Bicton International Round Up

It was great to be heading out eventing for the second week in a row after all the difficulties spring events have been having with the weather and what a great weekend it was at Bicton Arena.

First up on Friday was Total Darkness owned by Total Equestrian Construction in the novice class. He had a good run at Belton last time out, so I was keen to consolidate his form at this level. He did not disappoint. Doing the most lovely test, responding to everything I asked and producing some great work to lead the dressage by four marks. We then headed to the show-jumping, which being a big young horse this phase is always improving, so I was thrilled with his round, we just had an unlucky pole at the last fence! He stormed round the cross country loving every moment to finish up in 2nd place. A great result, although the pole did cost us the win!

We then headed back on Sunday with the next lot. Midnight Chill owned by Clare White is a lovely young six year old, who was having his second run of the season at BE100 level. He was such a superstar producing a great test to score 28.3 and then jumping a lovely double clear to also pick up 2nd place. He will now step up to Novice level before I hand back the reins to Clare and then the end of season aim will hopefully be Osberton 6 year old Championships. The second grey of the day was Troja Queen owned by the Giessler’s. I am still getting to know this lovely mare, as she lives with her owners and I meet up with them at events and for training. I was thrilled with her dressage test and she scored 27.5 – a personal best for her so far. This was followed by an unlucky 8 faults in the show-jumping but finished with a great clear cross-country to be just outside the top 10. Next stop for her will be Aston at the beginning of May.

Last but not least was Total Belief owned by Total Equestrian Construction having a run in the CIC**. This mare rounded off a brilliant couple of days for Team Keen completing on her dressage score to pick up 4th place – another fantastic result for her.

Overall a great weekend at Bicton, huge thanks to the organisers for putting on such a well run event. Maddie and Leah were fantastic at keeping everything running smoothly across the two days of competing and thank you to the team at home for keeping the show on the road whilst we are away. I feel very lucky to have such great horses, owners, sponsors and support. Withington next!