Home from France

Less than two weeks ago I was in France with Zin Fire and was looking forward to competing. The competition venue was fantastic and the cross-country course was partly on a golf course. It was sunny and warm. Very warm. We started the long four-star class.

Because of the heat we had to start the dressage very early in the morning and we were one of the first to start. The dressage was not a highlight but okay. Zin Fire was a bit naughty and we had a few small mistakes. Mistakes are expensive at that level. We finished at 61.8%.

The next day it was time for the cross-country. Same thing now, we started early and we were one of the first to go. Zin Fire did a really good first half of the cross-country. In the middle of the course came two water fences. The first went well. But the second one we had a refusal. I tried again but felt it was useless. 

So I decided to withdraw. Of course I was very disappointed but with a good understanding that it is tough and small margins at that level.

After we got home I chose to start him again in a two-star class here in Sweden. The idea was that since we didn't finish the competition in France he would get a much easier competition to gain confidence from.

Unfortunately it didn't go well. He clearly showed in the cross that something was wrong. So now a health check is next for Zin Fire. He has looked and felt good. But I suspect that something with his health is not right. But we'll see what the vet finds.