A good way to finish the season......

After a muddy week at Osberton I was not looking forward to the prospect of a muddy Weston Park...

Alex returned this morning after a long journey from the States via Leige in Belgium and within the hour was ready to go to Weston. Lorry loaded and we set off with my two, Noble Bestman and Minimee, and Wills, and his two. Much relief was had when we drove straight in and not a tractor in sight. As Philip was sponsoring the CCI*, we had allocated parking right at the front of the lorry park and directly opposite our stables... how lucky are we?!

Minimee trotted up on Wednesday afternoon and was fine. He had a light schooling session directly after trot up as he was doing dressage early on Thursday morning. Steve and Wills' two all trotted on Thursday as they are in the CCI**YR section, which does not start until Friday. Minimee did a very accurate test to gain a mark of 41.1 which left him at the top of the leader board until Piggy French came along! This was followed by a fantastic round across the country inside the time. We did hit the fence in the arena and nearly had a close experience with the soil but luckily we stayed upright! Coincendentally, this fence was sponsored by Walker Logistics, not a good look if I had hit the dust! On Sunday, after our early morning trot up, which Minimee took in his stride, I hastily walked the course in preperation for our round. As Piggy collected some time faults across the country we were in the lead, and I wanted no excuse for having any fences down. Minimee jumped the most superb round and sadly hit the rail going into the final combination, it came down and we lost our lead and slipped into third. Not a bad result but he did not deserve the rail at all, another day he will be a winner.

On Friday, Steve having been quite frisky and full of life, settled really well and got down to business. His test was very good and there is still room for more improvement but he scored 44.7 to head the young rider section. This was followed by an awesome double clear to win. My first and last win of 2010. I cannot wait to take Steve to a CCI*** next year, the aim being Bramham but over the Winter I need to find an owner who is willing to help pay his running costs.... Know anyone? Send them to see the supersonic STEVE, they won't regret it.

Wills did not have such a good day on Saturday when Fred decided that getting his feet wet was not for him, naughty Fred. Luckily for Wills, Orly was fab and flew round. A good weekend but lots to build on for next year for Wills and his horses. They are also having a well deserved rest before coming in to hone the schooling techniques....