Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

ON FOOT REPORT ON WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS

This year was a new experience for me...taking my new daughter to the championships and not riding!

I went mainly to "work in" and support two of my pupils who were competing in the Novice Music and Novice and Prelim Championships.  I had two others there on different days but I could not go to those days.

Liz (who helps me on the yard on Sundays) worked in well and did a great job but had a few mistakes which were costly, and she came 7th in the Novice and 11th in the Prelim.  Louise who has conquered being a very nervous rider, had coped with turning up, turning out (with a love heart clipped on the piebald's bum) and put together her music (very good music), but somehow forgot a whole circle and still managed to finish at the right place for the finale....and came last, but we were all so pleased!!!  I thoroughly enjoyed being there for them.  Mum and Molly sat in the stands and managed to watch the whole of the music class, which is rare, as normally we are busy getting prepared for our tests.  Her comments were how much improved the "music" is.  Each competitor had presented music suitable for the horse and produced a good quality compilation.

I was so pleased when I heard the next day that Judy (Harvey) had won the Intermediare I Music with Fritz - who is coming on so well.  I am looking forward to riding at the summer Nationals now - just got to finish getting the horses qualified for the regionals and keep my fingers crossed!