I decided to take Charles for a (rare) showing outing. I bowed out of affiliated showing last year, having become disillusioned with it and rather fed up of the politics. However, attending the odd lower level show is a nice change from dressage every now and then. I think Charles enjoys being able to gallop down the long side and show himself off to the crowds!

We attended the GWC Showing Show; a lovely friendly event but with some top drawer horses/ponies competing. Some RIHS qualified combinations, and many quality, HOYS standard horses/riders.

Charles looks fantastic at the moment (we have SO much grass at home!) so it was nice to get him out strutting his stuff. He won the ridden cob class and went Ridden Champion; I was so thrilled with him in the championship and tried to ride him really forwards (much easier when not confined in a 20 x 40 dressage arena!).  We also had a go at the In Hand – not something Charles has really done a lot of (if you don’t count stripping at bigger shows). He headed a strong cob class, and then took In Hand Reserve Champion behind a lovely Exmoor stallion that really was rather smart.

I had to tack him back up for the Supreme Championship at the end of the day – there was about 8-10 horses forward (various championship were held throughout the day so a mix of workers, M&Ms, in hands, ridden – even a side saddle!). I did not think we stood any chance of a place as the quality was outstanding, so I really went for broke – medium trots down the long side in front of the judges, and a fabulous forward canter. Poor Charles was running out of petrol, and I was working hard to keep him looking bright!

I was totally gobsmacked to be called forward as Supreme Champion! It was an amazing feeling, with 4 judges making a unanimous decision. It was the most fantastic feeling and one of the best days I’ve ever had with my boy. I am just so lucky to own such a superb horse. He really is one in a million!