Eventing Blog from Hartpury and Blair

Arctic Soul and Trig Point blaze a trail at Blair - Congratulations to the Young Riders..

A combination blog this time as the foray to Hartpury was curtailed due to the hard ground and we rerouted to Blair CIC3* with Trig Point and we will pick his progress after covering the foray south. I had forgotten what it was like to find places that hadn’t had much rain but Hartpury proved to be one of those.

Hartpury

NBR had headed south with Wattsburn and Stonedge who had competed in the Novice and Intermediate at Aston.

Both went round the cross country well, but time penalties in the showjumping (2 for Stonedge and 14 for Wattsburn + a refusal ) marred the scorecard. Both actually jumped very well not actually knocking a pole down. Then the team rerouted to Hartpury whilst I drove down overnight and stayed at the excellent Corse Lawn, within easy striking distance.

It was the first time that I had visited Hartpury and the facilities looked excellent.

Trig Point did dressage and Showjumping on an excellent all weather surface and given it was the first time the he had done the 3* B test he scored reasonably in the mid 50’s. he certainly can do better but as the 2* tests have shown he tends to need a couple to settle into the routine. He also showjumped very well apart from rolling the middle section of the treble.

However the story on the surface was different when we headed out onto cross country. We walked it twice, on the Saturday afternoon ,and then again on the Sunday morning, after a lot of work had been done. Given the time off due to Nicky’s injury and the softness of the ground we have been practicing on due to the wet weather, rerouting to Blair was an option that we felt we had to take. The surface was clearly better on some parts of the course than others and the element of inconsistency also added concern. I did walk across the rugby pitch heading for the cross country at one point. The going there was absolutely perfect, with a much better grass covering.

A high powered conference going on between Zara, William, Pippa and Tina .. and William and Nicky checking out a fence that was to cause problems later.

There were some impressive cross country rounds with Sarah Cohen being the bridesmaid in both CIC classes and I wasn’t sure exactly how Francis Whittington escaped at the drop and pop as he put in a very quick round. Thoughts must go out to Lucinda green who had a crashing fall at the top of the hill and hope she recovers soon.

So no points for the weekends efforts at Hartpury but we were soon off again heading for Blair.

Blair

We had already booked in at the superb Killecrankie run by Henrietta Ferguson, a must stay if you are in the area.

Competing were Arctic Soul in the CCI1* in his first three day event and Trig Point in the CIC3*

The going was obviously softer that at hartpury and rain on Thursday night made things a little heavier than one would have liked in the Dressage and Showjumping certainly for Trig point.

Arctic Soul having found the arena a little too much for him on the Tuesday evening was much more settled on the Wednesday and produced a 53.8 in the dressage to be placed in the middle of the field. Trig Point was to follow him in the same dressage arena on the Friday and his 54 left him in 10^th place. This was a much better test than at Hartpury with high scoring being the norm.

Arctic Soul did his Cross Country next and was seriously impressive considering his lack of runs this season . behind at the early minute markers as he settled in, when asked the qestin there was plenty left in the tank and he roared home inside the time without pulling. Bodes very well for future runs.

He passed the trot up well but rolled a couple of poles in the showjumping and also slipped , perhaps showing a little bit of lack of match practice on only his third outing of the season and this was also his first three day event.

What was also impressive was that the didn’t seem overawed by the surroundings compared with Little Gatcombe last year.

He ended up in 35^th and picked up 2 points to take his total to 3 for the season and 6 overall. Seems to have come through ok as well so looking ahead to a few more events before the end of the season.

Trig Point being in the CIC 3* had his showjumping before Cross Country and again found the ground a little sticky and on the heavy side. He rolled one pole and incurred 6 time faults on a very tight time. He then cruised round the cross country course looking very comfortable., and with only 50% of the runners getting around unscathed was in very good company. He was really using this as a warm up for a CCI 3* which we need as a qualifier, and now we look to have Blenheim on the runway ….Trig Point was 1 second away from being in the points and the money but we have every reason to be happy with his run , especially cross country. The ground perhaps acted against him in the other two phases.

Around the Lorry Park

Young Rider success for the British team again was the major talking point, though I had to leave before the final tense showjumping.

I did watch the cross country round with one of the highlights Wills Oakden’s superb round on Button Clover inside the time leaving his parents somewhat tearful.

His experience on the cross country course was invaluable and though few fences fell in the Show Jumping it was great to see him part of a winning team and well done to all.

The cross country course proved as tricky as ever with only a 50% success rate in the CCI2* , the CIC3* and the CCI 3*, a real challenge as ever.

Blair is also applying to host the 2015 Senior European Championships which will be decided in April next year, and one hopes that they are successful. The event was well controlled from start to finish and the whole surroundings would be perfect for a European Championship.

Points for NBR

Arctic Soul 2 ..

