Spotless Vision

09-05-2006

Oscar and Richard competed in their second event. The pair traveled to Keysoe, Bedfordshire and completed the Intro class, Section 'N'. A brilliant day was had and the pair excelled. They got off to a great start in the dressage; the judge stated: 'A super horse with lovely paces....'

report here

11-02-2006

Oscar and Richard spent a glorious winters morning out hunting with the Cottesmore. The meet was at Morcott in Rutland and the pair stayed out for a couple of hours. Oscar was in excellent form and thoroughly enjoyed himself, tackling several jumps. Richard was very impressed with Oscar’s effort and commented that he thought that Oscar had found his ‘4 wheel drive’ and was becoming very sure footed. More.....


	The pairs 1st Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifier was completed at Keysoe, Bedfordshire, on Sunday 25 May. A brief report follows:

It was the worst possible day for a competition; a strong wind and heavy showers made the going very poor and slippery. Although it was the same for everyone and Oscar didn't seem to be too perturbed, in fact he pulled out all the stops in the 1st part of the contest scoring a very respectable 32 points out of a possible 35 in the dressage test.

The next part of the contest was show jumping, although this time they would be scored out a possible 40 points. Judges were looking for good technique, style and Oscar's attitude to the test. Oscar performed well although he failed to clear the 1st part of a double fence; no penalties are incurred, although his overall score could be effected. The pair finished with a score of 29 and this was a below par performance from Oscar.

The show jumping was quickly followed by a conformation check; Richard had to dismount and 'trot up' Oscar so the judges can see a good outline and examine the way that Oscar 'moves'. This test was scored out of 15, Oscar impressed the judges and was given a very creditable 12 points. This put the pair in amongst the competition leaders and it would be a tense wait to find out if they were to proceed to the last part of the days events which was reserved for the best 10 horses.

Everyone was on tenterhooks, the pair we lying in 4th spot with over half of the field still to complete. As the results came in it was looking like a very close call, no early journey home as it was going to go to the wire.... Even after the final result came in it still wasn't clear if they would qualify, their score was 73 and 3 other teams were on the same score. Much head scratching ensued and the realisation dawned that the pairs SJ score would decide their final placing. 30 minutes later and the results were official: the cut-off score was 74, the pair had missed out by only 1 point, so cruel. The final result was joint 11th place, a great result, but tantalisingly close to even better things. Richard is confident that they can do better and make the grade. The next qualifier takes place at the Rutland Show, Burley on the Hill, on Sunday 4th June, don't miss it!

Sorry, no 'action' shots, the photographer arrived late.