Crufts Singles and ABC Qualifiers at North Derbyshire

Another competition day at North Derbyshire, starting with the Crufts Singles Qualifier. Unfortunately, we crashed out of this one after another missed dog walk and an elimination for taking a jump in the wrong direction. It was a lovely course and an absolute pleasure to run, but our contacts and start-line routine are really letting us down at the moment. They’ll both be major priorities in our winter training.

Rio was fabulous in the ABC Qualifier. Sadly, I got a little lost towards the end and briefly forgot where I was going after the seesaw! It was frustrating because Rio was running so well, but that mistake was entirely mine.

The Singles Jumping run also went brilliantly. We only lost it at the weaves when I tried to move away and Rio came out, giving us another clear training point to work on.

Our regular jumping run was probably the highlight of the day. Rio was absolutely smashing it and only picked up five faults for clipping the tyre. Everything else felt fantastic.

We may not have come home with the results, but every course was lovely to run and there were so many brilliant moments throughout the day. I can feel us getting better and better every time we step into the ring. The small pieces are beginning to come together—and once we strengthen those start lines, contacts and weave commitment, I think we’re going to be a real force.