And the Eventing season is back with a bang. Suddenly March has been and gone, April is striding on and the excitement is building for Badminton.
March began with a trip to Lincolnshire for my favourite season opener at Oasby. The team at Bede Events always build a great course and the riders touch wood all come like bees to the honey pot. Sure enough Friday’s Intermediate classes did not disappoint and the country’s equestrian press all descended for a great day’s sport.
It was also my first chance of the season to catch up with photographer friends, my favourite eventing canine friend in Bella the Schnauzer along with her human companions Lorraine and Vera.
Sadly mother nature saw us all having too much fun so the heavens opened Saturday evening which meant we all got a lie-in on Sunday, with that day’s competition abandoned due to water logging - a sad but unexpected March regular.
Cillnabradden Evo & Oliver Townend, Oasby 1
At the end of the month I headed to Gatcombe, for what is now known as the last spring event to be held on the Gatcombe estate. I love this event, always so well run, great courses which always translates into great entries.
Here my favourite eventing equine hero Gary did not disappointed and posted a foot perfect round to win his OI section for his adoring owner Sally-Anne Egginton.
Lots of wonderful comments on the Gatcombe photos for Eventing Worldwide were gratefully received and then the bandwagon rolled on to Belton.
Belton never does disappoint, it is billed as ‘what Queens is to Wimbledon, Belton is to Badminton’ and that analogy ran true once again, with top horse and rider combinations out in force. The warming spring sun (a near Belton first!) shone and a fabulous time was had. Even managed to squeeze in some fence judging and witnessing the remarkable return of Jonty and Art.
What a treat to witness - Jonty and Art share a moment during their appearance in the main arena at Belton
A quieter April was in store, but alas plans are there to be ignored and changed spontaneously so off we ventured to Weston Park last weekend. Having had my quota of spring sunshine at Belton, I missed the sunshine of Saturday, but instead was treated to Gorgeous Gary posting an 18.9 in the Advanced class, that test was definitely worth the early start that day.
I am heading to Withington at the end of the month for my first visit to this much complemented course so keep an eye out for those photos on the website and Facebook pages.
On writing this the postman has just been and delivered the most exciting of envelopes. To everyone else I am sure it just looks like a normal white A4, if a little crinkled by Royal Mail. But to me it was the culmination of a lot of hard work, 1,000s of photos and a sprinkling of courage. My Badminton press accreditation has landed - we are heading off to hallowed turf of Badminton in 3 weeks and I am so flippin’ excited I could burst, not to mention proud that after three years when I attended as part of my H&H winners prize I am back there as a commissioned photographer.
A big thank you to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me to keep going.
See you at Badminton.