Three cheers for Badminton and Georgie Spence

[lifeslemons]

To be the just 19 and lying in 17th place in such a competitve field is a wonderful achievement. Her concentration and focus never wavered and she rode better than many double her age.

Although the course asked too many left handed turning questions in my opinion, what a fantastic day for the sport. Just two horse falls, and nearly all the other problems being harmless run outs... one of the advantages of narrows.

Lucy W, Sharon and Polly deserve places at the Olympics in my opinion. I felt sorry for Daisy and Springalong, but that was a basic pilot error anyone can make, and shouldn't distract from the horses talent. Sources tell me that William still hasnt ruled out Tam from being his reserve horse to Ed for Hong Kong - his trust in that horse is unwavering, William says the error was his own fault, and 20pens still gives him a qualifying result. Nor can I remember the last time Andrew H had a horse fall.

Was gutted to see Mary King fall - can't remember the last time she came OVER the horses head! Her smile is inspirational, and wow what a horse. Imperial Cavalier and Rodney's Zinzan are real horses for the future, as is Mathew Wright's, who as matured a lot. And final comment is Zara, the only rider with two clears - brilliant achievement.

 

[MagicMelon]

Yep, was a good day today - pleased to see no horse was injured (or rider - assuming that girl who hurt her neck isnt too badly injured??).

Have to say the best one to watch for me was Caroline Powell, and also loved that gorgeous litte skewbald Welsh Cob x! Couldnt believe Mary Kings fall and WFP's riding at that fence!

And BTW, Zara is NOT the only rider with two clears - Caroline Powell did the same!

 

[KatB]

Have to say agree re. Georgie! Zara did a fantastic job, as did Caroline Powell, Nicola Wilson, Lucy W, Olivia H with her GORGEOUS coloured, and of course Phoebe Buckley with her awesome little mare. Some fantastic riding, and some not so great!! The french guy who galloped to the bottom of the quarry was a liability and should have been pulled up IMHO!! Fantastic horsemanship from Andrew N and MW with quick reactions when things dont go right!! Rosie THomas is an inspiration aswell IMHO

 

[little_pink_piggies]

Mothers OH was driving the doctor all day, and I think she was given the pretty much all clear when she got to frenchay... Its just as she said she hurt her neck they dont like to mess around!

 

[welshchick]

I was there today! I totally agree with you that it was a fantastic day for the sport. Georgie Spence really impressed me. I was gutted that Mary King fell though! However, I bet she is very excited about Imperial Cavalier's future.

 

[LEC]

Georgie rode a seriously cool round and never looked flustered.

I just have my doubts about Polly - she can often make a complete pigs ear of things and just does not seem to be as reliable as say Lucy W and Sharon H who always seem so solid.

As for Daisy I really think Spring Along though a wonderful horse there must be serious doubts as his dressage is just not reliable and in Athens that will really count but then again there are 5 team slots so what do I know!

 

[lucemoose]

Who is the young Scot trained by Stark, loved her horse and her riding..

 

[LEC]

Emily Galbraith and Crown Alliance

 

[lucemoose]

Thank you

 

[wizzi901]

Personally I rate Daisy Dick, Oxon lady and clear all the way I believe!!

 

[Baydale]

I thought Jade Lazenby looked classy too, really quiet and effective, looked unflustered the whole way round. Some of the older riders should be watching their backs with the quality of young riders coming through the ranks!

 

[beckymed]

i thought a lot of the younger riders showed exactly what class there is in the sport and was seriously impressed with how maturely they rode...put some more experienced riders to shame!!!
did feel sorry for mary king but she was pushing him a bit hard for only his secong 4* especially seeing as he has such a future ahead of him.
also although a lot of horses were finishing very tired, many also finished well and I think that is a credit to their riders hard work and dedicated preparation

 

[dollyrocks02]

Don't forget Georgie Davies - thought she rode one of the xc rounds of the day on that fantastic mare! To finish 10th is an amazing achievement. Particulary proud of Rosie being a local girl, but also have to say that all our 'young' riders were a total inspiration and give us such great hope for the future teams. Thought Matthew Wright was spot on especially when he retired his horse. I always love to see Lenamore, but thought Caroline Powell's first ride on that beautiful chestnut was brilliant for the horse's first run at 4*. Well done to all - could never in a million years imagine riding to any of those fences!!