CSI2* Keysoe

1.20 Jump-off Class

Jade Hooke, Darragh McCarthy and I set off for Keysoe last Tuesday with Doonaveeragh Emma, Darragh had two Breen horses, and Jade one Breen horse and her own A New Era.

Keysoe was a fantastic show last year, and this year didn't disappoint.  I just jumped Emma in the 1.20 the first day and she just had one down in the last line, similarly in the 1.25 the next day she had one down in the jump-off, ending up just 2 places out of the money with the second fastest four faults. The fastest 4 faults going to Louise Pavitt and Little Penny (Biscuit).

Unfortunately I paid for a fast jump-off with a slightly crazy work-in for the Grand Prix on the final day. She settle well by the time we went into the ring, but my approach to the first fence was rather long, and she seemed to loose concentration and have it down, which is so unlike her. She jumped brilliantly for the rest of the round, and although I was disappointed with our results I have to remind myself that she is NOT a machine, and nor am I.  Certainly more of the mistakes were mine than hers, and she was very well behaved throughout the show, and she will have learnt lots from it.

The final class of the show was a special World Games Qualifier for Jade and her lovely A New Era. I felt a great sense of responsibility as I videoed the round, but they qualified, and we had a very happy journey back to Sussex. 

What a lovely organising team they are at Keysoe. Nothing is too much trouble, good parties, excellent courses and top-class competition.  We will all be back next year as well.

As always many thanks to Debs Coles-Vincent from Diva Equine & Country who give Emma her very smart saddle cloths and beautiful bridle.

Keysoe Small Grand Prix