Calmsden horse trials 17th December 2015

Our Autumn campaign was going very well, and we set off to Calmsden full of confidence.  I had three horses on board the lorry, all to compete in the Novice sections.

Spypark Ferro led his section in the dressage, performing yet again a solid test.  His strength and balance has been improving all season which is creating better self carriage and cadence in this phase.

He jumped a super clear show jumping round over what was a pretty big track which left us clear leaders in his section.

With our next competition in mind, Aldon 1*, we set off in a nice rhythm aiming for a smooth round.  He gave me a super ride, but did pick up a few time penalties which dropped us into 3rd place.  This was another great result, and was the perfect preparation run for his up and coming International event.

Storm Blue performed another improving test for a very competitive score.

He jumped out of his skin in the show jumping and looked like never touching a pole.  He unfortunately over jumped the middle part of the treble combination which left him a little flat footed for the final part and he tapped it with his hind legs for 4 faults.

Blue thoroughly enjoyed the cross country, eating up the ground and skipping over the fences for fun.  He clocked one of the fastest times of the day around the course and earned himself eighth place.

The Night Traveller was hitting his best form again, and was definitely enjoying the extra give in the ground that the Autumn weather was bringing.  As always, he performed a very consistent test.

He jumped a classic show jumping round showing off his talent in this phase.

We had a good crack at the cross country course but could not quite make the tight time limit.  He was rewarded with a solid 6th place for his efforts.

It’s always great when every horse on the lorry travels home with a rosette.  A job well done!!

We take all of these horses to Aldon in a couple of weeks for their first 1* International.  You can’t ask for better preparation!