Richard and Alfies Clover put in a foot perfect round of show jumping and cross country at July’s Upton House Open Intermediate Horse Trials. It was the duos first run since their top ten finish at Badminton 5* in May, and Richard couldn’t have been more pleased: “Alfie was on song, jumping with enthusiasm, in a fluent rhythm, and enjoying every minute.”
Richard and Alfies Clover in action at Badminton 2022 (photo credit: Nico Morgan Media)
It’s been a busy July for Team Jones, bringing on their young dressage and event horses. In addition to a full training schedule, the team took six youngsters to Buckminster Park Horse Trials, some making their first steps into the world of eventing. All six went double clear in both show jumping and cross country at Novice or BE90 grades. Perfect first steps to hopefully some promising futures.
Next stop for Richard and Alfies Clover is the Burgham International CCI-S 4* event at the end of July and then it’s all systems go for Burghley 5* at the beginning of September – or maybe a trip to Italy for the World Championships. Richard and Alfies Clover are on the list of ten reserves from which the UK team for the Eventing World Championships in Italy in September will be selected. Team Jones is preparing for all eventualities!
The pace is hotting up at Team Jones yard – let’s hope the weather isn’t!