Showjumping Shire jumps well at Hartpury

Arrived at Hartpury along with the rest of the country judging by how many people were there!  I'm not sure if nothing else was on this weekend or events had been cancelled but it was the busiest I'd seen and the first class didn't finish until after midday!!!  (Thankfully Picnic does not mind standing on the lorry as long as she has food she is very happy).  Eventually walked the course got Picnic ready then made our way over to the warm up which thankfully had quietened down as I put us down towards the end of the class.  After out lesson yesterday working on more control of the quarters in canter and changes Picnic felt incredibly loose and elastic right from the work go - I felt like I was sat on a pocket rocket!  Feeling very pleased with the way we were jumping I decided to stop while the going was good and wait until we went down to the main arena warm up before popping over a final couple of jumps.  When we were called down she felt equally as good except she got a little over excited at the tunnel to the arena refusing to go in so we had to make a speedy entrance then get back under control and reset before starting the course.  Aiming for a steady double clear and trying to put into practise everything from our lesson yesterday we set off after the bell, I enjoyed every minute and although at times I knew we could have picked up the pace a little and cut inside some jumps I did have at the back of my mind - if I let her cover the ground and go on between the fences I couldn't guarantee I'd get her back again as she was feeling very 'bubbly' - so I was very happy with a clean and consistent round.  Due to the time it was taking to get through the classes and I still had Socks to exercise on return home sadly we only managed the one class which was a shame as Picnic was feeling so well but we'll be out again next week for the Blue Chip Power qualifier so fingers crossed for a repeat performance!

Apr 2012 - Showjumping Shire attends Blue Chip Championships

So Picnic and the faithful hound (Ranger) set off for Hartpury Arena to spend two days jumping in the international arena.

The arena looked fantastic with all the trade stands, drapes and well designed courses, I was very excited walking the course the first night while Picnic was tucked up in her stable ready for a 7am class start of 150 competitors!!!

Day one - We got into the jump off which was a real buzz as the arena was so spooky I wasn't sure quite what Picnic would think, we had a few moments when coffee perculators went off and scary horseboxes were parked in the arena but we got round only to have the 2nd from last fence down in the jump off. 

Day two - Picnic was very distracted and she was a little big for her boots charging round like a bull in a china shop, amazingly we got round but did take a pole or two with us.  The main achievement was getting through the tunnel entrance as she nearly took half the arena party out making a sharp reverse manouver!

We were still over the moon to have got to the Blue Chip Championships - theres always next year!

Jan 2012 - ShowjumpingShire qualifies for Blue Chip

Out of a huge class of about 80 competitors Picnic jumped a fantastic first round to get into the jump off to land 2nd place at Berkshire College!!!  

YouTube video link - Berkshire College Blue Chip Discovery Jump Off

We also had a great outing at Merrist Wood trying to qualify for another Blue Chip class but narrowly missed out with 4 faults and there were very few clears!  Picnic jumped a fantastic round as the jump off was full up max height of 1.20m

YouTube video link- Merrist Wood 1.05m Speed Class

YouTube video link - Merrist Wood Blue Chip Power qualifier