Personal notes: A soggy day at Bucks County Show

Helen Tredwell and Larkspur

When Horse & Hound asked me to cover the show jumping at Bucks County Show, I was rather looking forward to it. I'd never been before and I'd heard it was a good one to visit.

Then, the night before, our lovely British weather decided to show its true colours and the heavens opened. I believe we had more than inch of rain overnight, which prompted me to call one of the course building team to check the jumping was still going ahead. It was and it did.


I'd been told the traffic getting onto the showground was quite bad anyway, but I wasn't expecting to be queuing for an hour and a half to get in. As I got nearer to the gates, I realised why. Lorries were being towed in, road sweepers were clearing mud off the road and the gateways were becoming more and more difficult for cars to pass through. Fortunately for me, the entrance to the press car park was via a gravel track, so no wheelspinning on arrival!

The rain actually held off for most of the show day, but the downpour had put off many entrants and the numbers of starters was somewhat reduced. About 15 jumped in the 1.40m.

Although Bob Ellis and his team had tried to find the best bits of the arena, the rain had penetrated a little too deep. Horses seemed to be sinking on take off and just couldn't get the lift over fences. Simon Crippen (Longmeads Minao), Mark Armstrong (Prince Z) and Lura Mantel (Touplesse) all went clear but decided not to jump-off. All were very aware that gathered around the ringside was a large group of spectators; quite a lot in fact had braved the elements. Nick Brookes-Ward, who was commentating, explained to them that the conditions meant the welfare of the horses was being very much considered by the riders, which they looked to understand.

I can't imagine how gutting it must be for a show organiser to have a year's worth of work and effort spoiled by a turn in the weather. I really do hope we don't lose our grass rings in Britain, but that is the risk with turf.

Bad weather at outdoor shows always makes me appreciate the work of course builders, arena parties and stewards all the more. At least I can go and hide in a tent most of the time, but they have to be out come rain or shine, and a simple thank you to them goes a long way.

After shifting the fences for the second main ring class, the accumulator, the crowd were kept entertained. Helen Tredwell won this one with Larkspur, having jumped what she thought was a steady round.

I spent most of the day by the second ring, in which Mark Neudeck was building. Entries here were again hampered, but happily for me the ringside supporters' tent had a generous supply of scones, jam and clotted cream.

While munching away on my second, or was it third, helping, I had a chat with Phillip Miller. He's had a great season with Pennie and Di Cornish's Univeau in International Stairways and International Trials and, after doing a bit of maths, it looks like he can't now be beaten in the joint league table. So, it seems a Horse of the Year Show wildcard looks likely for him, but don't quote me on that, it's still to be confirmed by BS.

Simon Nicholson was also at the show. He's just had the air boot off his broken leg, which he sustained at Lincolnshire County in June, and he's hoping to be back competing in about 11 weeks' time. Fingers crossed it all goes well for him.

I hope this year's weather hasn't put off the Bucks County Show organisers. They seem to have a good public following and are keen to keep improving. Hopefully next year mother nature will give them a better deal than this.