Did you know that the original ‘Top Gun’ movie came out an incredible 35 years ago this month? And the sequel (with a suspiciously still-young looking Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick) will be released in just a few weeks’ time? Other than making me and no doubt lots of other people my age feel a little bit old, you might be wondering why I’m writing about Top Gun in a blog normally dedicated to all things horsey and our latest yard updates!
Well, it’s because there’s a famous line in the original film about the young Top Gun fighter pilots being ‘the elite, the best of the best!’ and it’s safe to say that the Team Chapman Equestrian young guns have been out and absolutely smashing it recently! And, even better, one of our exciting young horses is called TCE Maverick and he’s certainly proving we don't just do dressage horses at Team Chapman Equestrian…
This super 5-year-old went double clear in his first BE 90 with Holly at the start of April and his performance was just so impressive. He is a star to do, has scope to burn, beautiful paces and a sensible head. He followed this up with an amazing British Showjumping outing with Charlotte Arnold-Gibson in the saddle just a week ago. Two double clears under his belt, the very first time Charlotte had sat on him and the first time anyone other than Holly had ridden him. This brilliant horse really is going places and is testament to Holly’s hard work and talent. Here’s hoping TCE Maverick emulates his namesake and really does reach the highest heights for us…
We’ve also had plenty to shout about with the dressage horses over the past month. I had a very fruitful outing for a competitive 5-year-old class with Tracy Ann Elliott’s Mind Over Matter and our own Majesteit TCE. The 4.30am alarm call and 7-hour round trip was most definitely worth it with Mind Over Matter and his amazing walk sealing the deal to finish 1st, and Majesteit being his usual awesome self to finish 2nd! It doesn’t get much better than that and I was so proud of both these boys.
It’s not just these boys who have been delivering results in the past few weeks, as a solo visit to the Yorkshire Riding Centre last week with Joey, owned by myself, Sara Lucas and Antonia Brown, and Jensen owned by Emma Smith saw Joey win the prelim class and Jensen taking the win in the novice class. Roll on May and the rest of the summer if this strike rate carries on! Keep a beady eye on my social media for more updates and make sure you come and say hello if you see us out with the horses competing.