Our homebred star Mandiba and Karen O'Connor stormed back to form today to be 2nd at the *** CCI International at Fair Hill in the USA, despite Karen breaking her scapula and ribs only weeks ago in a motorbike accident, and despite terrible weather. The pair showed their class and courage to lead after the dressage and go clear across country.

"My shoulder was getting sore so I slowed down towards the end of the track," said Karen. The competition, which also serves as the USA *** championships was won by Boyd Martin with the thoroughbred Neville Bardos.

I am just so pleased and excited not just because of the outstanding result but because I am very fond of Mandiba. He is as gentle as his dam High Dolly and yet also courageous. He also has a very special and unusually intelligent owner in Joan Goswell. I am especially thrilled for Karen who is a great role model for us all. It has been very tough for her in the last couple of months as her Father recently died but she certainly did him proud this weekend.