We’re on the cusp of summer here at Thorpe Farm, the cross-country field is open for business, and it won’t be long before we’re looking rather longingly at the water treadmill wondering if it’s the best way to cool off on a hot day! It’s been a very wet spring and we don’t need to tell you how much that has disrupted so many riders’ plans for the start of the 2023 competition season… That includes several of our sponsored riders, so we’ve checked in to see how they’ve been getting on in 2023 and have some updates to share with you all here:
Harriet Bagley
Our local sponsored event rider Harriet Bagley got her 2023 season off to a flying start with a run for Ballyoskill Boy in the Novice at Lincolnshire Horse Trials. Since then, just like so many other eventers up and down the country, Harriet’s season has been disrupted by the rather rubbish weather. This really will go down as one of the worst starts to the season for a long time, and Harriet is yet to get another affiliated run with any of her rides. Harriet has been busy using the gallops and more recently the cross-country field here at Thorpe Farm to keep the horses ticking over, but it must be such a frustrating time!
Jessica Burnham
Jessica Burnham is another event rider who is based near the farm, and this year has been juggling riding and competing with studying for her A-Levels. We wish her all the very best of luck and hope that she gets the grades she’s hoping for – and we hope to see her here for a gallops session to blow the nerves away in between exams. Back to horses, Jessica managed to squeeze in a run at Aston le Walls, where she and her gorgeous grey Arpege de Blaignac did a lovely dressage test and two confident rounds jumping. There’s so much to look forward to with this combination and we will make sure we keep you in the loop.
Charlotte Arnold-Gibson
Our showjumping superstar Charlotte Arnold-Gibson was in action this month at Stainsby Grange, a very local venue to her that put on a superb weekend! Charlotte reports that it was a mixed weekend of jumping but one that she came away from really pleased with her horses’ performances. Charlotte secured 5th place in the 140cm Grand Prix with Porky (Leestone Blue Voltet), and rode schooling rounds on Kometa and Toff for clears in the 110/120cm and 7th place in the 125-135cm respectively. Well done, Charlotte!