Granny/Old Girl – Pippa Ireland
He Who Must Be Obeyed – Top Trainer and Ex Olympian Eventer Gary Parsonage
Baby Face – Noah Marsh
Little Sis – Gabby (Noah’s Sister)
Woodstock – (Gabby’s pony)
The Leading Lady – Polly Raper
The Legend – Nick Ireland’s show jumping pony, Puzzle
Purple Corker – Daytime Polly
The Guardians – Yard Rottweilers, Zeus and Pablo
Billy Bank – That’s me!
Top of the Morning to You,
And what a glorious one it is too. With so much sunshine evident it’s so important to keep hydrated and what better way than with soaked Fibre-Beet or Speedi-Beet. It’s a little-known fact that being only 2% de-hydrated can impact on wellbeing and performance so Granny always has a sloppy Fibre-Beet or Speedi-Beet mash prepared for us at events to ensure we all retain our fluid levels.
Check out the British Horse Feeds website for more details on the hydrating properties of the products.
Those of you familiar with Team Billy Bank’s ethos will know we like to set goals at the beginning of the season, and nothing gives Granny or The Young Master more pleasure than seeing them achieved. Obviously, it’s important to make our goals realistic I mean no matter how hard I trained or slimmed off I would never make The Epsom Derby for instance. A plan is required, which may change along the way as nothing horse related can be set in stone! Early season wet weather conditions completely disrupted our eventing plans so a switch to show jumping goals took over, namely try to qualify The Young Master and Purple Corker for the BS Nationals in August at Stoneleigh.
First step four double clears at the required level to qualify for the second rounds. Corker accomplished this at not only British Novice and Discovery but also Newcomers which was a bonus. The journey was not without a few hiccups including The Corker jumping The Young Master off at the first attempt in Newcomers, Corker developing a foot abscess and missing a three day show and The Young Master being injured at work and being unable to ride for a week. Mother of Mary, it seemed like obstacles at every turn, but they accomplished it. Step two attend a second-round qualifier where three clears in the class will gain a coveted place at the final in August at Stoneleigh. With only a limited number of qualifiers having to be fitted in around a work schedule it was quite an ask. The decision not to run at Newcomers was made, as despite Corker thinking she is invincible she is still actually quite green and the fences much bigger at the second-round classes. A trip to Willow Banks for a Discovery Qualifier didn’t go to plan, ” The flags were flapping in a most disconcerting manner” Corker explained on arrival home, ” It totally spooked my rider.”
The Legend and I exchanged a knowing glance as Corker is given to exaggeration at times.
The British Novice qualifier clashed with the Pony Club Area Dressage at Bishop Burton where Little Sis and Woodstock were trying to achieve their goal of a ticket to the JCB Pony club Championships at Offchurch, Bury. What can I say, the stars, the moon and sun must have all been aligned as not only did Corker jump a treble clear to qualify for the BS Nationals, Woodstock strutted his stuff with Little Sis to be part of the York & Ainsty South pony club winning team and gain a coveted place at the championships also in August. Granny was beyond delighted and immediately on the phone to her longtime friend, Amy, to book stables at her yard conveniently just down the road from both venues.
Corker & Nick from their qualifying rounds on route to the BS Nationals.
Woodstock proved he wasn’t just a one hit wonder a few weeks later qualifying at the Pony Club Area Eventing for the 80-championship held at Kelsall Hill in Cheshire. He rather blotted his copybook though by leaping on Tinkerbelle’s foot before the cross country necessitating a trip to Northallerton hospital and Granny having to drive the lorry home. “Better a lame owner than a lame horse,” Granny was heard to say.
Little Sis and Woodstock on route to Kelsall Hill PC regional championship.
So now the goals have moved on again with clear rounds being the target at the Championships, with competition there stiff any form of placing will be a bonus. Team Billy Bank has a host of unsung heroes behind us who all contribute to the wellbeing and success of the team. The two Daves, our farrier and haylage supplier, so reliable and cheery chaps who come throughout the year. Smithy Briggs who bring the straw and load it into the barn, so we always have clean bedding. Karina our physio who we all see as and when required keeps us in tip, top shape and of course Granny’s complete saviour Nick Blake who keeps the lorry on the road. Big thanks to you all along with British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company who continue to support us. We hope to do you proud at our August Championships.
Keep Smiling, keep hydrated.
Billy Bank xx
The post The Billy Bank Team Continue To Achieve Goals Including Qualifying For The BS Nationals appeared first on British Horse Feeds.
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