Pioltello was an interesting show... One of those weekends where nothing goes to plan but somehow works itself out in the end.
As a "comeback" show for Merlin I really couldn't have asked for more. He popped around the 1m40 (clear) on the Friday, clear again in the 1m45 FEI Rolex Ranking class on the Saturday (qualified for the GP) and a fence down in the GP. I rode into the triple combination a fraction strong and he just rubbed the middle part. The track was tough enough (1m50/60) to acomodate the level of riders there - Schwizer, Guerdat, Lamaze, Bost, Whittaker etc etc (basically the entire Swiss team and half the riders seen in Paris Grand Palais the previous weekend). Around 20 riders didn't even qualify for the GP (Etter, Hecart, Lundback, Pellegrin...) and considering Merlin was just back from injury and this being his first GP start of the season; he jumped out of his skin!
Curly took a back seat this weekend - he needs a bit of a rest in Ireland before I take him out again so trying to arrange for him to get home soon. The girls did very well as usual - Clear CC in particular jumped beautifully every day, she's actually starting to relax a bit now throughout the course and giving herself that bit of time to follow through her jumps. Annie is all about the "flash"... as always catching an eye or two...
Hans Horn was there which was wonderful as he really took the time to watch the horses closely and seemed to like them all! I think Merlin surprised him a little with his grand prix extravaganza... Something went my way anyways as I've now been put on the long list for both Lisbon and Sopot Nations Cups, so here's hoping!
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