my first Intermediate event...

So far this year I have taken my event horse (Louis) to many different locations to compete in British Eventing Novice classes and successfully competed at two one stars. Today was a momentous moment, as I rode round my first Intermediate track, which is significantly bigger than novice.
It took us an hour and a half to get to Salperton Horse Trials, and I spent the entire journey wishing the rain would stop by the time we arrived. My wish was granted and the rain held off while I was competing!

The Intermediate dressage test consisted of simple changes, shoulder in, medium trots and canter, rein back and lots of ten meter circles. The arenas were on very good level ground, which allowed the movements to be executed with impulsion and accuracy, resulting in a great score of 26.8!

Unfortunately the next phase, the show jumping, didn't go to plan.... we picked up a cricket score round the tricky course which caught out many riders. Although I was a bit gutted, the cross country was next and I firmly focused my mind on getting round.

The course was set on rolling parkland, there were many up to height tables, hedges, gates and walls to jump, but also technical combinations such as a double of narrow brush corners down hill. The jumps were all beautifully dressed with flowers and there was even a carved wooden turtle jump before the water.
Louis had a great run around the course and finished clear.

It was a great feeling to successfully complete the cross country and I certainly got a buzz galloping round!