Dalywell One Day Event 27th August 2011

Organised by VVRC and Tanatside PC, Daywell one day event was our first attempt at "eventing" - I somehow persuaded Teresa that it would be a good idea to give it ago! Friday evening we travelled up to walk the xc course and see what we had let ourselves in for. After walking the course we both had a few little concerns about a couple of the jumps but decided that we would just see how it was going on the day (each jump had an alternative next to it which would incur you 15 penalty points if taken). Had a quick walk around the showjumping and headed home to get rested up for the exciting day ahead

 

We loaded up all plaited and looking beautiful and set off to Daywell with nerves taking over! It was also my first trip out under the name of Maelor Riding Club - so that made me even more nervous, but got there and ready in plenty of time. Teresa and Ginger warmed up lovely, whereas Patrick decided to be a prize prat! (he's in love with Ginger and thinks he should be by her side at all times) so after a tough and very noisy warm up - i headed in to do my test - wasnt too bad - but wasnt great either! Teresa headed in after and produced what looked a lovely test on Ginger. class class class class We were both pretty dissapointed with our performance so headed up to see the scoreboard to see the damage! After dressage patrick & I were in 6th on 39.6 % Position and Teresa & Ginger were in 2nd on 32.9% so we were both then pretty pleased.

 

Next we headed upto show jumping, I headed in first and somehow managed a clear round (Patrick still acting the prat) Teresa then headed in and got an unfortunate 4 faults. Headed back to the lorry and got changed into our xc gear! By now the rain had started as we warmed up for the xc, I headed up to the start. I waited to be called to start - Patrick had other ideas and decided he would make a show and started rearing up as his girl wasnt in sight - departure of me to the ground with a thud!

 

So slightly annoyed by his behaviour, jumped straight back on and headed off onto the course to be held back at the start again as a loose horse appears from the course after a fall by the previous rider. Horse caught, I set off in the pouring rain- it was amazing, he jumped so well - I even managed the BIG scary one - what a buzz! Teresa set out as I crossed the finish line, ginger flew around the course but due to the rain, Teresa slipped a rein and ginger ran over the alternative jump instead of the main course one. As she crossed the finish we were both on such a high!

 

Eventing is great!!

 

We got tided up and redressed into our correct attire for the presentation - we had no idea what position we have come in - if any - but went along anyway to support everyone else. As they read the scores out we were thrilled to hear Teresa had come 3rd and I had WON!!! 2 Maelor RC members in the top 3! What a Fab day .

 

If you have never done it, I really reccommended to anyone who is a little nervous about giving eventing a go - Lovely people, well organised and brilliant course!  

 

Nicola Hudson & The Patrick