I went to the area showjumping at flitteris, oakham yesterday (8th aug 09). Robbie kindly let me go in his lorry with lisa as my parents were working.
We got there at about 9 o, clock but my first round didn't start till 11.15.
The first round was in a large grass arena with lots of spaces between the jumps (Great! lots of space for ted to get excited.)
Nikki was in the collecting ring warming us all up and telling us the tactics.
The bell rang and ted knew what was coming he came into the first jump in a nice rhythm and popped them all nicely and over the dreaded planks at the last and he was clear! I was quite surprised as i didn't think the course was suited to him. The team did fantastic... George Andrew, Bethany Fitt, Jake Webb and me Charlie Parkin. Everyone went clear so we finished that round on a score of 0! and were one of the only teams to do this.
The second round was in a different arena and there were much more scary jumps in there for example a white skinny with a flowery filler and a a thin pole. (Thin pole and shallow cups, again great! for ted, not). This round was higher, 95cm but some of them looked alot bigger! The team had a bit of bad luck in the second round but jake only had 4 faults which was really good.
Ted went into the arena half asleep so i had to give him a tickle with my stick which is not what usually happens he is usually pulling my arms out of socket!!!
He got a bit close to the second jump but really picked his feet up to help me. Every fence that i got a bit close to i shouted 'Hup!' which made everyone laugh. but it works! Ted tried really hard for me and went clear that meant i had gone double clear and was through to the jump off i was so pleased with him and he got a massive hug and a apple! (His lip was going, probably saying "This isnt bad i will have to do this more often, all this attention!)
The jump off was at 5.30 considering that we got up at 6am and had already done 2 testing rounds we were both shattered!
Again Nikki helped me warm up, i was the only Burghley in the Jump off in the novice class which is quite a achievement. I was 4th to go so could only watch a couple but they either went to fast and had some down or did a slow clear. My advice was to go clear and put in some tight turns so that is what i did Ted did everything i aked him to turning tight to the double and doing a massive jump over the grey castle! We went clear but were not quite fast enough but i am so pleased with ted 3 clear rounds and not knocking a pole all day!
In the end we came 16th out of about 160 people some on horses which is not bad going!
 
A big thank to the Cottersmore for running a great event, to Nikki Herbert for warming us all up, for Rosie for organising the training sessions throughout the year and being a great team manager and to Robbie and Jane for letting me come in their lorry for the day and being a great support.
 
Charlie Parkin and Teddy