Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

Report from the Nationals

We went to the show on the Thursday so the boys had a chance to acclimatise. I rode them both in the afternoon…Vanita was hot and Belluga frightened…so the plan was made for Fridays schedule…both to be ridden twice!

Friday morning came and Laura with Whispers was in the Novice restricted, they did so very well. Whispers not at all disturbed with the clapping in the middle of her extended trot, she is so good. They achieved 5th place and we were very pleased with horse and rider.
Later when I rode Belluga was better but Vanita was still hot, it felt like they were washed and dried more times than the pots and the lorry was so far away we were all tired by the end of the day! We finished the day off nicely with Laura's parents and a glass of champagne!

Saturday was Vanita’s day…he was so much better and felt lovely, a good feeling just before a test. He tried so hard to stay with me, and his way of going was really good, but the odd loss of his attention brought mistakes. Although I knew they would be costly I was very pleased with his progress, I am so excited by him for the future. Later I rode Belluga and he felt even more settled.

On Sunday I had an early arena walk with Belluga …and we had a good draw in the class. He felt more anxious with the show being more busy…his test started well however he spooked at the C judge but carried onto settle into a good test. Another loss of attention and another spook placed him down the field but I was delighted with his way of going and the marks. One judge had him 70% and one 69% with the errors! Giving me an overall score of 67.35% I am now looking forward to doing the higher levels with him.

We got home Sunday evening and when all was emptied and put away my holiday began…off with Jamie and Molly for two weeks holiday!

Speak again soon

Hannah