We had a great day at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials with the young horses in the Burghley Young Event Horse classes yesterday. My own All Or Nothing II (Ali) finished in 2nd place and wowed the crowds from the start. We were first to go and led for ages. Just before the end, someone went ahead of me — myself! Chris Copestake and Judy Bradwell’s Elton H piped Ali by 0.3 penalties! He put up a lovely performance for the top jumping mark.
Unfortunately in the final phase they didn’t get the pull ins I had hoped for with my horse finishing 2nd and Elton H 6th. It’s quite exciting to own such a stunning horse myself! Judy Bradwell’s 5-year-old Dolly Tess jumped particularly well in the morning, but a good jumping mark wasn’t enough to get her into the final phase.
I wasn’t able to celebrate for long as I had to get back into thinking about MY FIRST 4 STAR cross-country course! I scooted off around the course again when it was very quiet, which was great as I was able to really concentrate and calmly focus on what I was doing. I have walked the course 3 times now and it has looked a little easier each time — but not much! I have had some second-hand advice from Ian Stark via my friend Olivia Wilmot, and I’m just about to set off again for my final walk.
I have been getting more nervous as this day has approached, but I’m surprisingly not too nervous this morning. I still don’t feel like eating anything though! I also have to thank Hit Air for providing me with an air jacket, which has allowed me to feel a bit safer and I am sure it has helped ease the nerves of my connections — particularly my mum. I rode in it at an event on Monday, as I don’t like wearing new things anywhere important!
I have my lucky wishbone necklace on that my friend Izzie bought me to come here with and I’m hoping all the wonderful good luck messages I’ve had from everyone will help. I’m sure mistakes will be made by me, and maybe Ginger, but with a bit of luck we will get through if things don’t go to plan. I mustn’t let the occasion get to me or Ginger and remember to just KICK ON!!
Alex
Find out how Alex’s cross-country round goes by following H&H Live. She is due on course at 12:06pm. View cross-country start list
