Suzi and Buzz in the collecting ring
The Royal Windsor Horse Show - what an event and thanks to H&DRC my horse V G Lux (Buzz) and I have now had the opportunity to experience it as competitors. Having qualified through two rounds at Sands Farm, one straight forward show jumping where we just made the cut and the second top score which we won, I could not believe that we were actually going to get the chance to compete at such a high profile event.
The class - the BRC Intermediate jumping - ran on Friday 13 May so a day off work was needed but it was well used holiday. We arrived really early so that we had plenty of time to soak it all in, see the grounds, shopping, displays and events for ourselves as well as give Buzz plenty of time to have a look - and there was lots to look at! From the rows of immaculate stables, the carriages and traps being driven around, the River Thames with large boats moving back and forth, pony club teams chanting and waving flags and to top it all off loads of tanks, helicopters and military vehicle displays. But he just took it all in his stride and it was me that was left staring in amazement!
Although drawn 13th to compete on Friday 13 I wasn't worried - but the challenge of Top Score and trying to make up your mind as to what course I would ride was more of the challenge. The class was running an hour late so it seemed that we had even less time than the only previous time I had ridden top score, to work out the course and how I could get the joker into my route twice. Our turn came round really quickly though and Buzz did a brilliant round and I couldn't have asked more of him. He jumped everything (including the joker twice) and racked up 1250 points. It wasn't enough to get us into the top 6 who qualified for the final round but he came a respectable eighth and meant he got to be part of the presentation ceremony and the all important lap of honour.
I will treasure the memories from Friday for a long time to come and I can only urge you, if you haven't already, to take up the opportunities that the riding club provides. Being part of a team or competing on behalf of the club is not only fun but also a real honour and I just want to say thank you to Sue for organising the teams and thank you to the Club for helping me get there. The presentation with Windsor Castle in the background
