Lovely weather for the Te Rapa Spring trial.
Willie warmed up well for his dressage, and did an ok test, although I seem to have been slammed for some reason. I find it hard to understand how a horse can score 4's and 5's throughout the test (undeserved in my opinion), and then be given 7's for his paces, impulsion and submission.
However, on to the show jumping.
Nice that I was actually not concerned, having over the past few years gotten myself totally stewed about the show jumping, others watching, the what ifs etc etc . This time I was just going to go in, and ride the round and whatever happened, happened.
Started well, and I felt very good in that throughout the round I sat up and more behind him, I didnt tilt or anything. All felt good; no anxious moments whatsoever. He did back off the double and I'm afraid I sat like a muppet and of course he obliged with a stop. But I didnt go to pieces, I simply turned around and rode the rest of the round properly.
Quite confounded with my score though, as although he took two rails and had a stop, I was given 24 jump faults and 19 time ???
Next day XC day....another lovely day.
Again, I was quite unconcerned, although when he went lame just before my start I was a wee bit bothered; but am afraid I ignored it.
Off we set, and I am afraid I just sat and steered, and Willie just did his thing. Nice that he didnt do his usual spooking and playing at the jumps .... I think keeping him in off the grass has also benefited him.
I did muck up the bou
nce though. He got distracted when we rode past the show jumping towards the bounce, and again I sat like a muppet. All he would have needed was a wee reminder to get his mind on the job. However, that was our only little glitch and he flew around the rest.Nice that I also felt a bit fitter having ridden two daily for a while.
Really looking forward to the next outing. Have entered him for training rather then PN, so that I just have the two in the one class.
Photos courtesy Jan at www.take the moment, with the exception of the montage from Debbie Stevens; many thanks
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