Spotless Vision

25-May-2006

The first Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier was held at Keysoe in Bedfordshire on Sunday 21 May. The pair, untested at this format, got off to a cracking start with a 32/35 score in the dressage test, what happened next? See the link below:

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 2nd Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifier took place at the Rutland Show, Burley on The Hill, on Sunday 4 June. Here's what happened:

The day was a complete contrast from the 1st round; the weather was almost perfect and the venue was gorgeous, set in the grounds of a former stately home. The Rutland Show is fairly big event with plenty of classes and shows for all kinds of livestock including goats and sheep. There was also a fun fare and many other distractions for Oscar to get upset about, but he was perfectly behaved and showed that he is fast maturing into a very sensible horse.

The dressage test, as usual, formed the 1st element of the competition and Oscar performed to perfection, Richard knew that it was going to a good score and he wasn't wrong. The pair scored 29 and although less than in the 1st round it mattered not, as this was the 2nd best score of the day. An amazing achievement when you realise that the pair were competing against professional riders and horses in their 2nd season of Young Event Horse.

Unfortunately the show jumping didn't quite go to plan, unusual fence decoration (possible birch tree branches) put Oscar off the job in hand and he lost his concentration approaching the 1st double. Richard quickly regained control and Oscar cleared the jump at the 2nd time of asking. This particular jump had caught many horses out and Oscar did well to clear it at all. At the 6th fence Richard thinks that Oscar may have caught his belly with his studded shoes and this caused him to jump short and land in the middle of the fence. All in all a very disappointing round, but more good experience was gained and we know that Oscar can easily clear the required height.

The conformation check was completed straight after the show jumping and for some reason this judge marked Oscar down from the 1st round. Oscar scored 9 compared to 12 on the previous occasion. Conformation is a very subjective part of the competition and there is no obvious explanation for the differing score.

The pair didn't wait around until the end as they were laying in 11th spot with a quarter of the field still left to complete.

Overall Richard was very happy with Oscars performance, especially the dressage result, he also knows that Oscar has gained some very valuable experience and that he can do even better. The pair are destined for great things and you will read all about it here - stay tuned!

Next up is a Pavo 5 year old Pre Novice event at Buckminster Park, Leicestershire that takes place during the 1st weekend of July (day/time TBC).