Blenheim BE100 Eventers Challenge 14-09-14

Early start this morning to get the orange one looking smart for our trip to Blenheim International Horse Trials!!!  Have been to this event for the last couple of years to watch the BE100 Eventers Challenge and this year was our turn.  I knew the arena would be busy and surrounded by people and distractions so thought it would be perfect training for the spooky one.

We got there in good time so plenty of time to watch a few go and learn the course. Then a quick course walk.  Looked a good test for us.  Twisty SJ course with a downhill double followed by an uphill planks then some nice XC jumps before a wiggly line to a skinny looking triple brush (wouldn't have been out of place in a Novice although did have nice trees either side), a nice angled line of brushes followed by a turnback to two lions which walked on 4 strides on a curving right hand line round a tree and then the final skinny joker SJ which carried 6 faults if you knocked it down.

Warmup was a bit crazy - fences were all to be jumped from one direction and placed rather close to that end so not much room to turn to them.  Went for the same technique as at Goring - jumping mostly off the right rein, bring the shoulders round and ride forwards.  Jumped a max dimension oxer before going in.

First fence I had a crappy canter round the corner, got in too deep and he rescued us - gave myself a kick up the bum and rode the rest of the round properly!  He was lucky at the planks as gave them a touch, not so lucky at the next fence - I was a bit keen and just pressed him a bit close to it and he gave it a good tap with his front legs on the way up.  Moved him on for the XC fences and he was absolutely awesome - flew them all, got a great shot to the triple brush, slightly deep to the first lion so ended up sticking in 5 strides but he was straight and on the ball, no hint of wanting to duck out.  Sat up, got him back and flew the joker fence.  Unlucky to have that rail but over the moon with him.  He didn't bat an eyelid at the atmosphere and all the people watching.  I think it helped that I wasn't stressed like I would be at a normal event as no pressure to achieve anything/qualify for anything, just went for the experience.

Couple of SJ lessons with Chris Burton coming up next then Moreton Morrell BE90 Regionals in 2wks time.  Weekend off next weekend for the fabby orange one.  No rest for the wicked as I shall be working all weekend!  Currently trying to decide whether to end season at Moreton Morrell or be brave and do the 100 Plus at Pulborough.  Gonna have to jump that height SJ at Badminton so might as well get practising!

fence 3:

the triple brush:

video:

hatcam: