On Saturday 17th November, the ERGS Show jumping Team travelled to the Meadows Equestrian Centre to compete in the 5th week of the Tri-League.
Due to other commitments, we entered only the one team this week and it was in the Novice Event.
To say that today’s show was eventful would be an understatement. At one point just after the half-way stage, three riders fell consecutively at different fences – two of the riders were shaken, but ok, however one received an arm injury which needed further treatment. In addition, one gentlemen who was just inside the arena, was kicked in the leg by a horse that had unseated its rider! Not the best thing for any of the subsequent riders to see.
When our turn came, Hannah Jones was first to go on Rocket, she had a super round receiving only 4 faults in the first phase, but a lovely fast 2nd phase ( 26.52 secs). She was ably followed by Tiana- Grace Abbott on Valley Clover Dream. Tiana-Grace also jumped a great round receiving 4 faults in the first phase ad an even faster timed phase ( 25.54 secs). Next was Patrick Williams on Coill Dearmad William – another excellent ride with again 4 faults in the first phase and a really fast time (24.63 secs) in the timed phase. Finally, Sophia Williams entered the arena. She too had a super ride with just 4 faults in the timed phase – a refusal which edged her time up (32.02 secs) from her previous rounds.
Unfortunately, due to everyone receiving faults, we were just nudged out of the top 6 this week.
I have watched these young rider’s week after week, and I have seen their confidence grow as they begin to push themselves and their horses that little bit more each week. They should all be immensely proud of their marvellous achievements to date.
The final event is in 3 weeks’ time, on Saturday 8th December. I’m sure you will join me in wishing them well in this.
Thanks are due as usual to the unfailing support of the parents – without you, we couldn’t enter the pupils in any of these competitions.
