I can’t say enough good things about the organisers, volunteers and everyone who helps make the Horse Trials here at The Fork happen. Without fail,every one I speak to remarks on how helpful and polite all the event staff and volunteers are, and it’s absolutely true. The two dressage stewards face their second very long day tomorrow sitting on the edge of a dusty arena in baking sun with no shade, and they told me how privileged they felt to have been able to watch such fantastic riding all day. One of them told me in hushed, awed tones about watching Bruce Davidson teaching, and that she was over the moon! So thank you, Bruce, but especially thank you to all the volunteers, and the hardworking organisation that make the Fork Horse Trials possible.
This is what wins medals – attention to detail, amongst other things!
The O Connor shed row -like all the O Connor horses, immaculately turned out, beautifully presented, and a credit to the whole team, but especially Max Corcoran who runs a tight ship.
Congratulations also on their new puppy, who as Karen explained to me, has an impeccable eventing pedigree, being the product of her’s and Will Faudree’s dog, Beckett. Unfortunately Leo demonstrated his very lowly breeding at this point by peeing on her hay, and I was too mortified to take a picture of the puppy, and instead beat a hasty retreat. Apologies, and perhaps tomorrow.
Rebecca Howard & the lovely Riddle Master. I wondered if they had the same problem that Hawley encountered last weekend at Galway, competing at/so close to home, but they looked pretty good working on the flat this afternoon.
Alison Springer on Arthur right before their test
WIll Coleman on Twizzel (just seen!)
Hannah Burnett had both CMP and David O Connor coaching her this weekend. CMP helped her yesterday afternoon, but David helps her more regularly as she’s based with the O Connor Event team. She’s been kind enough to write for EN, and mentioned it briefly this morning, but I thought it was an interesting dynamic. Both men wanted to speak to her as soon as she finished her test, but David O Connor was the gentleman and stood back. David also spent much longer with her,going over the test. I saw him do the same with Jessie Phoenix after her test; he’s very good at balancing the fine line between coach and friend, and also in getting the best out of his riders without unnecessarily drilling them.
Everything else is now going to have to wait until tomorrow as it’s far too late for me to be sitting in the barn, no matter how lavish. Thanks for reading, good night, and go eventing!
