Diary of a One day Event Team member…

June 16th 2007 (D-Day…!!)

Off we went to Oatridge to try the riding club ODE on Saturday 16th June having never done a joined up cross country before with my horse Annie and after walking the cross country course the night before, wondered what on earth I had let myself in for!! We had entered as part of a team which was a great idea as it meant I had great support and advise from the people who had done it all before. Thanks Trish and team!!

Dressage went well, and after a quick change of tack it was off to do the show jumping. The arena was indoors, which was great as it was raining, and the jumps had all been well laid out. Annie didn't like the spreads much and decided to rearrange them all as we went round!! It didn't matter as we weren't disqualified, so were allowed to get ready for the cross country!!

The weather was really bad, and the ground was really slippy. Annie hadn't a clue what was coming, and I wished I hadn't either. '5..4..3..2..1 good luck', and we were off. My wee horse was wonderful and although I had to shut my eyes as we launched over the log drop onto the road crossing, we managed round clear!!

What a feeling!! Don't know who was more pleased, me, or 'the team'!!!!

We had an absolute ball and would recommend everyone to have a go with any of the team events!!!

Gillian Dunbar