Blenheim Horse Trials are another really good spectator event; not as frenetic as Burghley, less crowds, just about as many shops, but a slightly lesser challenge on the cross country. Don’t get me wrong though, its still a very tricky course and always causes lots of fun and games for the riders.
The hotel here is not far from where the trials are held - more on that later.
).
I’m sure you can all catch up with the results on the webpage (http://www.blenheim-horse.co.uk/ ) but briefly, Chris King won, Kristina Cook was second with Andrew Nicholson taking out third prize. That result saw him take out the season’s accumulator prize - £20,000 so he was a happy chappy. So too was Wiggy (his partner
The other kiwis didn't fare so well but it would have given them some good experience to build on. Jonelle Richards, the travelling reserve for the 2004 Olympic team, was competing so it was nice to catch up with her. Although she didn't have a great result at Blenheim, she's learning lots and has a great attitude. She just needs some better horses.
The other kiwis didn't fare so well but it would have given them some good experience to build on. Jonelle Richards, the travelling reserve for the 2004 Olympic team, was competing so it was nice to catch up with her. Although she didn't have a great result at Blenheim, she's learning lots and has a great attitude. She just needs some better horses.
Dan Jocelyn and Joe Meyers both featured well in the places for the Eventers Grand Prix which was run in the lunchbreak on the Sunday. It was a very entertaining event, over a course with a mix of showjumps and more cross country type jumps. Michael Weston was also there, and got into the mix giving Showjumping advice to Joe – it must of worked because Joe did really well.
Blenheim was far more social than Burghley. The crowds and security were not as great for a start. I didn't do any shopping, I think I had seen it all at Burghley but Legs gave it a good nudge.
Both Blyth Tait and Eric Duvander (National Eventing Coach) were there – it was their last event before they headed back to NZ. Blyth organised a great night out on Saturday at a pub in the Cotswolds, in a cute little village called Lower Oddington. Ian, the owner of the pub, used to own some of Blyth’s horses, and he certainly made sure we were well looked that night. He was a great host and the food and wine was superb, one of the best meals I have had since I have been here. That's the pub (The Fox) in the picture at the top.
I was pretty shattered on Monday, glad to get to work for a rest! One really late night and lots of walking and talking just wore me out.
Once again, the photos tell the rest of the stories.
No comments:
Post a Comment