Since the end of the 2013 season, many things have changed. My horse went on holiday with our new arrival to the team, I left the team at Niki Ryan's, I've found our new yard and I'm in the process of creating my own business.
Ballyhooly finished his season at Gatcombe CIC**. This was both mine and his first 2 star and it was a very successful event. After walking the course on Friday evening, after the dressage, it was clear there were many big questions that would take some strong riding and would definitely cause a few problems. On Sunday morning I re-walked a few lines and watched a few ride through. There were a lot of people walking a few lines over and over trying to decide on the right line.
Once I was on-board it was clear the course was causing a few problems as there was a number of holds on course during my warm up. I set off and felt confident to take the direct routes, the first few all came up well and we were in a good rhythm. I got to the corners and flew through them, I came out of the woods with the finish in sight and jumped into the water, Ballyhooly was amazing, foot perfect through the whole combination and we got an applause on our way out then just a few more fences that came up well. We got home clear with just a few time penalties. Following the trot up it was time for showjumping, we had 2 down to finish our first 2 star in 23rd place.
Ballyhooly then went on holiday at home with our new arrival Barograff II a Polish Warmblood that will be starting his eventing career in 2014.
Ballyhooly finished his season at Gatcombe CIC**. This was both mine and his first 2 star and it was a very successful event. After walking the course on Friday evening, after the dressage, it was clear there were many big questions that would take some strong riding and would definitely cause a few problems. On Sunday morning I re-walked a few lines and watched a few ride through. There were a lot of people walking a few lines over and over trying to decide on the right line.
Once I was on-board it was clear the course was causing a few problems as there was a number of holds on course during my warm up. I set off and felt confident to take the direct routes, the first few all came up well and we were in a good rhythm. I got to the corners and flew through them, I came out of the woods with the finish in sight and jumped into the water, Ballyhooly was amazing, foot perfect through the whole combination and we got an applause on our way out then just a few more fences that came up well. We got home clear with just a few time penalties. Following the trot up it was time for showjumping, we had 2 down to finish our first 2 star in 23rd place.
Ballyhooly then went on holiday at home with our new arrival Barograff II a Polish Warmblood that will be starting his eventing career in 2014.
| I left the team at Niki Ryan's in October and have got a job as a lorry driver for the winter months. I completed my Cat C+E driving licence so I can also drive articulated lorries now. Over the winter months I'm also in the process of setting up my own business (Dickon Reader Eventing) In order to become an event rider I needed a new base. I found a lovely yard really close to home that is perfect, a big 30x50m outdoor arena, all year turn out, extensive off road hacking with some taxing hills, local gallops and nice large airy stables all with rubber matting. Now that we're all settled in to the new yard, its time to start getting the horses back into work, let the walking begin!! |  |
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