South of England

 We had a very enjoyable and productive day at South of England.  The first time I have been there for quite a few years and the Nolan team have really kept the show on the road.  There was a country fayre and steam rally on the Showground so there was a real buzz about the place.  

Absolutely and Centari both finished 2nd in their respective sections.  It was Absolutely’s second event and he couldn’t have gone much better, he did a very pleasing test of 29, he show jumped beautifully and flew around the cross country for 0.4 of a time fault.  Although it was only pre novice speed he does seem to cover the ground and he made the time feel nice and easy. 

Centari was having his first ever event. He also did a very pleasing test to score 24.8, there were plenty of bits that will improve but he very much took his first arena experience in his stride. He thought the show jumping was a doddle, and he too was surprisingly quick across country, finishing on his dressage score.

The course was not too demanding so it was ideal for these two youngsters.

I asked Sara to ride Cusco, having felt that I really did look too tall to be on him in public.  He actually carries me very well but it does look a bit funny.  He did a perfectly nice test and he scored 37.  He rolled a pole in the show jumping, and apart from a few wobbles he did a very straight and honest cross country.  That was also his first ever proper outing.

It was Lamborghini’s first outing since her misdemeanour at Cornbury and she had a pleasing day. She did a decent test to score 30. She rolled a couple of show jumps, largely because she was too busy looking at all the people around.  Then she went round the cross country very happily and that will hopefully have give her a good run before the 6yo final at Osberton next week.

I was also having my first ride on Catherine Witt’s Max Mcinerey, he has come down from Vicky Tuffs, and he was excellent.  He did a superb test to score 23.5.  He didn’t breathe on a show jump and he really enjoyed his cross country.  He was HC because he has got intermediate points, but I am hoping after another run to take him to the 3*S at Bicton.

Sara is back tomorrow to have a run with Dicte Aldrup before they both head to Boekelo next month.