British Open Show Jumping Championships » Ellen’s Blog

The Last Day

ellen.whitaker — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 14:46:30 +0000

Hi! Today was my last day at the British Open and although I haven’t been as successful as I hoped at the Show I have really enjoyed my time here. The new venue is great and the visitors have been really brilliant.

Earlier today Kanselier and I were unlucky and had one fence down in the BSJA Winter Premier Grand Prix final. We finished 8th in the end. I went clear with Desdemona in the British Open Speed Stakes which I am really pleased about because we have gelled a bit more.

As I wasn’t competing in the British Open Championship final I had a chance to relax and watch a bit more of the Show. Tim and I enjoyed a lovely lunch in VIP hospitality which is definitely the best way to see the Show. It was so nice to be able to enjoy the entertainment this way and not have to think about competing – although of course I was disappointed that I wasn’t in the final round.

I was asked to present the Champions buckle to the barrel racing winner which was fun and Tim and I got to choose best playing pony for the arena polo final. We both thought Philip Baker’s horse Lagrima was fast and responsive so Tim awarded him with the Best Playing Pony award. I thought the final of the arena polo was really exciting and definitely something I would like to watch more of in the future. I also met all the members of the Pony Club display team today. They were all really sweet! It was so nice to be able to say hello to them all and encourage them with their riding.The Championship was a great class. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and I am really pleased for Jessica. She rode superbly all week and really deserved the title.

Well I am heading home now. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experience at the British Open.

Bye!

Saturday

ellen.whitaker — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 14:56:04 +0000

Hi! It’s been an interesting day today here at the British Open! My horse, Henry (Henri de Herne) has had to go home today as he is lame which is a shame but hopeful it is not anything serious. I decided to jump Kanselier in the Grandstand Classic, because he has been on really good form lately and this was a big money class. I also decided to give Desdemona another chance in the Championship, and I am glad I did. Although we didn’t have the best performance ever, I am really pleased with her improvement and feel we had a much better partnership.

I’m getting excited thinking about who will win the Championship title! Because I didn’t make the final 20, I won’t be able to compete further in the Championship, but I am going to stick around for the final. I think Michael is in a good position for the final on Sunday. I also think that all of the top seven have a good chance, and it will be a tight race, to say the least. I am also very happy for William and I think he has done an incredible job at this show. He’s had both under 23 classes and has done well for himself in the Championships. Not bad for only being 17!

I loved watching the scurry today. I must confess I’m a bit of an addict ever since I went on the back of one of the carts. It’s exciting to see how fast they go and how tight they can turn.

I finally had a chance to do a bit of shopping. I went to the John Whitaker stand and Tim visited the wooden pavilions.

For the rest of the show, I’m really looking forward to the Puissance tonight – I definitely won’t miss that. I’m also looking forward to catching the Arena Polo final tomorrow, as I haven’t actually seen any chukkas this show, and I hear it’s been great entertainment!

Just returned from watching the Puissance – what a fabulous class! All the competitors did really well. Especially Robert (Whitaker) and Ben (Maher) who cleared 7ft 2 ¾ inches to tie for first place.

Back tomorrow with news of my day.

Friday

ellen.whitaker — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:12:36 +0000

Day 2 at the British Open – Today wasn’t a very successful day for me! Henry didn’t go very well in the first class and Desdemona was again very sharp in the Championship, testing me at every opportunity. She is the type of horse that you have to work with before things start to go well. My brother had the same experience when he first started competing her. However, Kanselier is in good form and we were really unlucky in The easibed Accumulator to have the “joker” fence down as we had the fastest time. Show jumping can be very frustrating and like any sport there are always ups and downs.

Looking to tomorrow I will probably use Kanselier in the Championship rather than Desdemona as he is going so well.

When I am not competing I try to make time to meet my fans at big shows like the British Open. Today I spent time signing autographs in the Shopping Forum with my boyfriend Tim Gredley. It is nice that we get to spend time together at shows as we are both travelling around so much.

I then watched a bit more of the show and was really impressed by Jean Francois Pignon’s performance. I loved his whole display and was so amazed at what he had trained his horses to do. Definitely one to watch!

Tonight I am hoping to go to the polo player’s party, which is located in the hotel at the NEC, with friends. Although I would like to get to bed fairly early so I can ride and prepare my horses tomorrow morning. I am especially looking forward to competing in the BEF young riders’ Championship on Henry.

I will be back with more tomorrow!