Some more exciting news, I would like to introduce to you our second young event rider whom Bespoke & Personal are going to be sponsoring and following their equestrian journey, Annabel Carthy. Here is her first introductory blog with us...
My name is Annabel Carthy and I am 16 years old. I have been around horses my whole life and I have been riding ever since I can remember. There are even photos of me on little ponies at under a year old! Safe to say I was always going to ride! I am studying physics, biology, maths and economics AS levels at Manchester High School for Girls, as well as working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence with British Showjumping.
I am currently competing two horses, Diamond R and Call Me Bon Jovi. They are both beautiful (if I do say so myself) warmbloods with lots of personality! I predominantly compete at British Eventing competitions, but find myself dabbling in a bit of dressage and showjumping now and again.
Henry (Diamond R) is an 8yo. We have been a partnership for 11 months and have got to know each other really well. Henry is rather addicted to stud muffins and polos, to the point where he seriously sulks if he doesn’t have one or the other the second he leaves the arena! He is also obsessed with the window in his stable. He can see to the house if he looks out of it and is always looking out for me when I get home from school!
Bonjo (Call Me Bon Jovi) is a 6yo. I have had him since July and we have done lots of different things in that short amount of time! He is like a cheeky school bo
y and is definitely the joker on the yard. His favourite party trick is trying to soak you with water when you offer him a drink by grabbing the other side of the bucket!
I have had a very busy summer, competing most weekends with lots of success! My highlights have been:
- Finishing 3rd in my first event on Bonjo, a BE100 at Cholmondeley Castle. We completed on 25.3, which also happened to be my personal best finishing score!
- Jumping double clear in the CIC* at Somerford International on Henry, also finishing on a personal best international score of 44.5. We won the award for the best u21 in Cheshire, and finished 15th / 130 starters!
- Jumping double clear and finishing 10th in my first Intermediate on Henry (it was his first intermediate too). This was an amazing way to finish the summer! Although I was brought back down to earth with a bump the following day in the novice on Bonjo, when he slipped and fell in the dressage!
I have a few events left this season, and then the boys will have a quiet November before starting lots of winter training to get them ready for the 2017 season! This season has gone so fast I can’t believe it!
Until next time,
Annabel