Hawley and her team move east – temporarily

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Hawley Bennett-Awad and Ginny put a massive commute behind them to perform a solid test in the Advanced at Poplar Place.

While Hawley was busy competing, in the rain and snow at Three Day Ranch in California, her two girls Natalia Gurmankin and Tessa Beckett, along with Tessa’s mum, had already begun the three day event drive from their West Coast base to Poplar Place here in Georgia. 
Natalia and Tessa each rode in the Advanced, and all three were ridiculously upbeat, fun and good natured considering the circumstances – that bloomin’ California groove! I caught up with Hawley and Natalia in between one of Hawley’s dressage tests.

Natalia imported Hail from New Zealand in 2008, “I adore him, love love love him” where he’d evented up to intermediate level with his previous owner. Before that he raced for seven years, starting some 50 times and earning almost $2million NZ.  Hawley wanted to make sure I stress how amazing both these girls are, and how she couldn’t function without them, and they really are – not just because one after another each horse appeared from the mucky, flooded stables looking immaculate and shiny, but especially because they are so positive and such fun to be around. The thought of the drive still boggles my mind, so I asked Tessa for some more details.
Tessa’s horse Sound Prospect also raced but for not nearly as long or as successfully as Hail, but definitely seems to have found his calling now, as both girls were sitting in 4th and 5th places overnight after dressage.  Although they didn’t like to talk about it, the only time they really got quiet (!) they’ll hopefully both compete at Jersey Fresh before heading back home to California. Wishing them a very happy and successful Spring campaign, and looking forward to spending more time with them at events in the meantime.  Thank you to Hawley, Natalia and Tessa for their time, and injection of good humour, and thank you for reading. Go Eventing! 

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