Thanks to Athletux, we had numerous guest bloggers bringing us all the action from Galway Downs. Alandra Halem, a former California native, groomed Copycat Chloe for Allison Springer, and it’s been great to have a groom’s perspective in our Galway coverage. Thanks to Alandra for writing, and thank you for reading.
Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe at Richland. Photo by Jenni Autry.
From Alandra:
Things don’t always go as planned. Unfortunately, that’s the way the world works. After a long day of hurry up and wait (one can only take so long setting up the vet box, walking, hand grazing, fussing over the horse, setting out racks, etc.) we finally made it to cross-country time!
Chloe was brilliant most of the way around a tough track. Allison and Chloe had a little bit of a bobble at the second water and then missed the gap going to the next fence. She had to circle before continuing to the sunken road, and while they had a good jump in, they did not have enough canter to jump out. Chloe stopped and Allison popped off and landed on her feet.
It’s difficult for me to be in the vet box and be able to hear the announcing but unable to make out what they are saying. It’s hard to look out and see your rider walking home. But all you can hope for is for horse and rider to come back safe and sound and ready to ride another day. Both Allison and Chloe are totally fine and were disappointed not to be show jumping.
It was great to be able to come back out to California and see all of my horse show family for the week. There are so many wonderful people in the eventing community out here that I miss. Now it’s back to Virginia to see all my ponies and my dog back at home.
