The BD Associated Championships held at Onley Equestrian Centre, Rugby.
This year, British Dressage decided to add a ‘Baroque’ category for the associated championships, and naturally we had to support this, with Blakey being half friesian!
When we arrived, I was quite nervous as it was one hefty journey! I gave him a quick leg stretch in the school and made sure he was settled before heading to the restaurant. Wow, I have never seen facilities like this before. Not one, but 3 bars – overlooking the arenas with a cosy warm log fire and the best atmosphere as people continued to arrive!
It was my first time sleeping in our new box ‘Minty’ and I’d even booked us a hook-up for the night so we could make a nice warm cuppa and charge phones etc. I did, however, forget to pack mugs, teabags and basically anything to make said tea with. Luckily the services had a few bits and bobs, but I did forget to check the kettle that came with the box was working. It was working, but quite rusty. The tea was interesting…
After the best night’s sleep I’ve had in ages, we woke up and prepared for the arena walk. Blake is used to being out 24/7 and so him being on a box for 4 hours followed by in overnight meant he really appreciated getting out! We had a cheeky cooked breakfast in the cafe (highly reccomend). follwed by a couple of chilled hours watching some tests. I went off to do some filming for the wonderful UK Friesian Federation, while my super groom Holly plaited, groomed and tacked my horse up ready for my test.
The Tests
Blakey warmed-up extremely well, until I got off to adjust his saddle. Then he decided that he was no longer a half friesian, but a half giraffe. Cheers mate! Giraffe antics aside, he pulled it together and we produced a semi-decent test to get just over 65%, not bad. I was in 1st place at this point with one more to go. Unfortunately this person beat me, but I must say the victory was well-deserved! I am bitter that I was 1% off of not 1, but 2 sashes, but I am very happy to come second in a very competitive class at a national championship!
Second test… well, that was eventful! The moment I set off for the arena, the heavens opened. Within minutes I was soaked to the bone, and poor Blakey was swinging his bum around trying to shield us from the downpour. The wind was wild – proper “Don’t make unnecessary journeys!” meme vibes.
We were both exhausted, soaking wet and ready to go home at this point. However, we pulled it together and managed to produce a test to get 61%. To be honest, I wasn’t unhappy with this mark. In fact, I was really pleased with all the marks. I think that because the judges were judging just baroque types, they had a better understanding of their movement and therefore marking was a much more even playing field.
I think my smile at the end of that video says it all really!
Am I finally not letting numbers dictate my worth?
This is my first podium finish in ages, and the first time I have actually got to stand on a podium! I am so pleased that I managed to remember 2 tests in one day! Despite my scores not being the best, I didn’t worry about this. Have I finally taken on my own advice about not letting numbers dictate my feelings? Maybe, or maybe it was the incredible supportive nature of the UK Friesian Federation community/Friesian owners! At the end of the day we did a line-up and honestly the vibes were immaculate. Kate has worked so hard to get the Baroque category up and running and not only that, but has brought the UK friesian community closer together. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this championship so special. I came back home beaming!
