Journal

Sunday

England
October 14, 2012
 

After the whirlwind that was the Olympics, it took a while for life to get back to normality.  In August I began to find the swing of things again when Doris won the Novice division (that’s Prelim. in the States) at Solihull Horse Trials.  She is a six year old that Nick bred out of his great mare Saxon Love.  She was orphaned the day after she was born and as the only living part of the mare that was so special to Nick, Doris got the name Saxon Legacy and some very big shoes to fill.  Following Solihull, we went to the CIC1* at Gatcombe Park where she finished 9th out of 118 entries!  She was one of very few to finish on her dressage score, and even more importantly, got a qualifying result for the Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion D’Anger in France.  So while Finn has had a leisurely holiday for the later part of the summer, all the pressure has been on Doris to prepare for her BIG adventure across the channel.  I hope Finn has been giving her some tips!  Nick also qualified The Court Jester for the 7 year old championships so we’re each looking forward to having a ride at what is said to be an incredible event. 

The lorry is loaded, the horses all wrapped up in bubble wrap, and my bags… who are we kidding, they’re not packed yet!  Packed or not, we’re off tomorrow for France and I’m incredibly excited.  Although I’m afraid that we’re going to be a little out of our league, it’s an opportunity to play on the world stage with a young horse, something we don’t get to do until they’ve reached 3* level usually.   With thousands of spectators and the best of the best, I’m looking forward to a great experience.  With luck I’ll find internet access and be able to keep everyone updated.  Au revoir …