CDI-W Lipica, Slovenia

My first international competition since my move to Switzerland was an absolute blast. A great team, great venue, great weather and great crowd of people and competitors made this weekend one of the most enjoyable competitions I have experienced in Europe. I was somewhat anxious to get my first competition on the way. Reli had returned from a 3 month competition spell in order to freshen him up for our Kentucky campaign, Ferra and I were entering our first competition together and I also took one of my youngsters for the small tour.
 
I am very happy to report a successful weekend. Reli was 4th in the Grand Prix with 67.49%, and 5th and 70.25% despite needing to polish out a few holiday cobwebs, I was wrapped with his effort. Ferra is an incredible mare with that real X factor when you enter the ring. As one judge said, "super horse but not always under control" Just give me a bit time.... We have just been together 2 months and Ferra is not experienced in the ring. I was thrilled with her first MES score for the World Championships with 5th in the GP with 65.23% and 6th in the Special with 63.88% I must at this point mention that midway through the Special Tour we were with well over 70% but the thunder, lightning and umbrellas proved a little daunting for us both and I started clocking up too many mistakes.
 
We returned home safely in the early hours of Monday morning and I am already excitedly preparing for our next weekend in Achleiten.