Caught in the Act – Riders taking a Dip at Chatsworth

FRA-Stephane Landois rides Chaman Dumontceau during the Cross Country for the FEI Nations Cup Eventing CCI4*-S. 2023 GBR-Chatsworth International Horse Trial | Presented by Delarki. Bakewell, Derbyshire. Saturday 13 May 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

With Chatsworth International Horse Trials been and gone for another year we couldn’t help notice those riders who enjoyed more than just the sunshine at this years event. Those who were left feeling less than satisfied with the dizzy heights of competing at such a prestigious event, upped the ante by cleverly disguising a mid cross-country course dip as an ‘whoops we weren’t meant to do that’ moment. In a bid to cool down a variety of riders ‘fell’ from their mounts, in a less than gracious manner, on entering the lake. Emily King, Flora Harris and Tom McEwan completed a strong field of GBR riders now in contention for the very first EHUK ‘We know what you did this summer’ award!

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Emily King

Emily King (GBR) enjoyed a royal soaking thanks to her dismount from Charlemagne

Emily updated her Facebook page “So really not the end to the day we were looking for! Thanks Point Two for coushioning the blow – but unfortunately not making the water any warmer! Luckily both Charlie and I are fine”


Flora Harris

Also falling, following a fabulous weekend was Flora Harris (GBR) riding Bayano

Flora updated her Facebook page “So not quite the ending we had hoped for in the ERM at Chatsworth. After a great test for 39.5 with lotts more to come and a super clear Sj BAYANO felt class xc until sadly he jumped too boldly into the water and made up too much ground to a corner resulting in a little tumble. He is absolutely fine and did nothing wrong making it all the more frustrating!!! However onwards and upwards and thrilled with my megastar pony. Thanks to Jon Pitts Andrew Fletcher Charlotte Aitken and Jeremy Scott for all their help this weekend”


Tom McEwan

Tom McEwan (GBR) falls from Toledo de Kerser

Tom commented on his Facebook page “Not the ending we were hoping for but the main thing is that we are both okay. I am very pleased with how they both went. Dennis came 7th in his first 1*, producing a nice test, and unlucky one down show jumping and was amazing cross country. Toledo did a stunning test with much more to come to get a score of 44, jumped amazing in the show jumping, then left a leg at the first water”

No riders, or horses, were seriously hurt during the falls used above.

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