With just one week to go until Badminton, Spot and I are feeling ready and excited. It’s been a busy few weeks since my last diary update, with competitions, training, and some fantastic learning opportunities.
We kicked things off with an unaffiliated dressage competition at our local venue, Benridge Equestrian Centre. Where we did the Prelim were spot was great to score 67%. It was a great way to start our run-up and a positive confidence boost for us both.
Next up was our first event of the season at Northallerton Equestrian Centre. Spot delivered a solid dressage test, followed by just one pole down in the showjumping. We then went on to produce a steady, confident clear cross-country round, riding sensibly due to the ground conditions. It felt like a strong and sensible early-season performance.
One of the highlights of our preparation was an amazing training opportunity with Piggy March where we had the opportunity to have a yard tour and meet the horses. We ran through our dressage test, really focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and balanced tempo throughout. In the jumping session, we worked on keeping the energy without increasing the speed — making sure Spot stayed powerful and careful, rather than going flat and knocking fences. The session was incredibly useful and gave us plenty to take away. We were made to feel very welcome by Piggy and her team. Also, we were given the LeMieux Grassroots Championship merchandise by the Badminton team which is very smart and comfortable.
Our final run before Badminton couldn’t have gone much better. Spot produced a brilliant dressage score of 28.5, followed by a fantastic clear showjumping round — especially in the deep going. He then jumped a super clear cross-country, and to top it all off, we came home with the win. It was a great final run, and I felt I could put into practise all of Piggy’s help and advice.
Today, we headed to Little Whittington Cross Country Course for some cross-country schooling. We practised a few lines and enjoyed a splash through the water — our final cross-country school before Badminton.
Now the countdown really begins. One week to go, and we’re feeling prepared, focused, and excited for what’s ahead.
