Nunney International BE

There was a big question mark over whether we went to this or not. It was only 5 days ago that we were at Bicton on SOLID ground! So I thought I’d see how Milly felt through the week and then judge the going when/if we got to Nunney. Massive hats off to the organisers and course designer Helen Farr (nee West), they have clearly worked really hard. The ground was great in all 3 phases! So thank you to all those who gave their time to make it that way.

Dressage: we beat the flies....just! The little blighters came out just as we were walking back to the box. Another ‘safe’ test. Just wish I could be a bit more switched on and ride with real conviction so she couldn’t shrink into herself! BUT... it is consistent and better than last year! 32 😤. (And whispers under breath “there were lots of pros there!”.

SJ: the course was causing lots of problems and for the first time this season I heard “time faults” for rider after rider! I had no worries about he course, I thought it was nice. It gradually built in height over the first 3-4 fences. We had 1 down (planks), I’m not sure why, think she just didn’t quite pick up behind and brushed the top...? Chuffed though. A calm (not panicking) round, shame I got 3 time faults too, but didn’t want to rush her as we’re trying to perfect our form.

XC: BIG with some techy bits! Loved it. Such a beautiful course. It’s well presented and used the land so well to put you though your paces. We were clear but a bit too fast to gain 1.2 time faults. Doh! I think because the ground was ‘soft’ compared to last week Mills covered the ground really well.

Rubbed shoulders with the pros all day, I was even parked up next to Andrew Nicholson and his family. It was then really embarrassing when Milly untied herself a trotted off to the dressage in her ice boots and scruffy fly rug on! She almost got all the way to the CIC** arena!! 🤦‍🤷‍ Think she wanted to do all 3 phases again!🤣

Blood sugars too high as usual, but with only finger prick tests available and no one to carry emergency glucose, there wasn’t much I could do. Right eye bled internally a bit on the way home 😢. A nice reminder to enjoy all this as much as possible whilst I can.