Mike Jackson

A tragic loss for Team Jackson

We’d like to thank everyone for the tremendous support we’ve had over the last few weeks since we tragically lost Jagganath (Jack) at Bramham Horse Trials.

Jack – much loved, owned and bred by Carole Mortimer - came to us as a four year old and quickly established himself as a future star. He successfully competed in Burghley Young Event Horse classes coming 8th in the final in 2006. As a 7 year old he competed at the World Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion and last year finished 6th in the 8/9 year old CIC*** at Blenheim, where we were also awarded best debutant and best local rider.

Jagganath (Jack) accumulated 150 points during his career and was heading for a top place in the CCI*** at Bramham - having just jumped clear inside the time cross-country – when he died. He was a wonderful horse coming to the top of his game and his all too soon parting leaves a huge hole in our team.
 
As a result of the awful circumstances at Bramham we made the difficult decision to withdraw Kangasong (Joey) from the CIC*** and to take him to Barbury.

Although it’s been a hard time for all of us Joey’s recent clear round in the cross country at Barbury CIC*** has helped to lift our spirits. His dressage score was slightly off the pace (59.4) but we know he has plenty of ability and this can be improved with time. It was also nice to be competing alongside many of the Olympic horses who were having their last outing before the Olympics in just under a month’s time. To see Joey's perspective of the XC course click here to view footage from my hatcam.

Nickie Mathias’ mare Tickles also put in an encouraging performance in the CIC** at Barbury following up her good run in the intermediate at Nunney. Direct Mission’s (Arden) runs in the 2 star at Barbury and Nunney were slightly disappointing but I’m confident he’ll find his form again very soon.

The young horses have come on from their BYEH’s experiences at both Milton Keynes and Barbury. Blackthorne (Dashy) owned by Sue Excel, Liz Wills’ Larket Hill (Boris) and Equestrian Direct’s Direct Goldleaf (Bertie) head to Glanusk this weekend. It has been a lucky venue for me in the past - let’s hope the clouds part and the sun starts to shine again.

Mike