Mike Jackson

Superb result for The Master's Apprentice at Gatcombe

We were all thrilled with The Master’s Apprentice’s (Archie) fourth place at the Novice Championships at Gatcombe. He did a super double clear to finish on his dressage score of 33.8. To see a video of his show jumping round click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lys5ZqcEOlU

Sadly we had to withdraw W Iridium from the Novice Championships as he wasn’t right the day before the competition, which was hugely disappointing for everyone.

Joss Riley’s Direct Mission (Arden) bounced back from his fall at Wilton to win his novice section at Aston-Le-Walls – 26, double clear. Kangasong (Joey) continued to blow away his cobwebs with encouraging runs in the intermediate sections at Aston and Somerford Park.

The BE100 horses also went well at Somerford – Windmill came 2nd with a 31, double clear and Direct Diamond Lad came 5th (29.5, double clear) in his section.

The one star started out rather promising - all three horses did superb dressage tests in the forties. Billy Be Cool (BBC) show jumped clear but had a frustrating ‘green’ 20 in the cross-country. C’est Tout (Claude) went well cross-country but didn’t feature in the placings with a couple of poles in the show jumping. Wallaby (Wally) jumped well but we decided to take him steadily XC to build his confidence, as he’s still quite new to this level.

Jagganath (Jack) also had his first run for a while in the OI, with a 29.6 in the dressage and a good jumping performance on what was super old Cheshire turf.

We were all looking forward to an action packed weekend at Highclere – The Master’s Apprentice (Archie) carried on his form to win (HC) on 29.1, double clear in the intermediate. His performance helped to put me joint 1st in the Stately Homes Challenge - a points series for intermediate results from Somerley, Longleat, Wilton and Highclere.

But sadly Highclere was cancelled the following day due to the ground conditions, which was disappointing as Jagganath (Jack) was due a much-needed run in the advanced prior to Blenheim.

Mike