So it’s time for my first blog post! It’s been a crazy busy few months in the Brown household and I have to admit I enjoyed a steady weekend at home. Even if that did entail watching some of the Gatcombe live stream & following the Pan Am games in Lima, Peru to see which teams would be picking up those Tokyo tickets.
Tickets to Tokyo
On that note, huge congratulations to the US & Brazil who finished 1st and 2nd and ultimately secured team qualifications for the Olympics next year. I was delighted for the US who, while red hot favourites, delivered under immense pressure to take 3 of the top 4 individual spots as well as the Team Gold.
Brazil and Canada were always going head to head and Brazil dominated with some excellent Cross Country performances to take back to back Team Silver Medals at the Pan Am Games. My thoughts are with Ruy Fonseca who had a horrible fall, he is off to Brazil for some surgery and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery, Tokyo will be a nice incentive for him I am sure. There would be few teams to be as disappointed as Canada to be in 3rd place on the podium with their dream of Tokyo feeling a million miles away.
Thanks Toddy
With the retirement of Sir Mark Todd announced last week we pulled together a special episode of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast in tribute to one of Eventing’s greats. I have to admit that it was one of those occasions where I pinched myself repeatedly as we heard from some of his closest friends, competitors and teammates with some wonderful Toddy memories before speaking to the man himself. I managed to keep my inner fan girl under wraps (mostly anyway) and thank you to everyone who has sent us such lovely comments and enjoyed it as much as we did, it means a massive amount and I hope that we did him justice. If you haven’t listened yet then you can click here to do so.
Europeans Challenge
Last week the British Team was announced for the Luhmuhlen Europeans and as expected they look like strong contenders to defend their Gold from Strzegom two years ago. It is a seriously good team and I am delighted to see Laura & Kitty selected, both have a chance of an individual medal should things go their way.
I feel for Ben Hobday whose excellent Gatcombe performance perhaps came a week too late for selection with Shadow Man as he was crowned British Open Champion at the weekend. That being said I’ve no doubt there is a big Autumn run for this combination and look forward to seeing where they go next.
On Gatcombe I was so pleased to see Jonelle Price and the super speedy Classic Moet top the overall podium for Jonelle’s 3rd win at this level. It sets them up perfectly for Burghley in a few weeks and the mare looked superb and quite like she would tackle Gatcombe’s hills again. Having walked the Gatcombe Bowl a few times, rather her than me!!
What Next?
I’m taking advantage of a slightly less hectic week (hence the time to get off the fence and finally blog!) before heading to Hartpury this weekend for their International Horse Trials. It is always one of my favourite events, with a great team to work with, plus the entries this year look AMAZING. Lots of Burghley & European horses lining up, follow @nicolebrownmedia on Instagram and I’ll be sure to give you lots of behind the scenes.
Wow, so that wasn’t quite as painful as I thought it might be?! Hopefully you’ve made it this far, if you have then thank you. There is lots coming up in the next few weeks with Hartpury, Millstreet Event Rider Masters, the Europeans and of course Burghley so I’ll keep you posted.
Until next time, Nicole x