Getting back into the competition ring...
One of our sponsored riders Sharni Stewart has been out and about eventing in Victoria with her main man Louve...
Where do I begin, it's been a roller coaster 12+ months for everyone, but needless to say it's quite the relief being able to enjoy the things that we are used to once more. Prior to COVID my horses weren't doing much, I had both boys in little to no work because life was too hectic to even consider getting them competition fit.
I was studying full time, working two jobs and had chosen to step back from competitions for a little while. This year thankfully has started with a much brighter glow! My thoroughbred has been spelling for several months for various reasons whilst Louve and I kick started the eventing season with sparks!
I decided to enter Lilydale & Mooroolbark Horse Trials with just 3 weeks to get into gear and ready for the Grade 1. It was a big ask but we did a sweet test to the sitting 2nd with plenty of room for improvement. A neat showjumping and cross country round should have had us finish in 2nd place but a silly rider error sent up packing with an E to our names.
Seville HT was a few weeks later and I had ridden nearly everyday in the lead up, making sure no mistakes were in the plan! This is my favourite event on the PCAV calendar by far! We led the dressage, jumped a super confident and clear showjumping round and a bold and fast cross country to secure the win for the weekend. An exhilarating improvement from Lilydale!
We did Balnarring at the end of March and although we led the dressage once again, Louve was not having a great day. With a very naughty stop and a handful of rails in showjumping I decided not to run his cross country the next day for our safety and confidence - there's always next time.
I nearly wanted to pull out of Riddells Creek because my schooling hadn't been as confident as I would've liked, but we went and I'm glad we did! We stepped up to the Open Champs (110cm) and we were equal 1st after dressage - I think we know this kids strong point by now! It was our last run for the season so we went out with all guns blazing, jumping a super roomy showjumping round, just rolling one rail, and another mighty clear and under cross country round to finish the weekend with a 2nd place!
It was a busy and fun eventing season but now that it's over I'll be focusing on my little thoroughbred Shorty, working two jobs and settling into a Bachelor of Business at Vic Uni. Crazy times ahead but it's definitely better than being locked in a bubble for 12 months! I hope everyone has had a fun and safe start to hopefully a year of positives!