Blenheim Horse Trials dressage got underway in earnest today with a full schedule of for both classes. Unsurprisingly Sandra Auffarth took the lead with the only score of the day to break into the 30’s (37.2).
One of the last to go, Kitty King was understandably disappointed with the judges’ interpretation of her test on Ceylor L A N who seemed to float across the grass arena in his extended trot movements. This horse may not be the prettiest horse out of the tack, but this is no beauty contest and the horse can certainly move well.
Ceylor LAN was a star in his test, he got a little muddled in his changes, but otherwise he was super. A little disappointed with 44.4 & 8th
— Kitty King (@kittyeventing) September 17, 2015
I also really enjoyed watching Oliver Townend on Sandman, a rather striking Dun colour horse.
Over in the CIC*** class Rolex Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell was slotting Majas Hope into the Top 10 at the half-way point on a score of 46.7. Last year’s winner, Jonelle Price, however put in another career defining performance to score 33.4 and now holds a 7pt advantage over 2nd placed Alex Hua Tian.
In every corner of the showground there was something going on. Over by the far end of the cross country course I discovered an amateur team competition underway, and I spent part of the lunch hour eating fresh pizza watching Chris Bartle provide a demo flat lesson, followed by John Pitts. There’s just so much to do and see at Blenheim.
As I finished for the day I caught sight of Lucy Jackson with team mate Jonelle Price both sporting fancy fascinators and munching on crisps (eventers seem to eat their own weight in food everyday and never put on an ounce!). I’d love to know what a ‘titfer’ is?
Dressage concludes on Friday with the final half of the field in both classes. The weather forecast is good for tomorrow and the weekend, if you can make it there you should go. You can find out all you need to know on their website:
See you there!
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