Trailblazers Combined Training Championship - Milfield Roly Poly
On Friday 4th August we headed off to Addington Equestrian Centre for the Trailblazers Combined Training Championship.
I took the plunge into the dressage competition world about 4 months ago due to the support of our super livery Deb Hounsome who travelled with my mum and I to the event (see super team photo!)
We had entered for both the Novice and Elementary dressage/jumping combined classes and although it would be a dream to do well and win a championship, I wasn't 100% convinced it would happen on our first time there!
Saturday was the first day of competition and both dressage tests went well. Team plan was to try and stay consistent across the 2 days and not make any silly mistakes as the overall championship was our main aim. Roly was feeling good and produced 2 very level, tidy tests with some good accuracy from myself.
Our scores were rewarded with a super Novice score of over 200 which left us way ahead of the pack to finish 1st and the Elementary judged slightly harsher to leave us in 4th place overall. Job done for day 1!
Day 2 plan was to go out and do the same. Roly was already feeling slightly tired so we couldn't push for the big marks with the uphill expression so we kept the plan the same and aimed for the accuracy, rhythm and suppleness. The Novice judge for the Sunday was the same as the Elementary the day before and we aren't sure that she was our greatest fan and that left us in 4th place much to many peoples surprise! The Elementary test albeit behind my leg at times held us with a good score to put us in 2nd place.
By the time we got to the jumping Rolys petrol tank was well and truly empty! The plan was to just nurse him round and aim for the clear round. We had a tired pole in each of the classes which luckily didn't impact our scores too much.
We ended day 2 with a 6th place in the Novice and 2nd place in the Elementary class.
A tense wait for the overall championship results was worth it when we were awarded Overall Champion for the Novice Combined Training and Reserve Champion for the Elementary Championship.
WHAT A WEEKEND!
To come here and walk away with results like this was amazing. I'm so thankful to Shan and Elen Barnes for allowing me the ride on Roly. And to all those who have supported me along the way from my sponsors to trainers and super grooms mum and Deb! Great weekend had by all ... I wonder where the next adventure will take us?!