Ben Berrill and Ready Eddie Go represented the branch in the Area Showjumping Competition. They successfully qualified for the National Novice Championships held in Cheshire. This is Ben’s report of his experience competing in his first national competition.
The Pony Club Novice Championships 2012
The Pony Club Novice Championships at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire, was the highlight of the year for Eddie and me. After the surprise that I had qualified for this, from what I thought was just an everyday show, came the seven hour journey with broken down vehicles blocking the route all the way to Cheshire! However we arrived safely in our horsebox, after hours of listening to music and eating Haribos. Eddie came readily out of the horse box into the driving rain! We walked up and down rows and rows of stables hunting for his (no.219). Unfortunately when we found it, it was already occupied by another horse! So after what seemed like hours of talking to stewards, Eddie was finally inside a little stable. with a green roof and a straw bed. ( and a grass underbed, which he thoroughly enjoyed!)
The next day was championship day. After a full English breakfast, we all felt ready to go! The ground was slippy from the downpour the night before, but we managed to dodge the rain on the day and actually got some sun! Eddie was living up to his name (Ready Eddie Go) and was very up for it, as far as speed was concerned!
We flew round the first nine jumps but then came the last jump. One more clean jump was all we needed. However it was not to be, as Eddie brushed the front rail as he flew over, putting four points on our score. Gone were our championship hopes.
After two hours of boredom, the second round came forward. Eddie, again, was pushing the pace and this again, was our downfall. He flattened round the course and every time I came off my seat, it was like the accelerator being slammed down. Two poles fell at the end of it; however it had been the most amazing experience that I will never forget.
Ben and Ready Eddie Go
We are justifiably proud of them!
Mike