Here’s my debrief on Houghton International

/in , /by

I was so pleased with my four horses at Houghton International. Kaapachino, the most experienced of my horses,  was back to his consistent best and the other three once again showed their world class potential. I couldn’t be more happy.

Talking Point was awesome. Despite heading into the dressage arena during the most torrential downpour, he held it together really well to perform the best test he has ever done.

Cross country he was brilliant. It’s the first time I have really pushed him and he made it feel so easy. He has such a big engine and just cruised all the way.  He finished the day with a clear showjumping to give us fourth place in the CCI2*.

Cleveland was the first to go in the CCI2* dressage and did a really classy test. Although you could argue that had he gone later he would possible have benefitted in the marking, his flat work is exceptional and I was pleased. Across country we had a glance off at an arrow head which was also part of the 3* course but when I represented him, he locked on and jumped it beautifully before jumping clear showjumping. He’s a top level horse for the future and at only eight years old, he will have come on leaps and bounds from his Houghton experience.

Amsterdam was incredible in the CIC3*. His dressage is improving all the time. We’re focusing on establishing very firm foundations so while his test was very accurate, I didn’t at this stage ask for any power which will come later. He then jumped a beautiful double clear giving me an incredible spin across country. His next competition is Luhmuhlen CIC3*.

Kaapachino loved every single second of his cross country in the CIC3* and gave me such a great ride around. He was so happy he felt awesome. He was a little tense in his dressage and had a fence down showjumping, and another pole too which was really unlucky but not his fault at all. He’s such a champion.

I will be taking some of my younger horses to Ascott under Wychwood on June 6 and Berkshire College on June 13, and then, on Monday, June 15, leave for Luhmuhlen with Kaapachino and Amsterdam.

Best Wishes,

Jesse