Chilli Knight (Alfie)
Birth year: 2010
Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024
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Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
In the grand scheme things, itās not a huge deal, but to me, last week was rubbish and Iām 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 didnāt pull it off ššæ
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 itās 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 itās one of my absolute favourites, Iāve been placed in the top ten so many times and itās always been a massive aim and dream to win, so Iām 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 itās 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 Iāve 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 š„ 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 wasnāt perfect, he was a very good boy and tried very hard, and the feeling he gives me XC is unbelievable. Heās waiting for the big time stuff!!
How smart does he look in his new Orange Horse Consultants bridle and breastplate?? š§”š§”
Thank you so much to my owners for being so supportive and encouraging.
Also to my incredible support team for putting up with me.
ā”ļø Onto some jumping in Holland this week with an amazing bunch of stallions. Iām looking forward to a change of scenery! š
Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2024
WHAT A HORSE!
Alfie, you are incredible š§”
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 ā”ļø 6th after jumping around the biggest cross country track I have ever ridden š¤©
He came out strong on the final day but had an unlucky pole in the showjumping, moving us to 9th place over all.
šø Hannah Cole Photography
ļæ¼
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 š„ and utterly brilliant in his intermediate section and Cooley Couture was beautiful for š„ 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 Chilliās Jester was š„ 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!!!