Starting a new trend is never easy, but obviously the inaugural Express Eventing competition was always destined to create controversy and debate.
As the day dawned there was a definite mixture of joy, excitement, sadness and issues to discuss. And the cold ... oh, the cold.
Billed as Express Eventing, a radical new compact version of the sport of eventing, designed for arenas and stadiums around the world, condensing all the drama and excitement of traditional eventing into just half a day, with all the action visible from one seat, I was quietly keen to get to Cardiff to check out this new sport which boasted great prize money, and an impressive line-up of recognised eventing stars from the world over.
Why Cardiff you may ask? Me too!
But after struggling for over four hours of driving and not terrific signage directing my way, on entering the Millennium Stadium I was blown away by the facilities available all under one roof. Very atmospheric, a great arena and unique location. I felt it was shrewd of the organisers to choose this as a launch pad for the event, enabling them an opportunity to iron out any issues that might arise in order that the next event, should there be one, would indeed be seamless.
The logistics involved in getting this off the ground without a hitch were always going to be immense.
 Caroline Powell and Lenamore performed a polished dressage test to music. © Jan Milne |
Build a fully functional and safe eventing/jumping/dressage location in 12 hours, (think about it), directly after a rugby match, catering, merchandise, press, marketing and public support - no mean feat. There were bound to be some shortfalls. I felt the catering to the public (based on comments to me from members of the public) was lacking in that timing of food available was not great, and limited.
I think we just all underestimated the reality of sitting in the cold for six hours, with limited time to get fed and move somewhere warm as necessary. I personally thought that the parking or distinct lack of it, at a reasonable price, after the £45 entrance fee paid could have been avoided with some prior planning.
Introducing Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips and musical mastermind Andrew Lloyd Webber as equestrian judges could lay criticism at some of the show-biz angles adopted - but I feel it added another dimension to the dressage to music which seemed to be well received by most.
All combinations carefully choreographed their chosen individual pieces of music, including many Celtic influences and disco and yes, Abba. On the whole entertaining music and graceful equine athletes.
Highlights for me were obviously the dressage winner, a truly polished Bettina Hoy with her vast dressage experience, and the eventual overall winner Oliver Townend's test was wonderful - beautifully choreographed. Each combination gave it their all and really whet the appetite for the dramatic jumping to follow.
I felt the lunchtime slot of Jodie Kidd and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson jumping was perhaps a curious choice, but Carl Hester's dressage masterclass was informative and fun.
And so to the jumping ...
 Caroline Powell and Lenamore tackle the bank. © Jan Milne |
On first glance the arena looked like a myriad of combinations and it soon became clear not only the public were having trouble keeping tabs on the course order, disappointingly, too many riders were eliminated for jumping the wrong course!
This format asked many questions, each fence needed careful negotiation and I felt the show jumpers would excel at this, being acquainted with limited indoor space and quick firing combinations which perhaps you might not expect in eventing circles.
The footing raised some questions, a football pitch which is planted on pallets, which are removed individually as necessary for other events. I walked on it and despite it feeling damp, it felt like cushiontrack with grass embedded in it. It didn't appear to move and felt solid and the going reasonable.
Andrew Nicholson made statements to the effect that the surface - grass planted over a thin layer of topsoil on moveable pallets - was slippery and made the horses nervous; and the quick "pit-stop" tack change between the showjumping and cross country phases was too "gimmicky".
I cannot comment what it felt like on horseback. Other riders stated clearly that the going was good and all concerned had the opportunity (and hopefully experience), to utilise the studs suitable for this way of going. I feel some combinations showed glaring gaps in their preparation, be it the horses appearing out-classed or perhaps inexperienced and unprepared and perhaps a lack of readiness for such a demanding ask.
Let's face it, a showjumping course followed by an immediate start on the cross country is a huge ask ... it demands fitness and quickness of mind and above all heart of rider and horse. That, for some, that appeared lacking.
Question, question, question. Perhaps a dry run by participants would have enabled better preparation, but all entered are considered the world's eventing elite and their experience of fitness preparation is vast. However - how do you prepare for a world first?
There is no doubt that the pressure was on.
I personally liked the addition of a timed pen and change of hat and clothes; it added tension and helped involve the crowd.
Caroline Powell's experience of Northern and Scottish indoor eventing showed.
 Clayton Fredericks and Ben Along Time. © Jan Milne |
Lenamore, for all his naughty pony traits, flew around the course and despite his obvious delight at being able to test Caroline twice at the skinny double, was a delight to behold. He literally played his way around the course. Andrew Nicholson's Avebury was really impressive - such a talent for the future and unlucky to be disqualified. It was also great to see Mark Todd back in action and Gandalf's dressage has really come on in leaps and bounds (pardon the pun). We can hopefully expect many exciting competitions from this combination.
Lucy Wiegersma and the exceptional Shaabrak gave their all and looked polished and fearless ... she really proved her strengths.
It was certainly Oliver Townend's day!
After his dressage, which probably surprised quite a few, his rounds were typical Oliver, fast and furious, taking risks but a clean set of heels and the overall winner was crowned!
Anyone who has ever lost a friend or loved one will know there is no way to put into words the sadness I feel for Mary King on her loss of the special Call Again Cavalier.
An absolute tragedy for her and her team and I know there will be people all over the world silently sending her their support and love at such a sad time.
And so to sum up ... it is an event which I feel could grow into an exciting format.
I feel Stuart Buntine and his team have worked tirelessly to try to get it right, with an event that at last reflects the sort of financial return that should be pitched at our international riders who are sometimes woefully under-paid. Yes, there are issues which need addressing, but as riders or spectators and horse-sport supporters we can contact the organisers with our impressions and give suggestions. Perhaps a change of venue? Improve the catering?
I think it is easy to sit and criticise or to perhaps pick holes in something in its infancy, but perhaps more constructive to contribute and make a positive change.
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