Total for the yard this year 51

Trig Point 40, Fiddlewood 6 , Arctic Soul 3 , Stonedge 2

Next up for NBR

September potentially could be, Aswanley, Blenheim, Allerton Park, Aske and Osberton but not taking anything for granted given the way the season has gone. Expecting the unexpected,,

Blair Photos courtesy of Julia Sherwood and certainly better than I could do ..

Event Owners Blog from Hopetoun

Trig Point back on the Podium , Arctic Soul and Stonedge amongst the ribbons..


After last weekend’s return to action at the new event at Burgham, the latest outing was to the new event Hopetoun. I hadn’t visited the event in its previous existence so the whole location was fresh, and very impressive it was too, and that wasn’t just because of the results.

As with any new event there will be areas to work on for the next one, but the organizing committee were encouraging dialogue right through the event , in preparation for next year and this looks a very welcome addition to the calendar. Congratulations to Stuart Buntine and his team for a job well done, and thanks to the Earl of Hopetoun for expanding the competition.

The event also had varying locations for trade stands and entertainment to spread the wide range of activities over the site, which worked well and I can anticipate those also being extended over the next two years.

There was plenty of family entertainment to keep youngsters entertained with a focus on the West lawn and it was pictured early on the Saturday as things kicked off. The main competitions also jumped in front of the main house on the Sunday which made a superb backdrop. One of the features on the cross country course for the CIC3* were the Forth Bridges.



The distance from the lorry park to the competition sites did cause some comment, and that is something that is already being worked on for next year as it made some of the scheduling a bit tight.

The event was also perhaps more successful than anticipated in attracting the crowds and may actually need more stewards, especially as a number of those attending appeared new to the sport and in some cases were slightly caught out by the arrival of horses despite intense whistling.

There could also be more shuttles to ferry people up and down the hill and from the lorry park but I gather these are already in hand. The ground held up pretty well over the two days and they were extremely lucky with the weather.

NBR entries

The week we had Wattsburn and Arctic Soul in the Novice, with Stonedge in the Open Novice and Trig Point returning to Competition in the CIC2*

Three had dressage on Saturday afternoon with Arctic Soul scoring a 35.5 leaving him well positioned, Wattsburn with a 38.5, and Trig Point scored a 45.3 in the CIC2* that was to leave him lying 6th. Returning home overnight there was an early start the next morning so that Stonedge could complete his dressage in the open Novice where he scored a 32.5 despite stopping mid test as a deer ran across in front of him. (local hazard)

The showjumping also went well for all , Wattsburn rolled a pole at the first of the Treble, but the others all went clear with Trig Point competing an almost foot perfect round. This was also Arctic Soul’s first clear round showjumping at Novice.

Cross Country

The cross country course was well designed and offered several challenges. Viewing wasn’t easy given the terrain and the location of trees and it was tough going running up and down for those trying to watch horses. The two problem areas on the course seemed to be the slippy surface coming down the hill under the trees in the CIC3* which eventually required a fence to be taken out , and the location of the 13th fence in the Novice.

Wattsburn was first up , and looked a little green on the way round. It was at the end that Nicky discovered that she was one of many to miss out fence 13 which required a sharp right hand turn after the water, that a number simply hadn’t realized was there, and it caught out many on the course walk.


There were still two other Novice runs ahead, Arctic Soul and then Stonedge.
Arctic Soul showed a significant improvement from his outing the week before at Burgham and still had plenty left in the tank at the end as he returns to match fitness.

This was his first double clear at Novice, and his 16 time faults were enough to take him into 8th position.
Stonedge managed 10. 4 time faults in the Open Novice which took him into 7th place on his first run since Auchinleck .

Trig Point was the last one to take his turn and he looked seriously impressive and given the stiffish nature of the track his experience showed through. His 8.4 time faults was one of the quicker rounds and yet there was more left in the tank, which bodes well for the campaign ahead. that was good enough to lift him into second place, behind Nicola Wilson, and just ahead of Matthew Wright and Ruth Edge, a very pleasing result on his return to competition.

Points

Trig Point picked up 14 for his second place and Arctic Soul opened his account for the season with 1
Overall the points total is now 49 with Trig Point on 40, Fiddlewood 6 , Stonedge 2 and Arctic Soul 1

Next Outings

Arctic soul in the Novice at Scone (which looks to be an early start and finish on Sunday and I may have to miss),
Rare hero, Slievcoillte Woody and Willunga are also in action the first two in the BE 90 and the latter in the BE 4 year old.
Then Wattsburn and Stonedge head to Aston Le walls for an Intermediate and Novice before Trig Point competes in the CIC3* at hartpury where he is in a very impressive field of 77 and his sternest competition to date.

A very enjoyable weekend and certainly looking forward to revisiting Hopetoun going forward.

Heard over the organisers radio…
Ronald Alexander : “ I need a new battery “
Rapid response ;” is that for you or your radio.? “
After a prolonged pause Ronald’s response :” … Ha … Ha … “

Event Owners Blog from Burgham

Back in the saddle again..

