We were up before the birds today to get to Aylesford for Eva's first Arena eventing competition. It was a big ask of Jack as he's had so much time off jumping with his sore back. Don't think they've jumped since December. We did consider taking Buddy but Eva has never done any solid fences on him and as he was so good last weekend we thought we'd just give it a go. 

Unfortunately it wasn't their day. He was napping in the warm up ring so she wasn't prepared and in tears when they called her in to the ring. I told her we could just withdraw but she wanted to give it a go. It started really well but even though it was only 60cm it was a twisty course of 20 fences, with steep banks to go up and down and water etc with some very difficult lines. Basically not a straight forward course. Sadly they ended up being eliminated as she couldn't get him over the skinniest skinny I've ever seen!! She was really upset and disappointed but there were so many positives to take away from today. She didn't give up even though he was being very challenging and a lot of kids would have thrown their teds out. She rode beautifully and didn't lose her temper with him and she remembered the course. He's never been an easy pony to ride but she manages him so well and I'm really proud of her for getting in there and giving it a go. There will be other comps and we've got loads to work on. 

We were back at the yard by 9.45 in time to stack a big hay delivery (getting through so much!). Then Mike took Eva home so I could take Lime for a ride round the woods. He was rather embarrassing whinnying like crazy at some other horses we passed then he jogged all the way home. I'm so glad he doesn't act his age!!