A very early start, (think middle of the night) to go to Chilham International Horse Trials with four horses.

On board I had Northern Territory (NT), Gloris Flight (Flight) contesting the BE100 and First Impression (Bruce) for the Novice and Pusiden (Sid) for the open novice. I was very happy to be riding Sid again, our first event since our fall at Tweseldown at the beginning of June.

With news of thunderstorms and flash floods at Gatcombe it was lovely to be competing in the sunshine, even if we did have a horrendously early start! NT scored a 37.0 for the dressage; the scoring was certainly spread out in this arena with 22.5 being the lowest (the best score) and 52.0 being the worst. The show jumping caused a lot of problems with only three clear rounds in this section; there were certainly a lot of poles falling. I was very pleased with NT having just one fence down. A clear round xc with a handful of time penalties (there was only three horses inside the time) left us finishing the competition in 14^th place. NT’s next event will be Borde Hill.

Flight did a lovely dressage to lead his section, and a fantastic clear show jumping, he certainly can jump and this horse is showing a lot of talent. Cross country we picked up 4 time penalties, but at this stage I am encouraging him to start at a calmer pace, he would like to go a bit quick and therefore takes a few fences to settle. Very pleased with his 2^nd place and a blue rosette.

Bruce did a good dressage test but had a very annoying three fences down in the show jumping phase – infuriating as he really does have talent and scope, he just could of tried a bit harder. He was quickly forgiven though after he gave me a fantastic ride cross country and even with our little sj blip we finished in a pleasing 7^th place.

The Open Novice was a disappointing section, with only 14 entries, Sid and I finished on a dressage score of 28.5, a superb clear show jumping and added 4.8 time penalties cross country to finish in 4^th place. I have to say, after our cross country round I was grinning from ear to ear, it felt fantastic to be back on Sid, doing what he enjoys most.

A very enjoyable, well run event!

Couple of days at home, teaching, riding and a visit to Hickstead in a non riding capacity before heading to Smiths Lawn next week with two rides.