Lucy Jones from Somerset competed her horse Becketts Word in the Mitsubishi Motors Cup and we find out how she got on.
We had a fantastic experience at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup and I am so pleased with my horse Becketts Word (Dex). It was our first time competing on the Badminton turf and it was one I will never forget. The atmosphere was incredible and there was a real team spirit. Everyone wanted to find out how each other was doing and gave each other support whether it was a good day or bad day. There was always someone on hand to help and everyone was so friendly and helpful. I have to mention the Scottish who showed true commitment by just getting to Badminton, some of which had travelled 15 hours and had to stop overnight to get to Badminton.
I was so proud of ‘Dex’ after our dressage as I got a score of 28.6 which I was very pleased with. When I was riding around the arena I was mostly concentrating on remembering the test! Dex took all the crowds and cameras in his stride, I feel we could have gained a couple of extra marks in my canter work but apart from that I thought he worked at his absolute best.
We went clear show jumping which was fantastic especially as this is our weakest phase. We were a little lucky at fence three as we rolled the pole, but it was a meatier course and the spreads were wide so I was glad to get round and Dex jumped his heart out.
Going cross country was certainly an experience never to be forgotten, galloping past the house was incredible and Dex did all the direct lines brilliantly. I had a stop at the lake which was a silly rider mistake, but I have never ridden with so many crowds and I think Dex had to check out the water before he jumped it the second time! We were rewarded with the biggest roar when we galloped away and flew around the rest of the course, until I reached the ditch at fence 15 which he did not like the look of so I decided to retire. I was disappointed, but glad that we are both back safe and sound and overall had the best experience of my life.
I would like to thank my trainer Ed Hobbs who was there for the whole event to support me, along with my mother and niece. Dex is feeling very well and is now having a week off and then I will back to the diary to plan my next event.
