Keysoe – Saturday 5 May 07
The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, provided another opportunity to take both Oscar and Cloudy Bay Boy on a joint outing. After the disappointment of Burnham Market, Richard was keen to get the boys back to their best.

Cloudy was the first to compete and he was entered into Section F of the Pre-Novice. Cloudy looks better and better as time goes by and you would struggle to recognise him as the Pointer that he once was. He was a little excited during the dressage test and Richard did well to keep him under control. No major problems, but Cloudy still has plenty more to give; if only he can settle down and concentrate on the task in hand. The judge summed up with the words 'a well presented test' and gave Cloudy a score of 35, putting him into 15th place, out of a field of 45.

No time for the gathered supporters to ponder, as the pair made a quick change before heading to the SJ arena. Cloudy was very excited and appeared a little concerned (spooked) about the gathered crowd. He also gave a fence judge a scare as he took fright at some fence decoration and bolted sideways. Richard quickly brought him under control and prepared to begin the course. Cloudy can jump and jump well, but he does get upset about the look of some of the fences and a fence with painted 'teeth' caused him to refuse. Richard firmly walked him back around to confront the 'teeth' and then brought him around again to clear the obstacle - with ease. Cloudy unluckily also clipped a pole to gain another 4 penalties and this meant that with the added refusal he was well out of the reckoning. Although disappointed, Richard knows that it's only a matter of time and experience before Cloudy settles down and puts in a (complete) performance to be proud of.

The XC course beckoned and the pair really enjoy this part of the days activities. No problems anywhere on course and even the water features were dispatched with ease. Cloudy will have his day and today was a good experience for him as he continues to improve in all aspects of eventing; there is much more to come from this talented horse.

Oscar was waiting impatiently for Cloudy to finish and was very keen to get started. He is now becoming an experienced event horse and loves his work. The pair both looked the part as they entered the dressage arena and they performed like old pro's. The crowd thought it was a good one and the smile on Richard's face, at the end said it all. But what would the judge think? Well not much in the way of comments except, 'pleasing paces', but a score of 28 gave the game away, high praise indeed. This was their best test to date at this level and Richard is sure that Oscar can do even better. A quick look at the score board revealed that the pair were lying in 3rd place and had it all to play for.

Richard give Oscar a very quick warm-up and then took advantage of an early time-slot in the SJ arena; great for Oscar, but not his supporters who missed the ensuing clear round, typical. The pair then quickly pressed on to the XC course and the 22 awaiting obstacles. No surprises, as a clear round was quickly ridden, both thoroughly enjoying themselves and they even found time to pose for the cameraman - show offs!

A great day and a great result, with the pair moving into 2nd place after their double clear. The podium is becoming familiar territory and much deserved after all their hard work. Onwards and upwards for Richard and Oscar.