It has been a long time since the last Blog for a variety of reasons, and their needs to be a little catching up before reporting back form the impressive first time outing at Burgham

Memories of Trig point’s victory at Burnham Market seem rather distant as Nicky’s broken ankle at Floors put paid to spring eventing and we are only now back on the circuit.

The first Blog was entitled back with a bang, the next could have been smash and wallop..

I had missed the trip to Scone where Nicky had had several runners and picked up some points for Fiddlewood, and at Auchinleck where Stonedge contimued his points haul picking up 2 on his first run at Intermediate. There was also an outing at Richmond with Cherry law and Tuesday Cruising

The trip to Floors was not so fortunate, with Saturdays eventing curtailed as I saw Nicky being jettisoned head first towards the Trakehner.

Fortunately the air jacket cushioned much of the fall, but it didn’t reach as far as the ankle. Much pain and frustration all round.

I have to commend all the organisers and medical staff who appeared on site extremely quickly and were very helpful , but the result has been a frustrating enforced absence.

Again we have to give many thanks to all of those who pitched up to help in the intervening period and to keep the horses ticking over. A special mention to Team Estonia who now seem to have taken over the grooming duties.

We did manage a trip to Bramham to see the very impressive event there, and congratulations to Ian Stark on an excellent cross country course. A challenge we will look forward to in due course. Of particular note was Charlotte Agnew going airborne into the water on Out of Africa.

Otherwise we have been watching the rehab in progress and now we are ready to return to competition

Burgham

Burgham turned out to be well worth the visit and was also conveniently located for us.

The wider range of activities will I am sure increase interest in the event , and the top showjumpers put on an impressive display.

The arenas and trade stands were well laid out, and there seemed to be plenty of facilities.

The cross country course was also a good challenge and was favourably received though perhaps not the easiest viewing,

The only thing that might require adjustment was the proximity of the eventing showjumping arena to the main arena. In addition to showjumping victory riderounds we also had a foxhounds display and the proximity to a line of jumps did cause some major issues in some of the eventing classes. Perhaps putting a row of trade tents in between might help. That’s the great thing about first time events, that the format can be tweaked, and that’s all it needs.

Entries on this occasion

Wattsburn BE 100

Arctic Soul BE100 HC

Several of the others including Trig Point and Stonedge had been in the showjumping classes earlier in the weekend and acquitted themselves extremely well.

First time out for Arctic Soul this season and Watty after the enforced break

Both scored well in the Dressage, Watty with a 29 and Arctic Soul with a 25 .

In the showjumping arena Watty improved as the round went on scoring an impressive clear, whilst Arctic Soul was unlucky in rolling the last pole though was a little ring rusty, and needed the outing. He did have to endure a victory parade cantering past in the other direction just as he was tackling the line of fences down the nearest side of the arena and managed to keep his concentration enough to jump the fences.

The cross country had a good variety of challenges and both rose to the occasion. Watty went round inside the time register a double clear, and Spike was gradually eased back into competition and finished with 1.6 time penalties accelerating towards the end of the course.

Spike was HC but would have been in the ribbons and Wattsburn came an impressive second, and right up till prize giving looked as though he had won, when there was a rather abrupt change of order . One hopes any minor wrinkles are ironed out prior to the next event in march with higher levels involved, as this looked to be an impressive baptism..

I spent more time than normal over at the main showjumping arena, where there was a particularly impressive Grand Prix. There seemed to be an inordinate number of Whitakers competing as well as Scott brash and Jemma Kirk amongst others, and it turned out that Louise Whitaker just pipped her father to win the £4000 prize. (there isnt an extra zero …)


When one saw the jumps ,and had a hugely informative course walk given by Tim Stockdale one realized one was in a slightly different ballgame

Louise Whitaker is pictured below though not on the horse she eventually won with. The standard was very high on a very cleverly designed course.

Certainly an event to revisit

NBR Points

Wattsburn 14 Foundation Points

Totals for the season (and some catching up looks to be in order)

Foundation points 22 – Wattsburn 22

Points – 34 – Trig Point 26 , Fiddlewood 6, Stonedge 2

Next dates (projected , and given what’s happened with a slight intake of breath)—all entered

Hopetoun – Arctic Soul and Wattsburn (Novice ), Stonedge (Open Novice ), Trig Point (CIC 2 * )

Scone – Arctic Soul – Novice , Rare Hero BE 90 open , Slievcoillte Woody BE90 (HC), Willunga BE 4yo

Aston 3—Stonedge _intermediate , Wattsburn – Novice

Hartpury – Trig point CIC 3*

Blair – Arctic Soul - CCI 1*

And on the runway

Highclere – Stonedge – Intermediate , Trig Point – Advanced


Burghley Young Event Horse and decision on Blenheim await.


