With the start of eventing season comes the start of Who Jumped it Best season, and in fitting fashion, we’re delighted to bring you a second instalment this week – this time from the UK, where the inaugural Thoresby Spring Carnival of Eventing gave us our first four-star of the British season. And what a field came forth: the 106 CCI4*-S starters included Badminton and Kentucky entries, Olympic and European medallists, and some of the country’s finest up-and-coming horses and riders, who battled it out over a twisty and technical track set forth by Stuart Buntine.
One of the questions they had to tackle was the Investec Tables combination at 9AB. Made up of two wide portable tables on a right-handed, curving line set at an approximate five strides, it brought horses and riders into a very atmospheric section of the course. Just by the main arena, and set directly in front of the impressive 19th-century country house at the heart of the estate, the combination required focus and forward planning to get a nice jump through and give horses confidence ahead of the tricky combinations to come. But while it was a serious question that required positive, forward riding, it was largely uninfluential – just one combination opted to retire here.
Our Who Jumped It Best today takes us to the A element of this combination. With a reasonably tight five-stride curving line ahead of them, riders began their turns in the air over this table so they could ensure their horses were focused and looking for the second of the tables. Take a look at the selection of horses and riders we snapped in action, and then scroll down to cast your vote for the best of the bunch!
Joseph Murphy and Cesar V. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Laura Collett and Hester. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Harry Meade and Red Kite. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Heidi Coy and Russal Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Susie Berry and Ringwood LB. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
So now it’s over to you, readers: cast your vote for the pair you think made the most stylish and effective effort over this wide table, and keep an eye on EN’s Instagram for the winner!
Editor’s Note: Apologies for the poll not showing votes counting! The poll has been refreshed as of 3:40 pm ET.
Thoresby Spring Eventing Carnival: [Website] [Live Scoring] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Twitter] [EN’s Instagram]
