Blenheim 2014 : Dressage Day 1 - Emily King On Form & In Front

Emily King & Brookleigh Lead The Dressage CCI*** After Day One

Last to go today in the CCI*** 18-year-old Emily King took a clear lead this afternoon with a score of 35.4, which considering this is her first run at this level is even more impressive. Whilst Emily was pleasantly surprised with her test today (a personal best), she is no stranger to success holding championship medals.  Listen to Emily's vox pop interview after her test.

Jodie Amos & Wise Crack Scores 42.8 for 4th 

The remainder of the top ten is predominantly British at this point, with just Phillip Dutton (USA) & Andrew Hoy (AUS) sharing 10th place. There are several good horses to come tomorrow, but it will take an exceptional test to take the lead from Emily.

Blenheim 2014: Trot-up Day - Sleek Lines & Smooth Operators

The First Horse Inspection - CCI*** ("The Trot-up")

September is my favourite month of the year for all sorts of reasons - great light for photography, the autumn colours are just coming through, warm sunshine, birthdays, and not least because it's time for Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, the last big three-day-event of the UK calendar, and one of the best to visit. As I'm free from the shackles of work for the rest of the month I'm planning to be at Blenheim every day.

New To Blenheim - Aston Martin 

Whilst officials and exhibitors were busy putting the final touches to the main site, down by the stables the sport's fashion parade, the first horse inspection, got the competition underway this afternoon. In beautifully bright sunshine all competitors dressed up in their Sunday best, polished their horses and presented themselves to the Ground Jury & Veterinary Delegation by way of the 'trot-up'. All passed although a few made a visit to the holding box for closer inspection.

King Of Cool - Ben Hobday

Goring Heath Horse Trials 2014: Road Test

Goring Heath

For one reason or another I didn't make it to Burghley this year, but with a day to myself and a new camera (the Nikon D810) I was itching to try out, I had to head out. With a big cycling event in Oxford & Goring Heath Horse Trials both within reach I flipped a coin and Goring Heath won.

Barbury CIC*** 2014: Nicholson & Avebury Win Again

Andrew Nicholson & Avebury - CIC*** Winners Once Again

The outcome of Barbury's flagship class, the CIC*** was perhaps as expected, with local Marlborough based rider, Andrew Nicholson taking the honours once again on Avebury. After Clark Montgomery's withdrawal (sat in second place, and on route to Aachen in a few weeks), Nicholson was left with a little extra breathing space and consequently didn't need to overly exert Avebury to get inside the time.

This charming little grey has continued to improve year on year and stay sound, and as Andrew has often mentioned publicly, Avebury needs to be ridden strongly to perform at his best. Having led from the start with an impressive dressage score of 34.8 they were deserving winners having only added a few cross country time penalties after a 'cruisey' round.

Francis Whittington & Easy Target - 2nd Place

Billy Bounce - Retired On Course

Another of my favourite greys on the circuit, Francis Whittington's ride Easy Target produced a formidable performance this weekend with a solid dressage test, a classy show jumping round and an amazing cross country trip to finish in the runner up spot. Sadly my other favourite grey, Chris King's Billy Bounce, lying in 5th after showjumping, had a 'drive-by' at the quarry fence, and Chris retired at that point. Billy Bounce is only 9 so I'm sure we'll see a lot more from him as he matures over the next year or two.  Chris is one Britain's best riders, and a previous winner of Barbury, so Billy is in great hands.