British Open Show Jumping

Yesterday, I went to the British Open show jumping in Birmingham, I was given a ticket by Storm who had one spare as one of her friends couldn't go.
There were 5 of us in all going as a group, Storm, Millie, Millie's sister Molly and their mother Mandy! (yes the names have been changed!) Molly who actually lives North of Birmingham met us there.
We went in and had a wander around the trade stands, We found the Puissance wall which was at least a foot taller than me, it had been built to the height of the winning jump from last year which was over 7 feet tall! Then went and got some lunch, Storm and I had jacket potatoes the others had brought sandwiches from home.
Having eaten we went into the arena to watch the start of the show jumping, there were loads of top riders competing so it was a good competition.
When the first competition had finished there was a display of horsemanship by a Frenchman who I am embarrassed to say I can't remember his name, which I am hoping to post as a film clip in a separate blog.
There was a display of barrel racing with western style riding which had the audience whooping and cheering, talk about fast and fun!
We were given a display by the Mounted section of the Metropolitan Police, they rode through rings of fire a paper wall (showing trust by horse and rider) they removed their stirrups, and jackets whilst trotting and jumping and removed their saddles and held them above their heads as they jumped too. It was a brilliant display of trust and horsemanship.
Back to the show jumping there was the next competition, the fences seemed even higher!
The junior Bronze medalist (Olympics) was the only casualty of the day, his horse fell and hurt its self, not badly though, both horse and rider got up and walked out.
As we were wandering around the trade stands we saw Mylene Class filming for her TV show, ten years younger, she chatted to us and gave us an autographed photo, and then posed to have her photo taken with us.
The day was absolutely brilliant.
I owe a huge thanks to Storm for inviting me. xx