Chepstow

It was from one extreme to another in under a week with poor Chepstow suffering a change in the weather and heavy rain, producing very difficult conditions.  It was a real shame for the Chepstow team, but I had a very satisfactory day.

The Soapdodger notched up his first Novice win which was fantastic.  He did a lovely test of 26, had one fence down, as did most others. And he gave me a very good ride cross country, and despite a few time faults due to the conditions, he came out on top.

Reinstated finished fifth in his section.  I was very pleased with his dressage of 27, he had a pole down show jumping and I didn’t hurry his cross country, but he felt on good form and coped well in the ground.

Ramdam de Mons was having his first run with me in Novice.  He did an excellent test of 23, jumped clear and was very confident in his show jumping.  I then decided not to run him cross country as his fitness is not quite up to scratch.

Topaze du Plain finished third in the Novice Regional Final, qualifying for the Novice Regional Championships at Gatcombe which is great.  He was however on his toes in the dressage and was a bit off the pace on 34.  He jumped really well in the mud going clear, and we had some catching up to do so I pushed on a bit cross country only incurring five time faults.  He is a fantastic galloper and didn’t notice the mud at all!

Top Biats was in the Intermediate Novice and again did a very good test of 26.  It was pouring with rain and he was unbelievably well behaved.  I then decided not to jump him as he is aiming for the 2* at Barbury this weekend.