Wrapping up the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials

Victory Gallop: Lauren Kieffer and Veronica celebrate their 7th place and Best Mare Prize at Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* 2015. Photo by Samantha Clark.

By the time you read this both both Lauren and Caroline will either be well on their way back to the U.S, or may even have landed and might well be riding — Lauren had lessons booked with Jacquie Brooks on Monday afternoon! Veronica will be enjoying a well-earned holiday at Casa Montgomery with Clark and Jess, and Quantum Solace will be turned out for a vacation as soon as he arrives stateside and clears quarantine towards the end of the week.

Caroline was kind enough to stop and chat after her show jumping and before we went down to get ready to watch Lauren jump, and we’ve now been able to upload that video here. Do take the time to watch it;  if you were in any doubt about what an impressive young woman Caroline is before this weekend then her all round performance here, on and off the horse,  should have shattered that into smithereens — this girl is the real deal.

Likewise Lauren Kieffer. It was a real pleasure and a privilege to be able to work with both of them and their teams this weekend, and I was sad to see them go last night. Wishing them safe travels back to the U.S., and for Lauren a successful competition at the Pan American Games, while I’m looking forward to watching Caroline go for gold again at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park soon.

Flora Harris jump clear to win the 2015 Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3*. Photo by Samantha Clark.

How exciting for Team GB to see so many emerging young stars jump into the limelight this weekend. Flora Harris has a real gem in Bayano; she traveled to five countries before finding him in Holland as a five year old — “I’m incredibly picky” — and he started eventing as a six year old with her and now three years later, discounting Tattersalls, has won his first CCI3* at 9 years old.

Kitty King and Persimmon who didn’t put a foot wrong all weekend to finish 2nd in the CCI3*. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Many thanks again to all the riders for their generosity with their time, to the fantastic press office at Bramham — hands down the best — and again to all the grooms, supporters, volunteers and everyone behind the scenes and thank you for reading. It’s been another brilliant Bramham — why can’t I quit you?!  See you next year — Go Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials and Go Eventing!

Bramham: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark, Twitter, Instagram