This week, Trevor, Katie and Lizzy kicked off their month-long tour in Vilamoura, and they did it in the best style possible.
Jircarla T jumped the 7-year-old age classes during the start of the week, proving yet again what a consistent mare she is. Not only did she not touch a pole, but she came 3rd in the Speed Class and repeated this success with 3rd in the 7-year-old Final, starting this tour right!
Thursday was the start of the 4* show, meaning it was time for the rest of the horses to take to the arena. They all put in solid first rounds, with Highland President landing in the money in the 4* 1.40, Toyger coming 12th in the 4* 1.30 and Germaine W jumping clear in the 4* 1.40.
On Friday, more placings started to roll in. Highland President finished just out of the top 10 in the 4* 1.40, picking up 11th place whilst Germaine W sped to 8th place in the 4* 1.50. It was Dancing Wolf OL, however, who was the star of the day, finishing on the podium in 2nd in the 4* 1.40 and proving what a quick and talented stallion he is.
Saturday was another successful day with Highland President and Toyger both picking up 5th placings in the 4* 1.50 Ranking Class and the 4* 1.35, respectively. The lovely 7-year-old Forest Ranger OL schooled around the 4* 1.20 for an educational clear with the aim to step up to bigger classes later in the tour.
Sunday saw the start of many Grand Prix days for the tour and it did not disappoint. Kicking off the day, Dancing Wolf OL found himself on the podium again in the 4* 1.45 Ranking Class where he and Trevor jumped fast and clear to finish in the bronze position. This stallion seems to like sunny Portugal! It was then the 4* Grand Prix that saw Germaine W step up to the challenge. Storming around her first ever GP at this level, Germaine and Trevor made the course look effortless and finished in 10th place. What a way to end the week and we cannot help but reflect on how far this impressive mare has come.
But it wasn’t just the grown-ups seeing success in the arena this weekend, with Mia Breen hitting the podium 3 times in one day. After riding Cockleberry Buckaneer to 3rd in the 128s the pair went on to dominate in the 128 All Junior Affiliated to take the win. If this wasn’t enough Mia also flew round the 85cm aboard Bottom Golden Friskey for another podium finish, this time placing 2nd – well done Mia!
A huge thanks to the whole team – both at home and in Portugal – who make it all possible. We can’t wait to start again next week and hoping to find ourselves on top of the podium!