August also sees first outing for Iona Kerr riding Murphy XI at Hendersyde in the BE90, where I am sponsoring the Ditch and Rails in the same class. Lets hope she goes past there unscathed. She has requested that I go to watch Trig point at Hartpury 300 miles away, but there will be family representation.

The blogs next outing will be at Hopetoun, followed one hopes by Scone , Hartpury and Blair. One hopes for reasonable weather and a lower diesel price.. and one will have ears out for hendersyde.

Congratulations to all thos elected for the Young Riders at Blair with special mention tot Wills Oakden riding Button clover…

Event Owners Blog From Burnham Market 2011

It's back with a bang!

Trig Point Advances to victory -- and the sun shone...

A belated start to the Blog this season for a variety of reasons, and there is a little bit of scene setting before we get to the main event.

Again like many eventing yards activity was curtailed through the early winter with heavy snow, thwarting winter showjumping just as it had got going.

There was an opportunity after the wintery interlude to get going again through march but the Eventing season this year kicked off for the team at Belton.

Setting the Scene..

In terms of horses it also was time to decide on Mistral’s future. After his injury two years ago he had been rehabilitating and had made an impressive performance in his winter showjumping with a string of double clears. He does have tremendous power and after a long discussion with the vets and perusing scans we made the decision to send him to a showjumping yard. Having seen the power on offer during events, where he doesn’t exactly save himself, this seemed to us to be the best option for him and we know he is in extremely good hands. Arctic Soul also embarked on the winter showjumping season, but having incurred a slight niggle looks set to reappear on the circuit in the late spring.

Belton

So in terms of opening the batting Trig Point was my representative as NBR went down to Belton to dust off the cobwebs. Normally I would have gone too, but a trip to Paris for my 50th meant that I had to wait for a match report. Stonedge was going HC in the Novice and a Double clear ensued with the same for Fiddlewood who picked up a point, and Trig Point, who picked up two. His dressage seemed to lack a little concentration but was impressive otherwise.

Trig Point 2 points : Fiddlewood 1 point

Eden Valley

I did attend Eden valley to see Wattsburn opening his account the following week. This was a new event and the ground was actually quite soft in places (almost a novelty). The cross country offered very good viewing, and the showjumping was on an all weather surface. The dressage did become a little sticky in places which probably didn’t help Wattsburn on his first outing. He did go clear in the showjumping, and was unlucky to incur 20 penalties on a downhill fence in what was otherwise an encouraging round .

So we moved to Burnham Market..

I returned to the excellent Titchwell Manor for a couple of nights, driving down on the Friday.

Wattsburn was in the BE100, Fiddlewood the Novice, and Trig Point was entered in his second Advanced.

The sky was blue and the dust plumes from the farm tracks gave an indication of the tricky conditions that the organisers had to face, and almost entirely different from the norm. (no blizzards this year.) The team had probably done as much as they could given the lack of rain, and there was a little overnight rain on the Friday which certainly helped. The trade stands seemed well visited, and there were several positive comments about the way the loos were being maintained. A good effort all round.

There was also a pre Badminton buzz in the air, even if it was too close to the event this year to allow the horses their final outing, one could sense the expectation.

Wattsburn and Fiddlewood

I arrived too late to see Wattsburn compete but early enough to see Fiddlewood do dressage brought forward from the Saturday. Wattsburn had done a reasonable dressage, had been unlucky to roll a pole at the last in the showjumping, and then locked onto the wrong fence by the leaf pit (not an intermediate yet). He did perform better than at Eden valley and should be well primed for his next outing at Scone. Fiddlewood produced a very impressive dressage of 31 to lead the field, but concentration was less evident is the showjumping where he had two poles down, but that still left him in the running. He is due to have pads put in this week, as he doesn’t like the hard ground, and so wasn’t considered for the cross country this time.

I also had the chance to walk the cross country on both the Friday and the Saturday, and the rain did help a little.

Trig Point

Trig Point’s dressage looked very accomplished and he flowed nicely. Still some scope for improvement but a 33.4 was so much better than his Belton outing and left him well in contention. His showjumping looked imperious and he produced an excellent clear. With the state of the ground there had been a debate depending on how we were lying as to whether to run. Top three didn’t leave much debate and when asked for advice Christopher Bartle simply said “go out and win it.”.

Nicky didn’t wear a watch and let Trig Point gradually crank up the pace and he cruised home with 12.8 time faults, one of the quicker rounds. There is considerably more in the tank on that showing. That had been enough to set a reasonably commanding target, but the 10 time faults incurred by Jodie Amos with a frustrating stop very close to the end, showed that it could be beaten. Because there had been delays to a previous classes because of frangible pin issues it meant that we had to wait for a while for both William Fox Pitt and Pippa Funnell who had dressage tests on the other side of the hill. William had been leading on Bay My Hero in his first advanced , but 15.6 time penalties was enough to edge him into second by 1 mark. Then Pippa was in the running on Billy Shannon right up to the final combination until he was slightly hampered by one of the obstacles. Surprise and relief all round at the victory, and certainly was unexpected.

