Norfolk Exposure: Horse Riding

Showing posts with label Horse Riding. Show all posts

A&H show 2013

So much has been happening here, hence my absence from Norfolk Exposure lately. We just had a wonderful week-and-a-bit with Ben's Mum and Dad who flew over to stay with us. It was ten days of playing Lego trains, trips to the beach, indulging in Ma's baking (I'm sure I ate my own weight in cake) and late night chin-wags. Till and Harry were so sad to see them go, as were Ben and I :(

On the 12th, 13th and 14th of October we had Norfolk's annual Royal A&H Show. It feels like a lifetime ago, perhaps because the lead-up days were hectic, or maybe because this term is flying by at a rate of knots. Both Harry and Till were involved in numerous equestrian events this year, so much so I didn't see much of the show itself! It's OK, I'm happy to be a "horse mum" (just remind me to never soak the jodphurs with the chaps again....I *ahem* may have turned Harry and Till's pants purple).

The display of entries was top notch, as always. Harry and Till were awarded serveral prizes for artworks and Lego models, and received a few equestrian ribbons too.

My clever mother-in-law entered a beautiful quilt, a cross stitch (her own unique design) and a jar of the most delicious strawberry jam. Ma was awarded first place for all her entries...yes, she's a very talented lady!

Harry's Lego model of St Barnabas recieved quite a lot of attention. The amount of work he put into it was astounding, so we were pretty chuffed to learn he'd been awarded Most Outstanding Exhibit by a Primary School Pupil! Matilda's gorgeous Lego Fairy Garden was awarded first place in the infants section. She spent months working on her model too.

A & H Show 2012: Horses Again

Stop groaning...
I'm nearly done with show photos, I promise!

Till rode by herself this year, meaning last year she sat on a pony and was led by Ben. Till (like Harry) has a soft spot for Charm, but as he was busy being ridden by someone else, Till had to settle for Fudge. Dear funny, strong-minded Fudge, he just wasn't in the mood to cooperate! No matter what Till tried, he refused to trot! If you look closely at that bottom right photo, you'll see quite a determined look on Miss Till's face...but alas, Fudge had better ideas!!!

Above is Harry competing in the section called 'Led Pony'. For this he was required to lead the pony around the course whilst the judge called instructions (ie run, stop, walk, stop, run, turn etc). I really have no idea what the judges are looking for specifically! This horse caper is still pretty new to me! Harry looked rather dapper, don't you think? The photos below show him riding in his age category. Harry is the only boy competitor in his age group. Horse riding is definitely a girl-dominated past-time here on Norfolk. It doesn't worry him however, and I think these photos capture how much he loves every minute with Charm!

Harry's First Dressage Event

As well as attending weekly lessons at the Pegasus Equestrian School, Harry now attends Pony Club once a fortnight. Last weekend he undertook his first Dressage test followed by participation in a Cross Country/Show Jumping competition. Despite the fact that it was one of the coldest days we have ever experienced on Norfolk, a great time was had by all. Harry looked so handsome in his riding gear and although feeling quite nervous, he did a super job! The awards presentation was postponed due to the poor weather - so we are yet to find out how he went, officially speaking! But we already know he's a little champ of course!