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the equine bursary


Buzz-Off Zebra


morning but once there and with course walks completed, we had time for breakfast before tackling the dressage. Floors Castle is the most beautiful of events at which to compete and having missed it for a couple of years, it was lovely to be back. Joe was on form and produced another good dressage test. We let ourselves down with a pole show jumping when his enthusiasm got in the way, but he stormed the cross country in good style for a 9th place in the BE100. Louise Brogdon was my groom for the day and the two of us came home very pleased with our boy, but ready for a rest.


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In true Elrington style however, there is no rest. Next day was Jack’s 17th birthday which meant that at 7am we were on the school run with him at the wheel and I was checking that


Joe waiting to come home from Floors Castle after a BE100 9th place


his driving lesson later in the afternoon with Wendy Howes was still on. It was. Wendy and I have both lived to tell the tale and the car is still in one piece. Jack, being keen to organise taking his test as soon as possible, had already organised his theory test well in advance so one week later and with Graeme and I thinking it was a bit soon, Jack was off to do the hazard


perception and theory, having only prepared for it the previous afternoon! There was no one as astounded as me when I received a text from him which said “passed”. Now he’s waiting for a practical driving test. I suppose this is what happens when you passed your tractor test a year previously. The sooner the better for Graeme and I – at last, less taxiing!


So, moving on with the horses, we were off to Warwick Hall with Joe for another BE100 run. This time I let him down – and oh no, he didn’t deserve that from me! He on the other hand probably thought I gave him a great run. Dressage was a little flat but still produced a good score. Show jumping was an easy clear. We were in second place going to the cross country and jumped clear inside the optimum time. It’s that ‘inside’ word which makes all the difference. We were far too far inside and lost our placing completely, so I will be wearing a watch next time. I’ve never worn a watch for a BE100; I’ve always ridden in a rhythm suitable for the horse on the day, at which he was comfortable and confident. My speed sensors obviously need to be reset! Joe has had an easier time recently as I’d also not intended to run him twice in such close succession. He was filling in for Henry and did a very good job of it.


Henry meanwhile is back in work and after a little bit of fitness preparation time, he is now on full power again. Ready for an outing and to be reminded of his job, we set off for a day at Park End’s Eventers Challenge. It was a warm, sunny day in their beautiful Park and Henry jumped really well in the both the 90 and 100. He was confident and raring to go but I managed to have my own sat nav failure, so we jumped something at the water we shouldn’t have and came home with a big E. None of it was horse related fortunately!


Georgina trying to get Henry clean (never an easy option!) The lovely blue ‘flicky’ brush from our KBF99 grooming kit certainly helps


So this week, not to let the side down, we’ve had things on every day. I’ve spent a day examining Pony Club D+ and C Tests and Georgina has obtained a late entry for Belsay and has had some help from Jamie Atkinson for her jumping and John Hill for dressage. Taboo is looking good


Vale Brothers


Tel: 01239 614648 www.kbf99.co.uk


Equine Page 34


Equisafety


Tel: 0151 678 7182 www.equisafety.com


Vale Brothers Tel: 01239 614648 www.valebrothers.co.uk www.theequinesite.co.uk


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