Well surely it’s better to sing about it, than complain about it; Mother Nature can’t be persuaded after all that we’ve had enough of the wet stuff. Although those poor souls who have endured my singing would perhaps say not!
Making the best of conditions - Piggy March & Brookfield Cavalier Cruise on their way to a pillar to post victory in the CCI4*S class, Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival, April 2023
So the last dregs of winter finally passed by and then suddenly we are in the midst of Spring events. I would love to say that I have spent my winter learning, purchasing new kit and getting the camera’s serviced, but alas I was lucky enough to be rather busy with shoots booked in, so all talk of rest and recharge flew out of the window…
The season opened with a long trek to Poplar Park. The ground was remarkably good, as it often is out there. Those that made the long trek would soon realise the reward for the said long journey was that you could then sitting somewhat smugly during the chorus of abandonments, that you had indeed, managed a run so far this season. The big-guns all came out to play and a great day of Intermediate action was enjoyed.
Tom McEwen & JL Dublin got their season underway at Poplar Park Horse Trials, March 2023
I made the trek home again from Poplar to then head the short drive to the NEC in Birmingham, to visit the first National Equine Show - a very well run event, with lots of great guest speakers and stands - some of which were filled with some of my lovely clients. This made it a great chance to catch up over a coffee and plan the season ahead. Although chatting with your idols never ceases to make me pinch myself to be honest.
Whilst the dry winter was so many blessings, there was always a dread at the back of my mind that mother nature would even things up as she always does. The rain came. Well she gave us a dusting of snow that I had waited all winter for, which completely wiped out Oasby, then came the melt followed by the downpours. Oasby has withstood so much weather over the years, but sadly standing water on the site meant we all had to stay at home.
I am sure that in time, we will be thankful of the addition of this rain, to prevent the hard ground cancellations we had last summer; but it’s cold comfort when the alarm goes at 3.45am to see the abandonment post at 4am.
Coral Hardman & Lisa Waterworth of Expert Bits during the Biting and Jumping Clinic, March 2023
The snow at Oasby didn’t prevent all activity though – it did mean I got the chance to join the lovely Coral Hardman at her yard to photograph a bit clinic with Lisa from Expert Bits – I love watching the difference a suitable bit can make to a horse’s way of going, fascinating stuff.
The departing snow bought the onset of ‘The Wet’ here in we have basically just talked about mud. Walking in it, rolling in it, getting stuck in it, showjumping out of it and I’ve even had to photograph it! “Mud, Mud; Glorious Mud” became the theme tune for the new few weeks. I waded my way through it at Lincoln – enjoying their Ai class with Badminton entries galore. Lincoln was a great chance to catch up with riders, support teams and photographer friends that I hadn’t seen all winter.
Kitty King & Vendredi Biats glided through the mud to score a victory in the AI class, Lincoln Horse Trials, March 2023
Once Lincoln had passed, it was onwards or so we thought to Cirencester. Cirencester sadly had three days curtailed to one with more mud stopping play.
Catching up with the support crew at Cirencester
It’s such a shame that these early season fixtures were lost due to soggy, mud spattered ground. Those that managed to run felt rather lucky, as did I by being able to get out and about.
Sophie Callard & Brookfield Benjamin Bounce, Cirencester 1 Horse Trials, March 2023
With Badminton entrants nerves in tatters, it was onwards to Thoresby – fair play to Stuart Buntine and all the team at Bede, they did everything they could to keep the show on the road. Whilst I am the first to pop photos on social showing ‘behind the scenes’, the muddy photos coming out of Thoresby that first day did little to encourage those not on site to make the journey.
After more relocations that an episode with Kirsty Alsop, we made it to the 4* jumping day on Sunday and with a helping hand of some great drying wind from mother nature, the show did indeed go on.
Emily, supergroom Sarah & Valmy proudly display the Grantham Cup after taking victory in the CCI4*S at Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival, April 2023
Its always special when a client or rider I support takes the win, but the victory in the Grantham Cup for Emily King & Valmy Biats was very special indeed. Emily is supported by the Event Horse Owners Syndicate and it was so wonderful to see all the syndicate experience members there to enjoy the celebrations. Onwards to Badminton for dear Valmy, fingers crossed guys!
You can still join the syndicate for an amazing one-off payment of £95 – check out details here
The eventing journey rolled on to Norton Disney – a chance to catch up with a new rider to support this year in Andrew Downes – I met Andrew and Helen in Pau and what a wonderful team they are, I am very much looking forward to following their journey this season.
Andrew Downes & Cooley Incognito enjoy the early morning sunshine during their BE100 dressage test at Norton Disney 1 Horse Trials, April 2023
Not one but two events were on the agenda for a packed Easter fixture weekend – I made the long trek down to Larkhill. Having never been to the venue before, it was certainly a new experience to be overtaken by a tank on the road in… but after my military encounters the venue that greeted me was fabulous – stunning views, blue sky and sunshine made for a very enjoyable day.
Will Rawlin & new ride Kingston take in the Larkhill views during their novice showjumping phase, Lakhill Horse Trials, April 2023
Easter weekend was perfectly topped off by a bank holiday lie-in, chocolate and a trip to visit the team at Tom McEwen’s. I remain ever-grateful that I am lucky enough to enjoy this front-row seat on this great sport.
Tom McEwen & JL Dublin during their final preparations before leaving for Kentucky CCI5*L, April 2023
As is becoming an annual custom around this point in April, you start to get twitchy that you haven’t received a particular envelope, but sure enough my lovely postman bought me ‘the envelope’ containing news of my Badminton accreditation. Always a privilege to be invited back to the hallowed turf. Now the mammoth planning session gets underway.
That winning shine - Laura Collett & Dacapo take the win in the CCI4*S, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2023
Beautiful Burnham then beckoned. Huge thanks to my amazing friend Fiona, whom I met whilst volunteering a few years ago, offered for me to share accommodation at the stunning White House – the grand looking boutique hotel in the centre of the site. The shortest commute in eventing history. What a treat.
Burnham was also a treat for another reason – dear Vinnie – Will Rawlin’s VIP Vinnie was back at a party. Whilst on paper the result wasn’t quite as hoped, it was so good to see this pair back galloping across the country, it feels an age since Bicton 5* and it was so good to see him back.
Good to be back - Will Rawlin & VIP Vinnie, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, April 2023
Although Burnham was awesome, it was also nearly the end of me – whilst learning a new superpower that you can in fact take in most of a 4* dressage test whilst being violently sick, I wouldn’t recommend this form of viewing style. Apologies to the spectators and support teams who had to witness me that day.
It transpires that even I need some rest from time to time, so an easy week ensued to re-fuel before getting back on the eventing treadmill for a very busy May and June to come. I love doing what I do and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but I do need to remember I can not be everywhere and sometimes I need to say no. Freelance life is enjoyable but it can also encourage you to say yes to every offer and opportunity. Life lesson number 9854: take some rest, be selective and be realistic.
After some much needed rest, the eventing tour bus then made its way to Kelsall Hill to take in the 3* on Saturday to enjoy supporting a few riders.
The globe-trotting Vassily de Lassos & Andrew Hoy during the CCI3*S, Kelsall Hill International Horse Trials, April 2023
Hopefully the raindrops stop falling and we get 3 days at Cirencester this weekend, before the journey to Badminton begins.
Good luck to all riders doing their final preparations and can’t wait to see you all there.