2018 Year So Far 29th May 2018

Its been a very patchy start to the season with a lot of the events being abandoned due to the excessively wet spring.  As I write this another competition, Withington has fallen to the bad weather and we’re all wondering what might happen with Badminton.

I didn’t feel as though I hit the ground running this year.  I know it’s down to the weather and ground but it’s still hard to accept when you don’t get the results you hope for.  We haven’t been able to turn our horses out at home because the fields are so wet.  Turn out with event horses is crucial in helping them balance their fitness levels and temperament.  Our horses have remained on their fitness programs yet haven’t had the events to go to or have the time out in the fields to blow off a bit of steam.  This always effects their performance when they do get a chance to compete as they’re very excited and feel extremely fresh.  Hopefully the weather will turn and the sun will shine, maybe we can then start our usual event season routines, after all, isn’t eventing a summer sport.

I have plenty of new rides this year ranging from BE100 through to advanced level horses.  It’s very exciting in the Team Bragg camp as we’ve got so many talented horses and so many enthusiastic and supportive owners.  I feel the next couple of seasons could see Team Bragg make a real stamp on the world event scene, the journey continues for world domination!!

Badminton is just around the corner and my two horses, Zagreb and Redpath Ransom are feeling well.  They haven’t quite had the smooth preparation that we’d planned but they’re both experienced horses and feel more than ready to take on the challenge.

It’s so exciting for me , the owners and all who’s involved with Team Bragg to be going to Badminton.  It’s a huge event and the aim for most of us.  I really hope I can do everyone proud and put in a solid performance.  It’s anxious times when you’re this close to the event, you can’t afford the horses top pick up a small injury or you may not go, will the horses comfortably gallop the distance on the xc, especially if the weather and ground is bad?  All these things run through your mind until you get there.  Once I’m there all of that anxiety and pressure goes and I really begin to enjoy myself.  If I’ve turned up I know my horses are ready, I know I’m ready and it’s now time for the other riders to watch out for me as we will be there 100% committed and me and my horses will push the other competitors to their max if they’re going to beat us.  It’s GAME TIME!!

Bring on Badminton!  I look forward to seeing everyone there, and don’t forget, if you see us on the course give us a cheer.  We love it!