Hickstead Speed Derby
As I sit in the lorry on the way home reflecting on a cracking 5 days at Hickstead, I cannot believe my achievement!!
I was asked a list of questions more than once this week ...
1. Have I ever competed at Hickstead before ... no!
2. Have I ever even walked in that main ring at all ... no!
3. Have I ever jumped a 4 star international show ... no!
And to top it off have I ever jumped double clear above 1.35m ... no!!
So my entry into the Hickstead Speed Derby as an amateur in the field seemed a little off the hoof but I had a dream and I've got a bucket list that needs to be ticked off. So this year seemed as good as ever to give it a go and see if I had what it takes to compete with the best.
My preparation was awful, nothing went to plan ... Zarina had vital time off, I got injured and our run up to the show consisted of 4 weeks fitness work, 1 show jumping competition in a 1.15m and a 1.20m and a spin around a xc course!
Thursday the aim of the game was to qualify and so that was job done jumping a relatively steady round with 2 fences down.
Yesterdays plan was to enjoy it, have fun and get through the finish line!! Whatever happened in between would be a learning curve. I had 100% trust that zarina would be bold and confident but we'd see where we were at and find our feet on the way round. Harriet Nuttall your course walking advice was top notch and I cant thank you enough for putting me at ease and warming me up!!
I loved every minute of flying round that course, zarina never put a foot wrong, helped me out when we saw a flyer and was as careful as a cat over everything! Her confidence grew and we even picked up the pace towards the finish line.
Crossing that finish line having jumped a clear round in our first ever Hickstead Speed Derby was a feeling I definitely wont forget. I owe everything to zarina for the places shes taken me and the effort she puts in to getting us around whatever I throw her at!! Shes certainly one in a million!!
Thankyou to everyone that sent me well wishes and supported me along the way, it means a lot to know we have such a fabulous team of people behind us.
Clare Louise and Tom Napier thanks to coming up and supporting me. I know you've been there since the start of this partnership
Debi Heath French and David Heath French you never tire of supporting me and giving me the most fantastic opportunities through Forces Equine
Sandra Lee aka mum and dad you've been there through the good times and the bad so here's to making you proud! Likewise Bob Goodland thanks for keeping me smiling and not worrying about the little things!
To the companies that support me on my journey. Voltaire Design United Kingdom it was fab to catch up with you all and get my new saddle checked. Botanica International Ltd Instagram you were so generous with all your goodies you've packed me home with, the horses will love it and so will I!
Bed-Down Horse Bedding you've ensured zarina the best rest and relaxation on your super bedding
Equine Products UK and in particular Equine Products UK (South West)
Sports HAI your makeup came in super handy to make me look fabulous for interviews and stay in place through my tears of joy
And to the rest of you that I havent mentioned you're all awesome and thanks for having faith in the flying copper from Dorset Police!!!
Next year we'll be back and we'll be going faster!! We want a podium place!!