Chocx and Caroline competed in the Novice class at West Wilts yesterday, it's a long way from here but the course has a good reputation of being fair but technical.
As you can see the course wasn't any problem for him, he isn't too keen on skinnies but has learned he has to jump them regardless.
His dressage score was 30.5, a fair mark according to his rider, he then jumped a clear round SJ, and started the XC knowing they had to go fast and clear for a place as the competition in that class was stiff.
He didn't seem phased by the bigger fences and finished clear but with 4 time penalties, most others in that section also had them, but C was worried about going too fast and getting in trouble!
They finished a very creditable 7th place, which is what we try to aim for, being constistantly in the placings proving you aren't overfacing the horse or rider. (plus the family aim is always to win, so we don't compete unless we feel we have a real chance of doing that!)
Now the aim is to get round a few more Novices in similar fashion but higher places...
Jack (Final Matinee) had his legs scanned yesterday, he was a little unsound after his last event and we felt it was sensible to ensure there were no hidden hot spots, the vet assured us he was perfect, and it was reassuring to hear from the back man in the afternoon that he had found some tightness in his shoulders, possibly caused when he whacked a XC fence , that was likely to have been the cause.
Once upon a time I would have scoffed at being so meticulous re an injury, but when eventing costs so much it makes sense to try and keep a horse in tip top condition, now we can resume his fittening knowing he should be ok.
He and Chocolate compete at Stonar next.
I was looking at our three year olds yesterday and have to say they are stunning..
Callisto is likely to stay as my husband's horse, he looks rather like Jezebel his full sister who we lost last year, but taller and slightly classier . Galaxy and Oberon really do look super, and if not sold before autumn will start being backed and ridded out, I was amazed how much taller all of the baby horses have suddenly become, it was like being surrounded by full grown horses!
Solstice a four year old we sold is also about to be started, pics will appear on here of her progress.
Also about to be started is Isabella, being an orphan foal she isn't huge, but very elegant and so ready to do things, C will back her and then advertise her, she thinks she will be a super child's eventer.
Hope you enjoyed the pics and report, next report will likely be a BD, Choc went and did some classes last weekend bringing home a rosette from each one, I'll add the pics when I find them!
This is Venue, a three year old by Harpers Bornival ex an ID x TB mare.
For those who remember, this chap got joint ill and ecoli125 as a foal, and very nearly died. His vet's bill stood us at £3400, so it's a good job he's making up into a lovely sort.
He loves his jumping! Just look at that expression on his face...
Caroline had entered Zenester her young mare into a local ODE at Bicton, it's run over their newly built course but when she walked it yesterday she decided it was too much too soon for a horse that had only gone XC once. There were drops into water, tight turns etc , so she withdrew and asked if the could enter Chocolate in the Open Class instead.
Prince was abandoned by his ladyfriend because the horseflies were awful this afternoon, I am going to have to use Spot On again to give them some relief. Wisely she went inside the barn where they stay out.
In the background Leo last year's foal . Tom as he is known will start being handled soon and brought in from the main herd to begin lunging. It's not going to be easy, he and his brother Oberon seem joined at the hip.. Luckily the Deer Park fence is 8 feet high and not easy to escape from, so Obie will just have to be upset..
These are some I would have considered entering for the Futurity had the organisers not been so self important re the whole event. They refuse to say who the evaluators are, refuse to give prize money etc but expect entry fees of £50 a horse!
Whether to sell him or not, I like him my daughter and husband prefer the other two.. By My O My he is bold as brass and going to make 16.2 hh at least. (end up grey I think)
It's impossible to get through his feild without being investigated, this was taken from the car before we made a swift exit..
Chocx and Caroline competed in the Novice class at West Wilts yesterday, it's a long way from here but the course has a good reputation of being fair but technical.
Believe it or not there is a hidden ditch here, whoch is why he appears to be leaping in mid air...!
I think he enjoys the bigger course much better, something to get his teeth into!
Izzie was our orphan foal, she's now 4 and about to be started then sold. She isn't very big (around 14.2 hh ) but should make a cracking event pony for someone.
Annoyingly she hasn't come in season yet, so may end up being jabbed.
He's got a little hernia which will need operating on come the autumn, but already has a cresty neck and a good bum.
