A crisp and very cold morning for the girls as they got ready for the last week of this Inter Schools Tri-League.
We entered a 75cm Team, an 85cm team, 2 x 85cm Individuals and 1 x 1m individual. It was a busy day.
The 85 team went first with Chloe Cathcart on Queenie. These two had a fantastic round, zooming around without picking up any faults. An excellent way to start the competition. Next in was Tess Wallace on Rusty. Another super round in a speedy time also, unfortunately the pair picked up 4 faults in each round – so easy to do with such a ‘tight-cornered’ course. A disappointed Tess, however, she had to ‘gee’ herself up as she had two more rides to complete. The last members of this team ( no 4th today ☹) were Erin Wallace +n Georgie. The two had begun very well, with lovely clears over each jump. However, at Jump 4, something went wrong in their ‘communication’ and Erin was thrown from the horse. Fortunately, she (and the horse) were completely fine.
Next, we had the 85 individuals – a chance for Erin to redeem herself. This she did very well. She and Georgie had a lovely round with just the 4 faults. Our 2nd rider was Isabelle Wallace on Bess. These two, as a paring, haven’t had much experience at the 85s, so this was a learning experience. Well, I must say – there isn’t too much needing doing. The duo got a fabulous double clear, in a none too shoddy time.
Due to a delay in Arena 2, the 75s were to start slightly later than in the schedule, this gave me the opportunity to watch Tess in the 1 metre. It was almost like a switch had been flicked. Rusty and Tess flew round the course and completed the course in a double-clear time of 32 seconds. A super effort and a much happier Tess.
Finally came the 75cm Event. Isabelle went in early as Bess was being ridden twice in this event. She had a super double clear in a lovely sunny Arena. Next in was Molly Lee on Amy. Molly is only just back from injury through a fall from her other pony. The pair rode well and came away with just the 4 faults. Emma McCaldin and Katman were next, they too rode very well, Emma handling the strong Katman admirably. 4 faults also for these two. The final team member was Tess Wallace, also riding Bess. Well – off she went, never having ridden Bess before. What did they get? Yup – a double clear! Bess was full of beans and very much on form today. A fantastic set of results for her and her riders.
And that’s a wrap! 6 weeks of the League with just the one week missed due to half term and prior commitments.
All of the girls were brilliant the whole way through the League. Turning up every Saturday having been up since 5 or 6 in the morning to help their parents ready the ponies/horses and horseboxes. A tiring start to the day. Then they get into the Arena and jump big fences! I am amazed at their ability to do this in any weather. We got hit by wind, rain and blinding sun throughout the weeks. On they went without a complaint, happy to be on horseback and competing.
A huge Thank-you to the parents and grandparents for their support and hilarious banter throughout. I have had a great few weeks talking with you all and learning more about ponies and horses. Thank-you all for all your good-natured banter and you unfailing support of your children and of the school. It is greatly appreciated.
Until the next time,
Mrs Mac.
Results for the 75cm Team after the 6 weeks: 7th position just 1 mark away from the top 6. A superb achievement by this team.
