After a much needed break over the winter, it was all go in January bringing the horses back into work. With them all settled into their new yard, I spent the next 6 weeks getting them fit again ready for this season, and they were certainly feeling good.
I also have a new competition/sales livery in, his name is Lightining and he is a 2007 Gelding by Clarimo / Cor de La Bryere. He arrived at the beginning of March and he is one gorgeous boy – and doesn’t he know it!
New sales livery, Lightining.
I started the season off by just doing a couple shows at Bicton and Colraine, including the Easter Extravaganza having some great double clears, a win and a 2nd place on all three horses. Although they were all feeling fresh, it didn’t take them long to settle back into show life.
Last weekend I took all 3 horses to Chepstow International 5 day show. Figi jumped the CSI1*Young Horse classes which was 1.10m which was a step up for her, only jumping discovery usually she certainly stepped up well! On the first three days of the show she was double clear = 1st place each day qualifying for the 5yo Grand Prix 1.20m on the last day. As she had only stepped up to 1.10m on the first day, I was very open minded and didn’t expect too much from her. She jumped so well and showed me she has all the potential to be a very good horse. Considering I did everything with Figi to get her to her first show, this was so rewarding and I feel like we have come so far together. Makes me even more excited for her future!
Figi
Ed jumped the CSI1* Silver Tour 1.20m and jumped some super rounds each day also qualifying for the 1* Grand Prix, I decided not to jump him in this as he felt a little tired on the last day and I wanted to save him for another show. He is feeling more confident and speedy than ever, I have done a lot of work on his flat work and it shows in his performance in the ring hugely. Lightining also jumped the CSI1* Silver Tour and considering I only jumped him at a few shows before this, I had some good results. He was double clear and 5th qualifying for the Silver Tour Grand Prix on the last day which I jumped him in. They definitely built the Grand Prix up to height and it was a big ask, but I was really pleased with how he went as he did feel a little tired. A 5 day show is a long show for any horse, so all of my horses did me proud and were superstars all weekend and now enjoying a couple easy days in the field.
Ed
Leading up to a big show, my amazing sponsors, Griggs, make everything a lot easier for me. Being able to get all my feed, bedding, supplements and equipment in one place makes preparing for a show as easy as pie. One of the most important things for me to take to shows are my feed supplements. I use Propell and NAF Recover amongst other thigs like Superflex and Electrolytes. I believe all of these help my horses perform to the best of their ability and Griggs have a great range of feed supplements and much more. Visit their website www.magrigg.co.uk to view their great range of products.
My next big show is Bicton 5 day show at the end of May with probably a few shows and a lot of training in between. Will keep you posted on the rest of the season, fingers crossed.
*Regular updates on Facebook Elle McCoan Showjumper and Instagram @elsmccoan
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