Had a fantastic evening last night at the wedding reception of LMEQ Matt Tarrant & Kate Lukas, they ‘probably have the best schooling facility in the South East’ and ‘probably throw the best parties.’ I didn’t get there until late as I had been competing at Eridge all day and still had to pack the lorry before heading off socialising. I certainly left before fellow party goers who were still on the dance floor as the sun came up!!!

Day two of Eridge, three horses and an earlier start than yesterday. Foxs Castle, (Cooper, owned by Brian Lear) was first on and he produced a lovely relaxed dressage test to gain a score of 28, the sun was shining, with a slight breeze and it’s on days like this that I really enjoy my job. John Farrell’s showjumping course, plus the added attraction of the funfair ground in full swing caused a few problems throughout the event, but Cooper took it all in his stride and jumped clear. Eridge xc for those that don’t know it is quite undulating, the first few fences are downhill and on a slope, for the older more experienced horse this doesn’t cause too much of a problem, but when riding a younger horse that is still growing into itself it can be hard to set the pace and get into a balanced rhythm. This was slightly the case with Cooper and it took until after fence four to find our pace. We jumped the coffin at 5 and we were off, he gave me a lovely round and is really beginning to step up to the mark.  Very happy with Cooper and he finished 2^nd in his section.

Today Pusiden (Sid) and I were competing in the NRF, this was our last chance at qualifying for the prestigious Novice Championships held at Gatcombe in August and we did it!!!! Finishing 6^th double clear and going home on a score of 33.5 – he gave me an amazing ride cross country and he felt fabulous.

Seven O Seven , stable name Brooke, owned by Gretchen Elkerton & Sophie Bunch, ‘King of the stable yard’ having taken me to my first 4* was having a day out at Eridge and thoroughly enjoyed himself skipping round the Open Intermediate as if it was the local hunter trial. A dressage score of 30 and unfortunately a fence down SJ meant we had to be happy with a 6^th. His next event will be the CIC** at Brightling.

Overall a good weekend, four ponies went out and all came home with a ribbon, next stop Tweseldown with NT and even nicer still not too far to drive home.