The restart that we had all hoped and prayed for had finally come. Given the length of time that had passed since I was last at an Event, I’d be forgiven for thinking that we were starting a new season, but this was 2020 version 2.0. The wait was long and obviously completely necessary, given the global pandemic we all found ourselves living through...
But pulling into the hallowed turf of Barbury Castle, albeit a week later than originally scheduled, was just the tonic I had been hoping for.
Charlotte Alexander & Saphir du Rheu, former Gold Cup runner make light work of the Woodhenge combination during the Intermediate Novice XC course, Barbury July 2020
Whilst many opinions are put into the mix regarding British Eventing, there’s no doubting how hard they worked to get the sport back up and running as soon as it was safe to do so.
The sixteen weekends spent at home since I got soaked at Lincoln Horse Trials back in March, had been rather empty - it turns out I not only need Eventing for top class sport and equestrian action, I need it for my sanity, my mental wellbeing and most of all my soul.
Barbury is always a special venue, the natural amphitheatre carved out of the Wiltshire countryside always delivers an atmospheric competition.
Winners - Tom McEwen & Coilbri de Riverland on their way to winning Intermediate section M, Barbury July 2020
This was a whole new level, spectators were sadly missing, replaced with almost as many hand sanitiser stations. The once private conversations now drifted across the valley for all to hear amongst the silence at times, not that there was many of us there to hear thank goodness. The quieter volume of human activity though made the sky lark chorus all the more sweet.
It may have been different, but actually so many commented about how the new normal was rather refreshing; extra warm up space, riders running to their times and live scoring are things we hope to hang on to going forward.
Georgina Reece & Carrick Diamond Craft gallop across the Wiltshire countryside, Barbury July 2020
Dare I say from a photography point of view, the reduction in people around the event and all riders riding to their allotted time, made my job a little easier than usual in some ways. Although, who knew back in March, that a face mask and hand sanitiser were now a staple of the kit bag.
With reduced numbers allowed on site, It’s very tough on all the people who would usually be enjoying a weekend of Eventing, not least owners and supporters who couldn’t all be there to share in celebrations.
So great to watch Rio Olympics participants Jonty Evans & Cooley Rorkes Drift fly around the hills of Barbury, July 2020
But it’s vital we all stick to the guidelines and ensure that Eventing gets headlines for all the right reasons. Given time and adherence to social distancing, hopefully numbers on site will be increased at some point in the near future.
Alec and the whole Musketeer Events team did an amazing job to get the show on the road - it was all spaced out well, the ground was probably the best I’ve ever seen it at Barbury and all COVId-19 restrictions were all adhered to at all times.
As for me personally, well let’s just say the first few photos after 16 weeks of not much practice, didn’t make the final album of images! But it was a complete pleasure and privilege to be back out again. If anything, oddly I felt an increase in pressure, pressure to ensure I capture the moments that so many couldn’t see, so that they may enjoy them from afar.
Nicky Hill & Galley Proof fly the Tristar to Tokyo combination during the Open Intermediate class, Barbury July 2020
Thankfully now with the Eventing calendar being updated and the international fixtures being clearer, riders and owners can plot a route through this oddest of seasons so that qualifications can still be gained and big plans can still remain on track.
Onwards I headed to Aston, usually a hive of people and ponies, had a much quieter atmosphere but thankfully still a great adherence to the new normal. Extra days of competition ensured ballot numbers were minimised and a great event was had by all.
Oliver Townend & Cooley Rosalent, Aston le Walls 3 Horse Trials, July 2020
My calendar is slowly re-filling after all the cancellations and plans are starting to form. This weekend sees me head to Bicton for the very first time, I am rather excited about this one as there’s quite a few favourites on the entry list.
There’s even a rumour that my favourite pony will be out very soon too!
Stay safe everyone: play your part and stay apart and hopefully see you out soon