The quality riders in the top ten made the occasion worth appreciating and many have been very generous in their comments.

Points - 24 , and qualification to the Advanced Championship Finals the tangible result.

Around the Lorry Park

After the excellent drinks on the Saturday Nicky and the team headed north on the Sunday morning. Jaanike had groomed extremely well at her first competition, but was also found revising business law for an exam on Tuesday at any spare moment. I returned to catch up with some of the other competitions. On arrival I was greeted by the sight of a loose horse getting some exercise in the lorry park field. One person trying to catch it wasn’t going to prove successful. I joined the numbers which gradually swelled over the next 25 minutes to around 15 when the horse eventually allowed itself to be caught, when the numbers had been boosted by BE’s chief executive. It might have been hankering after the old long format, but it subsequently racked up 24 faults in the showjumping (12 jumping and 12 time) but did manage a clear in the cross country.

It was good to see Peter laidlaw and family having made the long journey south get a podium on Sergeant Kiki, following the win at great Witchingham, and Charlotte Agnew getting into the points with Miss pavonita. Gemma Tattersall had two excellent double clears lining her up for her trip to badminton.

I also had an extremely pleasant dinner on the Saturday evening with the Amos family table at Titchwell. A great bunch. I was also encouraged to hear from Francis Whittington that the Event Riders Association has broken through 1000 members. Extremely good news .

Two views of the table below with Matt and Jodie Amos silhouetted , and Charlotte Agnew and Longwood in the two star clearing impressively.



Thanks to all for their very kind comments over the weekend and thereafter.. much appreciated…

Great to be back though the blog may not be out again until Floors when Trig Point is next slated to be out.

NBR’s next outings

Central Scotland

Wattsburn – BE100, Fiddlewood-Novice, Cherry law and Stonedge – Open Novice,

Auchinleck

Wattsburn , Fiddlewood – Novice, Stonedge- Intermediate, Cherry Law – Open Intermediate,

Trig Point was entered for the Advanced, but after his success at Burnham market on the harder ground and given the issues of minor tie ups during may in the last couple of years, understandably we are taking it a little cautiously. Currently the Open Intermediate at Floors will be followed by a trip to bramham. Our current thoughts are towards to the CIC3*, but we will see how he is healthwise as we approach early may.

Points

The yards total now marches on to 27 with Trig Point on 26 and Fiddlewood 1.

Last years other major contributors, Stonedge and Cherry law are waiting in the wings…and hopefully joined soon after by Arctic Soul..

And this picture could be interpreted as Alec starting to show the strain,, …but it all went very well..

Many thanks to the team of organisers and volunteers who helped out over the three days.

“Semper Porro” and “Sero sed Serio” …two mottoes to keep us going…

Event Owners Blog - The Election Edition

The Election Edition and some 2010 reflections - Sero Sed Serio

The 42nd Blog in the series takes a slightly different route to normal with a slightly different event to focus on.. The BE Board elections .. Voting is already underway...

The World Championship success for Britain has put the cap on an excellent season overall , and the season has also ended for NBR and we are already looking forward to the publishing of the 2011 calendar, with some winter showjumping and dressage to fill the intervening period (at least till snow gets in the way). As 2010 proved one does need to have a degree of flexibility as one can never rely entirely on the horses being totally accommodating. We also have the EHOA Dinner to look forward to in early November, always an excellent occasion, this time with a change of venue.

But before we look ahead a final event has appeared on the agenda, namely the BE Directors Elections where I have put myself forward as one of nine candidates for three places.

Richard Pack’s excellent photograph of myself with Arctic Soul is part of the launching of the campaign and it shows how far one has come in a four year period, that a picture such as that was able to be taken. While NBR has the motto Semper Porro “always onwards”, the Kerr family motto is Sero Sed Serio, “late but in earnest” which couldn’t be a better description of my time in eventing. Now seems an excellent opportunity to take my involvement further after the first four years familiarization, when the learning curve has been steep.

Having a candidate for the board with a fresh approach, a fresh view, and almost certainly a unique experience in Eventing must surely be something to consider, with an entirely different commercial exposure, honed over 25 years.


The good thing is that the membership does have the choice with a good range of candidates putting themselves forward. It is an exciting time to be involved with the sport, with a huge opportunity created by the Olympics for the sport to be in the public eye. There are obviously issues such as the Articles of Association, Rule Changes, Prize Money, Points, Qualifications, Safety, and so one could go on. Enfranchisement and encouraging members to feel they have a say (enough to vote), is very important and certainly my experiences with the Blog over the last three years certainly show my intentions in that regard. (communication of such a type is also part of my day to day work)

So as other blogs spring up for the campaign itself this one keeps going … and I have been encouraged so far by the good response at this early stage to my candidacy.

