17th August 2014, Mottram Show, Show Jumping 90cm Class & Jump Off Placed 3rd (2nd without the cheat!) The ground was really cut up by this time and previous rounds hadnt been able to do a lap of honour due to the poor state of the ground. This was disconcerting for Courtney, especially at what was now the highest class in the competition. Regardless, brave as she is, she took on the course and it was an excellent round with Polo just grazing the last fence which gave the pair an unfortunate 4 faults. There was only ONE horse that went clear which meant all those with 4 faults entered the jump off for the remaining places The power to the Judges cabin went down during the event and riders had no bell etc. This, I imagine, caused some confusion and lack of attention in the Judges box The jump off numbers were called out and included one rider who had 8 faults. I pointed this out to the course Official and he replied, Take it up with the Judges but I wasnt about to go that far. Instead I approached the rider and put it to him that he had 8 faults and he replied, with a sheepish grin, Possibly. I replied that it wasnt very sporting of him but left it at that. Ultimately it appears that the Judges concentration was lacking because of the power failure and the 8 falter benefitted. Personally I would always prefer to be placed on merit but obviously not every one is of the same mind! Having ridden the ever more difficult ground a few times Courtney was now assessing it well and she did an excellent Jump Off! She pushed on where she could and did a turn that I would have considered especially tight given her experience and the conditions but it paid off and she went clear in the jump off. The Cheat also went clear with a slightly faster time as he was older and more experienced but shame on him for cheating. I was very proud of Courtney & Polo to obtain a 3rd with considerable competition and difficult conditions. As ever they both gave it their all! It is worth remembering that these classes are all Seniors and Courtney is only just 14 and, although she rides a horse, she is not a Senior herself but has to compete in that class! WELL DONE Courtney & Polo :-)) youtu.be/0HSKbJVo6mk
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 22:50:21 +0000
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