What a smashing year

What a smashing year

What a smashing year me and Gus had last year training and competing for East Sussex Pony Club!

My journey with Gus has by no means been easy. There has been ups and downs, tears and cheers however overall it was an absolute blast last year and it’s all thanks to everyone at team ESPC. I have made everlasting memories, incredible new friends and developed a passionate love for competing! 

A few of my highlights from 2022: 

Lodge Farm ODE:
It was mine and Gus’s 2nd one day event so it was a bit of a risk entering but what was the worst that could happen 😅. We stated off with our best test to date scoring a lovely 31.2% putting us nicely up the leader board. Then was sj. Now Gus isn’t the most careful horse ever so I was crossing my fingers he would pick his feet up of which he did resulting in a nice clear. There was then quite a lot of pressure for xc knowing I had a good dressage and clear sj but the absolute legend pulls of a lovely clear to finish 4th!

Senior Camp 2022:
Now anyone that knows or has been to any sort of camp will know it’s probably the best week ever. From loading all our stuff into the spare side of the trailer and any inch of space left in the boot, to TikTok’s and evening activities there’s never a dull moment (especially when Jess is around). Totally not us up at 6am walking the dog and eating Nutella on toast whilst everyone else is asleep (Sorry Clare🤣) And of course I can’t forget clearing 1.10 on my super cob who was a star all week!

Overall cannot forget about all the amazing experiences I had in 2022 here are just a few more: Combined training dressage of 67.6 and 2 poles (told you he wasn’t very careful 🤭) came 4th. Clear round 80cm at golden cross 10th. Arena xc lesson with Anna, many rallies with Alex, pc area dressage 61.8, training for area sj at Judi’s, area SJ and much much more!

As you can tell we have had a very busy 2022. Im exited to see what 2023 will bring. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Sophie Novell 🙂 xxx