India and Atiya have had a busy few weeks competing abroad, starting with the youth show at Lampreschtausen, Austria from 18th to 21st May.
After an amazing performance from Atiya and Chesterfield Z at the European Viewing trials, which took place at Chepstow International at the end of April, they were selected to jump on the Children on Horses team (one of six combinations), representing Great Britain in Austria. On the first day they jumped a super clear round gaining a place on the Nations Cup team of only four combinations. Atiya’s other horse, Ego, also jumped a blinding clear in this class to take the win out of over 40 combinations from all around Europe.
India and Billy Colman were also super speedy, narrowly missing out on a win in the first of the Junior classes, coming 2nd. They then continued this form for 4th the next day. India’s other ride Goldenboy also improved massively over this week, gaining some experience in the 1.40m classes.
After a day off jumping for Chester it was time for the Nations Cup. As the first members of the team to jump, the two produced a lovely clear to put Great Britain in a strong position going into the next round, and they ended on a total of 4 faults. In round two Chester jumped another super round to end on an unlucky fence, but with two other team members jumping outstanding clears Great Britain ended in 2nd.
We were then delighted to hear that Atiya and Chesterfield Z had been selected to represent Great Britain again at the Dutch Youngster Festival, Wierden, and India and seven-year-old Billy Colman were also given the opportunity to jump again! This meant that we had to leave for Holland just a week after our return home from Austria. After the drive, the horses soon settled in before jumping started on May 30th. The good form was started yet again by India and Colman coming 7th in the 1.35m Juniors.
The next day Atiya and Chester were also clear and 7th in the 1.25m Children on Horses. On Friday this was then followed by a super double clear (one of only five) in the Nations Cup securing 5th for the Team.
India and Colman also jumped round the 1.35m fast and faultless just missing out on a placing. On the last day they flew around once again, fast enough for a top three finish, but unfortunately just touching the penultimate fence. Atiya and Chester then made their class, the Children On Horses Grand Prix, worth the wait, being one of 7 clears in the first round, out of 45 starters and then claiming 4th with another fence free round!
All in all it has been a very busy, yet successful month and we thank Feedmark for their support in helping to keep the horses happy, well, and healthy with their supplements; helping with the heat, physical exercise and travelling!