The British rider has returned to the Yorkshire venue with the promising 10-year-old Gypsie Du Loir, owned by Janette Chinn and the Sue Davies Fund, 12 months after winning the CCI4*-S class here.
“She’s such an exciting horse and it’s even more special because I’ve had her since she was five, so we’ve gone on the journey together and she’s just getting better and better each year,” said Yasmin.
“I’m still not entirely happy with that – the late flying change at the end was super frustrating and that’s been her weakness in her dressage. We’re just trying to get that nailed, so I think we’ll be doing some more homework, but the rest of the test felt really fluent and she just carries herself so beautifully.
“She’s got a real natural cadence about her and her presence in general is quite attractive, so she’s a pleasure to ride.”
A narrow margin at the top after Bramham Horse Trials dressage
Last night’s leader Piggy March holds third with MCS Maverick on 26.4, with US rider Tiana Coudray and D’Artagnan fourth (27.4) and Selina Milnes on Cooley Snapchat, another pair who performed yesterday, in fifth (27.9).
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“She got a bit nervous in the trot, but the canter was beautiful. She never scores great marks for the walk because she’s so long, but we know what she is and what she does, so we’re chuffed with her,” said the New Zealand rider.
Caroline said she hasn’t had a smooth build-up to a three-day with the mare in a long time, including this one.
She explained: “Every time you think you’ve got a straight run, there’s a great big, bendy turn in the way, and you’ve just got to rethink what you’re doing and change things. I’m this age and I’m still learning how to get horses to three days – it’s never, never easy, is it?
“The main aim for this week is to finish, because I think it’s very important for her mentally to actually come and get through and go home very happy.”
Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.
