It’s the European Championships at Blenheim for the 4*Long and to say that the 4*Short * 8 & 9 year olds has been somewhat sidelined is an understatement. No main arena dressage the year, just a spot in the early/late part of the cross country on a bit of a rise with what looks like a last minute addition of a small set of seating some 6 deep placed just behind A which, as Tim said, does nothing but spook the horses as they are about to go in.
Garcon (Tibo) was Tim’s first ride on Thursday morning and he doesn’t really care about crowds, he has as much self esteem as President Trump. He is also equally as self confident, he definitely thinks he could pull Stormy Daniels for sure. Whilst he looks like ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ he’s also a cheeky brat who doesn’t leave the stable without a chain lead at Blenheim!
Tibo did a great test for his age and stage, he made just the one mistake in the first flying change and, being Tibo, made it a drama for the entire movement but nailed the rest and scored 34.2 which was pretty fair. Tibo came out thinking he had scorched it, accepted Rosie’s apple ( he won’t eat polos) and contemplated his next sharp move.
Friday dawned bright and sunny and Gloire de Marchenval (Louis) was first down the centre line. Also known as perfect Pete he is a very different personality to Tibo, think more National Treasure and he did a sweet and obliging test for eventual 7th spot on a 28.3. He also made an error in the first change but it was an otherwise solid test for the good guy.
Last to go in beautiful sunshine was The Highlander (Ivar) who bucked the Team Price trend by nailing the first change for a 9 and a 7 but scored two 4’s for the second which was his only mistake. Despite his name he is German through and through and they do tend to be smart on the flat…they did, after all, slam dunk it at the goose step. Ivar sits in 5th on 26.3 and its a long day of showjumping tomorrow whilst the European nations battle it out on the cross country.
No live stream available until Sunday’s cross country when Horse and Country TV give it a go so we will keep you posted with the tales of tomorrow right here.
