With slight overnight rain on both days, the predicted sunshine appeared
throughout the
event to provide a beautiful view over the surrounding countryside. The
significant rainfall
two days before the event, produced fantastic going on the permanent pasture
as warm
sunshine and a slight wind did just enough drying out on this perch of
Cotswold brash soil.
With views over the chocolate box village of Withington, the 463 competitors
were presented
with a beautiful picture of this part of the country in perfect competition
conditions.
DRESSAGE >>
The dressage arenas and warm up area were well presented and the horses
seemed to
take little notice of any disturbance from the cross country course due
to the strategic
placement of the commentary speakers.
SHOW JUMPING >>
Show jumping took place in a large arena on flat ground with an equally
impressive area
devoted to warming up for this element of the competition. Dave Brockett's
courses were
up to height but fair and made full use of the large arena. They proved
to be influencial in
the final placings.
CROSS COUNTRY >>
All three cross country courses rode well with no significant injuries
to either horses or riders.
Hugh Thomas' design with Andrew Hunter's build quality and presentation
skills, produced
up-to-height tests that were visually attractive to which the competitors
and their horses responded.
Bold horses ridden in an attacking but controlled style were rewarded
with good results.
Spectators were spoilt with views of at least seven obstacles on each
of the courses from
the strategically positioned viewing point where rustic benches had been
provided for the
general public to enjoy the activities of the day.
One competitor was kind enough to say: The course is
always fantastic, but even more
fun to ride this year, and the ground is always amazing. The show jumping
and dressage
arenas were also really good”. "What a weekend", said
another, "well done to you and your
magnificent team and thank you for such a superb, high standard event”.
One of the many
volunteers said: “My daughter and I would like to thank you for
the way you looked after us
at the horse trials on Sunday. I have been helping at events for a number
of years and have
never received such wonderful treatment. We had a lovely day, everyone
we met was friendly
and helpful and the weather was the icing on the cake.” Even British
Eventing, the affiliated body
that runs horse trials throughout the country commented that “this
is one of the best organised events”.
