Braggs at Barbury 2018

Ok here goes, the first instalment of the Braggs at Barbury 2018. This may go onto another post as it was such an epic weekend!

We loaded up the car on Friday morning and as we decided to treat ourselves with a little lay in we arrived there late morning. On arrival all the fab memories from last year came back and it looked the heat from last year was also there. Sadly, the fields of white poppies weren’t there this year, but the event was still stunning.

Braggs at Barbury 2018: Friday Madness

Now Friday is a bit of a blur to be honest. The Braggs schedule was rather mental, and it was a case of straight of one onto another. The first one Alex hopped off was Quindiva. A lovely mare who gave Alex his first placing of the weekend. A rather fabulous 3^rdin the Novice Section. I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting her before, so I look forward to following her throughout the season.

Then it was the turn of King of the Mill. Owned by Mike and Naomi he also a relatively new ride for Alex.

We all trundled down the Dressage arenas, which for these horses was quite a way away. Luckily the wonderful buggy drivers shuttled us backwards and forwards. Quite a relief when you see the steps we clock up. We like to joke that Alex has it easy just sat on his bum all day! King of the Mill did a gorgeous dressage test and got a great mark that left in a great contention for a placing.

Alcatraz was next. Another newbie to the yard his is a fab little chap. A really cute face and he also did a gorgeous dressage test. So far so good. The sun was out, and boy was it hot. Donna and Heather, the grooms, did a cracking job though! Washing and walking the horses off all weekend. There was time for a quick drink and then it was coloured pole time! King of the Mill’s show jumping wasn’t quite the round we hoped for. He is a quite a big chap and the show jumping ring was a little small, plus the sun was causing a lot of glare. So, he had a disappointing 12 faults. Frustrating when he is very capable.

Alcatraz strutted in like a pro and showed off with some flying changes before nailing a clear round. What a good boy! Then it was the phase we had all came for, the cross-country. I think I’d be lying if I said we only came for the dressage.

Braggs at Barbury 2018: XC Demons

The cross country at Barbury is so pretty. Every fence is just the perfect photo opportunity and I am spoilt for choice! I normally figure out a spot where I can run between a few fences and therefore get as many pics as possible.

Both boys did absolutely storming rounds cross country. King of the Mill made it look like trotting poles, which made his SJ round all the more frustrating. Still he is young, and it’ll come. Alcatraz nailed it, super quick and clear securing himself a 2^ndplace finish. Back to the stables and again more washing, walking and icing. Both the boys recovered quick and were soon looking for snacks.

Braggs at Barbury 2018: Behind the scenes

Once they were cooled down and happy it was back to the lorry to have a good catch up with team Bragg and a well-deserved drink. Once the sun had gone in and the weather was a little cooler Alex did some canter work which obviously I had to photograph. I love all these behind the scenes moments and feel very lucky to be able to be part of the amazing team that is Team Bragg. Finally, we said our goodbyes and headed back to the hotel for a much needed shower and some even more needed sleep.