David Britnell Blog – June 2016
I have dashed in to write this blog, having returned from Nunney International in Somerset, where we had fun! On the trip up “Suzie Sat Nav” decided that white roads were a quicker route so my co-driver was definitely needed to battle against her. On one of our regular horse/tyre checks we discovered that an inner rear tyre was “cooking” so gingerly proceeded the final 20 miles at 25mph, fretting and scanning the road for an air stop as our hazard lights flashed! So relieved to turn off the A303 to be within hacking distance in case of blow-out!
Our CIC2* dressage was entertaining for spectators only. Unfortunately Continuity (Brad) was crossing his legs throughout the test causing many moments of tension. ( I can’t remember when he last did a wrong strike off) I can guarantee the next time he grunts and stops suddenly whilst warming up, I will get off and whistle to save another score of 53.9!
Sunday jumping was back on track with a fantastic double clear so we pulled ourselves back up into the prize money. A twisty show Jumping track with some brave distances proved testing for our section meaning going forward to cross country on my dressage score I had climbed quite a few placings.
The enjoyable cross-country track set into the beautiful surroundings had some super questions, along with three water combinations. The ground conditions were superb and the gradients to and from the fences made for extra concentration. I completed the track only a second over the time having not pushed Brad, just gone round within a comfortable rhythm. I will have to repair my breastplate as it snapped mid way round so he obviously tried very hard for me!
Finishing 13th with prize money after beginning in the bottom third of the 63 strong section was a lovely reward. It was good to be able to support the cause by buying wristbands and mugs for the charity set up to #kickingcancersbutt by funding bone cancer research. Kitty King also rode cross country on her three rides with an able co-pilot on loan from their stand. Please support Hannah Francis’s charity in any way you can.
Nunney is a fantastic event in lovely surroundings with a very welcoming bunch of organisers and officials who made the event feel very homely. I haven’t been offered the use of a swimming pool at any other event to date, the stables were freshly painted and as much grass as Brad could pack away when he was grazed regularly!
Since my last blog a new horse has arrived to produce and run for sale. Gawain is owned by John Whinnet. A 6yr old by Lancelot, he has a super temperament and I am very much looking forward to seeing how he progresses!
Looming this coming weekend is the Pony Club Area 12 show jumping at Addington Manor. I am team trainer for Hughenden Pony Club and we have had some great training sessions in the run up to the competition and many of the riders have be doing very well competitively so it will be an exciting day! The following day I will be official driver and groom for my sister, Roxanne, at Farley Hall riding Barrettstown Derby.
Next on the adgenda for myself and Brad will be Barbary CIC2*, where I will hopefully have my super support team from Nunney and previous events of Moi, Kim, Tracey and of course trainer/Mum to cheer me on. I look forward to updating you all in the next Blog.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.