to warm up for dressage, was quite fresh and on his toes, but got him relaxed and working nicely, then went over to arena and THE WHITE BOARDS WERE LIBERTY-EATING MONSTERS!!!! He wouldn't go within 2 yards of them unfortunately, and ground to a halt twice when I tried to force the issue
Was really quite cross with him, but no time to dwell on it as had to go and show-jump. He hasn't seen an sj course in about 3 months which was worrying me slightly, but the fillers weren't too scary. Did a nice clear, so went back to horsebox more cheerful. Had a natter with lucretia on my way back!
Quick fag break, then xc preparations. By now L is thinking he's due a break! Warmed up without stopping - a plus! Set off out start box quite warily, but got better and better as we went round. Granted he got a few smacks and there was some true thelwell kicking going on, but in general he was quite bold (for him). Trotted a couple of the turns so we didn't overshoot fences, jumped the coffin
Don't know where we ended up, but between now and Munstead I am going to build every kind of dressage arena I can, and maybe put boards in his stable! Really pleased with him, now off to put photos in gallery.
ETS: just looked at BDWP, we were 29th.... onwards and upwards I hope!
