Equestrian Life Magazine September Issue 220 | Page 57

Polly Tucker’s Equestrian Life Bristol-based Polly Tucker, of PRT Eventing, competes a string of event horses. Here she shares her latest news Recently I have enjoyed several exciting competitions – the first was combined training at West Wilts with Zuzu in the Be90 and Be100 unaffiliated tests. We came fifth in the 90, and in 100, I came out a lot more determined and also changed my warm-up routine; this proved fruitful and we produced the best dressage test of the class against some strong, more experienced combinations. Zuzu kept her cool to produce a beautiful second clear of the day, to scoop top honours in the open class! This was a brilliant result, and warm up for our next BE event at Iping, a week later. Several days later we set off on the long trip to Iping BE in West Sussex. I wasn’t too keen on the course as it was a nice straightforward track, but the ground was testing with lots of twisty turns and narrow tracks. We produced another beautiful test only to be marked harshly; I’m starting to realise she is a real marmite horse with the judges! I wasn’t put off by our mark of 38, as the show jumping and XC were causing lots of problems for other riders. I needn’t of worried, Zu did me proud with a awesome double clear and just a few time penalties - we finished 9th at our first BE90 placing together, so I was a very happy rider. Our next event followed at Homme House - I was extremely lucky; as it was mid week, my workplace allowed me to take holiday to attend. A 32 put us top six after dressage; I was pleased as punch! The jumping saw a tight, timed, full-on course, there were lots of time penalties and poles flying about. I knew time was tight, so did have to ride it a bit like a jump-off – I cut my turns shorter and asked for longer strides. I couldn’t fault Zu, she scooted round to jump clear, and again powered round the XC inside the time. I was sure I would make top six but not top three... and to my shock we made second place, and scooped regional qualification for the Grassroots Championships! I was over the moon to say the least. When you expect your horses to compete at the highest level competitively, you can’t take any shortcuts! This is why I use Childéric Saddles Jonathan Paget Winner Badminton 2013 Whatever level you ride at Childéric help you do it better. Contact Tricia Bracegirdle Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] childericuk.com My most recent outing was a low key British Showjumping class at Summerhouse on my new acquisition, Gadget; we came home placed in the top ten with a double clear in a class of 40. Not bad for a renowned pole basher! I advise schooli ng while using an RS-tor rider safety aid – it is great for boosting stability and confidence! Visit www.rstor.co.uk. Polly’s website - http://prteventing. weebly.com www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk EL-SEPT13-S4.indd 57 57 22/08/2013 22:43:37