Selected for the Belgium International

Much to our surprise following the results at keysoe Sam and Wallenstein were invited to compete in Belgium. Wow we couldnt believe it. We asked that we take Kwad too as if we were to ride one then it would be good experience to have another ride too. Gain twice as much experience. I would say that this was definately the right move.

Wallenstein was good on the first day with promising results although a couple of tweaks required and as Sam had not ridden him much it was hard to know how to correct this for the competition arena, training yes but in the arena it was a difficult call. Sam rode him well though and a credit to her determination to give things a try.

Kwad on the other hand just was getting better. Following their successful outing at Sheepgate where Sam was 2nd in the team and Ist in the Individual it was fitting that yet again we saw good results in Belgium. In the team test Sam rode a good test and for the Brits was 2nd behind Melissa Beer. In the Individual Sam qualified for the Kur on Kwad and the consolation on Wally. We were so excited. Sam was leading for a good time and having been the first in the arena it seemed like a really long time. However her final placing was 13th which for her first international abroad was truly amazing. This was also only the second time Sam had ridden the music in a competition so we hope it keeps on improving.

The weather was fantastic but we arrived on a very sombre day. It was the funeral for the Belgium show jumper. He and his sister ran the competition centre in Moorsele and rather than cancel the event - it went ahead., A very brave decision.

The atmosphere in the camp was strong with the stables decorated with the Union Jacks, everyone on bicycles and scooters and enjoying the sunshine. Ian Leak had carried our food and haylege as we feared we would be overweight in the wagon carrying two big horses. We arrived at the ferry weighbridge holding our breathe but we had a whole 20kg to spare!!!! what did we have to worry about...Phew! Ian had out out some of the haylege bales to keep our spaces.... makes a change from towels I suppose. He he.

The temperature was high, very little breeze and surrounded by horses, what more could you want,. oh yes the bar was open too! The selectors and our chef d'equippe were excellent along with Ferdi Eilberg and Erik Thiellgard. And of course Becky made the most amazing trip to support Sam and warm her up during th coure of the competition,. Can you believe Becky was driven to Hull by Anne, boarded an overnight ferry, caught the bus, a taxi and then walked 5 miles or so to the centre.... all so she could teach and ride a few horses before coming out. Now thats what I call dedication and support. Becky was brilliant. I had the best few days. Sam and Becky managed the horses as they had their routine. I offered the odd hand but generally was a bit of a spare part. My duties were not to start until Saturday so what was I to do. . I cleaned the wagon, swept and swept. had lesiurely showers and to my surprise managed to read a book. I am not one for reading as I tend not to have the time but I did plenty in Belgium. Pure holiday in heaven. Actually just what I needed.

Sadly Becky left us on the Saturday afternoon as her horses and other clients beckoned and so her return journey, much the same as before began. Sam rode the music really well and unfortunately Wally and Sam just had difference of opinion as to what they were to do. I must say Sam learned quickly and proved that she can listen and react to a situation.

It was time to leave and after having such a fab time, socialising and watching fab horses we set off on our way back. It was a convoy. Lead trucker was Ian Leak, we called him Optimus Prime, as he was in his silver truck with red stripes on the side, then came Stephen Thompson, then us and Eliza Mason and Joe taking up the rear. Onwards we go....

We arrrived at the docks and in sequence took up our spots in readiness to board the ferry. We loaded up checked the horses and went upstairs, We looked for optimus and stephen but couldnt see them, then with a glance back to the docks..... somehow they were standing there watching us move off intothe distance. How did that happen? Ooooops not very polite. Sam rang Ian and we waved goodbye. Apparently it was only minutes before their ferry set sail too.

We just had time to have some breakfast and then a quick shopping trip and it was time to get ready to unload. back on th road to Gunthwaite. Wow what a trip. truly an experience and I was sad to leave.

Oh well hopefully this will not be the last trip abroad.

Hmmm - what do we do now! Wallentein and Keysoe.

Becky suggested that Sam should ride Wallenstein and try him at Keysoe Premier. Sam had never ridden Wally before and this was the Monday before Keysoe. Sam rode Wally on the Monday and the results were pleasing she enjoyed the ride and so agreed that she would ride at Keysoe. She then rode him again on the Wed and Friday before competing him on the Saturday. its got to be madness to expect anything with only 3 rides under her belt on Wally but she was confident and Becky was too so you can only try.

Wally is a completely different horse to Kwad and this was to test Sams riding enormously. he was also such a big horse to keep together. I must admit they rode two lovely tests although the marks were not high it was definately a picture for the future. Everyone was pleased and she gained alot of support for this outing.

Sam and Kwadraat selected for the Addington Home International - Wow

Sam and Kwadraat selected to represent Great Britain at the Home International at Addington Manor in April 2009.

It has been an awful time for us lately and to be honest we really cant focus on life in general and so I will keep this short as an update.

The journey began with a trip to purchase the top hat and tails and the day her Great Britain jacket arrived.....along with the Union Jacks for her tailcoat and numnahs.

We picked Sam and Kwad up for our trip to Addington and bedded down for the night. All in all it was very much like a normal show at Addington. All dressed and ready for the trot up - they both looked magnificent. thankfully we heard the right words - he passed! so we were ready to compete. Becky drove down from Barnsley to warm Sam up for the Team test - how she does it I will never know, left at 5am to travel and warm Samup then returned to Gunthwaite to ride and teach. Returning the next day to do the same. You couldnt as for better support.

On the first day Sam got up but wasnt feeling very well. She had had a bit of cold and had flu like symptoms along with our personal loss I began to wonder if competing was the right thing to do. Some said it would keep her busy until the funeral and others felt it was too much. Sam made the decision to compete so as not to let the team down. I can only sy it was hard and I thinj she did a fab job under the circumstances.

As she entered the arena again all looked like a normal Addington premier, affiliated or even talent spotting. She had ridden in this arena a number of times so nothing out of the ordinary until the commentator said "lets welcome to the arena Samantha Brown riding Kwadraat for Great Britain" - wow thats when it hit me so who knows what Sam felt. She said she was too busy concentrating to notice hich was probably just as well. We were so proud of her.

Anyway suffuce to say she had a good Addington haven ridden some nice tests and qualifying for the Kur ! That should be interesting - having only ridden it a few times at home and never having ridden a music before - I think she was very brave and handled the situation extremely well. Well done girlie.

Well to cut short we really enjoyed ourselves and it was a fantastic experience. One I shall never forget. Lets hope its not the last time she will wear the Union Jack.