©Stephen Mowbray Photography

Day Three at Equitana by Emma Pidgeon.

Day Three was the day we all started to realise it was almost over. More shopping of course and we paid a visit to the Queen Victoria markets. Unfortunately we got confused with the times and missed Charlotte’s school in the grand pavilion… (Shhh… don’t tell Tracey, she’ll kill me) we were all very heartbroken, but we’d gotten to see her do a few things over the few days.

As if to make up for us missing the class after the dressage freestyle riders had all finished, they announced a special presentation. Charlotte Dujardin rode out on a borrowed horse she’d only ridden a handful of times and did a beautiful, poetry in motion freestyle test. Even to my untrained eye it’s easy to see how she can captivate audiences all over the world. I can only imagine the impression she leaves when she is aboard Valegro.

Of course the dressage was amazing with so many standouts. Heath Ryan came home with the win, but there was very little between the top few riders it was great to see. The top 5 placegetters then proceeded to do a bit of a quadrille performance all together around the arena which was a treat for everyone. Our top prize winner then continued to show off around the outside of the ring. I get the feeling Heath isn’t shy of the spotlight haha.

I have a little omission to make. Earlier in the week I was standing in the same stand as Charlotte Dujardin but was too scared and awkward to ask for a photo or to say hello. Maybe she just thinks I’m rude… Well, I wasn’t making that same mistake again. When we were splurging away on saddlecloths and saw Megan Jones signing hats for all the kids lining up. Well I lined up with all the kids. April and I got our photo taken with Megan and I got a signed hat. Winner!

That’s just a few of my Equitana highlights. Today is the last day with a special finale show today. If any of you have seen Megan Jones’ facebook, I think we can expect some big name riders a little out of their comfort zone. J

Will keep you all posted J