Following on from where I last left off, it has been a busy few weeks for me.
Kayla and I started off with a super run at Warwick Hall in the fiercely contested BE100u18 class with a cracking double clear, finishing on a great dressage score to secure sixth place. My dad was top groom that day as Mum had non-horsey plans in mind watching the Royal wedding over afternoon tea, although I’m sure she will have spent more time tracking our performance via live

scoring if you know my mum!

One week on and we clinched another double clear at Bishop Burton, although I was a little disappointed with the overall result given we picked up time faults during our faultless Cross Country round over what was a very technical track. I learnt the lesson the hard way, missing out on a top ten placing.

Our next stop was two days training in Northumberland with our knowledgeable BEu18 Northern Coaches. A beautiful location, super facilities and great company, what more could I wish for, especially when my best mate was there too! We even got the opportunity to cool off in the indoor pool at the end of the training – bliss!

The following weekend we made the seven and half hours all round journey to Eglinton, Barskimming in Scotland. I’m rather liking the Scottish tracks and it did not disappoint. It was rather challenging competing in such red hot conditions, even Kayla was wearing factor 50 sun cream on her nose. The going was hard and thankfully Tanya, my Coach warned us in advance about the midges as we were literally eaten alive during our dressage test! All credit goes to Kayla as we jumped a super double clear to secure ninth position and to my Mum, whose nerves held out that day too as the cross country track was BIG!

A few weeks later we headed to Alnwick Ford in Northumberland, I love this event, especially when my grandparents are nearby to call in to support us! Mindful of the hard ground, we jumped another fab double clear along with a good dressage test.

I’ve also had Max out and about to introduce him to a proper competition atmosphere. I’ve quickly learnt that unaffiliated events are perfect for bringing on Max. During his first outing he was a little stage struck in the busy show jumping arena but has since come on leaps and bounds, making the cross country feel easy. He’s now starting to feel confident and sure of his job – he is quite some tool.

Last weekend we headed to the gorgeous Hopetoun Horse Trials, near Edinburgh, it was so much further than our last trip to Scotland and my Dad was a star in driving us there and back in the one day. I felt rather lucky competing within the grounds of such a beautiful estate on my star of a pony and we even caught a glimpse of the grand house whilst out on course. Conditions were challenging, the sun was blazing but the going was good due to the huge efforts made by the organisers. Kayla didn’t disappoint either posting a super double clear to secure second as a team and twelfth place individually.

So the focus of my next few weeks is to master the use of my watch and get the minute markers out at home to practice, practice and practice before our next run later this month! It’s a hard balance in securing the optimum time especially when the ground is so hard and running the risk of jarring up my ponies.

I’m also long overdue a visit to my local Millbry Hill Store in Richmond, to stock up on cooling and hydration products for the ponies, I’m paranoid about looking after their legs and making sure they drink lots of fresh water during this hot weather.

Until next time, enjoy this sunny spell!

-Jessica Burnham

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