Parwood BSJA 24-10-15

Not done any competitive jumping since Blenheim 5weeks ago and not jumped apart from a quick schooling session at Parwood 10d ago when he felt good so decided time for some more BSJA.

Started with the 95cm class as not been out for a while and wanted a nice confident round.  He was fab - jumped a great double clear.  I made a dodgy turn from oxer at 2, right angled turn to double at 3 so he had to chip in and then I managed to chase him down a 5 stride distance and nearly got 4 in so again he had to chip in.  Weird as I normally have to push for related distances but he had jumped in well through the double and had a good canter so just needed to sit there.

Video:

Piccies:

Not too long to wait before the Discovery.  Didn't go up much but course got a lot more twisty in the second phase.  Am always gobsmacked to make it through to the second phase but he jumped the first phase brilliantly meeting every fence spot on.  I got a good jump into the 5 stride related distance and had to sit up and really wait to get a good stride out into the double but made it work.  Just made one mistake trying to chase him to big oxer at 9 so he had to chip in - he cleared but landed on wrong leg and I didn't get it sorted in time for sharp turn back to big vertical at 10 so chipped in and had it down in front as way too close to clear it.  Then carried on to the one stride double and got great strides to the last two big oxers.  Really chuffed with how easy he made it all feel.

Video:

Oldencraig Area Festivals 18-10-15

Realistically I knew entering the Medium Open that we were unlikely to come anywhere.  I was right!  We were 18th out of 22.  We chucked away a good percent thanks to sticking in the walk piris but otherwise it was what I would call a clear round.  Right half passes were a bit wobbly in trot and canter but generally he did everything obediently and softly.   He could have been more up in his frame in the trot work.  Finished on 62.07%.  Ok I suppose considering how few tests we've actually done at this level.

A four hour wait before the Advanced Medium and he'd switched off a bit plus a new arena for him meant we didn't do a good test at all.  He came in all wonky, trot work went ok but not really taking me forwards and no medium trot happened.  He then jogged at the end of the walk which is one of his best bits.  Canter half passes were wobbly and he managed to change in both the counter canters too late to correct it and pick up the counter canter again before the simple changes so chucked away a huge amount of marks here.  He then dropped back to trot before the first change - did manage to get canter back to get the change and the 2nd one was clean although before my aids.  Here is the video of the 2nd change and the final halt - the rest is too rubbish to show!

Amazed to score just under 60% and end up 16th out of 17.  63% would have got us in the top 6 so very close and very frustrating as he could have got that score without all the mistakes.  Still, we've only done four Advanced Mediums and we still have gone from Prelim at Winter Regionals 20months ago to Ad Med at Area Festivals - it's been quite a journey.  Give us another year to consolidate and I reckon we can be a lot more competitive.  His outline has improved loads in the last year, he is much more uphill and looks much more at home at this level.  I need to really improve my leg stability and keep my hands stiller in the trot work to be able to help him out more.

two pro pics I have bought and am waiting to arrive - I absolutely love the headshot - he is just gorgeous!

Some pics from the warmup:

2015 Eventing season roundup

Pretty chuffed with that for a season.  Annoying the first event didn't go to plan with me putting my back out in the SJ but we then went on to complete a further eight BE100's plus Badminton.  Six double clears.  Four sub 30 dressage tests.  Top score of 25.  No XC jumping faults.  Placed in the top ten in all events other than Badminton and top five in the last 6 events.  Only two poles down in the whole season (excluding the huge jumps and crazy weather we had to deal with at Badminton)  70 FP's.  One win.  He has felt so secure at this level this year.  Our jumping has improved loads.  Dressage has been more hit and miss as it's quite hard riding BE100 tests after doing Advanced Medium as totally different way of going expected.  Some fab results though and consistently in the top quarter after dressage.  He really has been a total superstar!

Big thanks to our supportive sponsors West Kent Saddles for making sure his saddles fit and Calm Leisure for providing some super clothing for me.

Here's a little photo round-up!


South of England April - 9th:

Hambleden April - 10th:

Badminton!!!

Borde Hill May - 3rd:

BCA June - 4th: 

Nunney June - 5th:

Rackham June - first!

Firle Regional Finals August - 5th - off to Badders again!:

Goring - September - 5th:

SJL lesson Parwood 07-10-15

Mission today was to work on moves from M69 and AM85 ready for Area Festivals next weekend.  Get the forwards in the trot without rushing him, keep the roundness and softness in the counter canter and must keep the accuracy up.  The changes are coming on every time we do them.  So exciting the progress he is making.

We also did some tempi changes and managed our first line of five 4time changes - woohoo!

Here's 3 x 4time changes too:

And a run through M69 - a little bit of naughty anticipation at the walk to canter where he thought I wanted a pirouette but otherwise ok.  Need to work on accuracy of HP to centre line then 10m circles.  Also in the medium canter to trot he is anticipating walk so must practice those but generally pleased.