Belton

Just returning from an enjoyable day at Belton where I had Little Fire and Oratorio doing the Intermediate.

Oratorio has had a busy few weeks and it was good to have a competition at a bit of a level up.  He did a nice test, a bit better than last week, to score 30. After knocking the first show jump down he jumped well over quite a decent track with plenty of atmosphere. And he then gave me a great feel cross country.  He took on the course very well, jumped all the direct routes and was very on the job.  We had a couple of little untidy jumps but he was always on the case.

Little Fire also has a good day, he was good in the dressage to score 25 and lie second, he was overall very relaxed and happy, and did some lovely work.  He show jumped a good clear which was pleasing, as the whole reason of taking him to Belton was to soak up the atmosphere.  He found the cross country nice and easy, and gave me a very good clear to get 10 time faults and finish 2nd.  It wasn't my aim to get a place on him but it was very satisfying as he has now qualified for the Intermediate Championships at Gatcombe in August, and he has upgraded to Advanced, joining Oratorio.

Stuart and Anna Buntine do a super job with Belton and create a great show, which is a good experience for the horses and a lot of fun for the owners.  It was certainly a very productive day for Oratorio and Little Fire.

We were very lucky to stay again with the Smith Maxwell's who have a lovely yard in Ropsley. It was good fun to be able to catch up with all their news, as well as being very comfortable for Little Fire and Oratorio.

Superb photo of Little Fire  jumping, taken by Uptown Eventing