AT LAST I can say I have jumped clear around the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Animator gave me a dream ride today — I feel so lucky to have had my debut here on such a power-house.
Having set out feeling rather strong, I was a little down on the clock from the beginning, but he settled nicely from the Irish Sport Horse Huntsman’s Close onwards, giving me what felt like a smooth and confident ride everywhere. Lucky, lucky me!
Of course I would have liked my clear to have been within the time, but a long route at the HSBC Market Place to save his precious diesel for the Savills’ Staircase to follow, and some settling early on the course, gave us the faults. That aside I am so thrilled to have fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition and very much hope that’s the first of many Badminton rounds to come!
The long wait [Lucy started her round just before 5pm] left me wondering why on earth we compete at all, but the overwhelming support from my incredible team and the emotions we all felt at the finish proved why. I am going to give tomorrow my very best shot as I think a double clear at Badminton has a nice ring to it.
Lucy
