Ginny Howe
27 Aug 2026
CHF Captain Jacob
With my lack of top-level runs and match practice, I did wonder whether I should be running in the 3L rather than stepping up to the 4S. But after the way Arlo flew around Aston Advanced, I knew the 4*S was right for us.
Dressage
The heat at Hartpury was certainly intense, although Friday was fractionally cooler for our dressage test!
As always, Arlo tried his absolute hardest in the white boards. Sometimes he tries a little too hard, which can cause some anticipation and tension in the walk before and after his pirouettes.
His changes are getting there, although they’re still not completely clean yet. His lateral work, particularly the half-pass in both trot and canter, has certainly improved.
The marks are still a little lower than I would like, but this is very much a process for Arlo. I have absolutely no doubt that he has a serious test in there at this level; we just need to keep practising, consolidating everything and, ultimately, that takes time.
Showjumping
Showjumping was a typical Hartpury track — tight on the time and up to height!
Arlo felt super, if a little keen at times, which unfortunately added a couple of frustrating poles. But once again, he was overachieving and giving the fences plenty of air time!!!
Cross Country Day
Arlo, you really are my superstar.
We know each other inside out, and watching him take on a serious 4* track with such ease was incredibly exciting for the future.
We did have 20 penalties, which, yes, was annoying! But it came at a more technical type of question where his boldness almost caught us out. He was so committed that he didn’t even seem to realise there was a C element there to jump!
The way he jumped around those HUGE fences gives me goosebumps thinking back on it now as I write this. It really is an incredible journey we are on, and I’m so excited to see where it takes us.
A huge thank you to so many people who are part of our journey. Your support, help, knowledge and encouragement make all of this possible, both day to day and at competitions.
Most importantly, a huge thank you to his owner, Nen. None of this would be possible without you. Thank you! ❤️
And finally, a massive thank you to the whole Hartpury International team. Another fantastic weekend of sport, with amazing courses that were challenging, educational and beautifully built, and ground that was simply remarkable.
Thank you, Hartpury! We’ll be back! 💪🏼
