END OF SEASON
We had a very busy, but successful, October! CHARLES RR (Charlie) and I completed our first CCI4* Ekk and I was lucky enough to WIN the Mark Todd Bridging the Gap Scholarship!
We have finally had time to reflect on what has been an amazing season. Charlie finishing 3rd at Bramham CCI***u25, 3rd in the Advanced at Wellington, jumping double clear again and again, and finishing with our first CCL4* at just 10 years old. The naughty 5yo that refused to walk into water for 6 months seems a long time ago! His dressage has come on so much this year, and although there is still a lot to work on with his changes I was thrilled with his tests in the CIC*** in Waregem, BELGIUM and CCI4* in Pau, FRANCE to finish the year. In the Showjumping and Cross-Country phases he is just incredible; and there is no other horse I would rather leave the start box on. We gained invaluable experience at Pau that we can take on to the next big challenge… All being well those events beginning with ‘B’ !!!
Super Nonks (NANKIN DES RUETTES) finished his season in Waregem, BELGIUM in the CIC** and has been working on his winter waistline ever since. He is my best mate, and I was so happy that he finished 3rd in the CCI** at Hartpury International. He has given us so many smiles jumping lovely double clears round Intermediates and 2*’s this year.
Torres (LAWA) finished his season with a fun spin at Dauntsey in the Open Intermediate picking up a Top 10 place finish. His progression this year has been huge. At the end of last year I thought he had lost his love of Eventing but taking a step back has really paid off, and he’s now an ADVANCED pony! He also finished a credible 11th place in the CCI** at Hartpury International.
The younger horses all finished well at Dauntsey and Bovington gaining lots of top10’s! Max (HIGH JINKS IV) has gained more and more confidence in his ability, F has started to settle in to the competition environment and show off her amazing jump, and Mickey (MICKS DILEMMA) has been Mr Consistent placing top 10 in every event he’s done!
This year I also completed my degree and graduated from the University of Bath in July. The last few months stressful and were only just survived, poor Mum was pulled out to take Nonks up the gallops a couple of times (in preparation for their Wobbleberries in a few years time… if we can persuade her!).
There are so many people to thank, most of all Mum and Dad, Barbara Whale and Rhian Jones for all they do and the loooong hours they put in helping me. The team behind us; Liz Brown #supervet, Kerry Clampton #superphysio, Adrian Parkes #superblacksmith and Leigh Miller #superchiro… I am VERY lucky. Mark Todd and Rhian Jones for their constant help and advice, on the flat and jumping. And also a big thank you to my sponsors who helped make this year possible; The Team at Sue Carson saddles, Jane and Lorna at Baileys Horse Feeds, Gina at Equiclass Boots, Tim Wilkinson (Eventing Images), and FMBs Therapy Systems.
It’s nice to have a few weekends back, but I can’t wait to get going on winter training ready for next year… we have big plans ahead!!!
Lici x
CCI4* Pau, FRANCE Photos: With Kind Permission from Tilly Berendt and Ingo Waechter. Thank you.
