Tanya Buckingham

Osberton International two star event

We arrived on the Tuesday night at Osberton with Jack on board the lorry to find we weren’t the only keen ones to turn up a day early. Once the stable was located we made camp for the night.

On Wednesday we had the first trot up where wild horses were escaping everywhere and riders were being carted off in ambulances! Thank god Jack was well behaved and passed the first trot up. I had my dressage on the Thursday and it was a boiling hot day! He did a lovely test and I was very pleased with him.

Friday was a day off so I walked the cross-country a few times, watched some dressage and gave Jack a little jump and a canter; he was feeling very well so I was looking forward to the cross-country! Saturday was another hot day and we were due to jump in the afternoon after the one star. Having listened to the first few riders go in the two star, I knew it was causing a few problems especially the double of skinny hedges at Jump 5 and the corner complex at Jump 12. I warmed up but didn't jump too much as it was so hot! We had a fantastic clear cross-country with a few time faults so was very pleased.

Sunday morning trot up is always touch and go with Jack as his stringhalt always makes him look very stiff, luckily he passed and we had to wait to the afternoon to jump. The track was up to height with box parallels that were falling down quite easily. I warmed up Jack and he felt a bit stiff and not pinging quite as well as normal but when he went in to the arena he tried his best and was really unlucky to have one down! He finished in the top half and got his qualifications for next year so we were all thrilled with him!

He's now looking forward to having some time out and lots of Dengie Horse feed for his tea when he gets home!

Tanya