H&C

17
Mar
2010

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Selection to ride in Germany and a new dog

Poppy is proving to be a lucky mascot for Natasha

"Wow what a busy time of year! The competition season is in full swing and I love it! We have just finished our Winter Qualifiers, where we had to get over 65% and come first or second in two qualifying competitions. I competed at Vale View and Oldencraig (see my previous blog for details) where I gained 76% and 73% and won both, so I am very pleased to be qualified.

This year I want to compete as much as possible so I can be in contention for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in October, therefore I also competed at Pachesham on Saturday 13th for another outing. A few of the horses were very sharp in the warm up, so it was rather eventful, however JP held it together and we managed a 72% test although I have felt him go a lot better. For the main qualifying test another girl had real problems with her horse who was kicking out, so again, my warm up wasn't the best, but he went into the test a lot more focused and supple and came out with 71%. I am now preparing for the Winter Championships that are on 28th March at Vale View, so please keep your fingers crossed for me!

I recently heard from the World Class Squad that I have been selected as one of only two grade 2 level riders to compete Internationally in Mannheim, Germany in May. I am very excited! I have been to Mannheim three times already and its such an amazing atmosphere that to compete there is brilliant. Also, the Germans have very strong grade 2 riders, so to be able to compete against them on their home soil is a good opportunity to see where we stand. This will be JP's first International competition with me so I have had to put a freestyle test together. Sacha Hamilton and I spent hours putting a test together that was interesting and had some unique movements so it was more exciting for the judges, so that hopefully I can gain higher marks for creativity. I sent my video off to Ken Barnsley from Equus Media who has done three freestyles for me in the past, so he knows what my style is and what I like. He has put together some amazing music for me. Its very jolly and really gets your foot tapping, with really strong beats to emphasise JPs brilliant movement.

I also have a new addition to the family! Her name is Poppy, she is a Skye Terrior and she is nearly five months old. Christian Landolt has Poppy's sister but from a different litter. When we went to go and try JP before we bought him, we fell in love with Christian's dog, Alice. When we found out about Poppy, I had to have her and so far, she has been my lucky mascot - I really hope this luck continues!"