We were so excited to be travelling 121 miles to Stoneleigh to compete in the national trailblazer finals after 4 years of trying to make the cut. When we arrived we got Jaydes Stable sorted and pitched out tent, got lost looking for a local tesco and the nights we bloody freezing!!!
On the first day I was number 513, I had a feeling it would be a lucky/unlucky number in the 70cm practice class. Jayde went really well and gave me a clear round, unfortunately though we had 4 faults and not a particularly fast time in the jump off but we finished 25th so I was really pleased!!!
On the first day of the Championship day 2, Jayde jumped pretty well but unfortunately stopped twice at the double, which she did go over third attempt knocking one of the poles, but she finished the rest of the course pretty well, leaving us with 12 faults. I was still happy that we started and finished as I got the steel trailblazers pin badge. I didnt make the cut for the second day of the championship but went into the consulation class on day 3 in Arena 2.
On the third day in the consulation class I was 3rd to go, sadly this wasn't to be
for me as Jayde was a little spooky and I'm not sure it wasnt to do with 3 days being cooped up in the stables, even though i was constantly taking her for walks and riding twice a day. On the third day we got Jayde weighed on the horse scales which was interesting, she is a condition score of 6 which is really good considering 5 is perfect :)
Overall the finals were a fantastic experience, the camping, staying away from home and even Jayde went pretty well under the new circumstances, I didnt go there expecting to win only to try my best, which i'm satisfied I did. If i am lucky enough to compete there next year I will definately go for it! I'm going to put up the few pics from our cameras, sadly there is no video footage as the camera kept dying :( The professional pics are not up yet either but as soon as I get hold of them I will pop them on here. Here's a link to the full album of pics: CLICK ME!
I'd like to take the opportunity to Thank, my horse for being a great partner for 6 years, my grandparents, without you this would never have been possible, my mum and dad for pushing me to go and taking me, my sister for helping me with Jayde, myyounger sisters for being great and two of my lecturers for helping me to believe. You are all amazing, none of this would have been possible.
Quite frankly it's been one of the best experiences of my life and if you are thinking about doing it, Go for it!!!
Take care now,
Laura
xx
P.S Follow us at more shows very soon!!!
