What a lovely weekend; the weather was great, good friends, and good riding to witness. (Not mine though)
Willie didnt do too badly in his dressage, and I managed to keep his quarters pretty much on the track at the canter (lots of inside leg back though!).
Scored 60% (after course error!), to place 16th
7 for paces, "work could be bigger, requires more engagement, willing, but lacking lightness, and Producing solid test"
Next day was Cross Country, and it was again a lovely course.
Willie warmed up really well, and felt pretty keen to get on with the job.
First few fences he jumped really really well, then onto the big agapanthus (gulp) oxer at the base of the hill. I have jumped this before on him, and really dont know what happened....I kept rolling down the hill to it, and at the last minute he slammed on anchors....grrr.... however, I had bent my thumb back on my whip against his neck, and really couldnt continue (well, have another go at getting over the jump anyway)....I could barely even hold my reins. It actually swelled up and was very very sore for quite a while afterwards (in fact today 8th June, two months later it still twinges when lifting the jug etc).
However, it was great to see two friends both have excellent rides on each of their horses, and I certainly enjoyed the day - despite not having completed the XC.
Show jumping day also gave us lovely weather, and it was nice and relaxing being able to watch everyone's rounds, without the added stress of having to ride the dreaded show jumping!
Interrupted only by a call that dear old Jackson had injured himself, the vet was on his way, and that it was likely to need stitching up.
(He spent only one day feeling sorry for himself, and then was back to being first across the paddock if there was the hint of a treat. However, I did give him little dinners to make him feel special, and to make up for the daily jabs he had to endure from me)
