Well, after the trials and tribulations at home in the UK over the last couple of weeks, I cant believe we finally made it to Argentina.
We arrived late on Tuesday night, and had some time to wander around Buenos Aires (via the shoe and handbag shops !) on Wednesday morning, and then it was time to meet Carlos.
Carlos bred LM Funny Girl, and now I am riding her half sister LM Bolena in our first 2* FEI 120kms in Ezeiza. Bolena will eventually join the gang at Ash Farm. I also agreed to ride Ashirta in her first 1* ride the day before. So I just couldnt wait to finally meet the horses.
Carlos drove us out of Buenos Aires to Ezeiza to the ride venue. Standing in the late afternoon sun (still 39 degrees at 6pm !!) was a beautiful chestnut mare – Bolena, my new horse. Also the very pretty faced Ashirta, a most unusal roan grey, with a black mane and tail. Also Fresita, another very nicely put together chestnut mare that Carlos’ son will be taking on the 3* 160km
Kitted out in my Saddle Exchange Reactor Panel saddle, which Carlos and his groom Roberto re-fitted, and all tacked up in my beautiful turquoise Saddle Exchange bridle with the “go faster” beads made by Taylored Tack in the USA, I was finally once again astride a chestnut mare sauntering along in the dappled sunlight.
I can’t wait to ride again and will be heading over tomorrow to ride both mares ready for the races at the weekend.
Day 2 the 1* 80kms race on Ashirta – WOW what a fantastic day. The Argentinians certainly know how to ride. About 40 of us started the 80kms and it really was a racing start ! The pace was fast and furious. Settling three quarters of the way to the back of the field, I wanted Ashirta to settle and not travel too far in her first 1* race. She was absolutely impeccably behaved and gave me a really super ride. I am very proud to say that we came in an unexpected third place. What a way to start riding in a new country. My huge thanks to the invaluable team of Andy, Carlos and Roberto and of course Ashirta.
Day 3 the 2* 120kms raceon Bolena – well that’s horses for you ……… Bolena and I parted company in the very early stages, luckily we managed to get reunited and did complete the first 40kms but sadly Bolena was a little short on the trot up at vet gate 1 and so that was us out. It was probably for the best as within a couple of hourse Bolena was absolutely fine which might not have been the case had we carried on. Sadly I was decidedly lame by the end of the day having landed on my knee ! All the fun of endurance and that 120kms 2* is still out there waiting for me. The prize giving was a wonderful evening of drinks and dancing (or hobbling for me !) in the sunshine and I was delighted to receive a beautiful arab horse head trophy for our 3rd place as well as a rosette.
Day 4 – 6 – What an experience. We had the chance to tour Argentina and travelled with Carlos to look at some absolutely fabulous horses. Such a treat and I really cannot thank Carlos enough.for his hospitality and showing us Argentina. We will definitely be back – amazing horses, great riding, hospitable friendly people, great wine and food and wonderful warm weather – I just didnt want to leave.
