A great start to Milli's eventing career....

We had a few busy days at  home after being away at Barbury International and then before we knew it we were back out eventing again! This time slightly closer to home, at Tweseldown with Milli doing her first Lycetts four year old qualifier...

I arrived and set of to walk my course and was expecting it to look like a walk in the park but it didn't! It looked quite challenging and scary, probably because I knew I was only on a baby! We got tacked up whilst there were red arrows practicing for the Air Show this weekend but Milli didn't mind at all.
 

I took her down to the warm up and she worked very nicely. It was our time so in we went.....the test went really well. She did what I asked when I asked and yes there is still lots to improve on but at the end of the day she is only 4 years old!! The judge put some lovely comments at the end of the dressage sheet commenting on her future potential and also that she was 'amazed' by her downwards transitions to trot!

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With a very quick change of tack we headed down to the SJ ring. We jumped a few warm up fences and then went in. It was by far the biggest course Milli has jumped to date and there were fillers at every fence! The bright scary jumps didn't bother her at all ad she jumped a great round. we did pick up 4 faults as we got a bit too close to a fence and she didn't quite sap her front legs up in time. Looking on the positive side, when we got close to the last fence she was determined not to it it, again showing how quick she learns!

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Again, with a quick change of boots and my clothes we went down to the XC start. Milli got quite excited as we approached the arm up and she could see others galloping round and hear the tanoys! She walked into the start box and when the starter said 'GO' packed in a hug buck of excitment and then cantered off.....
She jumped a super round, I am so proud of her. Milli didn't hesitate at anything :) There was plenty of questions on the course, there was a sunken road, a coffin, skinnies, drops as well as a related distance to a corner! All of this she took in her stride! The four year old classes aren't timed XC but my mum did time it and she was going at a very good pace which is promising for the future.
We finished in 6th place out of an area of over 25 so I was thrilled. Unfortunately we just missed out on qualifing for the championships at Osberton in SEptember as the first four qualified. Had we not had our pole we would have been 4th....how annoying! But then again there are so many 'what if's' in life aren't there?! Next time maybe......

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Pictures and a Video from Tweseldown have now been uploaded so please feel free to check them out! Also Results update.....

We have a relatively quiet weekend this weekend and are just out at a local competition doing dressage with some of the horses. A few of my Clients are also competing there so GOOD LUCK to them all :)

So, until next time,

SGEventing
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Keep Calm & Canter On