Mari Durward-Akhurst

RDA National Championships

I have just got back from a very eventful weekend at the RDA National Championships in Gloucester. I was competing on the Sunday but I went on the Friday so that I could support the rest of Penniwells (Riding for the Disabled Centre).

Woody travelled very well although it was a very long journey with lots of traffic. When he had settled in I rode him and he went really well. He was really forwards going. I was camping so I went back to the tent and got ready to go out with the rest of Penniwells. It was a really good day and the weather was lovely.

It was an early start on the Saturday as I had to ride Woody before the competition started. He went really well and I was pleased with him. He then had a restful day while I went to watch and support the other Penniwells riders. The day flew by and everyone did very well. It was the disco in the evening, but I only stayed for a short time as it was another early start for me the next day.

I got up early on the Sunday so that I could ride Woody for a bit and do the arena walk on him before I competed. The arena walk went well; he got a bit excited as he was in the massive Olympic sized indoor arena. I then watched some more Penniwells riders and went to get ready for my test.

Unfortunately I did not feel 100% but I got on Woody and he warmed up really well. He was forwards and straight which is what we had been working on at home. I went into the large outdoor arena (which had 3 arenas set up in it). I was in the one nearest the entry gate. I trotted round the arena for a very long time as the judge seemed to take for ever to ring the bell. Then I entered the arena and a horse decided that they would leave through the entry gate! So instead of entering in trot we entered in what felt like a gallop, but it was a very straight line!!! The judge got out of her box and looked like she was about to run for it!! Anyway I got him back and we started again; the rest of the test went really well, one of the best tests I had ridden. Due to my entry I got an error of course and was marked down for my first movement. But I still won my class (1st Junior) and came 3rd overall out of a big class.

Next was my freestyle. Woody gets very excited with loud music so we kept it very low. I warmed up well and then went down into the collecting arena; we were meant to go straight in but we had to wait. I went in and to start with my freestyle went very well and he felt amazing, then when I asked for canter he got a bit strong. So I did all my compulsories and made up the rest. The judge loved it but unfortunately she couldn’t hear my music clearly as we had to have it low. But I finished as 2nd in my section and 2nd overall.

I was also part of the Greater London Regional team and we came 2nd overall.

So after a very eventful weekend I was pleased with my placings and we can now both have a few days off before our next outing.

Mari