Monthly diary — August 2013

The Austrian team rode well but unfortunately their best-scoring dressage combination was eliminated at a drop fence.

However, my rising concern of an emerging problem was confirmed. With the focus on greater control on landing in order to jump an inevitable skinny, riders are increasingly sitting up into fences. This creates a tendency for a more upright position during the jump which is fine, but often necessitates slipping the reins slightly to allow the horse to complete the full arc of his jump. I have noticed many horses landing hollow, which worries me regarding the impact on their spines.

Everyone loses balance occasionally but it is this slight but repeated mismatch of balance that I feel may have a more insidious effect.

Back home I enjoyed watching the Hickstead Eventers Grand Prix - the arena jumping and ‘rapid fire’ cross-country is quite a mental challenge for the horses.

Then I rode CF at Gatcombe Advanced. We were drawn late and he did a calm dressage, only sticking his tongue out once. But then showjumping I missed a fence – while I wasn’t the only one, it was unforgiveable. Worse still, I didn’t realise - or hear the bell - and carried on, resulting in being put on the discipline list. Embarrassing and funny, although I telephoned the judge later to apologise.