Sam Griffiths celebrates at The Outside Chance. Photo via EN Instagram.
Jersey Fresh International and Badminton wrapped up today, with surprising finishes from both sides of the Atlantic. This year will certainly go down in history as the toughest Badminton course in many years, and while Sam Griffiths is certainly spending his time celebrating with his lovely mare, there are still many broken hearts after the weekend. Jersey was not without it’s drama either, with many pairs falling prey to the cross country on Saturday in a variety of ways. Those who triumphed at either event can go home happy, knowing that their horses are truly Event horses to the final degree.
Ludwig Svennerstal had a weekend of ups and downs, moving up from 55th place after dressage into 8th overall with Alexander. He was having a cracking round with King Bob (Bob The Cob) until he suffered a technical elimination on cross country, but was pleased nonetheless.
Thanks everyone for the amazing support and pics! Massive credit to my fab team for such a good job! #MMBHT pic.twitter.com/yzQqQf9GVx
— Ludwig Svennerstal (@svennerstal) May 10, 2014
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We all saw Mary King’s epic save at the Outlander Bank, but the second best save certainly went to Tom McEwan, when he didn’t come un-stuck during a very hairy moment with Diesel. They went on to complete, and the horse trotted up great this morning, finishing in 31st place! Check out the whole sequence HERE, courtesy of Nico Morgan Photography.
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Crowd favorite Lynn Symansky suffered her first ever fall off the great Donner in the Jersey water complex in the CIC3*, this weekend, but luckily she has no major injuries. Just got trampled on a bit!
“No better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon than with your mom at the hospital. Mom getting to practice her mothering skills on Mother’s Day….doesn’t matter how many years pass they always remember how to be a mom.”
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Lillian Heard also had a tumble at Jersey Fresh, riding FYI in the CCI2*. In true eventer form, she’s found the positive in her injuries. You aren’t really an eventer until you break your collarbone!
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Buck gave his mom a great Mother’s Day present, winning the CCI3* on Copper Beech, turning in a wonderful double clear over a tough show jumping course.
Buck and his mother, Carol, celebrating Copper Beech’s win. Photo by Sally Spickard.
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However, Kyle Carter, who’s been having fun on Twitter all weekend, thinks that he might have given the better gift to his mom.
Buck won jersey cci for his mom, mine gets a tweet who’s a lucky mom? You be the judge. And Buck doesn’t care if you think he’s a better son
— Kyle & Jen Carter (@CarterEventing) May 11, 2014
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One of the best stories of the weekend has got to be Harry Meade’s third place finish at Badminton. He recovered from a terrible rotational fall less than six months ago, where he shattered both of his elbows. We never knew if he would be able to ride properly again, but he sure showed everyone this weekend!
This was @harry_meade less than 6 months ago #MMBHTpic.twitter.com/rxyIrHfWAq
— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) May 10, 2014
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Now that it’s all over, we can safely assume that Jenni and Sally will be sleeping for at least two days straight, as will most of the riders. Here’s to another successful round of three day competitions!
