The world championships: an unforgettable experience!!

Dear all,

Last Tuesday Marcel, Stan, Woezel & Pip, Beukenvallei's Iconic B and I left for the world championships for young horses in Ermelo, The Netherlands. In the morning we stopped at Anky's place for a last trainings session and that went very well. Then we drove to Ermelo.

We have been in Ermelo many times but it all looked so different because of these world championships so we had to adjust for a while. When we arrived everyhing was checked before we could even enter the show ground! There were many riders from other countries which had travelled a long time. 

All Dutch were situated in the KWPN stalls and Iconic was very relaxed in his stall. He had two windows so there was a lot to see for him. We unpacked the truck and hand walked Iconic. I was looking forward to the next day! That day would start with the vet check. Iconic was presented at 2.58 PM. There was the possibility to train in the main arena from 3 till 4 PM but as that would been very close we decided to train already in the morning. A good decision as it was very very busy in the afternoon! I just walked Iconic a bit in the arena in the afternoon. 

We got green light in the vet check so the championships have really started!! 

Iconic and I got number 35 to go which meant that we had to perform on Thursday at 4.33 PM. Pffff that was a long day waiting as the first entered the ring at 10 AM. On Thursday morning we hand walked Iconic and I was in the stable the rest of the day to prepare myself and Iconic. During the warming up Iconic was very good! I had to go right behind Eva Moller (bronze medal winner) and the audience was very loud after her test. Iconic got a little tensed and he still was in the test. Too bad as we made a few mistakes. But... I enjoyed every second and I am very proud of him as he did a super job! We got a score of 8,12 with an 8,8 for trot!

On to Friday! We entered the ring as ninth rider. It went even better than the first test and we finished up with 8,29 and we became 8th! So we had to tack up for the prize giving ceremony! 

To be honest, I expected more points on the second day as he really was good. But that's how it goes in dressage. Again I was very proud, he has such a top character!! 

It was more than super to be part of the Dutch team at these championships and I would love to do it again in the future! 

Iconic enjoys a well deserved short holiday and then the training will be resumed to prepare for the semi final of the Pavo cup on August 15. We look forward to this event as well! 

I would like to say thank you to everyone who sent me sweet messages, for the calles for everything! Really nice, thanks!!!

Lots of love,

Joyce

Other news