Blenheim, A Dream Come True!
Ever since competing in the Pony Club arena at Blenheim I have wanted to jump around the superb ‘big course’! Now I have, and it was everything I hoped it would be.
Brad (Continuity) was terrific throughout the whole event, from helping me win the Hi Ho Silver Best Dressed Male (Thanks to my sponsors, Timothy Foxx Clothing) on the first horse inspection through to a fabulous dressage test scoring 32, then onto a cross-country round that I really couldn’t have wished to go any better. In the show-jumping round I know I could have done a better job for him, but that is the game of eventing! You never stop learning and improving your skills.
The support I had from my mum, Moi Watson, Anna Johnson & Associates, Tim John Collier Britnell, Sue Chambers, Roxie Lizzy Britnell and Kim Young was so crucial in how well the weekend went. Getting Brad feeling as well as possible before the final trot up was really down to Anna, who I can’t thank enough. Thanks also go to my farrier, Mark Rudge Dipwcf for getting us there and farrier Nick Deacon for sorting a shoe at the event.
I must say a massive thanks to all my friends, clients and Pony Club members and parents who supported me over the Event! The whole way around the cross-country there were only two fences that I didn’t hear people cheering for us, which made the entire 10mins and 27 seconds feel warm and cosy (if that is possible around a CCI3*). Thanks especially to the Vale Pony Club “picnic crew” after fence 21. Their cheer was massive, and the sausage rolls and prosecco were very welcome after finishing.
Bradberry, a pal of Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony, always rides with me. When I was watching the Harveywetdog video of the cross country, I even heard him being discussed by the crowd along with the question “Have you got one?”. I urge everyone to support this wonderful charity. Even if you don’t go cross country with your mascot on your back, you would be helping improve lives with your funds.
In a surreal twist to the weekend, I was asked by Spencer Sturmey to commentate at the start of the CCI before running. Since I tend to say ‘Yes’ and then work out how to do something, I was there on the dot and had a party! I was told that presenting legend Mike Tucker had used that very microphone, so I felt very privileged. I ended up also doing a stint on the dressage and CIC Cross-Country and loved every moment.
A huge thanks finally to SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials and all the officials, stewards, judges and volunteers. I loved every moment thank you! What an exciting month it’s been!
Till Next Time!
David
This blog comes courtesy of tweed fashion brand Timothy Foxx www.timothyfoxx.co.uk
