My return to the show ring didn’t quite go to plan. So, this week, it is comeback take two!

Tomorrow, we are off to Addington Equestrian Centre for a two day Sports Horse (GB) show. On day one, I will tackle the Novice Working Hunter and day two the Amateur. It’s a level down from our failed comeback which I hope will help it to be more successful but also there has been lots of practice to make sure I am better prepared this time.

Preparation is so important and I think this time I am better prepared but there is a point you just have to go for it. There is only so much we can do at home. I can’t practice show nerves, I can’t practice for Jack being a bit more spooky, I can’t practice for the environment.

But, we have hired an arena to practice jumping in a bigger space. Tick. We have practiced combinations. Tick. We have also practiced an archway jump. At last year’s event (where I didn’t ride), Jack was surprised by a fence that had an arch over the top. Each time he ducked and sadly had the fence down as a result.

So, Southerly created this masterpiece:

More challenging hopefully than what we will face at Addington, and we made sure we got that right. I was rather pleased that Jack jumped it without hesitation. The more I ride him, the luckier I feel, he has such a kind heart and is always looking to jump which is such a wonderful feeling. However, it does put the pressure on that I don’t want to get it wrong.

My biggest upset at Three Counties (a.k.a. the failed comeback) was that I may have hurt or scared Jack. “Primum non Nocere” – First do no harm.

So, fingers and toes crossed everyone. I will let you know how it goes…..