With the last of the SANESA qualifiers on the horizon, I’m going to try something new. I’ve always got goals in my head for each show, but let’s put them on paper (in a manner of speaking) and see how they turn out. It’s an exercise I’m encouraging my teenage riders to do, so I’d better lead by example, eh?

Midas

Last show: SANESA Q3 (20-21 May)

• 60cm A2 speed – clear 1st
• 60cm ideal time – clear 1st
• Prelim 3 – 60.8%
• Prelim 4 – 68.4%

Midas performed better than I could have asked for at his last show. While he was tense through his first test due to having a short warmup, he still had a decent score, and improved on it for a personal best in his second test.

SANESA Q4

• 60cm A2 speed – go clear and cut some turns
• 60cm ideal time – go clear and in a nice rhythm on the right lead
• Prelim 3 and 4 – show an improved score, depending on warmup circumstances

 

Lancelot

Last show: SANESA Q3 (20-21 May)

• 60cm A2 speed: 2 poles, one stop – TE
• 60cm ideal time: clear, unplaced

Lancelot had a gimpy first round, but was brave to all of the fences and remained calm and under control. He came back strong for his first clear round in ages.

SANESA Q4

• 70cm A2 speed: don’t get eliminated
• 70cm competition: don’t get eliminated (and try not to stop)
• Prelim 3 and 4: don’t get eliminated

Goals are easy things when your horse is a total baby.

 

Jamaica

Last show: SANESA Q3 (20-21 May)

• 80cm A2 speed: bolted, bucked and had a circle in an attempt not to die
• 80cm competition: double clear, 1st

Jamaica was a total lunatic last time and very naughty, but he did jump everything I asked him to without hesitation. We did lots of work on brakes this month and hopefully it’ll stand us in good stead.

SANESA Q4

• 80cm A2 speed: keep calm and don’t stop
• 80cm competition: keep calm and don’t stop

 

Overwhelmed by grace to get to take these partners into the show ring once again. Glory to the King.