Somerford

The long trip to Somerford today was made worthwhile with Freddie Mac winning his second Intermediate, his third event in a row.

He did a superb dressage of just 19.1, which led his section.  There were however quite a few good marks.  He show jumped very well and added just 1.2 time faults across country to finish clear of the second placed horse by four marks. 

The show jumping and cross country were quite decent with plenty to jump and I was very happy with how he coped.  He does seem to gallop really well making the times feel very easy.  I didn’t feel that I had hurried him particularly but he was still only just over the time allowed. 

Before Time also had another excellent competition.  He did a good test to score 25, show jumped really well and flew around the cross country just picking up a few time faults.  I am sure he will finish in the placing’s but unfortunately had to start our journey home before the results were published!

Bay My Hero and Seacookie jointly led the dressage in their Open Intermediate section on a score of 21.  Both horses rolled a pole show jumping but jumped nice rounds, an improvement on ALW at least!   Parklane Hawk also did a good dressage test to score 25, with just a couple of moments of tension.  He also had a fence down and I decided not to run any of them across country. For Seacookie  & Parklane Hawk Burghley is now just 10 days away and Bay My Hero is heading to Blenheim the week after Burghley and has a run in the Advanced at Wellington next week.

It was my first visit to Somerford Park and I was very impressed.  Jumping in the massive outdoor arena on a surface was excellent and the cross country, although the ground was a little firm, rode well.  With this being the only big competition on this weekend they had a massive entry and everyone was enjoying being out.