The whole Park Lane Stables team is buzzing after the RDA Championships at Hartpury, but at least all that adrenaline is helping to keep the exhaustion at bay. There have been so many special moments that I challenged Natalie to sum up the weekend in just 10 highlights... And here they are:

1. After arrival, Abingdon RDA gave us a hand-made card and a tote bag with our name on full of goodies for humans and horses to wish us luck. It was such a random act of kindness when we were all there to compete. 

2. In a weekend of heavy rain and thunderstorms, the rain stopping for one short moment to make way for a rainbow.

3. The Park Lane team singing ‘The power in me’ to Yasmina and Dougie, and Annalise and Reggie, to get their mind in the right place before their dressage test.

4. Daniel Wren winning his class on Abella, the reaction of Kate (Abella’s owner) was priceless, she was beyond happy. Daniel proudly walked around in his sash with an even bigger grin on his face than usual for the rest of the day!

5. Dougie just being the most kind, patient, incredible pony in the whole world, including giving his absolute best to Yasmina for her dressage.

6. The disco! Participants making new friends and letting their hair down.

7. Reggie and his magnificent moustache getting soooo much attention.

8. The lovely lady we bought Sam (our carriage horse) from surprising us by attending despite the weather. Sam recognised her immediately and was delighted, it was so touching to see.

9. Our amazing outfits courtesy of Richard Phillips Racing. They were bright turquoise, so having no phone signal or wifi was no barrier as we could see each other for miles!

10. Marcus Capel, CEO of the Pony Club, surprising us all with a visit. We were so touched that he took time to come and support our Pony Club members.

It’s a huge challenge for all of the riders to compete in such challenging weather conditions, and we’re so proud of the Park Lane humans and horses for what they achieved. Everyone came away with fabulous rosettes – and they’ll all be back next year!

Here is a quick round-up:

Daniel W: winner of the visually impaired class of the Countryside Challenge, impressive in endurance too

Yasmina: 2nd in Grade 1 dressage

Annalise: 2nd in both Grade 6 dressage and endurance, and 4th in the Countryside Challenge

Louis: 3rd in 5km endurance, 6th in showjumping, 9th in carriage-driving

Izzy: 3rd in 3km endurance, and shone in horse and pony care too

Luke: 5th in the Countryside Challenge, distinction in horse and pony care

Michael: 5th in arts and crafts

Lillie: personal best in endurance, and shone in horse and pony care

Dan M: distinction in horse and pony care, impressive in Countryside Challenge

John: personal best in Countryside Challenge

We couldn’t have done it without these wonderful people:

We’d like to say a huge thanks to the volunteers who worked so hard to support us all at Hartpury. You’re never unsung heroes in our eyes, we’re singing your praises.

Thanks to our generous sponsors too, including: H&L Motors and Richard Phillips Racing, also Equine America and Flexars for helping us look like true professionals! And to Allan, the husband of one of our Park Lane team, who covered the cost of our volunteers’ accommodation.