Blink and suddenly it’s June, then its July and the sun has finally arrived….
Apologies for the radio silence, the blogs seem to have come to a crocked halt on the centre line (or maybe you have been enjoying the silence?!?)
Life has been rather hectic since the Eventing season finally got started; typical after seemingly waiting through the longest of winters, once the season got going it’s been a whirlwind. Events have come thick and fast, albeit not all the usual venues we are used to, and I have been very lucky to continue to work with some fabulous clients, new and existing along the way.
There’s been heartbreak: usual Spring haunts such as Chatsworth, Badminton and Bramham sadly fell by the wayside for another year.
But through the heartbreak there has been some new arrivals on the scene to shake us all up a bit: Cirencester (OK those wise amongst us will recall this isn’t new, more rejuvenated) and venues such as Aston and Bicton got their chance to offer 4* International competition and stepped into the breach.
There have been some massive highs over the last few weeks – I had the wonderful honour of photographing for the organisers at Bicton, being shortlisted in the World Sports Photography Awards, getting the opportunity to photograph at Hickstead in the Longines Main Arena, alongside new clients and printed work.
Image courtesy: Julian Portch Photography
But with the highs, there have been some challenges too. Challenges that would have knocked the old Hannah for six, and almost did – but thanks to support from some amazing fellow photographers (who quite frankly I am privileged to call friends on the circuit) I pulled myself together, held my head up high and sharpened up. And in an hilarious twist of fate, it’s been the kick up the backside I didn’t know I needed. It’s really been a lesson in how you react to something being more important than the trigger and you being able to shape the outcome.
Rhian Smith & Irene Leva gallop across the yellow fields of Cirencester Park
It may have taken 4 attempts to get us all to Cirencester over the last few months, with COVID trying its best to thwart plans, but the Musketeer team are rarely if never defeated. The Park was just wonderful (despite the hail that had me running for cover in the portaloo), extensive rolling old Parkland turf, beautiful backdrops and a great organising team – here’s to more events being hosted there in the future.
The list of supported riders is growing and I am delighted to be supporting Will Rawlin this season and have been busy making friends with his talented stable of equine stars.
Taking in the scenic Upton Park - Will and Andy Rawlin & VIP Vinnie after completing their dressage test at UBS Upton House Horse Trials, July 2021
It’s been very exciting to continue to support the Event Horse Owners Syndicate (EHOS) – Jack and Megan’s excitement and enthusiasm for making event horse ownership more accessible and affordable is brilliant and it’s been lovely getting to know more and more syndicate members at recent events.
Capturing EHOS Team Member Emily King & Valmy BIats at the first horse inspection at Bicton International Horse Trials supported by Chedington
Image courtesy: Boots and Hooves Photography
I finally made it to Houghton, an event people kept telling me I needed to experience, but clashes in past years have meant this year was my first trip. And I can see why people were quick to praise the venue. A picturesque park, a world class field and some beautiful backdrops delivered some great photo opportunities. And an evening walk along Brancaster beach was a great tonic for the soul.
Georgie Flow & TS Shanghai, Saracen Houghton International Horse Trials, May 2021
I hadn’t realised I had missed crowds so much, until I heard the ‘oohs and ahh’s, grasps and cheers from the small, socially distant crowd at Houghton, surrounding the Barefoot Retreats Water jump at the far end of the course. Whilst it’s been great to have eventing up and running at all and those privileged few who been permitted on course, to hear spectators enjoying the action once again has been magical.
Although one person not so glad I made it to Houghton was poor Jason, who’s image of Victor Burton & Dali Bourgoux I spectacularly ‘photobombed’ - Sorry Jason once again
Image courtesy Jason Clark
It has also been great to meet so many of you that read the blog out and about on course, your support means more than you’ll ever realise and I remain surprised that anyone recognises little old me huffing and puffing whilst running round on xc.
There have been adventures planned but then sadly adventures lost, as personally I couldn’t find a way to get to Luhmuhlen without the mandatory pre-arrival quarantine so that journey did sadly not happen – but I am so delighted that some did manage to make the trip. I may have been jumping up and down in a collecting ring in Yorkshire rather than Germany, but Mollie’s victory was just as sweet.
Bicton – firstly what Helen West and her wonderful team achieved in just 7 weeks at Bicton was unimaginable. We were all treated to a true 3-day event with world class facilities. It felt like Eventing was truly back with a bang. The cross-country course was one of the best tracks I have photographed in a very long time. I haven’t experienced that atmosphere truly since Burghley 2019. I was privileged to be working directly for the Bicton Press team, along with publications and my supported riders. Bicton was a busy one, but as is becoming a bit of a 4* eventing habit, there was just enough time for a walk on the beach on a couple of evenings.
CCI4*L Winners - Nicola Wilson & JL Dublin, Bicton International Horse Trials supported by Chedington, June 2021
What has shone through though, despite the busy schedule, is that I am honoured to work with such amazing Photography talent and I am lucky to call most of them good friends now. Sitting on Exmouth seafront eating fish & chips with great friends, through to being able to call upon advice from the world’s best has been invaluable this season. I say lucky, but if I am truly honest, it’s been a lot of bloody hard work. They say the harder you work the luckier you get and that is certainly true.
And the best thing about Bicton, I got the chance to be reunited with the Special One – Gorgeous Gary came to the Bicton party and many, many polos were dispensed to mark the occasion.
He’s still got it - Cillnabradden Evo & Janine deliver a polished ‘guinea pig’ test at Bicton
I am just planning how on earth I will fit in travelling up to Burgham and following the action up there with watching the action from Tokyo through match-sticked eyelids. But hey I shall not be missing a second of the action from the far east – Team GB are fielding one of the strongest fields ever so we’ll all be on the edge of our seats cheering on the team from home.
Wishing Oliver, Tom, Laura and Ros the very best of luck, safe travels to all the equine stars.
Wishing all of Team GB - Laura Collett, Tom McEwen, Oliver Townend & Ros Canter the best of luck for this weekend’s Olympic Eventing competition
Onwards into the second half of the season we go, the hotel is booked for Bicton 5* and suddenly I am asking riders and owners about their Autumn campaign plans – why does the season fly by so quickly?!?