Sunday, March 1, 2009

I will be so glad to see the end of this forever winter. Thanks goodness for the teasers as I would probably have lost my mind.

We attended the Northrun Schooling Show on Saturday. I rode Training Test 1 (twice). Josie was wonderful at the show. We only had a 10 min warm up. There were standards, poles, blocks and flowers all along each side to create the arena. Also, Josie and I hadn’t ridden with a heater up in the corner – this she took the most offense too but eventually we could get into that corner. Luckily they later turned it off. I kept imagining a canter depart with the heater kicking in – Yikes! I couldn’t see the letters because of the array of jumps/standards as the edges of the dressage arena and it was a big ass arena. It seemed like we cantered and cantered and cantered. It was great schooling. Walking along the diagonal took forever and a day.

The second test was much better. I didn’t realize no one was reading for me until I skipped the right rein trot 20 meter circle by heading down to do a canter depart. That cost us 2 points – we would have broke 60 then. We got a 57.826 and 59.565. I worked hard for every point so I am including it all. I am very proud of this.

First test we received a 7 for the HXF walk and 6’s, 4 on our canter circle-took wrong lead and counter bent (she had adoring fans to look at) and three 5’s. Collective Marks were 6’s with 5 for submission. Further Remarks: Nice, obedient filly, knows her basic forward movement is strong enough to ask for more “on the bit”. Keep up good work.

I could tell I totally relaxed when we finished our canter and were heading for the last stretch. Josie stretched into my hands and I could feel the connection. Let me tell you I was shaking from that ride. I really must relax more. Josie and I will take care of each other. I just need to do this more.

Second test (this was an hour later) She got an 8 on her HXF walk - I must have stayed out of her way. Otherwise most scores were 6’s with three 5’s. Collective marks were all 6’s. Further Remarks: Horse very athletic – Is ready for next phase of training better bending and connection to bit.

J and T arrived to watch Josie. J was the previous owner and T his girlfriend started Josie. They liked what they saw – thank goodness they don’t know dressage ;)

We have been working on bending and connection at home but it would have taken another test to have gotten it in the
real
world.

So Ginger didn’t beat us up and I now have a more accurate assessment. I knew the other judge had been generous and any horse will go better at home.

Josie, I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the best horse ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

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