NEAR MISSES, EXCEPT ONE!!

Saturday 31st June - Finally after having been so close, Marissa Haddon qualified Tidesbrook Oliver Twist for the Royal International 128cms Show Pony at Westmorland. Down in Solihull a near miss with Rivenhall Height of Fashion and Cerys Wyn Jones in the 128cms RIHS- even though she did a very proffessional show, however she then swapped onto Pennymore Quillet her 13h Show Hunter Pony and won her class and took Reserve Champion - at least it wasnt a wasted journey for Huw, Lois and Thomas!

On Sunday we headed off in the very very early hours of the morning to Midland Counties. Starting the day was Poppy and Rhos Elise, her first ever HOYS class - finishing 2nd, we were delighted that she managed the canter circles, kept her ears pricked and looked like an open! Next in was Rebecca Anderson on Parkhill Beckham, a great show and Beckham looked a picture stripped - but guess what 2nd!!

Julie led Breamish Julian and Archie Manners in the HOYS M&M Lead Rein in a massive class. He got 2nd and then went onto take Reserve Champion. Archie and Shrimp must be one of the most consistent partnerships on the team - Well done Archie ( who told us that he might quite like to do first ridden with Shrimp next year!! )

However  - the except one was Sally Coates - Whalton Grace and Favour ridden today by stand in jockey Alex Ahern in the Small Intermediate Show Riding Type. In a huge class, Alex was pulled top and stayed to win and qualify. Sally was opening the champagne in Sussex, the bubbles hadnt settled when we called her to tell her that Grace had gone Champion. Big Big thanks to Alex for standing in for Sam who is down at University in Bristol. Alex had on her lucky socks and was more than determined to win - she pulled it out the bag and took the Intermediate Championship and she deserved it.

Happy Birthday to Kati, when Alexa was drawn top in the FR we all thought it was going to be a long champagne day. However without a win, Kati and Richard are heading to Rome without a hangover.

Heather, Kirsty, Pop and Jess had a great day at Alton Towers......

Lastly well done to Caitlin for a great write up in the Horse and Hound with Sparky, now  sold to Alyshia Haddon on the yard. Caitlin arrived home from Sardinia with the Jacksons to find that she now has the ride on 'The Perfect Gent' a Large Intermediate Show Riding Type- watch this space .......