Salperton

Had a very happy day at Salperton with the novices and novice regional finals.

It was great that Top Biats qualified for Gatcombe novice championships with a good win, and he was on fabulous form leaving the dressage on 20.9. He jumped a lovely clear show jumping but got two time faults (the time they set was crazy quick!). He had a a few penalties in hand for the cross country, but used up a couple giving me a great very comfortable ride, only just exceeding the optimum time. The going was pretty firm so I hadn't wanted to push on too much.

Topaze was also in the novice regional final, and I was delighted with how he went. However, frustratingly he did not get to qualify for Gatcombe being just off the pace in the dressage. I was however delighted with his test, it being his first ever intermediate one, but his score of 34 was just not competitive enough. His show jumping and cross country was fabulous, really giving the feeling that he has come on since his first three day at Tattersalls. Luckily he has got a second chance of qualifying for Gatcombe next weekend, so fingers crossed.

Reinstated had a happy day and was on good form jumping a double clear after a 31 dressage.

The Soapdodger finished 8th in his section, with an excellent double clear and a dressage of 32.

It is unbelievable to think that we are already worrying about hard ground but the Salperton team did a great job, particularly with the ground on the cross country.