Well blink and suddenly it’s the middle of April and the season is already almost eight weeks old – how did this happen?!? I’ve gone from wishing the winter to be gone to straight into full-on season madness, flying around from event to event.
The biting winter chill of Poplar seemed such a long time ago when enjoying the sunny delights of Burnham last weekend. All of a sudden, I’ve gone from needing several layers to complaining I am a little too warm.
Ros Canter & Allstar B make a splash at Poplar Park Horse Trials, March 2022
The new season has bought some new clients and riders to work with, all of which are keeping me on my toes
The journey so far…
The new season has bought with it some new challenges, not least the impact on the cost of fuel on everyone’s eventing adventures. Please do think take a moment to consider things before you drop a message via social expecting a free image….photographers put in some serious hours to get that image and that’s before you take into account fuel costs, kit costs, increased insurance costs and press restrictions. Support the onsite official photographers and be kind.
But despite this, I have managed to make most of my intended engagements. Firstly, was a trip to a new venue for me to kick off the season – Poplar Park Horse Trials – driving there did feel like driving off the end of coast, but it was worthwhile to see all the top level horses excitedly blow off those winter cobwebs.
Next stop was Oasby 1, a staple in the Spring calendar, when those with big spring targets really starting to knuckle down and get the necessary runs in. I went to support, Will who had his 4* campaigner The Partner making his seasonal debut, along with Emily King with Valmy Biats – both horses are supported by EHOS and they had great first runs. Oasby is always a great chance to catch up with fellow photographers, journos and riders after a long winter, share plans and compare notes before we get stuck in to the season.
Emily King & Will Rawlin enjoy a cheery de-brief post XC with EHOS members, Oasby 1 Horse Trials, March 2022
Onwards to explore another new venue for me – Moreton, a picturesque venue in Dorset – to support EHOS and Alex Bragg taking up his first ride on EHOS’s Camouflage. IT was so wonderful to meet so many EHOS members and see them enjoying a day out with their horse. Rufus was a good boy for Alex and they learnt a lot about each other, picking up a second placing on the way.
That weekend it was then onwards to Lincolnshire Horse Trials – several layers of clothing were required here as that Northerly wind wasn’t taking any prisoners. A great venue that is always a form favourite on the road to the big spring targets – the OI and AI classes read like the entry list for a 4* event – great results for all my supported riders.
Great to see Kitty King & Vendredi Biats skip around the AI track at Lincolnshire Horse Trials, March 2022
Cirencester Park Horse Trials was another busy weekend of action, with Ben and Will out for EHOS and many other supported riders all putting in great runs around the stunning venue
Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival was a great hit, the new fixture hasn’t been able to run as planned over the last couple of seasons, so this was everyone’s first look at the Belton replacement fixture. On the whole everyone was complimentary about the new venue – I made it slightly more complicated for myself, by squeezing in a spectacular wedding on the Saturday – Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Pryor – before hot-footing it back to Nottinghamshire to take in the 4* cross country on the Sunday.
It was great to be there to see new clients Brookfield Equestrian take the Grantham Cup with Brookfield Inocent and Piggy March.
Piggy March & Brookfield Inocent win the Grantham Cup at Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival, April 2022
No rest for the wicked as they say, with a ‘quick’ trip down to Portman in Wiltshire to capture the young guns continuing their education around a stunning and somewhat hilly Wiltshire countryside. Great again to see so many people turn out to come and watch EHOS horse Camouflage and Alex put in another great performance.
Alex Bragg & Camouflage splash through the water at Portman Horse Trials, April 2022
A trip to Weston Park to enjoy their usual Advanced class on the Saturday – a favourite fixture among those with Badminton entries – plenty of action and a chance to see those having a final tune-up ahead of those big spring targets.
I did however also witness the heart-breaking final run of Arctic Soul – a cross country legend, that has represented his country with Gemma at major championships and made some of the toughest cross-country tracks look like child’s play. Rest easy dear Spike and thank you for the memories. Heartfelt condolences to all his connections.
Beautiful Burnham, nestled on the North Norfolk coast, never disappoints. Although mother nature had a surprise none of us expected, given you usually get battered by the sea breeze that rolls off the North Sea – this year we all found ourselves in a mini heatwave and enjoyed blissful clear blue skies and sunshine, which required the layers to be quickly removed.
The King reigns… Oliver Townend takes both CCI4*S sections to retain his title of King of Burnham, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2022
Despite the 21.5 hour day on Saturday, it delivered an action packed day of 3 and 4* cross country action. Alec had made a few tweaks to the usual cross country course and there was plenty of drama and action to capture all day.
My heart goes out to Caroline March and her connections after her fall on Saturday – wishing you a speedy and full recovery Caroline.
The Big B
Finally, it felt like I’d been waiting over two years for the familiar branded envelope to drop on the doormat and sure enough the wait was finally over and the Badminton press pass landed. IT continues to be an absolute privilege that I get to work at arguably the best event in the world. Little old me has gathered together some exciting clients and riders to work with over the week and I cant bloomin’ wait.
Driving through those gates in two weeks’ time, there will be not only a massive sense of excitement that the great event is returning, but it will also mark a milestone in that normality will have finally returned.
I wish all the riders, grooms, owners, supporters, sponsors, organisers and spectators a fantastic event, kick on, hold in the nerves and all the very best for an event to saviour.
New season, new team member
It was a pleasure last year to work with Will Rawlin Eventing. Will and his team have gathered a wonderful team of horses and owners and I had great fun following their progress last season. With the new season comes an exciting development, that Will has agreed to join the HCP family of supported riders and will have to put up with me stalking his gorgeous team of equine team teams around the country this season.
Will Rawlin & Tenz enjoying the Devon sunshine at Bicton 1 Horse Trials, April 2022
Will, a very talented young rider, has built a talented string of horses from his Wiltshire base. Last season Will made his five-star debut at Bicton and whilst this didn’t end how any of us wished, he caught many people’s eye with his sympathetic yet competitive riding, top 3 placing after dressage and humble media interviews during the event.
Will has a great team to bring out this season, with his top level campaigner The Partner, now part of the Event Horse Owners Syndicate team, being aimed at 4* longs to gain his 5* qualification. Dear Conquer as he is known is a lovely person, he has such a happy expression when enjoying galloping across the biggest cross-country courses on the circuit. If you want to get involved in the exciting journey this season with Will and Conquer, check out EHOS Experience Syndicates for more information here
Will Rawlin & Optimus Actinium, Bicton 1 Horse Trials, April 2022
There are also some exciting additions to the string this year and Will has welcomed new sponsors including Expert Bits over the winter, so excitement is high for a successful season this year.
I am really excited to work closely with Will and the team this year and support them along the way. Thank you for accepting the invitation and the lovely welcome from all the team. I have plenty of polos at the ready for my new equine pals, roll on a successful season ahead.
Will Rawlin & The Partner on their way to a Top 10 finish in the CCI4*S section C, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2022
And then onwards I travelled to Kelsall Hill International and Bicton 1 Horse Trials last weekend. The countdown is on to the Big B, fingers toes and just about everything crossed we all make it there safely – who will win the stunning new trophy?
Finally a big thank you to the kind folks who read these ramblings and have made the effort to come and say hi whilst I scurry around each course – do always feel free to come say hi when I’m on course, it’s been great to meet so many new faces and share our passion for the sport.
See you all soon