Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

News from Fry's Regional Championships

Elementary

The weather was kind to us, although the first day was a little wet to start, the rest of the time was sunny and not too hot. With my grooms still ‘off’ we took Alison with us, who has been working on and off the yard since she was 12, now 20, and with Mum, she did a great job. The only trauma was she lost one of the connections off the curb chain, and the curb chain. I have spare chains, but usually they go on the hooks on the bits, but my new bits do not have a hook and the connections are separate…luckily the stable neighbour had a spare hook and we were back in business, but I had lost 20 minutes working in time with Vanita for his Elementary Championship test…and we had to retire..I do not think the extra time would have made too much difference , he was very nervous.


Desert Sun, a young 5 yr old, did a great test, I really could not have asked for more, just one mistake, where he was confused and went into canter, and cost him a qualifying place…he came 11th. In his warm up class he scored 72% where the test was a little easier and he was less tired.


Medium

Rubin won his warm up test…good start , but in his championship test he spooked into canter, flicking off my stirrup (I think I was hunting last time that happened) and stayed ‘tight’ for a few movements…and a test is lost!!!


Vanita, redeemed himself. The second time in the ring for the Medium, and he came 2nd with one mistake and 68.2%..SO HE GOES TO THE NATIONALS!!!


Advanced Medium

Rubin, was so much better and we were all pleased with his test, but disappointed with the score and as only 2 qualify he has missed out. Rubin has missed 3 years of competition due to one injury or another, and he has outstanding potential, so he coped well really.

Noblesse did not go, he pulled out a tooth the week before…leaving a huge hole…but he is through to the Nationals in the Int 11.

In other news we are off to Addington with Belluga on Tuesday, please keep your fingers crossed.

Regards

Hannah

16th August 2009