Eduardo Alvarez Aznar’s show groom Terri Fitton is finally back guest blogging for WoSJ, this time from the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden – where Edu, “Fatty” and Terri are in the lead. 

Quiet Saturday for us here in Gothenburg. With only Rokfeller with us we have no classes today. But it still was an early start with the vet-check starting at 7.30am. Everybody’s horses trotted good and all were accepted. 

It’s a long week here at the finals as we arrived already Monday night ready for Tuesday vet-check. Thursday was the first leg of the final and there Rokfeller showed us again what a star he is to finish in 6th place. This first speed day is really important to set the rhythm for the rest of the weekend so of course we were super happy with the way Roky jumped.

Yesterday was leg two of the final and again this amazing little pony of ours tried his heart out and jumped two amazing clear rounds to finish 2nd. This also meant that Edu and Roky are now in the lead of the overall standing heading Into Sunday’s final! WOW!!!!! 

Roky also has another name which most of my friends have come to calling him, which is Fatty Mgatty as when I first started working for Edu he was a rather large, round pony! Now he’s a much slimmer version but still very round and after yesterday’s performance and many pit-stops at friends’ stables for candy I think he might have to go back on a diet! 

Fatty is not the most conventional jumper behind as he tends to “snake” over the fences which can be quite nerve-wracking to watch. But I think everyone can see that his heart is his biggest asset, he really has no idea how amazing he is and how much he achieves, he’s just as happy to be jumping as he is to be rolling and getting dirty in the field at home. 

After a strong winter season, we were of course quietly confident coming into the final to jump some strong rounds but to be leading now is totally amazing!! Of course Sunday is a new day and anything can happen but we will for sure all be fighting. Luckily neither me, Edu nor Fatty tend to get to nervous or stressed. Our routine doesn’t change no matter what show were on and we always try to keep a light atmosphere and not get hung up on the pressure. 

No matter what happens out there tomorrow we already achieved a lot and I’m of course proud of what Fatty and Edu have achieved over the last years! Good luck to everyone tomorrow and let’s look forward to some exciting sport!

Terri