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Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024

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Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

In the grand scheme things, itā€™s not a huge deal, but to me, last week was rubbish and Iā€™m still pretty gutted about it.

As professionals, we work tirelessly to get to compete at these big events and we had been aiming JalapeƱo 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 didnā€™t pull it off šŸ‡šŸæ

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 itā€™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 itā€™s one of my absolute favourites, Iā€™ve been placed in the top ten so many times and itā€™s always been a massive aim and dream to win, so Iā€™m very cross with myself that I have let this win slip.

Huge doubts cross your mindā€¦. Am I good enough, am I ever going to get it right?? As someone who has a huge will to win itā€™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 Iā€™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 šŸ„ˆ 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 wasnā€™t perfect, he was a very good boy and tried very hard, and the feeling he gives me XC is unbelievable. Heā€™s waiting for the big time stuff!!
How smart does he look in his new Orange Horse Consultants bridle and breastplate?? šŸ§”šŸ§”
Thank you so much to my owners for being so supportive and encouraging.
Also to my incredible support team for putting up with me.
āž”ļø Onto some jumping in Holland this week with an amazing bunch of stallions. Iā€™m looking forward to a change of scenery! šŸšš

Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024
Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024

WHAT A HORSE!

Alfie, you are incredible šŸ§”

We started on Thursday with a 29.7 dressage test. This was a great mark, and the standard was high so we finished the dressage phase in 18th place.

Alfie then was incredible to then go from 18th āž”ļø 6th after jumping around the biggest cross country track I have ever ridden šŸ¤©

He came out strong on the final day but had an unlucky pole in the showjumping, moving us to 9th place over all.


šŸ“ø Hannah Cole Photography
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Back with a bang after a few months off Eventing with an amazing few days at Aston!
Back with a bang after a few months off Eventing with an amazing few days at Aston!

I let all the horses have a break after the spring season while we were doing some jumping and also having a short break ourselves.
7 horses 5 prizes and two just outside the top 10 with steadier xc rounds - not bad for a rusty first run back!
It was amazing to have Chilli Knight and JalapeƱo out in the Advanced feeling absolutely incredible in all three phases for 3rd and 4th.

Cooley Park Muze was a WINNER šŸ„‡ and utterly brilliant in his intermediate section and Cooley Couture was beautiful for šŸ„ˆ in hers.

Chilli Morning IV went beautifully in his intermediate section for one touch SJ and a steadier XC round.

Star of the day was Chilli King who did his first Advanced. He was so solid in all 3 phases and his XC round was really quite special. This horse reminds me of Arctic Soul, his gallop and jump is just ridiculous, exciting times!

Lastly Chilliā€™s Jester was šŸ„ˆ in his novice section, is feeling really established and now ready to move up.
Thank you to my whole team, it was a long few days but worth it when they all go so well and the jockey remembers what to do!!!