Mary King was suspended for two months in June for dangerous riding on MHS King Joules at Bramham. Despite a petition the FEI did not overturn the ban, stating that she should have pulled up sooner. Mary said at the time she was embarrassed and that the horse had been disappointingly strong and unruly across country. Mary King sums up her first competition back below - I have never been so excited at riding at West Wilts Horse Trials before – and I rode a winner!!! Dan (King Dan) had his first eventing win in the BE100, Zippy (Mr Hiho) came 2nd in the ON, Lottie (Kings Choice) jumped a double clear in the ON finishing 9th. I am riding Mr Hiho, Emily’s usual ride, for the time being. He had been a bit naughty so Patsy Mason his owner and Emily and I thought it best if I ride him at a few events – it’s hard for Emily as she loves him and has done all the work so far. July went well for Emily, and following a very successful number of events was selected for the Junior European Championships with Brookleigh, and Gabriella Atkinson’s Zara as a direct reserve. This is Emily’s 4th and final Junior Europeans, as she will be up into the Young Rider age bracket next year, so fingers crossed! Following final team training the junior squad moved up to Bishop Burton, Yorks. where the Euros are taking place this week. Mum and I are going up tomorrow, Freddie and David on Friday. Fingers crossed for Team GB and Emily and Brook! My book is finished and at the printers now, hope to see many of you at Burghley for the launch. I will be at the Celebrity Talk Area from Sept 3rd- 7th. It’s lovely to see dear Archie (Imperial Cavalier) and Urco (Fernhill Urco, who I came 2nd with at the Rolex CCI**** in Kentucky in 2011) going so well at a lower level for Yaz Ingham, a very talented junior rider who is based at the Davies (the owners) wonderful yard in Cheshire. Sapey and Wellington are my next couple of events – it is great to be back on track!!
