No problems at the jog this morning for any of the 5 star horses which is always nice to see on the score board. As the only rider with 2 horses Jonelle found herself pathfinder again, this time at the showjumping with Capitaine de Hus Z (Alvin) who was jumping out of order.
It’s an atmospheric showjumping arena at Luhmuhulen with a packed crowd and lots of movement in the hospitality area. They build big, bold and technical and it is always a phase that changes the leaderboard.
No one had told Alvin that though and he jumped his socks off for a fabulous clear, just adding 0.8 of time for 2 seconds over. Not many horses did get the time but one of those who did do just that was Grappa Nera (Grape). Grape also jumped the treble like a pro which is sometimes her nemesis but unfortunately she did catch some other fences for a total of 16 which is not her usual style of finishing a three day event for sure.
Jonelle still came home with 4th and 8th which is a great result at 5 star level and all credit to Rosie as it’s a long hot week with 2 ponies in Luhmuhlen. And as Jonelle had hoped at the beginning of the week she does have ” a newly minted 5 star horse” in the shape of Alvin who, it has to be said, absolutely smashed it at his first start at the level with a 4th spot and a double clear.
Welcome to the 5 star club Alvin.
Jarillo (Milo) ticked off his 5 star winners club position at the end of last year in Pau and his showjumping is generally one of his highlights. I’m sure Tim will be relieved to see Luhmuhlen in the rear view mirror this year as today Milo had 2 rails which is absolutely a first for him at any international. Not take away from his performance however is that he still finished 9th and top 10 at such a hot 4*S is still a result to be proud of. It’s a measure of how tough the stadium was today that even with 8 faults he still only dropped three places and there are many big days to come for this chap, there is no doubt of that.