The previous blog was from Gatcombe where Arctic Soul closed his campaign and the final competition for NBR was at Osberton where Inishmhor and Cherry Law competed creditably in less than perfect conditions weatherwise but came back safe and sound.

The competitive year closed with The NBR Point Total having reached 116, the first time through 100 points for some time, and also a first Advanced and 3* for sic years. We hope for many more in 2011. There were also 65 Foundation points collected throughout the season and it will be interesting to see how that evolves.

There were 61 entries altogether with wins for Wattsburn, Arctic Soul, Stonedge, Inishmhor and Trig Point (and Emily Galbraith also rode Freddy Curtis three times).

Points contributions came from;

Trig Point – 49 points, Stonedge 33 points (8 events in a row), Cherry Law 23, Fiddlewood 6 Arctic Soul 3, Rare Hero 2,

And the Foundation points;

Arctic Soul 31, Wattsburn 24, Inishmhor 8, stonedge 2

The Blog found its way to eleven events this year with two short breaks in the summer getting in the way of seeing no fewer than three events.

Minor niggles also meant that we had paid the entry fees to Tattersalls, and the Festival at Gatcombe but were unable to compete. Very frustrating.

NBR obviously went to more..

We did criss-cross the country and went to Burnham Market, Belton, Scone, Auchinleck ( a new one), Floors, Hexham, Aston le walls (new), Scone, Blair, Blenheim (new) and Gatcombe.

As ever some lovely places to stay, great competition, and the thee new courses that I visited all had good plus points. It was good to see The owners tent at Belton (though the blog reveals that wasn’t the best of compeitions for us.). The win in the CIC2* at Scone was a well deserved one for Trig point and the success there was probably the competitive highlight of the year. My first visit to Blenheim was really enjoyable and was another step up as Trig Point moves through the grades. Fidelity seems to have a great time as new sponsors and I look forward to having the opportunity to return in years to come, horses permitting..

Pictured below are Trig Point at Blenheim and Arctic Soul at Aston.. two excellent cross country rounds and lets hope we can see more of the same in 2011.

Freddy Curtis was sold late in the year and has headed down to a younger rider in Hertfordshire. He is a great character and we look forward to seeing his progress in 2011.

In 2011 in addition to Trig Point and Arctic Soul, we hope that Mistral will be able to return to competition. His recuperation continues and he has been given the go ahead for flat work and will be involved in the winter showjumping season.

Other movements in the yard. Fiddlewood has gone back to owner Mary Grant, and Indian Mill was sold to Paul Tapners yard, and had already been on the podium twice.

Prospects look encouraging for those that remain, with a good balance of age and experience.

An increasing number of other riders have also started to feature in the blog, and indication perhaps of broadening interest in the sport as a whole, and one can that that can only go one way in 2011.

It was also good to be involved with Eventer’s fund raising, with the MS Evening with Nicky Roncoroni, Emily Galbraith and Sarra mayberry being put through their paces by Les Smith. The Mid Surrey Hunt is also trying to riase a large amount of money to purchase some land , and fellow owner Harry Philips (Wattsburn) tasked Nicky and I to get some eventers to sign a numnah, as they already had a couple of racing ones..

This was a great challenge and the Eventers participating at Little Gatcombe have come up trumps. When you see the names and realize that these were present at competing at one event it perhaps gives another indication of what a tremendous sport this is. The numnah will be auctioned on November 12th and we wait with baited breath.

The autographers…

The eventers to have signed the numnah …

Lucinda Green , Mark Todd, Andrew Hoy , Clayton Fredricks, Pippa Funnell, Ruth Edge, Lucy Wiegersma, Sarah Cohen , Zara Phillips, and Nicky Roncoroni.

That group won (representing different countries )

Olympics –2 individual gold, 3 team gold, 1 individual silver , 4 team silver , 2 individual bronze, 1 team bronze

World Championships –4 team Golds, 2 individual gold, two team bronzes.

European championships.. 6 individual gold, 7 team gold, 1 individual silver, 1 team silver , 1 bronze ,

Also Young Riders European medals : I Team Gold, 1 Individual Silver, One Team Silver and 1 individual bronze..

That is in addition to the top events listed above.

Badminton 13 times, Burghley 7 time , Kentucky 3 Times, Aachen Once, and Luhmuhlen once (also once as a 3 star) .

Eventing Blog From Gatcombe

Arctic Soul steps up.. Kitty King and Helen Dunning win the CIC's and Wynne nearly wins..
And then there were Three as Freddy moves on..

Another trip south for the team though NBR had actually stayed south following Blenheim so didn’t have as far to travel.

NBR had one entry in the CIC 1* with Arctic Soul entering his first FEI event.

I had driven south on the Friday and was staying nearby at a charming B&B Fir Tree House in Rodborough Common.

That allowed an early arrival on the Saturday ready for Arctic Soul’s dressage.

The weather was very good on the Saturday, and as a serial visitor to the Gatcombe event have become used to the locations of the various disciplines.

