Posted on 24th August 2021
This weekend, the Dassett big guns headed to Burgham International Horse trials in Northumberland. Craig put in a sterling effort to drive Big Blue for the seven hour journey, allowing Kate to look after baby Finn. Super-groom Lauren was also in attendance, giving up her holidays from her job at a racing yard to keep everything on-track and organised.
HHS Dassett Class was fantastic all weekend in the CCI3*-S. He started with a lovely dressage test for 32 before jumping a great clear showjumping, around an influential track. He then absolutely ate up the cross country, and jumped clear with just a few time penalties to finish 23rd in a large and competitive section. He’s become so confident and consistent at this level, and we were thrilled with how he showed off his ability today.
‘The Big Man’ aka MBF Dassett Legacy was also competing in the 3*-S and smashed out a PB score of 29 in the dressage. Kate feels ‘Zam’ has really improved in this phase, so it was great to see him rewarded with a good score. He then jumped a lovely showjumping round, and was looking fantastic cross country before they had an unfortunate miscommunication. Having been held right before the coffin, sadly Zam didn’t lock onto the first element. It was gutting- especially as he made the rest of the track look so easy, but he’s never been held on course before and so will have gained some valuable experience from this. The rest of his round was foot-perfect, showing just how much he and Kate have gelled as a partnership.
Kate was also riding Dassett Showgirl in the novice, and she did a lovely dressage test before showjumping clear. As she’s been running so well this season and has plenty of events under her belt, Kate decided to save her energy and withdraw her before the cross country. Owned by Lesley Rocher and Sheena Hawkin, this mega mare has been a double clear machine this season at novice level, and we are very excited to see what the future holds for her.
Thanks to Burgham Horse Trials for putting on this fantastic event. We’ve had a successful and productive few days, and will definitely be back again next year.
