Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
In the grand scheme things, it’s not a huge deal, but to me, last week was rubbish and I’m still pretty gutted about it.
As professionals, we work tirelessly to get to compete at these big events and we had been aiming Jalapeño at Blenheim all year. We left no stone unturned in her prep and did everything we could to make sure she absolutely peaked at the right time, (which we think she did), we just didn’t pull it off 🏇🏿
After a superb dressage test, (it was just so lovely to ride), we had everything to play for and she was utterly brilliant around the xc all the way to the 2nd last fence that is.
We were 4 ish seconds up on the clock so I took my time to set up and she jumped in really well, I took another pull to say careful and to make sure she looked at the fence but she slightly misunderstood me and just ended up not quite getting to the second part.
Is it the end of the world? Absolutely not, but it’s bitterly disappointing especially as she finished full of running and completed the following day with a clear showjumping which means we would have won by 4 penalties!
I have been coming to Blenheim for years and years and it’s one of my absolute favourites, I’ve been placed in the top ten so many times and it’s always been a massive aim and dream to win, so I’m very cross with myself that I have let this win slip.
Huge doubts cross your mind…. Am I good enough, am I ever going to get it right?? As someone who has a huge will to win it’s so hard not to. BUT we have to pick ourselves up and train harder and be better, have a good cry and move forward, remind ourselves of perspective in life. (Sorry Gaz I’ve been beyond a grumpy cow bag for 3 days!!)
Huge well done to Tim Price, utter class as always (must be more like Tim!!) and also to Daisy Berkeley for her fantastic 2nd 🥈 what an absolute star and so good to see you back at the very top!
Chilli King also competed in the 8/9yo although on paper it wasn’t perfect, he was a very good boy and tried very hard, and the feeling he gives me XC is unbelievable. He’s waiting for the big time stuff!!
How smart does he look in his new Orange Horse Consultants bridle and breastplate?? 🧡🧡
Thank you so much to my owners for being so supportive and encouraging.
Also to my incredible support team for putting up with me.
➡️ Onto some jumping in Holland this week with an amazing bunch of stallions. I’m looking forward to a change of scenery! 🚚
