It was a really educational couple of days for Belle at Osberton, for her final event of the season in the 6yr old CIC* Championships. We were also aiming for this event with Oli, but sadly he didn't get off the waitlist so he just came for the ride and to get some schooling practice in at a big event.
It was Belle's first international and in the dressage she really took it all in her stride, soaking up the atmosphere of a bigger event. Her test was rhythmical and mistake free, so I was slightly disappointed with our mark of 35, but it was still a respectable score.
In the show-jumping there was a lot for her to take in, with the ring being right in the centre of all the marquees and trade stands, so she did go slightly looky, but did well to just have the 4 faults.
Onto the cross country and again it was a big track with lots to look at. At the start of the course, Belle did go quite green and we had a unfortunate glance off at the corner coming out of the water. However, we put this behind us and she grew in confidence during the second half of the course and came home really well.
Although not the perfect result on paper, I was really pleased with Belle's performance. It will have brought her on heaps and it was a good end to a great 2018 season. I have now turned her out in the field for a well earnt break and am already looking forward to 2019!
