Just a very quick blog, the day after Withington on Jack we took Ross down to Stockland Lovell for a Riding Club ODE there. I was going to be doing the PN there on Belvedere but had to substitute Ross in instead after Belv's chiro appointment etc.

Getting there was interesting due to a horrible accident involving a motorbike and a horse trailer (returning from the event) so It was a bit rushed trying to get to the dressage. But that didn't seem to matter he warmed up beautifully and then did a really good test! I have to confess I was a bit disappointed to get 35 which was fairly average in the section. Last year we got 30.5 and the best dressage out of 40 people! But hey ho, such is life!
(Click to enlarge)

Next up was the Show Jumping, he warmed up fairly well - no disasters anyway! Jumped 1, 2 and 3 fairly well. Came round to the double at 4, asked for a forwards stride and he slammed on the breaks. Represented and jumped the rest clear. So 4 faults for the stop and a very annoying 8 time penalties. Rather galling to finish on 12 in SJ on a careful horse that didn't touch a pole! I was gutted because I normally always get placed in the open (PN) at this event - 6th on my 14 2hh, 7th on Belvedere and last year - 2nd on Ross and 2nd on Rosie. Oh well!

Finally the Cross Country, I didn't know what to expect as he is so unreliable in this phase. I am pleased to report that we got around clear inside the time, but it wasn't the smoothest of rounds and was distinctly un-stylish! He didn't really feel in the mood for it!
So not the best way to end the weekend, but no major catastrophes!