Well, what a week!!
Just back from Normandy where we enjoyed a fabulous few days combining four-legged and four wheeled horse power.

It’s 7 years since we “enjoyed” the Eventing at the World Equestrian Games and at the weekend we returned to Haras du Pin for a totally different experience. Brilliant competition, hospitable and professional organisers, a beautiful course and blue skies throughout.

Le Grand Complet held a Nations Cup class at 4* level, plus 3* long and short classes and also a 2* (apologies to any non eventers who may read this!)

Six countries participated in the Nations Cup and we look forward to following the European “names” at future events. France took the trophy with Tokyo Olympians at the top of the 4*Individual placings  Gwendolen Fer of France, Tim Price NZ and Josephine Schnaufer-Volkel of Germany 3rd.

Looking down the hill to the dressage arenas and chateau beyond

Tim Price on course with wife Jonelle spectating having just finished her own super round!

Walking the course

Down at the start

It was brilliant to be back Eventing and to feel a part of it all thanks to a certain Irish TD we were able to meet up with😊

Apart from 4 days of horses the Saturday had an exhibition of alternative horsepower with an array of classic cars displayed within the Chateau courtyard.

Chris reliving Marcos hill climbing days, even if it is “hairdressers yellow”!

Back to my sort of horsepower, two gorgeous Percherons.

So, after our wonderful jaunt up North we made our way home sedately with a stopover at Saumur on the banks of the Loire. The route back through Argentan was the very same one we took on our WEG adventure and the little bar/restaurant where we had coffee with Em is still there!!

Wasn’t this the gatehouse we thought we might like to buy fellow WEG travellers???? 😂

Sunset over the Loire

And finally another good reason to return to Haras du Pin!