The end of the 22nd cross country schooling round at Larkhill – 6 year old NashvilleAs we head into the eventing season we go behind the scenes at Harry's yard to find out how they are preparing and what they are up to.............
“With the 2024 season well and truly underway, it’s great to have the horses back out
eventing. Although we don’t start competing until the beginning of March, the run up to the
first batch of events is a pretty intense affair. Producing event horses is like squeezing 10
days’ work into a week for every horse – the higher-level horses gallop twice a week, and
with dressage and show jumping training, as well as out-of-season competitions for both
disciplines, and cross-country schooling whenever the deluges cease, it’s like packing lamps
into Marry Poppins’ bag.”
Whats really involved?
Harry told us, “By training hard, it not only ensures the horses are performing at their best, it also sharpens up the whole team.
We took eleven horses cross-country schooling at Larkhill, with each horse jumping twice around the BE cross-country course. With 22 cross-country rounds back-to-back, there is no margin for error – whether it be concentrated focus, my fitness or the logistics of the team producing horse after horse at the right time in the right kit, and importantly always in a calm way; nothing must be rushed but everything must be punctual without raising the horses’ heart rates.
Even the sheer logistics of travelling that number of horses, people and kit is a significant feat, as is each simple task, like doing their stud holes – cleaning out, tapping and putting in 88 studs before, and removing them all after and replugging the holes.
With similar days and numbers of horses going to dressage competitions and show jumping
training, where we hire an arena for the day, we brush away the cobwebs, battle through
the fatigue, educate the newer members of the crew and gradually remember what it’s like
to be a slick, professional and a highly capable team.”
The team continue to smile through yet another wet day – Jess, Molly & RosieTeam work
Having never shied away from storms, snow, failing light, blood, sweat and tears, a hardearned cohesion and confidence in the team’s abilities binds us together.
As the first event marks the dawn of a new season, competing with fewer horses and easier conditions is a comparative walk in the park. As the competitions start, we get the horses back out in the fields – which have been protected and saved during the wettest months for this moment – which is welcome relief to equines and humans, as after the more strenuous work they can now enjoy days off, which lightens the load for all.
Behind the scenes at Tweseldown – it’s a military operation!2024 is looking exciting
Years of producing horses from scatty three- or four-year-olds through the grades has paid off as we look forward to a strong hand at each of the major events. The current focus is on Badminton, with entries for Cavalier Crystal, Away Cruising and Red Kite, all of whom we have had from the start of their careers. Annaghmore Valoner and Et Hop du Matz spearhead our Bramham campaign, with each of the younger horses targeting a spring international at the relevant level.
And, of course, with four horses currently long-listed for the Paris Olympics, there is all to play for.
Great to have the early season runs under their belts -
Cavalier Crystal at Thoresby Park, her main pre-Badminton outing.All the team at Horse Weigh would like to wish Harry, his family and his team the very best for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to continue following their progress and cheer them on at every event.
Psyching myself up to leave the lorry and go
and ride through 12 international dressage
tests
Thankful for a great arena to work in at home
whilst it’s still too wet to get on the grass
