Saturday 28th – a beautiful day up at The Meadows, sunny and dry, if a little chilly. In the 85cm team, Tori Lilly riding Cloonhill Genius was the first into the Arena. She had a good, solid ride knocking only the one fence in the first phase. She went on to be clear in the time phase. Our 2nd rider was Chloe Cathcart riding Queenie. This duo had already jumped in the Individuals earlier on, so were acquainted with the course. They had a lovely ride then with just one fence down. In the Team event, they flew round the course and posted a super time and a double clear. Finally, we had Tess Wallace and Rusty – this pair also had a strong ride, keeping it good and steady to try and ensure a clear round. This was indeed what happened, with them posting the 2nd double clear for the team. Tess went on later to jump in the 1m Open individual event. Here, they (again) performed strongly, and I have to say, had a very mature ride with a double clear and a great time. Super efforts all round by these riders.
The 75cm team was made up of Emma McCaldin on Katman, Isabelle Wallace on Bess, Molly Lee on George and Tori Veitch on Ballyerk Canyon. Emma and Katman started the team off. A lovely, graceful round right up until the last fence where Katman dug his hooves in wouldn’t jump. Unfortunately, this sudden stop caused Emma to fall, meaning elimination. Thankfully she was straight up to her feet and was smiling! Next in were Isabelle and Bess. Determination written on their faces as they flew round the course. All was going swimmingly until… again… the last fence. Bess, planted her hooves a little less forcefully than Katman, so Isabelle didn’t fall. Instead, they re-grouped and jumped the fence. This incurred 4 faults. Molly and George were 3rd into the Arena. A strong start by this pair, taking the jumps in their stride until fence 6. Something about it spooked George causing him to refuse it 3 times, meaning elimination. The great thing about team events is that the riders can still complete the 2nd speed round. So... Molly and George went on to do this with only one fence down. A super finish. Finally, we had Tori V. on Ballyerk Canyon. The horse seemed unnerved from the start and Tori had to be very strong in order to keep him in line. She did this admirably and produced a very impressive round in the face of such nervousness. She should be very proud of her command of the reins!
Despite not placing this week, the team showed fantastic grit and determination when faced with difficult situations. Very well done to them all.
As usual, a big thank-you to all the parents for their support and transport.
Next date: Saturday 12th October
