Llanymynech Horse Trails

From Stable to Show Ring,

Llanymynech Horse Trials

Arriving in Style...

H

idden away in the Welsh countryside, along side the River Vyrnwy, gracefully lies the village of Llanymynech. Home to the nationally renowned equestrian centre, Radfords, this little village holds the Llanymynech Horse Trails twice a year, acting as a qualifier competition to lead on to higher levels of horse eventing. And on Saturday the 15th of May I travelled along side 28 year old horse rider Jennifer Pye to experience her first one day event directly from the horse’s mouth.

With weeks of training and preparation all leading up to this one day Jenni and her younger sister Emily (24) were acting as the dream team to ensure it ran smoothly. However arriving slightly behind schedule when pulling the box onto the show ground, it was all action stations to get both the 17.2 Warm blood, Xavier, and Jenni prepared for the Dressage. She was due in the ring at 09:54. She had 23 minutes.

Front Cover: Catching her breath after the dressage round.

Left: Emerging from the horse box, Xav observes his new surroundings.

Below: The home of Llanymynech Horse Trails

As Jenni changed from her dirty jeans to her pristine white Jodhpurs, Emily and other friends started to prepare Xav, tacking him up in a spotlessly clean dressage saddle and even securing his braided mane with an extra coating of hairspray.

Now speedily moving down through the lines of horses boxes, we emerged onto the dressage area which both sisters agreed “Was Xav’s weakest element of eventing”. After only a few minutes of warming up the judges were ready for her, “Number 18, Jennifer Pye” was bellowed across the warm up area.

Left: Preparing for her first round, number 18.

Right Top: Horses boxes from across the country gathered in one spot.

Right Bottom: Stalls and food vendors ready for the weekend.

Walking over to the dressage ring Jenni was reciting her test like a school student before an exam.

Every rider must complete the same sequence of moves and styles of riding to preform before the judges and penalties are deducted for mistakes or flaws.

As a rider is called forward they must first have to undergo a tack and presentation inspection to make sure a rider has followed the correct dress code, for example, white jodhpurs not cream. This is where the competition truly stars before they’ve even entered the ring. Once in front of the judges,

and after a slightly shaky start, Xavier Du Rouet completed the test showing off his training and beautiful paces ending by being stood perfectly square as Jenni saluted the judges.

With only minutes to spare to analyse their performance and a get a quick drink as the early morning sun blasted rider and horse with heat they then had to prepare for the showing jumping round. They were scheduled for 10:38. After quickly returning to the horse box to switch to a jumping saddle Jenni was now ready to complete Xav’s strongest round. With the course being between 75 and 85cm riders flooded the ring to inspect the fences and walk the course before returning to their horses. Now dripping in sweat thanks to her many protective layers, Jenni mounted Xav once more and moved to the warm up arena to wait for her turn.

Left Top: Tack Inspection from Judge Left Bottom: Showing their combined talents during their test Below: Dom, Jenni’s friend, helping with the Tack Change to prepare for the show jumping.

With the show jumping round already started Jenni now had to simply wait her turn. During her wait a team of friends arrived to show their support for Jenni during her first one day event. It is clear to see when in these demanding and competitive events that surrounding yourself with the right people, the kind that would cheer when you succeed and not smirk if you fell, is incredibly uplifting for the rider giving them a confidence boost. After all, horse riding is known for being a highly competitive sport with many competitors only caring for their own personal victory, so good supporters are welcomed with open arms.

Now entering the ring for their second round of the day it was clear to see from Xav’s lengthening stride and pricked up ears he was ready to go. Flying round the arena, effortlessly clearing the jumps with room to spare, it was no surprise Jenni

left with an outstanding clear round. A perfect way to boost her scores. After a quick dash to the judges tent Emily returned to the group with the dressage scores which has now become available. With 33.8 points deducted out off a possible 100, leaving Jenni with 66.2%, it was smiles all round. Even though everyone agreed there was room for improvement this score was an incredible achievement for a first time experience.

Above: Xavier Du Rouet taking flight during his show jumping round, clearing the fences with room to spare.

Following page Left: Smiling whilst waiting for the corss country round Right: Winner’s Rosettes

With only one round of Cross Country left the end was in sight.

After filling in the medical form to be attached to Jenni’s arm and a quick costume change to make her more recognisable for each fence judge she, and Xav, were both ready to go. In the cross country round riders not only have to attempt to go clear with no refusals, but also go clear within a set time limit. Go too fast or too slow a rider will gain penalties.

With jumping again being Xav’s strongest element combined with his built up stamina, it was no surprise when we greeted Jenni at the finish line to hear she had gone clear. With smiles and pats on the back all round it was finally time for the saddle to be taken off for the day.

Combining Jenni’s two outstanding clear rounds with her points from the dressage round it left her with just 33.8 penalties putting her in 3rd place out of 43 riders. With many more riders to still complete there rounds it was important to remember that place could slip but as a first time attempt this score was very well deserved for these two dedicated sisters. With both of them helping to train Xav in any free time they got it was clear to see it was starting to pay off!

After a hour or two of relaxation and cooling off, with Jenni’s friend, Dom, even surprising everyone with celebratory cupcakes, it was time for the results.

After what felt like a very long morning Jenni was surprised to find she had managed to place

6th with only half a penalty’s difference between her score and the rider in 4th place! Collecting her 3 rosettes from the head judges, this was an outstanding achievement and now with areas to focus on for improvement Jenni is more determined to come back and reclaiming her position in 3rd, or possibly even higher. For their first experience of a one day event both sisters could leave with their heads held high knowing they were training and competing an incredible, one of a kind horse.