27 March 2026
Well doesn’t this feel like a bit of a full circle moment!
In December I wrote about Maple’s trip to Burrows Court for her first ever show where we ‘hacked’ our way around an Intro. Now, just 14 weeks later, we are back again. But not only is this time an affiliated show, it’s also for both a Prelim and a Novice!
Admittedly, I did enter both HC. She’s been to a few unaffiliateds now, so I mainly just wanted to get a ballpark figure of where we were at without the pressure of it going on her record.
In true show day fashion, of course, the morning had to begin with a few dramas. We’d planned to go in a friend’s lorry which wouldn’t start, but for once I was actually running ahead of time so a quick re- jig and off we went in my trailer.
First impression on arrival? BUSY. From the car park to the warm-up there were people and horses everywhere, which I’ll admit had me feeling uneasy. Not full on nerves, but definitely some apprehension… The unknown is a scary thing, and this was a situation we hadn’t faced yet.
Lo and behold, as ever, she stepped up to the challenge. We did have a few moments of upset in the warming-up, particularly when we were on the outside track and a horse cantered past on the inside. They did nothing wrong at all but Maple’s still a bit claustrophobic and it blew her brain, even so, she recovered really well.
The tests themselves went well, albeit a lot greener than at home. She definitely reverted to being more babyish but I could really feel her try. Despite some wobbly moments, she absolutely smashed it out of the park with 69.52% in the Prelim! Absolutely insane and I couldn’t be happier. The Novice again felt very green and the test itself was hard work on a wobbly baby. But yet again, she tried her heart out and even with quite a few big mistakes we still managed a respectable 64.5%.
I genuinely believe she’s really started to enjoy going to parties. Just watch her little ears in that final salute and you can see how much fun she’s having, which in turn makes it all the more enjoyable.
A few days later and I’m still absolutely buzzing. When we arrived I told my friend all I wanted was a nice day having fun in the sunshine with her and my horse, and that is exactly what I got. Another core memory added to the collection, and I can’t wait to get back out dancing with her again.
So, what’s next you ask? A couple of weeks chipping away at home then off to Hunters for a couple of Prelims and no, not HC this time… Yikes! Gotta be brave! And then? Well, rumour has it that a certain grey might be off to a Premier League towards the end of April… I can’t currently decide if the butterflies are excitement or nerves but either way, it sounds bloody fun.
Love Leah
x
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