Photo credit: Fiona Scott-Maxwell

10 August, 2010

As I write this, we’re back settled in the yard after one of my favourite events of the year – Gatcombe. The ground conditions were as good as could be expected with the weather we’ve been having this year. We seem to be going from one season of extremes to another – mud baths for the last two years and a drought this year! However, they’d done a lot to prepare the ground at Gatcombe and I was delighted with the way the horses went.

Jeepers Creepers was a down and out star, finishing on his dressage score to claim the Novice Championship. Greys really seem to be a lucky colour for me, although I don’t think his current winning streak is all luck as he’s quite a talented horse! Jeepers is owned by Olivia Tappin, who had to stop eventing herself as she qualified as a doctor last year and now has no time. By Ricardo Z who stands in Ireland, 'Russell' has he’s been with me for about a year now and I was really delighted with his performance - particularly in the showjumping phase, which is not always his strongest! He will now head to the 2* at Blair at the end of the month. Imperial Master had an unfortunate run-out across country in the Open and will now head to Martinvast, France, next week.

Meanwhile, ODT Sonas Rovatio was 4th in the Intermediate and will head to the CIC*** 8/9 year old class at Blenheim. This is a great addition to the calendar and is a real showcase of top-class young eventing talent. Ashdale Cruise Master was very good in the dressage and showjumping, and led the Open Championship after these phases - very pleasing ahead of Burghley next month, where he is entered along with Carousel Quest. Burghley is my main goal for these two horses this autumn, so I didn’t run Ashdale Cruise Master cross country.

Despite having five horses running at Gatcombe, I did manage to make it briefly to the trade stands to do signings on the Dodson and Horrell and BE stands, although I would have liked to have more time for some shopping!

Last-minute plans

This week I was originally going to be heading overseas to the Malmo event, but a change of plan has meant staying at home instead and trying to get late entries in at Aston Le Walls and Bold Heath. The organisers were just fantastic and we’ve managed to get entries in, so we’re off to Aston Le Walls on Thurs/Fri and to Bold Heath on Sat/Sun.

The fine weather came in handy this morning as we have just finished off a photo shoot at the farm for the new Townend range of products. They will be available really soon, so watch this space! 

Oliver x