Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

Quichi overcomes his fear

Overall The Nationals was a very pleasant show, the sun was shining and the horses were very well behaved. Diva's result was as expected, her test went ok but not good enough for a championships due to her having her pregnancy head on...hopefully she will stop thinking she is pregnant soon and return to her usual self.

Quichi (Belluga) also made the trip to Stoneleigh to gain experience and to help overcome his fear of people around the arena. The Nationals is a very good place to do this with the spectators crowding around the arena; you can't beat that kind of atmosphere. On day 3, we managed to reach the fence and pass the spectators without any commotion...a big pat on the neck was deserved. In the actual test he performed excellently in the walk and trot, however his canter was less desirable due to a mixture of being disturbed by the arrival of other horses coming down to the arena and the other rider in the ring running up behind. After that incident I couldn't get his canter back and we ended up being placed 13th, which I'm still very pleased with as overall his movement felt good, showing all the potential of a future winner.

Sadly I have decided to put Noblesse up for sale. Although we will all miss him I have to be sensible and let him move on while his performance is at its best still. I have some good prospects coming along and I really need some new stables and a roof for the arena which all have to be paid for somehow...I will keep you posted.