European Dressage - Hickstead - August 2003

The day started early, departing from Fen End at 8.30am with Bowler, Julie, Rich, Aska, Pippa, Becky and Lucy in Wendy's new smart lorry. We got to Hickstead in a couple of hours with no hold ups until the last four miles, which took an hour because of the heavy traffic that was queuing to get into the showground. We arrived and were able to watch some of the tests.The crowd was really buzzing as Britain were within an inch of a medal and everyone had their fingers crossed. We met up with the others who had come in the twinnies car. Sarah, Liz, Sara, Ricky and Suzi joined us for some shopping and we bumped into a few familiar faces. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon getting lunch, which was expertly made by Rich, who has suprisingly good culinary skills.

Our display was not until 8.45pm so it seemed like ages until we needed to be ready. There were lots of displays on before us, while we were near the end, which included: a dressage quadrille, the mini marvels, household cavalry, and the bronze medal winning team did a lap of honour too. As it was quite late the light was really fading and we were a bit worried about suddenly going in under the lights. It was also a bit cold, so we all kept bouncing around to keep warm and I think everyone thought we were crazy, but being vaulters we are all used to that!

The display went really well, we had about five minutes, so it was a 'dazzle and dash' job. We just did the freestyle with a few alterations: Lucy and Sarah did a good job of being Emma, while Liz returned to her days as a flyer and a prop to replace Lissy, we also put bits of the individual's freestyle in. All went smoothly, though it was a little scary standing in the middle of the circle and not being able to see the horse at the end of the lunge line because of the bright lights behind him. From the outside it was really clear and Bowler was very good putting up with all the flash photography.

The vaulters had to go back in for the finale, but Bowler was not needed, so Julie and Wendy went to pack up the lorry so that we could leave straight after. All the team went in and had to parade around, feeling a bit silly, but the response from the crowd was great. They obviously enjoyed the display.

We ran back afterwards to leave quickly but the queues were already massive, so again it took us about an hour to get out. Though we pleased quite a few kids, as they all came up to the lorry for autographs, we were pleased to sign our names next to those of John Whittaker and Geoff Billington! We finaly got on our way with one extra in the lorry as Ricky was coming back to Warwickshire instead of going back up North. The journey went quite quickly as most of us slept on the way. We got back to Fen End at about 1am and all helped clean up and put Bowler to bed. Bowler was pleased to get his tea, though Smirnoff seemed a bit miffed to have missed out on an outing, though perhaps it will be his turn next year.

The trip was great fun and Tania who was in charge of the gala night was really pleased with us. We would like to thank Wendy for the use of the lorry and for her time to take us down and back.