Scotts of Thrapston

Life with horses is a rollercoaster

Posted on 22. Sep, 2010 by Janet in Janet Hammond, Rider Development Programme

The latest news from Janet Hammond, since the Scotts of Thrapston Rider Development Programme…

As we all know, life with horses is a rollercoaster, and Tara and I have certainly had some ups and downs since our 10th place at Carlton.

We jumped two double clears to achieve 5th place in both the 85cm and 95cm classes at Bury Farm, which was very pleasing, and we got 2nd place in the 90cm Combined Training class at Wing Jumping & Dressage Centre – all great confidence-builders, and my first ever test in the long dressage arena.

But also Tara contracted ringworm from goodness knows where. This meant that she had to be isolated immediately, I spent my time disinfecting everything, she had to be bathed every other day, and most disappointingly we had to withdraw from all competitions, including the BE90 at Milton Keynes. Fortunately I had spotted it very quickly, and by rigorously following the vet’s instructions, the infection was contained and no other horse on the yard was affected – testimony to the excellent management at Haresfoot Livery. Fortunately I could ride Tara throughout this time, which was particularly important as I was aiming for the Milton Keynes 3 day event in September and needed to maintain her fitness.

So to the infamous 3 day event. This is a hugely popular competition run twice a year at the Milton Keynes Event Centre, and incorporating roads & tracks (R&T) and a steeplechase as well as the cross country as part of the endurance day. I went with a friend from my yard, with Anna Head Rosteck, our trainer, alongside to guide us through.

This event has to be experienced to be believed – the camaraderie of the competitors is fantastic, the facilities are superb with catering provided by the legendary Chubbies, and the support with the onsite vets and farrier and regular vet inspections is fantastic.

I could write so much about this experience, there is so much to say, but I will try to keep it brief!

We arrived on Thursday so that we could settle the horses into their stables, give them a leg stretch around the site, and set up our camp. Friday is the first vet inspection – and all horses and riders have to be immaculately turned out for the trot up. Then the competition starts in earnest with the dressage. Disappointingly my usually rather sensible mare became a ticking time bomb, leaping and bucking, and refusing to listen or settle. I had to ride the quietest test of my life, and even then it was tense and resistant, facts that were reflected in our score of 42.5 penalties. I was utterly devastated – we were about 31st out of 34!!!

Saturday is endurance day, which comprises: 4km of R&T ridden at about 1km every 4 mins (a good hunting trot with some canter); the steeplechase of 1km and 6 jumps ridden at 500mpm; another 4km of R&T ridden at 1km every 5.5mins; and finally the cross country. Tara was in her element, and felt strong and keen, but settled and calm too, which was a relief.

Between the 2nd R&T and the XC is a compulsory 10 min rest and vet inspection, where heart rates and soundness are checked. In the briefing they had warned that horses can switch off at this point, but as soon as Tara and I set off she was looking for the jumps. There were no hesitations, she jumped like a dream, and we finished with no penalties to add to our dressage score. What a star – totally redeeming her bad behaviour of the Friday! After day 2 I had moved up to around 16th place.

Sunday starts with another vet inspection, so more plaiting and primping! I hadn’t appreciated exactly how nerve-wracking this was going to be, but as I walked Tara round the collecting ring and watched horses being re-trotted and flexion-tested, I suddenly felt sick. What if we failed at this late stage? Tara never let me down. She trotted out with real “look at me” attitude, and the vet commented on how well she looked. I felt like bursting with pride – is this how mothers feel??!!

So to the last section, the show jumping. I knew we needed a clear to keep pressure on the higher placed riders (this phase was run in reverse order), particularly as there was less than one jump between a number of us. Despite a rather nervy warm-up, Tara jumped out of her skin, giving me a lovely clear round. We had completed the three day event and had finished on our dressage score – what an amazing achievement! The icing on the cake was to hear our number called into 8th place. There was more than a little tear in my eye!

I cannot explain what an amazing season this has been for me and Tara. Our confidence has grown beyond all recognition, and the thrill of eventing is like no other. We will now go to Berkshire College to do the BE90 on 28th September, and then wind down for a few weeks. Then I shall have to think about the winter and what to do to keep us ticking over ready for next year!

Janet Hammond

Tags: Milton Keynes 3 day event, Milton Keynes Event Centre, Scotts of Thrapston, Wing Jumping and Dressage Centre