This week, both Kate and Amelia were competing at one of our local events, Upton House. Despite the humid weather, they had great runs in the BE100 and Novice at this mid-week event.
Andrea Burdett’s Dassett Forever Autumn (Autumn) was the star of the show to finish 7th in her Novice section with Kate. She started with a lovely dressage test and then jumped an easy double clear, coming home with just a couple of time penalties. She’s put her embarrassing spook at Keysoe firmly behind her with this solid performance today, and is looking firmly towards her season aim of the CCI-2*L at Blair Castle. Andrea is a cherished member of our team, and we’re delighted to see her getting the successes she deserves.
As usual, Lesley Rocher and Sheena Hawkin’s Dassett Showgirl (Lola) also jumped some super rounds in the Novice, coming home clear cross country with a few time penalties. Thanks to patient owners, Kate is able to ride this mare as she needs to be ridden at the moment across the country, but she is developing her balance all the time. This classy mare seems to find everything incredibly easy and Kate was delighted with her performance. She’s such an exciting prospect for the future and we can’t wait to see what more Kate can achieve with her this year.
Dassett Select (JJ) showed his class once again, and put in a fantastic performance to finish 11th in his Novice section, after Kate had to steady things up a bit towards the end of the cross country as JJ got rather keen! He did a great dressage test for 29, and flew round the cross country clear, just picking up a couple of time penalties. An unlucky rail in the showjumping unfortunately dropped him from third, but we were delighted with his performance; he’s become so established at this level now and is looking forward to upgrading to his first Intermediate at Aston in 10 days time.
Amelia had a super spin round the BE100 with Dassett Banker (Robin), who smashed out a 23 dressage and jumped a fast clear cross country to come home just outside the optimum time. He is gaining confidence every time out, and is becoming a real favourite on the yard thanks to his charming personality and can-do attitude. Having only ridden Robin a handful of times, the pair had a few rails down today dropping them off top spot, but it’s so satisfying to watch him learning his trade and he seems to be really enjoying the eventing life!
Six-year-olds Kinetic Dassett (Brownie) and Keynote Dassett (Wilson) both did lovely dressage tests and jumped easy clear rounds showjumping. They looked amazing on the cross country as they galloped round the BE100 track, but unfortunately both made a green mistake at the same arrowhead, and so neither came home with a rosette today. Although it’s frustrating, they are learning and improving all the time and will have gained some fantastic experience from today, which will undoubtedly help them as they progress up the grades. The future looks to be very exciting for these two gifted youngsters!
Dassett student, Izzy Rees, had her lovely mare in the OBE100 and under the watchful eye of Hayley, the pair had a super day. With a PB in the dressage of 29, one unlucky rail fell in the jumping arena before another smashing clear cross country. They are looking forward to upgrading to Novice level very soon!
We are very lucky to have this lovely event so close to home, and it’s been another great couple of days competition for the team. The horses have all gained some valuable mileage as they continue to progress, and we’re looking forward to getting this talented group out competing again at Aston in a few weeks time.
