H&C

5
May
2010

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Preparations for Germany

The team, ready to go to Germany

"Preparation for Germany has been going very well. I went to a para competition on Sunday, it was a qualifier for the new Hickstead Championships in June. We have a new points system, rather like in BD, where we get higher points for higher percentages. We have to get 12 points to achieve qualification, which luckily I did in one outing a few weeks ago. I went to Vale View this time, my main aim was to test things for Germany, I wanted to see how much I could get from him so hopfully I can get maximum marks when I am out there. The first test didn't go to plan, we wanted to see what he would be like if I worked around the arena in canter, with the intention that the trot would be more impressive after, however in the test he cantered in the trot, and trotted in the walk and the trot itself (when I was meant to be trotting!!) was a bit safe, therefore I also didn't get much of a medium. We came out with a lot to think about, but at least we know next time, not to canter.

I got 69 per cent, second place, my marks ranging from five (where he broke) to nines! I was pleased that although I knew I could do a lot better, the judge still loved it. For the second test, we jazzed things up a little, I needed more punch in the trot, however no more speed. We came up with a new noise for the medium trot, like a spraying noise that really made him stretch and use his hind legs. He felt amazing! We went in for the test and everything seemed to be just right. I rode him 110 per cent the whole way around and the judge congratulated me at the end. I was really hoping for a better percentage than my last test because I thought he really deserved it. We went to the score board and up came my mark of 75.6 per cent! I was over the moon and I learnt a lot ready for Germany.

We came home and gave JP a well deserved day off, however it was back to work on Tuesday so I could practice my freestyle ready for the week to come. Sacha came over at 8am every day to teach me, so I could make sure that I had all the practice I needed. Wednesday, mum gave JP a bath and he had a lady from Anna Johnson's practice come and give him the once over before his long journey, JP had a lovely massage and enjoyed every second of it - so much so he was falling asleep! Needless to say, I was very jealous!

Thursday was JP's leaving day, so we had a lot to do. When we go to Internationals, the horses all meet in Kent at the Arrow Centre for a vetting, the horse box is loaded with everyones kit and the horses stay the night and leave early the next morning. Sacha was competing her young horse on Thursday morning, so we were up at 5am and had a lesson at 6am so that Sacha could get off in time. It was an early start, especially as I was late to bed; we were out celebrating my aunt's 50th birthday and had the best Indian meal ever!

After my ride it was packing time. My dad works with sheet metal and came up with the idea of making a trunk to carry all of my kit to Germany. It was BIG! He had done an amazing job with it and it looked very professional (wait to see my pics in next blog). Because it was so last minute, Stephen (my boyfriend) and I went out and brought some stickers for it until dad gets round to painting it the same colour as our horse box. We also have to pack our bags as they travel with the horses, so it was a stressfull day trying to remember everything. Mum, dad, JP and the trunk were off, Stephen and I stayed at home to finish off the other horses and start dinner. JP settled in well for the night and the vets were very pleased with him. Mark (the transporter) loved dad's masterpiece and wished that all the team members had one as it was so much easier having everything in one place.

I fly out tomorrow at 3.30 with mum, dad and Sacha. I am so excited! Im just keeping my fingers crossed for good results. I will update you as soon as I am back! Off I go....."