It has been an amazing second day at the British Showjumping National Championships. After spending the day watching a lot of pony showjumping, I can say without a doubt – I am amazed. The speed that the ponies fly round the course at is incredible, every time you think that they can’t get any faster, they do.
The crowd today really got involved with the action and were cheering the competitors over every fence. It helped that the sun was shining contributing to the amazing atmosphere around the show. Whereas yesterday everyone was wrapped up in their winter jackets, today it was jumpers off and sunglasses on. A stunning summer day!
I got to spend some time walking around the stables and meeting some of the competitors. It was great to hear everyone’s different stories and meet their beautiful ponies. I am only unhappy that I didn’t bring my horse lorry down so I can’t sneak any of them back home. I love at events that you meet people who are friends of friends as well – it is great to meet so many different people.
I love seeing families all involved together with the horses whether that is cheering family members from the side or helping to tack up. Horses allow you to create so many memories with your family, memories that will last a lifetime.
The first class I caught today was the Pony Bronze League 148cm & Under Final A10 in Arena 1 which saw Anya Andrews win with Drealistown Dandy. It was great to hear how she got him when he was a youngster and basically brought him on herself with the help of her riding instructor Felicity. I love seeing how these young riders are involved with the whole process of bringing on their ponies. Later in the day I caught up with Billy Luther who won the Pony Restricted Rider 1.10m Championships Final A7 with Crème de la Crème who he also helped produced and now has qualified for HOYS in October.
It was great to see Maddison Heath come first with Sonas Barney and third with Jacaloupe in the National 138cm Championship Final. After coming second last year she was hoping she could go one better and that she did. It is her aspiration to one day be World Number 1 and compete in the Olympics, and with the skill and determination that she showed today I don’t see why that wouldn’t be possible.
Wow… the Squibb Group Pony Bronze League 128cm – what a fast and competitive class. Katie Bradburne won with her 28 year old pony Cappagh Misty – who certainly looked as if he still thought he was a teenager, they were a great partnership. The Last class in Arena 2 was the Pony Bronze League 138cm & Under which was won by Lucy Douglas-Jones who was ecstatic to come away with a win and her mum Victoria was so proud.
All the competitors I was lucky enough to speak to today thanked their incredible horses without whom none of this would be possible. It is incredible to watch the unmatchable bond of horse and rider whether the round goes well or not their relationship means so much more.
I finally gave in and took my purse to the tradestands and I got some lovely pieces from Delanns Jewels. The quality and uniqueness of their jewellery is amazing and I am so happy with my purchases.
I am really excited to see some showing tomorrow – I can’t wait for it to get underway and see who takes those HOYS qualifiers. Unfortunately I am only able to catch a few classes but I will be following the other classes over the weekend keeping up to date with the Facebook and Instagram pages where regular updates are posted. I am unable to stay for the weekend as I need to head up the road to Scotland for my sister’s wedding which I am UNBELIEVABLY excited for! Keep your fingers crossed that the roads are quiet for me and I will have my fingers crossed for all the competitors…..
Best of luck
Hannah Eccles
