Conor and Shamrock were placed 12th out of 48 in their first Category C Showhunter class, 21st out of 51 in the third and we werent in the callback for the first 10 placings for the Title Class although they went clear, despite Conor dropping a stirrup before the first jump and riding the whole course with only one stirrup.
The jumps in the title class were set out well, we especially liked how the first jump of a combination was set at 80cm and the following at 90cm- it resulted in an inviting and rideable course. I watched the first ten riders jump their rounds and thought there must have been something spooky set in the first jump cos so many ponies, rubbed it, slid into it or took the rail- but on inspection it was like so many other jumps we have jumped this season. Perhaps it was rider nerves. Anyway Conor and Shammy went clear over the course- no rubs, chips or rails.
Its encouraging to think of the huge progress they have made together when we last came down to Hastings in September 2009 for their first attempt at ESNZ registered Showhunter 6 shows before.
Saddlehunter
We chose the rising star Saddlehunter classes just to do something a bit different on a day when we had no Showhunter to ride. Conor enjoyed the class, there were 14 kids cantering around like a mini charge of the light brigade. Shammy showed off her calmness by not being worried about a thing and I think she even enjoyed herself!!
After the first class Conor was able to watch the video of it and he made many adjustments to his style that made him a real contender for the callback of six cos the judge had a really good look at him. The photo above is him waiting to go into the ring for his Saddlehunter class.