Nina saved her best horse until last perhaps, or maybe it was a case of practice makes perfect – Butt’s Leon, her third ride this morning went beautifully for her to take a commanding lead in the CIC*** here at Poplar Place with a score of 46.5. NIna rode him for every mark, and looked as cool as a cucumber so it was even more surprising and impressive in hindsight when he completely lost it outside the arena, shying vigorously at something ‘invisible’, scattering spectators,but Nina merely smiled and remarked that was her excitement for the day. Probably not, as she now heads out to the cross country on all three of them!
Ronald Zabala-Goetschel can’t have had the ex Oliver Townend ride Wise Equestrian Master Rose long, but they look like a nice pair already, and this was borne out in their score of 53.7, good enough for 2nd place. Master Rose looks happy and relaxed, and Ronald not only looked immaculate but is also riding better than ever, and seems to be leaving nothing on the table in his bid to ride at the London Olympics this year.
Tipperary Liadhnan looked very strong and fit today, and Nina seemed to really be asking more from him, daring him a bit with varying degrees of success. The judges must have liked it because she sits in 3rd place on 54.6. The organisation here at Poplar is fantastic, everything is running to time, the office couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful, and the sun is even shining too – Full marks (!) and Full report on dressage, cross country and my chat with TD, and International XC Course Designer Eric Winter later – go eventing!
