Rockingham

It was a lovely sunny day at Rockingham, quite a contrast to the 2017 bog, and Fox-Pitt Eventing have had a rather busy day.

We had three in the Open Intermediate section, I wanted to give Oratorio another run before Bramham because he has only had two outings this whole season and I felt that wasn't enough to be tackling his first CCI3* on.  He had a very pleasing day and scored a much better dressage mark of 28.  He produced a very level consistent test and behaved, and this is all I am asking for.  He show jumped really well and was much more settled and rhythmical, he had one silly pole down but I am not worried about that.  He then popped around the cross country very comfortably.  I didn't rush him but tested out some new brakes, and although he was still a little bit strong he was much more peaceful, and I have now got to decide on his bit for Bramham.  

Yes I Can I decided to take Pimms slot on and give him another run before Tatts and he had a very pleasing day.  The dressage was pretty good again and he scored 27.  He show jumped his socks off for an excellent clear, he wasn't as perfect between the fences as he was at Aston, but as I said before that is work in progress.  He took on the cross country very happily and it was a good round to have under his belt.  It was not very difficult but there were lots of skinnies and he was very straight.  He was my best result of the OI finishing 9th. 

Luxury FH was out again as a preparation for Bramham, he has been short of runs and I have not even been able to get an Advanced into him.  However he had a very productive day, he did a pretty decent test of 26, he behaved well and was on target.  In the show jumping he was completely on his toes, and was exhausting.  He had one down but jumped well but he definitely needs to jump another round before Bramham.  He gave me a very pleasant ride cross country, nicely within himself and obviously made it all feel quite easy.

In the Novice I had Grafennacht again and she was ultra calm and consistent. She did a lovely test of 29, one down show jumping which was totally my fault as I buried her, and popped around the cross country rather effortlessly.  It was a very nice course but perhaps a little dull and easy.  

Atlantic Vital Spark was having his last run before Tatts and did an ok test, there were a few bits that could have been better and he scored 32. He then did a very pleasing double clear and felt very focused.  So I am hoping he holds his jumping form for Tatts.

After losing Turtle there last year I was very relieved to lose no dogs today.  It was a great day for Rockingham whose team put on a terrific competition.  There was a crazy number of entries over the weekend, I was number 1220 on one of my Novices, we must all be mad!  But everyone was very happy to be out and I am sure Rockingham was very happy to have such a perfect weekend of weather.