Another week in Vilamoura, another success report. We have been blown away with how the horses have performed out in Portugal throughout the tour, and are incredibly proud of the whole team of horses, riders and grooms for the sheer hard work that has gone into it. From training of the horses at home to the perfect plaits and flawless jumping in Portugal, it has been one massive team effort.
Kicking off this week was wonder mare Jicarla T, whose tour to date has been nothing but exceptional. Monday saw her take 3rd place in the first 7-year-old class of the week before going on to do one better on the Wednesday to clinch 2nd place. She now heads back home along with fellow 7-year-old Forest Ranger OL, who himself had a fantastic last week of the tour, finishing 9th and 11th during the former half of the week.
This week’s star, though, has to go to Germaine W, who jumped her heart out in the 3* 1.45 Ranking Class to ride to a phenomenal 2nd place in what was a talent-packed class. Following her clear in the 1.30 earlier this week, this mare felt on top form from the moment she hit the warm-up on Thursday and proved to us all just what she’s made of.
Meanwhile, Toyger stepped up to the plate, jumping his first-ever 1.45, only to smash it out of the park with a beautiful clear round, finishing in 9th place. He then went on to repeat his success with a clear in the CSI3* 1.40 at the weekend.
Heather Black’s Highland President, took to the ring on Friday to jump his 7th clear round of the tour in the CSI3* 1.35, before taking on the 1.50 Grand Prix on the final day for just four faults.
As Toyger, Forest and Carla head home, Highland President and Dancing Wolf OL will have a week off, and Germaine W will take to the ring once again at the weekend.