Ginny Howe
4 Aug 2026
Upton House
CHF Captain Jacob – Intermediate
One of my favourite events on the calendar, made even better by having the main man, Arlo, back out for our first run together since my injury.
He was somewhat excited in the dressage — definitely letting me know he was pleased to be back out! — but followed that with a super clear show jumping round and then the best spin XC in the Intermediate.
Arlo was feeling fantastic and very much ready for his next run!
CHF Ballyturn Cruise - Novice
Cruise made the step up to Novice and absolutely loved it!
It was a bold, up-to-height XC track and he took it all in his stride. He is getting stronger and more confident with every run and is really starting to feel like he is growing up.
The dressage is ever improving, although this phase is definitely going to take time. He has so much movement, but we just need to keep developing him and let everything come together.
He jumped a lovely SJ round, with just one unlucky rail, before finishing with a super XC round.
Really pleased with him!
Lassban Spirit Freedom - BE100
My second run on the very cute little grey, who I have taken over the ride on until the end of the season for a client I teach.
The aim is to give him some extra experience and get a bit more form under his belt, and he is certainly making it an enjoyable job!
He produced a lovely dressage test — although there was a unanimous decision from everyone involved that the judge was extremely harsh! 😂
A super SJ round followed, finishing with a lovely clear XC. He was full of confidence and super bold, which was great to see.
Aston Advanced
CHF Captain Jacob
What a super second event back for Arlo!
There were some really nice parts to his dressage, with much-improved lateral work. The changes are still very much a work in progress and unfortunately cost us this time, but there was plenty to be pleased with.
The show jumping was certainly up to height and technical!
Arlo couldn’t have jumped better. We had one unlucky pole, but he was jumping really well and felt fantastic.
The time was incredibly tight, and to get inside all the tight lines you really had to keep moving, so there was plenty to think about!
Then onto the XC, which was fantastic as always. The ground was incredible and it was a super track to ride.
Arlo produced a brilliant clear, making it all feel easy and, most importantly, leaving me with so much confidence.
He is feeling ready to make the next step up…
4* for our next run!
It is so exciting to have the horses feeling this good and to be back properly competing again after the start to the year we've had.
Lots still to work on, but plenty to look forward to!
Bring on the next one!