Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

The highs and lows of Addington Premier

Well what a few days we have had! It's been filled with highs and lows!

The build up for the Addington Premier for Vinnie was to stay in the field over night for a couple of nights. The plan was a little tested as we had torrential rain, so it was hit and miss!

We got to Addington in one piece, and by chance we could park the lorry near the stable, this is alway a bonus! The stable was also big and near the muck heap and water; times were good - Heaven!

However, we then got a phone call to say the foal had slipped whilst out in the field and hurt her leg! Eventually it turned out to be ok, but you still feel helpless when you cannot be there to help.

The first day Vinnie's attitude was so good which I was really pleased with. He did the Psg and Int 1 getting similar marks in each test but with errors so we only managed 10th place, stil we are climbing up!

The second morning went a little pear shaped as I left Mum plaiting only to get a call later from her to send for the first aiders! I ran back to the stable and was horrified to see the open wound on her leg; done falling off the stool!! Therefore she spent the day in Milton Keynes Hospital having the wound stitched.

Vinnie and I carried on with the tests and although we had mistakes again I was really pleased with his way of going forward. One of the mistakes was caused from the froth from his mouth hitting him on the head and frightening him to death whilst in the zig zag formation...well you can't win with a funny zigzag! Looking at the judge's comments they must have had the same opinions as me, so we must be going the right way.

The photos are from inside a judges box during warm up - my team obviously devoted and hiding from the rain!!! regards Hannah