Gatcombe - Friday

We had a uneventful first day at Gatcombe doing the dressage.  Atlantic Vital Spark was doing the Novice final, very boringly we were doing the same dressage test that we were doing 15 years ago, but it was the first time for him.  He did some very nice work and scored a 31.  I think had he not made a couple of mistakes he would have been down in the 20's, and I could not have expected anymore.

Yes I Can was in the Intermediate championships so was doing a more grown up test for him. And he also put in a very good performance scoring 31.9.  He made no mistakes and there is a lot of improvement to come, just with time and strength.

The Gatcombe team made a fantastic effort with the going in the warm up and double spiked.  I don't think we often get much better ground in March. 

The cross country was still being dealt with when I walked the course but the aggravating and aerovating seems to be working, and at the moment I am very much hoping to give my horses a run, but it certainly won't be a quick one.  If they give me any feeling that the ground is a bit jarring I will just pull up.

We have got double cross country tomorrow with Yes and Ted, and then Oratorio is doing his dressage in the Advanced.  It has been a lovely hot day in the end but I am hoping that it doesn't dry the ground up too much.