BURNHAM MARKET

As is usual the best laid plans never quite work out, and our trip to Norfolk was no exception. Vicky Whiteman had volunteered to be groom for me with the three boys competing on the Monday after competing her own horse Pebbles on the Sunday. However a lack of entries meant that we all ended up competing on the Sunday so things were a little hectic! Gloris Flight was the first to start, having his second outing at Novice level. Dressage went well, a mark of 31.5, he is a really lovely moving horse and given time and a little more strength will be really super in this phase. Showjumping has thus far been faultless this season, I know that sooner or later he will touch a pole somewhere but he didn’t let me down today. XC was also super, a few little wiggles but we made sure of a clear round, although it was at the expense of 18 time faults. Still a good enough performance to finish in 3^rd though, and a qualifying run allowing us to aim for the 6yo CIC at either Osberton or Aldon.

Next out to play was First Impression, fresh from his win at Firle and this time having his first attempt at an Intermediate. His was another solid performance, 31.4 dressage and double clear with 16.4 time faults for 9^th place. The course gave him a bit to think about but apart from a slightly hairy moment in the first water the rest was good and a good preparation for the CCI* at Osberton.

Last out to play was Pusiden. His dressage test was not his best this season and was quite tense, deserving of his mark of 36.4. The showjumping was better though, leaving everything up and the xc was going very well until the second water, just 4 fences from home, when he abruptly downed tools and said ‘no thank you’! So it was the walk of shame for us back home and a good long think as to why He chose not to play. Once back home we had him checked out by the vet to find a very minor strain to his nearside fore suspensory. Nothing serious but he won’t be eventing again this season, 2014 really hasn’t been our year. 2015 will be a better one.