Destitutes, Double Bridles & Delicious Ice-Cream

Greatwood Ex-Racehorse Rehabilitation

Every since I was privy to some investigative journalism on animal charities, including a big name animal charity, I've always been skeptical first of these charities, particularly animal welfare ones. I happy to report I afford Greatwood, which re-homes neglected & unwanted ex-racehorses no such skepticism, having just returned from an open day at their facility just south at Marlborough, ably supported by some of our local celebraties, including Andrew Hoy and Jodie Kidd.

Armed with my 2 small children, ready to pet and pat anything in sight, (including an attempt on a gaggle of geese - never wise!) I turned up at the open day half expecting it to be sparsely supported due to the down pour, but it was pretty busy and until the rain subsided at lunchtime the stable barns were overflowing with people taking shelter  - amazing how relaxed all these horses were considering the sheer volume of people in their barn.

2011: The Year To Be At Badminton

Team Selection | All To Play For

I love this time of year! Anticipation is a huge part of the overall euphoria, and as the season gets underway, the first tingle up the spine comes courtesy of Badminton Horse Trials and publication of the list of entries.  Thankfully they gave the world at large some warning of the list's publication, so journos, hacks, and bloggers around the globe could sharpen their pencil and get t'd up!  I thought Pippa Roome from the Horse & Hound did a good angle on the whole thing with her, how does the new qualification requirement affect things.

Winning Events Before You Arrive | The Andrew Hoy Interview

Team Hoy: "Competitions Are Won Before You Get There"

A few weeks ago I spent some time with Andrew Hoy with the intention of interviewing him about the US coaching job that's been hitting the headlines, and that he applied for. We, (well I), got a little distracted so we ended up talking about some of his philosophies, riding tactics etc., which I'm sure pleased Andrew, as he was probably bored stiff being interrogated about the US job by this stage, and he hasn't even interviewed for it yet.

Wilton Horse Trials - Another 'Stately' Event

Dressage in the 'stately' surroundings of Wilton House

With a rare free weekend, and nothing better planned than cutting the lawns, I decided to go and take a look at Wilton Horse Trials, particularly as it's only a 30 minutes or so from home. So armed with digi camera & camcorder off I went.

This event is pretty new to the circuit held in the parkland and grounds of Wilton House near Salisbury. They run Novice and Intermediate over two days, and in many ways it's very similar to Highclere, extensive parkland, with plenty of ancient trees, undulating ground and home to cattle most of the year. Wilton probably uses a few more steep slopes than Highclere in their courses, which can mean the need for plenty of control. It also means they have slightly tougher challenges when it comes to preparing the ground sufficiently in dry weather.

Barbury Castle Horse Trials 2010 - A weekend of hot competition to match the weather

With a high of 27 degrees and no shade this was one very hot and dry event. How Barbury manages to battle these conditions is with the old established turf, that at least muffles the rock hard ground on this chalk down land. 

Since it started 5 years ago, I've been to Barbury as a competitor, spectator, guest of a sponsor and even a supplier, and each time I've found myself wanting to call Nigel Bunter [Barbury's Owner] and say "well done but have you thought about..."

There's so much to love about this event, and considering it's relatively new you have to be a little forgiving over the things to dislike about the event.  Running this event here proves that you don't need a grand stately home setting to host a great event that draws in the public.

Barbury Castle Horse Trials 2010 - CIC** Dressage Leader Video

As I just happened to capture Andrew Hoy's Dressage Test on camera whilst waiting for our horse to go, and it was the leading score I thought I'd upload it for you to view.




It's been a great day at Barbury and the Cross Country Course has played havoc with the novice and CIC** classes so far. I did capture some of this on video and there's a fair bit to report, but I'll leave this until end of play tomorrow when I'll do a full round up on the weekend down here in sunny Wiltshire.

It's been a scorcher of a day, but at least there was a decent breeze and the occasional cloud to keep things cooler.

'til tomorrow.........