Tattersalls Cross Country Day
Away Cruising was first on course out of my two. He gave me the most brilliant ride and was very genuine around what was a strong CCI** course. With plenty of ditches, a coffin, a sunken road and, rather unusually, five water jumps the course was very testing and educational.
Away Cruising has been with me since he was 4 year old and his performance today felt like a real coming of age. He travelled very economically and was unphased by the questions. I feel that he learnt a lot from the experience and with his long rangy stride I'm sure will be in his element the further he progresses up the levels. He finished comfortably inside the time so remains on a score of 43.
Vrolijk, who was in pole position on a dressage score of 38, was sadly not able to capatilise and had a stop at the last water, which was three fences from home. He has always been wary of water so I was relieved to have got through the second water which was a very serious question - a log in before jumping out onto a Normandy bank which landed back into water again. We found out after that he lost both front shoes on course and despite putting up a brave effort was just too cautious at the last water, and rather protecting himself on his feet. In spite of his stop he still finished with only 3.6 time faults (9 seconds), which was a positive since he has no thoroughbred in him. Whilst it is hugely frustrating it is not wholly unexpected as his dislike of water is the reason he joined our yard a few years ago, and this was a big ask not helped by being barefoot. I was delighted with his great dressage and I am sure he has an international win in him.
Both horses seem fine after their efforts. There is still plenty to play for as Away Cruising lies in 3rd place ahead of the tomorrow’s show jumping, with Vrolijk in 34th.
See below for photos thanks to Hannah Freeland.
Some video clips from the cross country:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eJaEwf82Wo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mLUb4nxEPQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS52vrIKjWg
