I made a last-minute decision to venture off to Chard this weekend just gone, the weather was set to be lovely and I had nothing planned so it was a perfect opportunity to get another outdoor 3-day show under our belts. I’ve changed a few bits and pieces recently (which ill write more about in my next blog) with my riding and in training with the horses so I wanted to have a play and put things into practice.
The team was Fleurie, Munch and Flo with me on my tod! An easy trip down to the show and getting permanent stables was a real treat with a straightforward set up which after the last couple of shows I’ve been to with lots of queuing and stables miles from the lorry was a bonus!
Chard has two big rings with separate warm-ups and a laid back feel about it whilst running efficiently which always makes It more enjoyable.
First up every day was Flo, I’m very keen to get her out and about to lots of venues as she is quite spooky and sharp so the opportunity to jump in two rings at one show was great. As expected she was spooky on day one but on days 2 and 3 she jumped in the main ring and was fantastic. Her jump is getting much stronger and more consistent which is making her rideability a lot easier. She naturally has a powerful canter and I’m just so excited for her to keep gaining in confidence and experience in the ring as she continues to improve.
Munch had a good show. He jumped clear on the first day and then jumped some lovely rounds, to be unlucky to have 4 faults on the second and third day. I’m really happy with the way he has progressed this year, he is so strong and confident in his jump, I’m looking forward to taking him on tour next year.
I was also super happy with Fleurie, we’ve been working really hard on a variety of things with her, fitness, her jump, in particular slowing her jump down. She has a tendency to jump too quickly into doubles or combinations, making it hard work. Fortunately, there was a combination every day in the 1.30 which gave us a real chance to practice our training from Di’s. On paper, the first two days are a bit shaky but she finished with a really strong double clear on the last day.
I was really happy with my show, feeling like me and the horses got a lot out of it with a lot of improvements and the next things to work on. Great to feel like the training at home is paying off in the ring. Looking forward to our next outing now.
