Browsing Category Competition Reports & Training

If the last 20 years had done anything to fade my recollection of just how incredibly MEGA polo was then within seconds of arriving at Cirencester Park Polo Club and hitting the ball it all came flooding back with a vengeance! It’s so hard to explain to an eventer, show jumper, dressage rider etc the sheer buzz that polo delivers. I can imagine the counter arguments: ‘Yes polo looks fun but……’have you but have you ever jumped clear round a 1.30 course of show jumps?’ ‘ridden the perfect passage?’ or ‘felt the thrill of notching up a clear xc round…

I’m a great believer in the saying ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’  and probably on the strength of that phrase alone I have ended up in some unusual, amazing and down right odd situations. Let me elaborate…. Last summer (which is becoming a bit of a habit) I went along to The Rundle Cup Polo Tournament. It’s a local event to me, great for spectators, and the perfect opportunity for some “competitive picnicking”. If you like lounging about in the sun, quaffing back Pimms with chums, watching fast horses gallop inches from your face, and pottering about the luxury trade stands…

Badminton on the Thursday is a very different beast, it’s quiet and low key and has a really relaxed atmosphere. Some exhibitors are still putting the finishing touches to their stalls, and everyone seems to be really chipper (not yet jaded after several days trading, and answering questions!). I really enjoyed the smaller crowds and getting the chance to sit in the sun and watch the Mitsubushi Motors Cup competitors relishing their cross country rounds. Because the 4* event hasn’t yet begun the focus is very much on the shopping village, and it does NOT disappoint. I don’t know if…

High tailing it after work last Wednesday I managed to get to The King’s Head, Cirencester in time to enjoy their Badminton Preview Evening in aid of a local RDA group. The evening started with drinks and nibbles and then proceeded to a Q&A session with an expert panel. Before the Q&A I had the pleasure of catching up with Badminton bound Dani Evans and interviewed her about her riding aspirations, approach and thoughts on her second chance to compete at Badminton. (I’ll be posting that interview soon!) The expert panel consisted of Hugh Thomas, Nick Burton, Dani Evans, Tom…

Did you get your copy this month? No! Then hurry to the shops, because this month’s is a collectors’ edition as it features none other than yours truly and Dustry 😉 Back in October last year Mountain Horse arranged for Dustry and I to go for a lesson with fellow Mountain Horse sponsored rider Ruth Edge, and the whole event was covered by Your Horse magazine. Ruth lives in South Derbyshire about a 3hr drive away. So armed with snacks, sat nav, and spare haynets we set off on our mammoth road trip ‘oop north (and yes Derbyshire IS what…