Belton

We have had a productive two days at Belton. With only two rides I took the boys with me, and we had a very enjoyable overnight stay with the Smith-Maxwells.

For Ramdam de Mons it was a very important day as he needed to get his 2* qualification for Tatts which happily he duly did. He did a lovely smooth fault free test to score 45, which had him up amongst the leaders in a field of 90. It was good practice for him to do a 2* test in a big arena, in the main arena. I feel there is a lot more to come in his flat work as his confidence grows and he certainly enjoyed being out of a little 20x40 arena. In the show jumping he was very much back to his usual self, more relaxed and settled than at Weston Park. He rolled a pole but his round was very pleasing. On the cross country he is feeling better and better, he jumped another very confident clear round and coped very well with the various questions. They had built a very good track which asked a fair bit from the horses, and he was very genuine all the way.

I was very happy with The Soapdodger in the Intermediate, where he led his section on a score of 23. His dressage continues to improve which is very exciting, and he seems to find it much easier this year. One fence down in the show jumping only dropped him one place, but his round was still pretty good. On the cross country he felt fabulous, and despite his inexperience feels as if he would tackle anything. He is very genuine and straight and got 9 time faults, dropped a few places, but had a very satisfactory day out.

All attention now turns to Lexington Kentucky. Bay My Hero is currently on his way to the horse park. He has so far travelled very well under the watchful eye of Alex van Tuyll. He presumably knows exactly what is happening. I fly out on Monday and it is very exciting to be heading to the first 4* of the season. The weather in Lexington has been horrendous, with serious heavy rain so everyone is pretty anxious about the outcome, I believe the forecast is a little bit better next week, so fingers crossed it dries out well, particulary as Moonie is number 82.