Aston Le Walls

We were lucky to miss any rain today at Aston Le Walls, the ground could have done with it but at least we stayed dry.

It was really exciting to have Cool Mountain out competing for the first time since March, and he was very happy to be going on the lorry even though it was at 3.45 this morning!  His dressage test of 23.6 was the best in the arena, he had one fence down and then went clear and very slowly cross country.  There were a few little questions on the course but nothing very taxing for him, so he cruised around enjoying the view.

It was a big day for Little Fire, competing in his first Intermediate.  I felt for a while that he was more than ready to step up a level, but you never know how they are going to cope.  His dressage of 26.6 led his section, he did a very calm obedient test and certainly deserved his marks.  I was delighted with his show jumping, he didn’t seem to notice the increase in height, he rolled a pole which was a shame because he jumped an otherwise foot perfect round.  There were plenty of fences coming down so four penalties was respectable.  I took him steadily cross country but he cruised around well within himself.  The Intermediate course is known to be quite straight forward at Aston at this time of year, but the three technical questions caused no concerns for him.

Today was my first Intermediate run on Secret Night, and he certainly did not disappoint.  He led the dressage in his arena on a score of 25.5.  He jumped a good clear show jumping, and was super cross country - very confident and smooth - rounding off a very satisfactory day.

We are now heading off to Hartpury tomorrow for the CIC3*, and I am really hoping for some good ground as Bay My Hero and Fernhill Pimms need to run.