September 2007
Back from Beijing
I arrived safely back in Dublin from Beijing at the beginning of September. My Dad, Uncle John and Aunty Lilian were there to meet me and it it was good to be back home - well, nearly home.
I expected to be quite tired with all the travelling, but soon got back into the swing of things at home. I had less than two weeks before the BD Nationals so I had a couple of days off before starting riding again. I really appreciated how good Indi is after spending a week on riding school horses!
KBIS Para Dressage Rider National Championships 2007
I went to Vale View on 9th September as they were running a Para Pick-a-Test competition which meant I could ride the Grade III Championship test that I would be riding at the Nationals. Indi was going really well and he was 1st overall in the E44 and 1st in the Para test with 72.8%. I was 2nd on Eliza in the Para test with 67.6%.
I didn't really have much time to prepare for my 9th appearance at the BD Nationals, following the Training Camp in Beijing so I was very pleased to achieve 3rd place in the Grade III Para Dressage Rider National Championships. See the full results here.
Indi at the BD Nationals
As always, Indi was a star but my test could have been a little more forward. We had a great few days at the Nationals and stayed until Saturday to watch other classes and do some shopping!
New dog and new horse!
When I got home from China I was greeted by our new dog, Smudge. While I was away, Mum and Dad adopted a black labrador from The Dog's Trust in Leeds. He had been sent to the rescue centre because his previous owner wanted him to be a gun dog but he was no good at this. Luckily, he makes a fantastic pet! I was very pleased with their choice as labradors are probably my favouite breed of dog. Soon after, I was lucky enough to find a new horse - who is also black!
Me with the two new additions to the family!
Taurus III is a 7 year old Dutch bred gelding. He has been successful at Elementary level, and at just 15.1 with a narrow build, he is the perfect size for me. He has three super paces, but his best pace is probably his floaty trot. He also has an excellent temperament and is laid back and lovely to ride.
Taurus III