POYS 2008 – An Experience I will never forget -
and a massive “Thank you to Smokey Joe”

I have had Eric now for nearly two years. Following on from Smokey Joe was always going to be a challenge, and a challenge Eric has proved to be. To be totally honest there have been times when we wondered if we would click and the partnership develop into winning ways. Eric came from a Showjumping family and had done all the big tracks but was really fizzy which was completely different from Smokey.

After a difficult few months trying to get to know each other the breakthrough came at last and we started to build a partnership. I set myself an objective of competing at the bigger premier shows and going to Pony of the Year Show. Last weekend the objective became a reality!!

We travelled to UNEX Towerlands on Thursday morning and the adventure began. I competed over 4 days in the 11 years and under class with the goal being the Grand Prix on Sunday. Apart from competing, there were some fantastic classes to watch with all the International 148cm ponies competing in the JA and Talent Spotters Classes. Dad and I had a fantastic supper each evening in the restaurant overlooking the arena – best of all worlds according to Dad are great food, great jumping and great red wine!!

I had been pleased with the earlier classes and how we had jumped although we were not placed. It is quite daunting going into that huge arena with all those people looking on and applauding. However, on Sunday we had a great preparation for the competition. We brought Eric onto the lorry for breakfast at 7 o’clock in blizzard conditions. We opened the partitions up and left him in there for the morning to chill out. We then had a full cooked breakfast, Dad calls this competition mix and it seems to work. We then played cards, chatted and waited as we were the third class on and not due to jump before 1 o’clock. We wandered over at to the main arena at around 11 o’clock to walk the course. I walked the course twice (Di Lampard who trains me says once is not enough!!). It was really technical and challenging – first fence an oxer off a corner, triple combinations, water trays (which Eric had a paddy at when he walked past it coming into the arena) – you name it Bob Ellis had built it. All fences were full up to 3ft 3 inches.

I then went back to the lorry and got ready, we warmed up for just under an hour – walking loads to get Eric settled. I could hear from the commentator’s comments that the course was proving a challenge with loads of eliminations. I tried to keep focussed and prepare myself and the pony without thinking of what was happening to others. He was really chilled and warmed up perfectly.

Finally I was called to the tunnel, I had to wait as the previous rider fell off at what was proving the bogey fence – fence six - The Triple Combination. Dad’s last words were – “Just enjoy the moment” and with that we were into the arena. The viewing galleries were full and the atmosphere was amazing. I took my time and let Eric have a look at the fences I thought were the spooky ones – Water Tray being the main suspect!. I then took a deep breath and established my canter to the first fence – a growl of encouragement worked wonders and we were on our way. Everything went so quickly, I can remember the applause as we nailed the triple, and then as we approached the water tray I gave him a tap on the shoulder and growled and over we sailed. I was so relieved I almost lost my way!! I had two down but the commentator said that despite the faults I would be in the line up as I was last but one to jump.

As I went out of the arena everyone was applauding and Dad was looking very excited, the final competitor went in and Dad said I was ninth. There were only two clear rounds – 110 had started on Thursday. All of a sudden people were coming up to me and saying how well we had gone – Jes Mendoza’s Mum, The Shearings (Eric’s old owners), Joss Williams (Five Ways Riding Club – Joss was in the JA 148 classes). We were then ordered for the presentation line. In we went, prizes and amazing rosettes (prize money will be sent on later), then the victory lap of honour. All the crowd were on their feet clapping. What an experience!!!!

To be placed at POYS is a fantastic honour; all those difficult days trying to get on with Eric have borne fruit. He is quirky but that makes him special. It seems the bigger the occasion and the bigger the track, the better he performs. What’s more in re-schooling him we discovered he has fantastic paces and we also compete at BD Novice level with some good results. We are now going to compete at the Summer Premier Shows and hopefully go to at least one of the Home Pony International Shows. We are going for the SCOPE qualifiers and we will see how the summer goes with the Showjumping. Over the Easter holidays I have a BYRDS camp in Yorkshire and will be trying my best to get selected for the Northern Region teams. If I can achieve something in dressage as well as showjumping, 2008 will be a year to remember.

Finally a big thank you to Eric for jumping his heart out for me, to my trainers Di Lampard (not only the best but also the nicest) and Jon Bowen (flatwork supremo who works me so hard and never lets me get away with anything), and Mum and Dad for the time they put in and all the encouragement they give me and for bearing up through my frustrations and tantrums! The biggest thank you goes to Smokey Joe who taught me so much and gave me the confidence to go for it! Through all the cheers in the ring I heard a neigh from Pony Heaven saying “Just go for it”.

I will remember my first POYS and enjoyed every moment!

Constance Copestake

25^th March 2008