Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
As a spectator. Thanks to the person who gave the heads up about this event.
I had a bit of trouble finding it - but I was not alone according to the lady on the gate and in the Secretary's. My satnav was trying to get me there - sort of via a scenic tour of Oxfordshire and tiny villages - but many roads said "no horse trials traffic" In the end I got out of the car and accosted a local who said I was about a mile and a half away and I said I know but I can't find it! So he told me to put "Finstock" in the SatNav and it would take me there - correct information. File for next time.
I thought the courses were very good, extremely well built and lots of different questions but not one fence caused many problems. The class in progress when I arrived was for ponies. Most of t.he them got round and only a few didn't make it, possibly fitness or a bit over-faced. I thought the (mostly) young girl riders, with their stick thin legs were very brave because it needed positive riding. They did well.
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Then I had a wander round the trade stands, which were fewer than anticipated. I bought a thin top to go under my body protector, as most of my jumpers are too thick and I end up feeling like Mitchelin Man. I was very, very taken by a coat on the Shubimi stand - I already have two jackets - but can I really justify spending £425 just because I liked it?
Not willing to spent £150 on all day lunch I had instead a toasted cheese sandwich, which was nice but greasy, and a Fortnum and Mason ice cream, which I didn't like as it was far too sweet. Wish I had stuck to the normal ices. There wasn't much choice for food really apart from sandwich, there was a pasta stand doing good business and pizza.
I watched some of the show jumping which is in a very unusual arena as it is on two levels, but I must say that virtually all the rounds I watched were pretty good. I walked past the Lunch Pavilion and noted that there were some extremely well turned out guests sitting watching the action.
I then walked the 6 & 7 year olds course backwards, which was slightly different and longer than the pony course. Once again, it was a very educational course with plenty of variety, drops, water, corners, various combinations, brush, timber. It looked as though the horses thoroughly enjoyed themselves and again there wasn't much trouble. Mostly a glance-off at a corner. etc. Saw some big-name riders taking their horses round - William FP, Tim Price, Oli Townend, Caroline Powell, etc. Then sat and watched the action on the big screen until it was time to leave for home to get back to evening feed.
It was all beautifully laid out, with the horse box park and temporary stables close to the start of the course and it was just possible to see the horses being cooled off and inspected by the vet up by the stables, so it was all very interesting.
Would I go again. Yes, now I know how to get there. I would take time to go and watch some dressage. And take my own picnic.
I had a bit of trouble finding it - but I was not alone according to the lady on the gate and in the Secretary's. My satnav was trying to get me there - sort of via a scenic tour of Oxfordshire and tiny villages - but many roads said "no horse trials traffic" In the end I got out of the car and accosted a local who said I was about a mile and a half away and I said I know but I can't find it! So he told me to put "Finstock" in the SatNav and it would take me there - correct information. File for next time.
I thought the courses were very good, extremely well built and lots of different questions but not one fence caused many problems. The class in progress when I arrived was for ponies. Most of t.he them got round and only a few didn't make it, possibly fitness or a bit over-faced. I thought the (mostly) young girl riders, with their stick thin legs were very brave because it needed positive riding. They did well.
..
Then I had a wander round the trade stands, which were fewer than anticipated. I bought a thin top to go under my body protector, as most of my jumpers are too thick and I end up feeling like Mitchelin Man. I was very, very taken by a coat on the Shubimi stand - I already have two jackets - but can I really justify spending £425 just because I liked it?
Not willing to spent £150 on all day lunch I had instead a toasted cheese sandwich, which was nice but greasy, and a Fortnum and Mason ice cream, which I didn't like as it was far too sweet. Wish I had stuck to the normal ices. There wasn't much choice for food really apart from sandwich, there was a pasta stand doing good business and pizza.
I watched some of the show jumping which is in a very unusual arena as it is on two levels, but I must say that virtually all the rounds I watched were pretty good. I walked past the Lunch Pavilion and noted that there were some extremely well turned out guests sitting watching the action.
I then walked the 6 & 7 year olds course backwards, which was slightly different and longer than the pony course. Once again, it was a very educational course with plenty of variety, drops, water, corners, various combinations, brush, timber. It looked as though the horses thoroughly enjoyed themselves and again there wasn't much trouble. Mostly a glance-off at a corner. etc. Saw some big-name riders taking their horses round - William FP, Tim Price, Oli Townend, Caroline Powell, etc. Then sat and watched the action on the big screen until it was time to leave for home to get back to evening feed.
It was all beautifully laid out, with the horse box park and temporary stables close to the start of the course and it was just possible to see the horses being cooled off and inspected by the vet up by the stables, so it was all very interesting.
Would I go again. Yes, now I know how to get there. I would take time to go and watch some dressage. And take my own picnic.
.
Have bought outfit for daughter's wedding - aren't they gorgeous?!
it will be interesting to see how much difference it makes with the ring being moved.