Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

Hannah at the Nationals

What a lovely show we had, the weather was absolutely perfect, and my horses were as good as they could be at this stage..my aim was to to win a ribbon in each class and they did!

Belluga was first to go...he coped so well and tried hard not to be too worried, he did a lovely test and came 4th in the Elementary. It was nice to get the print out and one of the judges had him to win (obviously the best judge). We even went hacking the following day...I was so pleased with his 'cool' attitude.

Saturday was Laura Woodcock and Whispers turn. Whisper, one of my training liveries, is a lovely mare, with an equally lovely family, who try so hard. It was Laura's first time at the Nationals. Both Laura and Whisper coped with all the 'nerves' did a super test and came 2nd in the Preliminary Championship...I was very proud of them...her father cracked some champagne and we sat in the dark with a candle that night and enjoyed the moment.

Rubin's turn on Sunday, we were not sure if he would get too tense as he really does not like too many horses around him. He did the Advance Medium music and went as well as he could at this stage and I could not have been more pleased...he ended 9th.

He then went in the afternoon in the Medium, and with a few little blemishes(a jog in the walk) he came 8th..bless them ...my aim complete...he did the super laps of honours..I think he enjoyed those as much as I.

Hannah