2016 was a good year, the horses I have the privilege to ride, in the main have performed to the best of their ability whilst the babies have come on in leaps and bounds … it’s safe to say I’m very excited about the 2017 season!
Highlights from 2016 season include:
CALMARO – Placed top 10 in five BE100’s finishing with a win at West Wilts BE100. Qualified for Burghley Young Event Horse Championships but sadly couldn’t take part in final due to a pulled muscle which was a real shame.
COOLEY AGAIN – 2nd in his first Advanced at Belton. 9th at Tattersalls CCI**. 13th in his first CIC*** helping Team GB win the Nations Cup at Strzegom.
COR DE CYRKON – After a few baby mistakes through the season, Louis got it all together for his final run and ended the season with a win at Pontispool BE100.
DACAPO – Unfortunately due to picking up an injury, Cal missed most of the season and only managed 5 runs, however, he wasn’t placed out of the top 10 and ended the season with 7th in his first CCI*.
GRAND MANOEUVRE – We didn’t have the best preparation for Badminton CCI**** with bad ground at the beginning of the season but Milo still gave me another fantastic ride round a tough 4* finishing in 22nd. The highlight was definitely jumping the famous “Vicarage Vee”!
HARLEY’S COMET – Tigga was a new ride for me so we only had a handful of runs together! 3rd at Nunney IN. 3rd at Wilton Intermediate.
LONDON 52 – Dan joined us in May having only show jumped. He learnt about eventing very quickly and was very consistent picking up six top 5 placings.
MR BASS – Successfully stepped up to 3* level. 2nd at Blenheim CIC*** 8/9yo Championships. 5th at Boekelo CCI*** helping Team GB win the Nations Cup.
ORATORIO – 8th CCI* at Tattersalls. Made a fantastic step up to Intermediate level with 1st, 2nd and 3rd in his only runs at that level.
PAMERO – 5th at Millstreet CIC***. 8th at Blenheim CIC*** 8/9yo Championships. Pee jumped fantastically round 90% of his first CCI**** but sadly we had a fall at the smallest fence on the course but he had jumped all the hard stuff beautifully and proved he’s definitely a 4* horse!
SIR PAPILLON – Six top 5 placings at Novice level. 3rd at Millstreet CIC*. 3rd at Osberton CIC* 6yo Championships.
It’s also exciting for the second year running to be 14th in BE Rider Rankings and to have Mr Bass 55th in the top 100 Horses. Zanie was a nominee in the Horse & Hound Groom of the Year award which made me very proud that it’s not just me who thinks she’s amazing!
CHANGES…. Horses, Owners & Updates!
After a successful few years, Oratorio has now moved to William Fox-Pitt. The syndicate have connections with William having been part of the Oslo syndicate for many years. It was very sad to see him go as he’s been part of the team since he was a yearling and has been an absolute delight to have around…. I wish William and Rio all the luck for the coming season!
Mid November I took a trip to Ireland and visited the Goresbridge “Go for Gold” sale where Mum and Maggie Sargent kindly purchased GOLDEN FLIGHT (George) a lovely rising 4yo. Whilst in Ireland I found a super rising 5yo RANDALSTOWN QUEST (Leo).
Horse shopping continued into December with a purchase from Brightwells sale! Myself, Maggie Sargent and Lucinda Campbell bought a beautiful rising 3yo FIREBALL… he has been gelded and will spend some time at Lucinda’s until he’s old enough to start work!
JODIE OWEN – Trainee Yard Groom!
Jodie joined the team in the middle of July 2016, having finished her GCSE’s. Although she is our youngest team member she is no stranger to being in a competitive environment having competed in numerous dressage competitions with her pony “Patrick”. Jodie always has a smile on her face, has lots of enthusiasm and is incredibly keen to learn!
2017 Aims/Events
Some of the big competitions on the horizon and in my sights are :-
BELTON CIC***
BURNHAM MARKET CIC***
BALLINDENISK CIC***
BADMINTON CCI****
HOUGHTON CIC***
TATTERSALLS CCI*/**/***
BRAMHAM CCI***
~FEI European Eventing Championships STRZEGOM~ (Hopefully!!!!!!!!!!)
In the meantime I am ready to go out show jumping and have training dates planned. Bring on the first BE event and fingers crossed for a good year in 2017!
So all that remains for me to say is, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
