Hartpury International Horsetrials and Country Festival. August 2005

On a day that had started bright and sunny, the vaulters made there way to Hartpury College for a demonstration at the International Horsetrials and Country Festival.

Bowler got to travel in style in the Philip’s lovely new lorry but by the time they arrived the weather had gone from bad to worse with heavy rain. The vaulters were not looking forward to a demo in the rain but luckily the college gave them use of the large indoor schools to warm up, so at least it was only the length of the demo out in the rain.

The demo went well the audience was really captivated and the rain didn’t stop them coming closer, enticing them out of the marquees and beer tent for a closer look. The main arena was very large with lots of flags and banners, the demo included a mixture of compulsories and fireworks, pairs and then freestyle. This final part was slightly altered with Lissy doing some of my bits. I wasn’t allowed to vault as I had to gallop round the cross-country course and the owner of my horse didn’t want any last minute hiccups or problems. It was interesting for me to be part of the audience for once, to see the performance in real life rather than on video and to see first hand the crowd’s reactions.

All the vaulters managed really well with wet catsuits, slippy roller and a soggy horse! Bowler was a saint as always, managed perfectly in the conditions with kids running up and down the bank in plastic sheets!

All got home safely, I stormed round the cross country shortly after clear and Hartpury were very impressed and have invited us back next year. So ending a good day for all.

Lucy B