NEWSLETTER
With the end of the Event season not far away, Julie's Diary has been packed, and I am sure that she will sit down at the end of October and look back with a sense of satisfaction.
Since his Barbury FIRST place, King Of The Catwalk, (Alex) has carried on his successful streak with a 7th at Highclere Intermediate, and a 2nd at Aston le Walls Intermediate. Sir Roselier, (Lumpy to all who know and love him) was placed a very creditable 8th at Highclere AI, and he is due to go to Boekelo International Horse Trials in Holland at the beginning of October. It has been a long and extremely successful season for these two boys with many wins and places between them since the Event season started. I am sure they will be in much need of a well deserved holiday at the end of October.
I have to say I have attended many Events with Julie and her team this year, but for me, Blenheim International Horse Trials has to be one of the most memorable. The atmosphere was electric and during the Cross Country I chewed my nails down to stumps! There were only three riders who finished inside the 10min 51second time, one of those being Julie and Look Out, (Jack). She had a faultless Cross Country round and I think that next year Jack is going to be a horse to be reckoned with.
Jack is a very tough little character, with a true fighting spirit who loves his jumping. Watching Julie in her lilac and white Airowear body protector, specially made in her own colours, Jack zipped around the course with his ears pricked as he approached every fence. He was really enjoying himself, and showed real courage and stamina. I was glad to see the Airowear logo clearly written down Julie's 'skin' sleeve. Well done Chrissie, that was a fantastic idea! Julie loved wearing the 'skin' and said how soft it felt against her own skin. I also know how comfortable Julie is in her body protector and how light it feels when she rides around the Cross Country course. Watching her taking those drop fences you could see it did not impede her in any way. Jack powered over the fences and finished still full of energy, unlike myself who had held my breath the whole time she was on the course!
Show Jumping the final day arrived with another change in atmosphere and when Julie entered the ring, you could have heard a pin drop. Jack jumped a perfect round with only one pole down, (Julie lost her stirrup in the middle of the treble but I promised I would not tell a soul!!), and it was magical to watch this little chap try so hard. Horse and Rider really have a true partnership now. Julie's Troxel Show Jumping helmet looked super and stylish, and it is on my Christmas list already, a must for those hot days riding.
So, with the end of the season drawing near, I hope to keep you all updated on the few events left on the calendar, and also the winter competitions with Julie's 'babies' who she hopes to take to Hunter Trials, indoor Show Jumping and Dressage. These youngsters are building up experiences, and confidences now, so while the big chaps are on a nice long holiday, these little ones will be keeping Julie busy.