And so the curtain falls on another season. A stellar season. A hectically busy, where-has-it-gone type of season.
Alice Casburn & the awesome TOPSPIN deliver an awesome clear on their way to delivering a double clear at their first attempt at 5* level - Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2021
This season could be have been a disaster but I persevered and it actually happened - Fortune favours the brave.
Sitting at home in March with my head in my hands after the season was delayed and the big cancellation started rolling in Chatsworth Bramham and fell in badminton fill the toughest below is the more sat at home in a state of despair would I get any Eventing this year but you know what I’ve been to 20+ events I’ve been from the highlands of Scotland to the southern Pyrenees in France and hell of a lot of places in between.
A last-minute hiccup with my house sitter meant that sadly Le Lion slipped off the schedule for the second year in a row. Cue monumental strop. But after I had got the strop out of the way, I did realise that this is the only event this year that I have planned to go to and failed and given the pandemic and other factors, that is good going and I should probably pipe down the tantrum and be grateful for all the places I have managed to get to.
The road has been long this season, with 28 events enjoyed, over 13,000 miles travelled, a couple of worn out pairs of walking boots later not to mention the worn out photographer!
Then came the crazy idea that the season needed a finale… cue a little road trip to Pau, the perfect season finale, 24 degrees of sunshine, crepes and uninterrupted views of the Pyrenees.
Training in the sunshine - Caroline Powell & Up Up and Away during a training session at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2021
Sadly, my now trusty international sidekick caught some germs whilst at a dressage show (I mean that says it all) and couldn’t come along on this adventure, but there’s plenty more planned next season.
Passport and vaccine cert all packed, I nervously left the co-worker with his new house sitter aka Mr M’s servant and off to Pau I went. Just a little matter of 882 miles to get through.
On those long hours in the middle of the night, zooming along the toll motorways, I did some of my very best singing (it’s appalling!) – although the lorry driver I pulled up next to at one of the many fuel stops didn’t appear to agree given the look on his face when I got out the car!
I also did some good thinking; plotting and planning for next season - plenty of mildly insane plans, wonderful clients and riders to work with and lots of new adventures to be had.
For those who haven’t partaken in the delights of Pau, you really need to join the trip next year – plenty of debutants, plenty of South-of-France sunshine and the best choice of catering at an event you’ll ever find.
Gorgeous George! Everyone at Pau fell in love with George and what a debut they produced! Kylie Roddy & SRS Kan Do finish 11th on their 5* debut, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2021
Some may say that I go to Pau just for the food… and they’d be right! Anyone who hasn’t sampled the crepes, Tartiflette and Carbonara is simply missing out on a vital life experience.
Joop Gommers & Garant BEL warming up in the autumnal sunshine at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2021
The 24 degrees sadly didn’t last for the entire trip, but it sure was good to catch the last rays of summer before giving in to the advancement of Autumn. So many Brits had again travelled down to Pau, with plenty of exciting young talent all making their 5* debuts at the event.
We came so close to having a Brit winner for the third consecutive year, with Tom McEwen and Eliza coming within a whisker of completing an amazing debut at the level for the feisty mare. Plenty caught the eye down there and you’d have to pray that with two successful running’s of the event in pandemic times, the chances of the big B’s taking place next year must be rather high now.
Standing at the edge of the arena under the stars watching Jean Francois Pignon and his ethereal Liberty horses hanging on the slightest of his hand movements - I realise I’m the luckiest girl alive. Yes, I’ve madly driven 900 miles for the season finale, I did it without hesitation as I literally live for this. Memories of this year will keep the fires burning long into the winter.
The winning round: Tim Price & Falco on their way to winning the final 5* of the year, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2021
I’ve come to realise I take the best photos when I’m enjoying myself, so this year I’ve taken every opportunity and ran with it and had a ball in doing so.
Yes I won’t earn a fortune; so many have asked when the day job is going, the reality with stolen images and people paying ‘in credit’ is that, isn’t not going anywhere soon!
This season has though offered so many opportunities, most of which I may not get next year and for once I’m OK with that – life isn’t a video game after all, we don’t have to keep moving up a level. Albeit it does appear I did move up a level this year, but not by pushing for progress, more pushing for enjoyment and seeking adventures, the opportunities then found me.
I met some great people in Pau – I spent the week with a new press room desk mate in Kirsty from the Australian Equestrian Federation and then in exploring the CAIO4* Driving Marathon, I met the super talented Melanie Guillamot, who took these great photos of me enjoying the marathon action:
Lucy McGill & Casanova !! prepare to start the CAIO4* Marathon, Credit: Melanie Guillamot
With the season well and truly packed away now, it’s time to catch up on shoots that have been postponed due to eventing taking priority and to work my way through the list of ‘winter jobs’ – how did this list get so big?!
A big thank you to all the riders, brands and organisers whom have made this season so epic – your support has meant so much.
An international gathering of press photographers during the final phase, Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, October 2021 Credit: Melanie Guillamot
Now for some rest and some actual Christmas shopping, we had a false start this morning when I attempted to begin and promptly bought a new camera lens instead – must focus on my nieces instead!
I’m sure I will bore you all with more blogs during the off season – do feel free to drop me questions or topic suggestions for blogs – massive thanks to the first one already - And thank you to the wonderfully kind person whom I met at Norton & Pau, who suggested an epic idea for next year’s blog theme – to compile a review of BE venues based upon their crepe offerings… (Major spoiler, they are going to have up their game to beat Pau!)
Stay safe