This week young Swiss rider Laetitia du Couëdic is competing in her first 5* competition in Zurich. Laetitia has kindly agreed to blog her experience for Equnews.org. "We arrived this morning (Thursday), I put my mare Elisa in her stall. I let my horses have a stretch before leaving them have a rest. I took the opportunity to walk around for a little bit, the arena will have a huge impression on the horses, it is very bright and quite small. But it is very nicely decorated with flowers. Then I worked my mare for a little bit, she is very quiet at competitions, I'm very lucky. She doesn't mind being alone or around horses she doesn't know (while in the collecting ring). Nevertheless, she was a bit naughty when I got on in the collecting ring because of the noise, the stands are being prepared, other horses were being lunged,etc. As soon as she started concentrating she felt relaxed and fit. I think she is happy to be in competition again. Tomorrow I will compete in the 1.35m class, I hope to have a good, quiet round while still keeping up a good pace. This is a height at which we are both comfortable with, it is enough to put us on the right track". Photo : Elisa at the vet check - Laetitia du Couëdic
