Saturday was the first time that we had a finger-numbing chill in the weather. Overcast and a mistiness in the air, but not too bad for jumping.
The 85cm team comprising Tess Wallace, Sophie Johnston, Imogen Heap and Emma McCaldin were team 8 of 13 into the Arena this morning. Tess and Rusty led off beautifully with a super confident double clear in approx. 30 secs. Next in was Sophie on Ben, following suit with an equally confident double clear in approx. 30 secs. Imogen and Chico were 3rd in and completed 3-on-a-row of excellent double clears. This meant that there was no pressure on Emma and Katman who are still feeling their way in the 85s. A lovely start once again but, for some reason, he wasn’t into his jumping today. So, the times posted by the others ensured that the team finished 3rd overall collecting Rosettes and a voucher each for the Tri shop. Happy faces all round. Well done girls.
Tess and Rusty were in the Arena again for the 1m Individual event; super riding once again with a lovely quick time. Unfortunately, two poles were just clipped, resulting in 8 faults. A great ride nonetheless.
The 75cm team had only 3 riders this week but, in a stroke of genius, Sophie stepped in and rode Bess to make a 4th rider. This proved fortuitous.
As Bess was riding twice, Isabelle started the competition earlier to allow Bess recovery time. The pair rode superbly the whole round. Unfortunately, they knocked a pole in the 2nd last fence before finishing in just over 24 secs. Molly and George went after another school team had competed. They did really well knocking 2 fences in the first phase, but getting a clear in the 2nd timed phase in just under 30 secs. Tori and BallyerkCanyon were in next. These two are still finding their feet together but are improving each week. Jumps are becoming smoother and confidence is growing. Last into the arena was Sophie riding Bess for the first time ever. These two looked very comfortable together and posted a super double clear in a speedy time of just under 23 secs. Despite the speedy time, the team was just outside the top 6 this week.
Thanks to all parents & grandparents for their support of the entire ERGS squad as usual.
Week 6: Final – Saturday 23rd November.
(Report by R. McIntosh)
