Started with walking the course. Was hoping it couldn't be too scary given Badminton had to be the most complex, terrifying 100 I've ever seen. Seems Borde Hill was living up to it's reputation of being a true jumping test though. The huge square fences with 20cm of brush at the back weren't such a concern as he has plenty of scope but the more technical aspects looked interesting. At fence 6 there was an upright flower box then 2 long strides to a LEFT corner - eeeeek. It was proper chunky but did at least have a Christmas tree next to it. Then at 8 it was a sharp left turn out of the woods to a skinny house (no nice trees) and a decent step down. At 10 it was 2 skinny houses on a short 2 strides. Then 12 was a decent hanging log with an inviting route out to the left then steep slope down to the water, splash through the water, turn sharp left and drop over a small log into the 2nd water! Couple of more let up fences then the coffin - can't see the ditch until after the first part and 3-4 strides between each part so much nicer than Badminton - good to restore confidence then up a steep hill, final combination and a big brush to finish. I wasn't overly concerned but it was enough to get us thinking.
On to the dressage. Trying to get a bit more energy in the test this time. It felt mostly nice, a little lacking impulsion at times but obedient and soft.
Off to watch the SJ for a bit - causing plenty of problems but looked tiny compared to Badminton. No time to walk it so just watched from a few different angles. Was on the side of a hill so needed to bear that in mind. Warmed up ok for SJ, probably needed to wake up a bit more in hindsight. Was making the oxer feel like a bit of an effort. Didn't ride him forwards enough in the ring. Did my usual naf riding at small fences and let him chip in a couple of times. We went clear but it was a close thing at the last fence - chipping in to an uphill oxer isn't to be recommended.
Quick change for XC. We got up there a bit early though as they were running in order for once. Bit of standing around - luckily found him a friend to stand with. Then a quick warmup, little smack on the bottom over one fence to wake him up. Nice, controlled start - standing by the box stroking him and talking to him then just sending him in on 3 of the countdown seems to work really well for him. He shot out of the box like a rocket and never stopped. I had zero control - he put 3 strides in the flowerbox to corner but never wavered off the line, didn't hesitate at the waters, stormed through the coffin and was still galloping strongly up the final hill. Had Chris there with a stopwatch so we had a rough idea of my times and worked out to be roughly 15secs over time which sounds loads but no-one was making the time.
Dressage score went up as 28 so a double clear was going to put us in a good place. Ended up with 7.6time pens (19secs over time) but one of the top ten fastest over 3 sections so ended up coming 3rd. Can't ask for more than that from the boy! Think I need to consider a change of braking system though - I was rather too much of a passenger with some say in steering and no control in speed for my liking.
Won a nice crystal wine glass, as well as a cheque for £35 which always goes down nicely.
After dressage:
Smart new Celeris boots:
Prize glass:
Nice dressage sheet from a judge who used to struggle to give us over 65% but has been a lot more generous since I sorted out his canter.
Also, this arrived in the post this week - really chuffed with it - will look fab on the wall!
And a good friend spotted this in LocalRider magazine.
Next stop BCA - very flat and untwisty so think will definitely have to apply the handbrake to stop him going too fast. Knowing me will end up applying too much!
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