Words and pictures by Fiona Scott-Maxwell
www.scottmaxwell.co.uk

The popular St James’s Palace Barbury International Horse Trials always proves a success with its unique viewing of the XC course.  Spectators can practically see all the fences from one spot which isn’t possible at any other Eventing event.  This year was another first in that Andrew Nicholson and Avebury, owned by Rosemary and Mark Barlow, won the CIC*** for the 4th consecutive year – never been done before! Last year’s hat trick was considered record breaking but Andrew has done it again and what’s more, he was 2nd on Nereo owned by Deborah Sellar.  The weather was unkind on the Sunday of the CIC*** XC, the light showers that were forecast turned out to be torrential rain, virtually non stop, once it had started around 2.00pm – making the going tricky, on top of the firm going after a prolonged dry spell.  This unfortunately resulted in 13 eliminations/retirements and 26 withdrawals but what can you do about the British weather!

 The JCB Champions Challenge on the Saturday provided much amusing entertainment for those willing to leave the CIC** XC.  The Eventers team comprised of Andrew Nicholson, Sir Mark Todd, Harry Meade and Tina Cook – the Jockeys, AP McCoy, Sam Twiston-Davies, Richard Johnson and Wayne Hutchinson.