First place at Pontispool Open Novice has been a good start to the season for Tunley's Jo Clarke riding her horse, Frankly.
After an exceptional dressage score of 25.8, giving Frankly a generous lead of 4.5 points, the duo then went clear in the show jumping, but ran into difficulties with the cross country. A sudden hail storm startled Frankly into a dramatic leap over the log pile, nearly unseating Jo, with both horse and rider then experiencing severely reduced visibility as they rode into the hail.
"Riding in those conditions was very scary for both of us," said Jo, "And I was seriously considering pulling up. Fortunately, we turned and then had the hail at our backs and so were able to see the course again. I was thrilled with Frankly's performance in all the elements."
In recent years, competing has been a financial struggle for Jo, due to the significant costs involved with Frankly being entered for the larger, higher level competitions. The win at Pontispool was only possible because of the money raised through Friends of Frankly – Frankly's online supporters club. Supporters have been busy organising public appearances for Frankly at local village shows, with a dressage demonstration accompanied by an informal and informative commentary from club member, Jeanette Kenyon, and a stall promoting membership of Friends of Frankly.
Club supporters are now busy with a Crowdfunder campaign to raise some of the money for Frankly's next competition, Nunney International from June 19th – 21st.
Readers can meet Frankly at Timsbury Village Show, on 20th June.