The CSI2* at Wellington was a pleasure on many levels. Firstly unique in that we left home for an international show at 9.30 am, rather than 3.30 am and were still totally organised in time for the trot-up which started early. The surroundings are, of course, beautiful, as Wellington Riding nestles in the Duke of Wellington’s wonderful estate at Stratfield Saye, and the organisation was second to none. The facilities at Wellington really lend themselves to international competition, with a huge main arena, a good sized indoor, which was invaluable in the dreadful weather, and a supplementary arena for flatwork. The cafe at Wellington is really good: delicious food and plenty of seating both inside and outside. Both the home team and Anne Newbery’s team of FEI stewards were excellent, with a fabulous “can-do” attitude which enabled them to adapt to the weather conditions and keep the competition running smoothly.

We arrived in very good time, there were lots of helpers to get the kit from the lorry to our stables and April managed to get all three horses trotted up within the first 30 minutes of the trot up. All of them were very good to ride and got off quickly to stay with my brother David who lives nearby, which was a very special treat, and I’m sure contributed to having a really good show.

As always April had the horses looking beautiful and happy in spite of the increasingly muddy conditions. They certainly absolutely loved the wonderful Wellington grass.

Khalissy jumped a lovely clear round on the first day to come equal first in the six year olds, and Heidi also jumped double clear in the 1* to finish just out of the money. The weather began to deteriorate quite sharply at midday with high winds and the jumps were struggling to stay up. I ended up having a rather long, wet and windy warm up on Askeaton, and she jumped really well to have one fence down, rather in spite of rather than because of the rider.

Heidi didn’t jump on the second day, as I felt that a very fast out 1.20 speed class wasn’t the best class for her, Askeaton jumped a great round in the CSI2* 1.30 speed to finish just out of the money - my favourite position, and Khalissy jumped another double clear in the six year olds for another placing.

Khalissy didn’t jump on Saturday, but Heidi absolutely sped round the 1.20 to come 7th in very hot company. Askeaton jumped a great round in the CSI2* Small Grand Prix, we had two poles down, both my fault, she wasn’t quite straight enough to the second fence, and I held for one too many strides to the last fence.

The dismal weather lasted into the last day, although the stable field did start to get muddy, it survived remarkably well. I think it was helped by the staff at Wellington who were very good at transporting tack lockers and other heavy gear for us. Heidi jumped in the first class, the CSI1* Grand Prix. She actually jumped a lovely round over an imposing 1.25 course using the whole arena, just having one fence towards the end. She has jumped so consistently in both these home internationals and seems ready to step up to predominantly jump 1.30 classes now.

The CSI2* Grand Prix was next, so a good chance for us to clear up and watch some class jumping before Khalissy jumped the Six Year Old Grand Prix. Once again this was as big a course as she has jumped, and certainly the biggest ring she has jumped in. She jumped two class rounds to finish 8th. I think I could have turned up more bravely in the jump-off, but I think the clear rounds were more important in the long run. I am so pleased with her progress over the past two months. She has settle so much more, is really rideable now, and is so careful and brave. I think both she and Askeaton have been really helped by introducing Protexin Acid Ease into their diets, so I am thrilled to be a Protexin Ambassador.

This was really an excellent show, at a beautiful venue, which is well able to cope with the demands of an international show. I feel very lucky to have got in and hopefully we can look forward to many more such shows at Wellington.

BE Khalissy CSIYH1* Six Year Old Grand Prix

CSI2* Wellington