We had a fantastic weekend away competing at the EV Spring Horse Trials, with all the horses stepping up a level for the first time. Geisha was doing her first ever 1* start, Luna was stepping up to EvA 105, and Hughie, my new OTT TB was having his first ever eventing start in the EvA 95.
I was thrilled with how all three horses performed, particularly Geisha for whom the dressage phase has been a constant challenge. While she was not quite ready for a 1* test, she tried very hard, stayed more relaxed than usual and showed a mixture of some great moments and some not so great ones. I was thrilled she got an 8 for her extended walk, and amused by the comment on both counter canter serpentines being “oops” where she had performed beautiful clean flying changes! Oops alright! I think we were lucky to score a 4.5! Despite this, I couldn’t have asked for more from her for where she is at in her training, so I came out of the ring very happy, despite being right down the leader board. She then proceeded to jump one of only a handful of clear show jumping rounds, followed by a fantastic clear and under time cross country, proving she was ready to step up. I didn’t push for time, and she is only a little horse so I was surprised to see that she made the time easily, and quite simply ate up the course! She was a little green in the combinations, but stayed honest and tried her heart out. I am thrilled with how she stepped up, and pleased to have finished in 14th place out almost 50 starters.
Luna had a great first EvA 105 run, doing a nice test, jumping clear and under time cross country, and just rolling two rails in the show jumping to finish midfield. It was a great performance for her first Pre Novice.
And the baby of the team Hughie was the absolute superstar, doing a very sweet, calm and obedient test to be placing 5th in the EvA 95, and then backing it up with a double clear jumping to finish in overall first place! I couldn’t believe it, for him to come home with a win at his first ever horse trials was a sensational effort. Despite being quite green on cross country, he was very brave and flew over everything. He also won the award for the best performed off the track thoroughbred, quite fitting seeing as he has only had 11 weeks jumping since being off the track! I am very excited for this horses future, he has definitely cemented himself a spot as a keeper on my team of horses!
