This week, team DLS headed to one of England’s most iconic shows – Bolesworth International.
On Wednesday, David and Antonia had some stellar rounds. David rode Pjotr Van Dr Kruishoeve in the CSIYH1* 6yrs and despite having a pole, it was a super round and showcased this young stallion’s potential for the future. Antonia rode Marvin van de Waterhoeve in the 3* 1.35 where they showed a quality partnership with a double clear leaving them in the top 20 against some world-class riders. David and Carleyle were also double clear in the 3* 1.35, whilst new ride Jesajah had a green pole in the 7-year-olds with David.
On Thursday, Antonia and Marvin van de Waterhoeve jumped in 3* 1.45m with just an unfortunate 4 faults in the first phase in what was a tricky and technical course. David and Starouge had a great round in the 3* 1.35m jumping a double clear in the time to land in 9th place. Not to be outdone, Carlyle put in a great performance with David for yet another double clear to land in 6th place in the 3* 1.45 – this stallion keeps on getting better and better. Foudre F came also out on top form as usual in the 1.40m where the pair made it look all too easy to finish in 4th place. David also competed in the Ride with Drive – he was in the saddle with Starrouge whilst fellow rider and friend Elizabeth Cunningham was in the driver’s seat. It was an exciting and thrilling class and the pair did not disappoint despite a few time penalties they came 6th overall!
On Friday, Antonia and Marvin van de Waterhoeve were entered in 3* 1.50m and had just an unlucky pole but put in a great effort around a huge track. David and young horse, Pjotr van de Kruishoeve had an educational round in the 6yr olds with an easy double clear showing great maturity as he went on. David and Starouge finished the day in the 3* 1.40m with a steady round and just 4 faults.
Saturday saw David and Pjotr van de Kruishoeve back in the 6yr olds final with one green pole in the first round to keep them out of the jump off but otherwise this special stallion did not let the huge arena phase him and was a joy to watch.
Sunday just kept getting better and better for David.
He started the day with Carleye in 3* 1.35m and added another clear round to his list, followed by Starouge in 3* 1.35m who produced a clear in the time putting them in 10th place. The cherry on top of a brilliant week was given to Foudre F in the CSI3* Grand Prix, it was a nail-biting class with the track being big and technical. But this did not phase David or Foudre F as they put on an exhibition to came out on top, posting the only double clear claiming themselves the Grand Prix winners – a truly exciting moment for team DLS and well deserved for David and Foudre F!
We at DLS give a huge thanks to the team at Bolesworth International for putting on such a spectacular show as always, and we can’t wait to be back soon.
