Stepping up a level in dressage can be a challenge, in her latest blog Lara Edwards tells us how she is finding her feet at Grand Prix level and how competing during winter is not much fun. Read on to find out more…

 

  Getting to Grips with Grand Prix

 

Following a trip to Arena UK High Profile Show with Florence (James Boulton’s horse) and Felix, I have asked Paul to remind me never to go to a big show in winter again, as it was so cold.

 

On the first day Felix and I competed in the Grand Prix and although I am still waiting to do a clear round at Grand Prix level, I was really pleased with how he coped with all the Christmas trees and tinsel having not been able to get there in time for the arena walk.

 

However, I was disappointed in myself having gone wrong, not once, but twice taking 6% off our score. Unfortunately, we weren’t going to challenge anyone with what I would call a disaster but I was still pleased with him and that’s all that matters.

 

I am still really new to riding at Grand Prix level, having only ridden only a few in my life. Being a perfectionist, it really annoys me that it is never the same thing that goes wrong but it’s just little mistakes in lots of things that are so expensive, not to mention going wrong!

Although I don’t feel nervous at the time, once I get into the arena I am so desperate to do well that I over ride and then create the mistakes.  We all have to start somewhere and I’m sure in another year’s time I will look back and wonder what all the stress was about.

I am pleased to say the following day I managed to remember the Grand Prix Special and although I still made lots of little mistakes we were just short of 68% which put Felix and I in second place. 

Florence, as always, was consistent over the two days with plus 66% tests at small tour level. She felt really confident which was pleasing considering it was her first time competing for a while. 

Unfortunately, we had to pack up and head home quickly on the Wednesday morning as Mum had an accident at my sisters overnight and was on her way to A&E. There was no way I could concentrate on riding the freestyles knowing Mum needed me.

I am pleased to say after a short stay in hospital and an excellent doctor from Roxton Practice she is just about back on her feet. At the time it really worried both me and my sister and makes you realise that your parents won’t be around for ever and you should never take them for granted.

Dad always played such a big part in the higher end competitions and being in the lorry sometimes feels like it’s the only part of him I have left. When I first got to Arena UK I had a bit of a wobble but I know he would want me to carry on and keep achieving my dreams.

Back on the yard we have weaned the foals and the foal we bought from the Van Olst Auction has also arrived. We have named her Pearl who is by Kjento x Ferro. I am really excited for my two Kjento and one Valverde colt and can’t wait for them to start their training in three years’ time when they are all under saddle.

Annabelle and Emily love having Mummy’s horses at home as hacking is so much more fun now they can do it with me on horseback. The ponies took a bit of a back seat before Christmas with a packed schedule at school but they are now back riding regularly.

I am so pleased to have Rhett Bird back training all my horses every month at home. This has made such a big difference to the horses and my own mind coaching as it’s always hard not having those eyes on the ground to keep on top of little bad habits that can creep in. I am very happy to have Mr OCD back in charge of my rides!

In other exciting news, a new owner has joined Lara Edwards Dressage. Lauren Ball and her rising four-year-old mare, Ziska who is by the super exciting Franz Ferdinand, with Dimaggio, Sando Hit and Donnerhall in her breeding.

Ziska has settled in really well and is loving the quiet laid back life all the horses have at home, with lots of field time. I look forward to bringing her on slowly and competing her up the levels for Lauren.

Our super star homebred, Magnum went out to his first few competitions, qualifying for the regionals in two outings with scores up to 78%, so another exciting horse for the future.

I was also delighted to welcome photographer, Amelia Hart to the yard to do a photo-shoot. It was a lovely day and the images really captured how lucky I am here at home and how happy all the horses are. 

Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to all my Cathedral Equine customers that purchased products over the Black Friday weekend. It was exciting to hear the ping on my phone that alerted me to another sale. I was so busy packing orders that I didn’t get time to do any shopping myself.

For more information on the Cathedral Equine range visit www.cathedral-equine.co.uk or call 07920 452739.