Normandie

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World Equestrian Games week is over and did not end as well as we would hope. Jock did a fabulous dressage test and was sitting in 3rd position going into cross country. Unfortunately, it wasn't his day on cross country but watch out Burghley - he's coming to get his title back!

I loved France. After I got over the shock of wondering why a child was in the drivers seat of the car I got used to the Rt hand driving and ended up doing quite a bit of driving. Normandie is such a beautiful area. It did rain a lot while we were there and the pastures were rich and green. There was a sign in the cottage we were staying in to be careful of water as they were in drought - they have no idea!!! Everywhere we went there were fields of crops and fields of huge hay bales. .Normandie must be a very religious region. There were crucifixes scattered everywhere around the countryside



Haras Du Pin was a beautiful venue. It was built in 1730 to try and keep the French Horse breeds pure. The crowds for cross country were huge. I waited in a queue for 45 minutes to get to the toilet. I'm afraid I betrayed my country and wore a team New Zealand Tshirt !!



Most of our time was spent at the event venue. But Vicky, Jock's 15 year old Kiwi work experience student and I spent a day exploring Argentan an old previously walled city. We climbed the one remaining watch tower - in pitch black- which gave views across the city. It was easy to imagine the view across the country side the soldiers would have had. Argentan has a fabulous gothic church with amazing gargoyles. It looked straight out of a vampire movie. Vicki and I used the public toilet and it was an experience. It was one big room with a metal drain hole in the corner. I couldn't find the flush. Vicki went in next the door locked and water came from all directions. The look of panic on her face had both of us in hysterics. We had lunch from a patisserie and I had the best strawberry tart I have ever tasted.

My French language was resurrected from my high school days and I became team leader because I was the only one who could understand anything at all.





The next few days at Burghley will be interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing some more English countryside.

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Photos

French toilet
The seat was pushed up against the wall when I went in. It took awhile to figure out

Normandie
Our Little cottage

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The streets of Argentan

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One of the many crucifixes

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The jumps were beautifully constructed

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A close call

Jock and Promise
At the trot up

Gate at Haras du Pin
This gate is gold gilt. The little bee under the horse represents Napolean who came to visit after construction in 1730.

Haras Du Pin
This is the director of the National Studs House. It is still used today for the director.

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View over the dressage arena.

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Jock and Promise

Dressage
Jock and Promise

Cross Country
Another close call

Show Jumping
Team New Zealand

Showjumping
Zara Phillips celebrates