We all managed a reasonable night’s sleep as did the horses who all appeared fit and well the following morning. Another hack out left them ready to settle down in their boxes whilst we started our preparations. Our costumes had been specifically designed so as to make it quick and easy to get the horses ready which was just as well given what was needed where we were concerned! Fortunately, Buddy and her mum, Sarah, had persuaded Amy, Michelle and Katharine to come too! What stars they were – not only mucking our horses out whilst we rode but working wonders in terms of hair and makeup – all this while Sarah and Vanessa steamed peacock feathers to get them looking at their peak. For the first time that I can remember we were ready and on our horses a full 30 minutes before we were needed for turnout judging.

The turnout section of this competition can be particularly nerve-wracking – tack is, quite rightly, expected to be perfectly clean, correctly fitted and in sound condition; the horses likewise have to be immaculate – clean, in good condition, well shod etc; add then to these an appraisal of our costumes not only in terms of appropriateness for the theme but also how well made they are and you can see why this is a phase we are all pleased to finish.
The judges were very positive in their comments to us at this stage which at least left us feeling that we were still in with a chance of selection – all we needed now was for us to ride the routine accurately, and for the judges to like it and the music – not much to ask!

With the Faversham teams following each other we were unable to support the Cossacks, however, from the warm-up arena the music sounded good and the routine was well received by the crowd.

Now for our turn; apparently we had set a few pulses racing with our cat suits according to the commentator but it was our pulses I was more concerned about. We just had to keep calm and ride it as well as in rehearsal.

The music Carrie had produced for us makes this an easy routine to ride; we always know exactly where we should be according to the music – it is just up to us to be there. Fortunately we met all the cues bang on and as we finished the routine we knew we had done a good job – perhaps not quite as inch perfect as the previous evening but with a bit more flair. It was great to hear the commentator praise the music and note how the quality of editing has risen in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Thank you Carrie for all you do for us – even the best ridden routine would be nothing without great music to set it off.

Now for the nerve-wracking wait before the 4 selected teams are announced. Obviously we were hoping we would be selected but at least if we were unlucky this time we would know we had given it our best shot.

I’m delighted to say that we were selected along with two teams from Hope Valley – Scarecrows and Can-can dancers – and a team of Toreadors from Worlington with a routine called the Almighty Force.

Hope Valley made history with their two teams – something I for one was adamant would never happen – apparently they pipped Faversham to this achievement by a mere ½ a mark. We felt for the Cossacks knowing how much work goes into just getting to Addington and then being denied by such a small margin. No doubt they will be back to fight another day.

The hard work really starts for us now – we are determined to make it seventh time lucky for Faversham – this in itself must surely be a record.

Our thanks go to: Sarah – costume maker extraordinaire; Amy , Katherine, Michelle ,Vanessa, Jason, Juliet and Annie; not forgetting, of course, the horses – Troy, Ronnie, Parky and Eric.

Next stop Olympia!