The ground was in pretty good condition too for the cross country, and although there was a Battle of Britain weekend at Kemble it didnt intrude. The cross country course provided the usual series of challenges for a number of horses with several fences on the novice and CIC courses catching riders out, and the time not being easy to achieve.

I was also tasked with gaining a few eventers autographs on a numnah to raise money for my colleagues Harry Philips Mid Surrey Pony Club to buy a field they have had access to for years before it is sold. It joins a list of items including several racing jockeys numnahs. More later on how that went but the nine signatories managed to win Badminton 13 times, Burghley 7 time , Kentucky 3 Times, Aachen once, and Luhmuhlen once (also once as a 3 star). Something to give Tony McCoy, and Richard Hanlon a good run for their money with their racing numnahs and that’s before the Olympic World and European medals tally, more of which below.

Gatcombe the event..

This was the first time for Arctic Soul at a bigger event and it did show in both his dressage and showjumping.

He worked in well early on the Saturday for the dressage, but in a bigger arena for the first time with a few distractions was a little tense.

He didn’t do anything wrong but his mark of 55.8 was a fair one, and a little more mileage will certainly help.


The showjumping on the Sunday morning was a similar case. Having walked the course I felt that he might be a little intimidated by the arena, and so it proved.

His warm up was fine but he was clearly distracted by the surroundings on entering the arena and promptly had the first two down. He then had one more before jumping very well in the latter part of the course. Again more experience of this type of atmosphere with the differeing array of jumps and surroundings will help.


Lying in the middle of the field Nicky just let him run round the cross country and he was excellent in this phase, only coming back with 9.6 time faults and when the accelerator pedal was pressed he responded extremely impressively. He ended up in 64th place with 77.8 faults, but certainly learnt from the experience. It also gives him his CCI qualifying result which sets us up well for next year.

The CIC 1* class was won by Kitty King on Zidante who had been lying near the lead after showjumping, but Pippa Funnell’s 8.8 time faults on Billy Beware had opened the door. The two star also saw a lead swap as Helen Dunning just pipped Lucy Wiegersma to second.

There was also an extremely tight finish to one of the Novice classes, with one second on the cross country course making all the difference.

Clayton Frederick’clear round inside the time on Brookton was just enough to edge out Michael Wynne by 0.3 of a mark on Zenith after he had 2.8 time faults—so close.

Still this was Zeniths best result to date and Rachel Wakefield was seen urging Zenith round the cross country course…not quite urging enough perhaps..

Clayton had more than one round inside the time including Lero Lero pictured below..


Next step for NBR will be a trip to the Rank wedding next week followed by Cherry Law and Inishmor competing at Osberton in the CCI2* and 4year old championships

There was also a slight detour on the way back north as Sarah Cohens lorry had expired and Nicky was able to help taxi back three horses that otherwise would have been stranded.

Back to the numnah

The eventers to have signed the numnah …and remember this is just a selection of those who were at Gatcombe 2 …

Lucinda Green, Mark Todd, Andrew Hoy, Clayton Fredricks, Pippa Funnell, Ruth Edge, Lucy Wiegersma, Sarah Cohen, and Zara Phillips with Nicky to be added.

That group also won a series of medals at top competitions (representing different countries).

Olympics: 2 individual gold, 3 team gold, 1 individual silver, 4 team silver, 2 individual bronze, 1 team bronze.

World Championships: 4 team Golds, 2 individual gold, one team bronze.

European championships: 6 individual gold, 7 team gold, 1 individual silver, 1 team silver, 1 bronze.

Also Young Riders European medals: 1 Team Gold, 1 Individual Silver, One Team Silver and 1 individual bronze..

That is in addition to the top events listed above.

It really emphasizes what a quality group of riders can be seen week in week out at events and how willing they are to help a good cause.

After the MS Fund raise organized by Rhona Elliot with three riders at our yard earlier this year again we are hugely appreciative to all riders who are happy to help.

And then there were three

This weekend also saw Freddy Curtis move on to a new home in the South of England and we will be watching to see his progress on the JRN circuit, something that we think he will be ideally suited to. That leaves Trig Point, Arctic Soul, and possibly Mistral (subject to his continued recovery remaining on track being the horses where I have ownership involvement in 2011)

There will be a season round up after the last event for the yard, and of course we have the BE Elections where I am one of nine candidates standing for three places due to properly get underway later in the autumn..


One also couldn’t leave without a picture of a 25 year old pony who was acting as a travel companion for a couple of eventers …a real character

Event owners Blog from Blenheim

Top Competition at a Top Event- Trig Point steps up a gear..

A first time trip to Blenheim as the blogging season nears a close and what a splendid event it was.
With work commitments I was only able to attend on the Saturday and the Sunday but there certainly wasn’t a dull moment.

I was staying in a delightful B&B in Deddington, the Old Post House, and also know a lot more about Equine Manual Lymphatic Drainage with one of the first people in the UK based there.

