NEWS
Brigstock International Event
Carraigh Dubh went very well in his first CIC**. We went there for a qualification and got more than we bargained for! The dressage was in a very excitable arena with lots of flowers and white boards and for a spooky horse he behaved very well. The cross country was very serious and up to height with some big ditches, so I thought as he’s only done three intermediates that this might be a bit ambitious, but he rose to the occasion and showed his talent with a clear show jumping.
A little break for the main contenders now with the next outing being Longleat.
NEWS
Enduring Partnerships – A Horse and Hound feature
Eventer Kristina Cook attributes her sole partnership with General Jock for a major part of his success and longevity at the top.
“I competed Jock in his first and last events” says Kristina. “I knew all his pros and cons and accordingly, was able to choose when and how he ran.
“He earned more than 1000 points and amazingly nearly all were won either in three-day events or team appearances,” says Tina, who acquired Jock as a four-year old out of sales. Jock, who is now 22, was in the top six at Badminton and Burghley for six consecutive years.
“Many of our past team horses lasted so long at the top because they were brought on by the same rider and campaigned in a similar way” says Tina.
In 1999, Jock survived a colic operation and while he came back to compete Burghley in 2000, he had to be retired due to a wind problem, seemingly a side effect of the operation.
Tina explains: “We’d enjoyed such a partnership – he’s done his job and done it well – that I didn’t think it was fair on him to go to another home or have another rider. I wanted to know where he was.”
