June was the start of our Showing Horse of the Year Show Non-Native Horse Coloured qualifiers. We started with Midland counties with blistering heat in the indoor arena. Ruby placed 3rd in the Chaps Championships Novice Ridden Horse Qualifier with a foot perfect show. In the Hoys she went impeccably, scoring 39/50 for her ride but unfortunately not the confirmation judge’s cup of tea. That’s showing for you!

The following week we took our yearling by Samara Fly, Rupert to his second ever show. We arrived half an hour early before his first class, in order to ensure he had settled down to his surroundings. He was rather full of himself, seeing lots of new horses and hearing rattling vehicles, but by the time of his first class he was back to his calm self. Rupert took Reserve Champion, two firsts and a second, in his last outing before Great Yorkshire Show.

Lincolnshire County show was next on the agenda with both Ruby and Norbert. No placings for either, but both behaved well and Norbert had a few green moments. Met up again with some lovely showing friends, which is one of the reasons we enjoy showing.

We then had a quick turnaround to Aintree National Show with Ruby on the Friday for the dressage and showing. The dressage went really well finishing 5th out of 21 with 73.41%. Then 6th and 3rd in both our novice tests with pleasing scores under BD affiliated judges. As part of the warm up for the tests, I’ve found that using my Equilibrium Massage Pad, which are available from Millbry Hill, just before tacking up really helps Ruby relax and warmup her muscles, therefore is a vital piece of our kit. On the Saturday was our Chaps Championships and Hoys qualifier. We came 4th in the Chaps qualifier and unplaced in the Hoys. However they only placed to 6th, when they normally place to 10th.

Our next big outing is to take Rupert to Great Yorkshire Show on the 11th July, in the CHAPS Youngstock class. This will be depending on whether the stitches to his eye lid have healed! He caught his eye on our other ponies grazing muzzle last Friday, and needed a visit from the emergency Vet from Rainbow Equine Hospital. He needed sedating and has had 3 stitches, it seems to be healing well so far. He has had to get used to wearing a Le Mieux comfort shield fly mask, available at Millbry Hill, pretty quickly. We have just ordered two more for Ruby and Norbert.

– Victoria Turner

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