That’s another story and one that will be worth pursuing at another time.

The copious amount of information sent through meant that one was well informed before arrival at Blenheim. The arrangements for owners and VIP’s had been well thought out, and I was particularly impressed as a first timer, to see the effort being put in by the Fidelity team as title sponsors. The pavilion down by the water seemed a really clever idea and I hope they found the whole exercise as worthwhile as they seemed to. The weather also turned out much better than forecast adding to the occasion.

The curtailed time at the event meant that I didn’t spend quite as much time going round the huge array of tradestands, as I would normally, but the range was impressive. The lorry park was also extremely well laid out with excellent stabling facilities and catering for the riders was excellent. As I said before this was a first time visit and it left an extremely good impression.

NBR had one runner, Trig Point, in the CIC3* 8/9 Championships

He had one one advanced earlier in the year, and After the long CCi2* course at Blair that had been considerable debate as to whether we should run him.

The benefit of running the cross country last and the reasonable weather and ground allowed us to make the journey down.

I had missed the dressage and would love to have seen the setting.

Trig Point had an extremely creditable test for a first timer at 3* scoring 57.2 to leave him lying 28th. Again there seemed a considerable discrepancy between the marks, but this also seemed to be a more general topic of conversation rather than just being limited to him.


The Saturday saw the CCI3* cross country across a fabulous course, followed by the CiC3* show jumping.

The cross country course had some fabulous fences which had been beautifully crafted, but it certainly was a long walk. Given the design of the course it certainly wasn’t possible to see the whole course at once , but combining certain sections of the course with TV screens enabled one to get a pretty clear picture of how rounds were unfolding.

The clearest indication of how close a horse was going to get to the difficult optimum was how they tackled the section along the top of the hill (if they got that far). There were certainly problems in all parts of the course and the technical fences at the finish captured a few more who were going well but had started to tire.

Clear rounds inside the time were few and far between. Aoife Clarke had set a very good time fairly early and looked to be moving beautifully at the top of the hill was one of the only early ones to get round and she repeated the exercise later on . Andrew Nicholson also achieved two inside the time, with the others being from Piggy French and William Fox-Pitt. Parklane Hawk cruised round the course but it was deceptive and his round was enough to reverse the positioning with Ruth Edge after dressage, a lead that he didn’t surrender in the tense climax in the showjumping arena, which took place on the Sunday . It was also good to see both Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks appearing in the top ten after very good cross country rounds.

William and Lucinda are pictured below..

Attention switched to the Show Jumping arena for the CIC3* competition. After some minor issues with the course design because of screens and sight lines from fences we were ready to get underway, Christopher Bartle kindly came over to help work Trig point in and settled both horse and rider down. Trig Point was fourth in, and this was a completely different round to the one at Blair. The stumble after the first had clearly unsettled him , but we saw none of that this time. He was very unlucky to have the first of the treble down, and jumped otherwise what was clearly his best round of the season . Certainly the benefits of Mark Smiths training are paying off. We stayed to watch the rest of the showjumping, whilst keeping an eye and an ear on the High bar competition in the next door arena , which seemed to get to shirtless and saddleless in a couple of cases. Mark Todd said it was easier to ride without a shirt than without a saddle….

No pictures of that, but a picture of Trig Point from the professional photographer which clearly showed he meant business.

Cross Country for CIC3* was done on the Sunday Morning with 6m 45 second optimum.

It was run in reverse order and Trig Point was lying 30th overnight. One or two went out of order including Applejack the overnight leader who came home with 6.4 time faults to leave the door open for the final five. Trig Point looked on fabulous form and looked measured rather than being pushed, but when getting closer to the end of the course he was opened up and seemed to have a lot petrol still left in the tank while others at that stage were starting to wilt. Add to that that he only picked up 5.6 time faults with only 12 faster than him when we hadn’t been chasing the clock was really impressive. His recovery time was extremely fast and he also has come back sound. (we did have the random drug testing to cope with afterwards to calm things down)..

He ended up in 22nd place and also has now achieved his CCI3* qualifications in a class won by Mark Todd after an excellent round on Land Vision inside the time edged him ahead of Sarah Cohen and Treason. The CCI3* qualification was starting to look unlikely at one stage this season when we seemed to be running out of events. The way he finished the season and the stamina he has showed is extremely encouraging for next season, and we will now focus on autumn showjumping and some dressage.

So NBR stayed south and heads for Gatcombe CIC 1* with Arctic Soul for his last outing of the season, and that of the blog.

There may well be a trip to Osberton for Cherry Law in the 2* and Inishmor in the BE 4YO at the end of the month but I may be unable to attend.

There may not have been any points for the yard, but the trip to Blenheim was extremely worthwhile and I would hope it is on our agenda next year.

Congratulations and thanks to all involved in putting the event on. A real success and as an owner I had a fabulous time…