Hannah Esberger-Shepherd

Update from Hannah

We went for a warm up for the Regionals to Field House last Thursday with Bellluga which went well and he won his first test and came 3rd in his second...breaking my winning streak of 18 straight wins, shame but he was a good boy.

Lauren Rathbone with Desert Sun went to the Para International at Millfield, she did a great warm up test coming 2nd with 67%. They then had hickups in the following test, due to 'clapping' which Sunny has not had the chance to experience but they went on to come 2nd in the music..she came home happy and felt she had learnt a lot.

Laura Woodcock with Whisper, went out on Sunday to warm up for her Regionals and came home with two wins of over 70%....all very happy!!

Regionals Somerford
Desert Sun was first of my rides to go in the Elementary open. It was a big class of 40 and we were 3rd to go. I came out of the ring really pleased and happy however I was very dissappointed with the score of 64.7%. I watched the video afterwards and was still dissappointed with the score...we will challenge the Winters with him!

Vanita was so relaxed when we got there on the Sunday afternoon and worked in but he was a different horse on Monday morning???
I knew he would have to be comfortable if he was to do the 'changes' and do a good test. The Advanced Medium was his first test, the commentator spoke just as we entered the ring and his voice was right behind us, upsetting Vanita, but he coped - just. All I can say is he was wonderful in places but the tension got the better of him in the changes...so he came mid way in the class.

The next test was the Medium...3rd to go he was so much better. I was so pleased with him, he tried hard to stay with me, his score was 67.98% and went into 2nd place which he held until the last few horses when he went down to 6th (5 qualify)...wild card now on the wish list....

The positive things to come out is that he could not have coped last year and I am so happy he goes home with me...he will cope as we go up the ladder.

We learnt Rubin hurt himself in the field when we got home..not serious at all but it will put him out of the Regionals next week where he was in three classes...that's horses for you!!!

Hannah