Well Tilly and I certainly had an eventful day yesterday at Hutton! We started off with the best dressage she has ever done and I was really pleased with her. She worked in well and help it together in the arena, really listening to me which was a complete contrast to last time out! We got four 8's including one for canter and ended on a score of 30.
The showjumping was very busy as it was an Internation event and there were a lot more trade stands and banners than normal so she had a very good look round when we entered the arena. Again she listened to me and jumped brilliantly and we got a clear round. We went back to the wagon and changed for the XC, I find everything takes so much longer when I go on my own so instead of rushing I just make sure I have plenty of time.
We were ready early for the XC but went down to work in anyway as they are usually grateful for competitors and she jumped the log calmly and we were ready to go.
She has begun to get a little excited now as we get near to the start box and so I walked her round until he counted me down on 10 seconds then we entered the box and were gone. The first fence was a log pile and she flew over that and on landing I kicked on as I normally do however Tilly was so exctied that she launched into a humping and bucking frenzy which sent me flying through the air and being able to try my air jacket out! Talk about gutted!! My hat also flew off which concerned me and I am going to email the manufactors later. I lay on the ground wondering why I could not move and then realised I had blown up!!!! The fence judges came over and unclipped me which allowed me to breathe again and they had caught Tilly, who was a little unsure as to what was happening! I asked them if I could get back on and they said yes so I flung my air jacket at them, got a leg up and kicked on!
I was very careful to sit up on landing and keep her head up after that but she flew round the course and we had a great time.
I did not get penalised for falling off as it was not at a fence but had 43 time faults so a placing was definately out of the question!
I am a little stiff this morning but am just grateful to the air jacket as the ground was very hard and I could have really injured myself. I will have to order a new gas canister before Skipton next week!!
Hawthorn Equestrian Centre is a Livery and Schooling yard offering livery to suit the individual needs of the clients. We offer full, part, holiday, schooling and first time owners or supportive livery so please contact Jeni to discuss your requirements. We run a friendly yard where you will be made very welcome.
Jeni taught private clients for a number of years before establishing H.E.C. Jeni is brilliant at helping people regain lost confidence and encouraging people to realise their goals. She is now available on a freelance basis to teach private clients with their own horses either at their yard or at H.E.C.
