For a variety of reasons, Ash (Acheron) and I had one qualifying chance left and made the longish trek down to Tweseldown Racecourse for the final Novice Regional Final before the Gatcombe Champs.
Despite a couple of early "twitches" in trot, Ash settled down and produced a steady if unspectacular Dressage, to leave us middle ranking going into the showjumping.
Then, he produced a beautiful jumping round on a testing course, with just one pole lowered and we entered the Cross Country phase knowing we were in with a chance of a qualification (the first 25% get in!).
Storm clouds were gathering as we waited to set off, but thankfully the heavens didn't open until we were 3 fences from home. He gave me a superb round and we came home 10 seconds inside the time allowed.
I am delighted to say that was good enough for 5th place, and planning for Gatcombe Novice Championships could start!
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15th Jul 2008
