About time to wrap this show recap up!
Sunday was 2' Derby day and I was 15th in the draw and my barnmate was the last at 20th. The class was first to go at 8am- so a bright and early course walk with plenty of time to get ready.
Cue the parade of cute ponies and kiddos in Shadbelly coats.
I was so proud of Ellie- we killed it! A slight bobble to the option fence when I pointed her directly at the center standard between the two options. She drifted left but I firmly suggested we do the 2'6" version.
Coming up to our trot fence it appeared she had just realized there were giant Disney cutouts (theme of the Derby: Disneyland) posted on the standards and paused a beat. Not a stop per say.....and with the help of a collective "cluck" from everyone on the rail we proceeded onward and did our bending line in a less-than-workmanlike 10 strides (it walked an 8 or 9).
All said (option included) we came out with a score of 83- which in hunterland is like WHOOOO but I'm pretty sure the judge was being a bit relaxed given the average age of the class. Either way, I'll take it.
The back ring announcer had been reading ribbon cutoff scores and it looked like we might be in for a victory gallop. An here's where I did win.....the Sportsmanship award as my barnmate (yes- the last rider to go) knocked us out by a half point.
Ah well. I think if we had smoothed a few of those rough spots out we would have been just fine.
We wrapped up the show with a 2'6" Medal just after the Derby and had a fine round, got our lines, just a major biff at the long ride to the last oxer. Theme of the weekend.
So much good right? An Ammy division move up (I've actually never jumped 2'6" in a California show), a mare who is quickly moving from green to finished (a fine ammy horse to boot), and some nice ribbons in a competitive Baby Green division.
I however, need to take a spin down "blog memory lane" and give myself a good kick in the butt to remind myself how far we've come. The blunders at this show were pilot error and as a highly competitive perfectionist, I can't help but come away slightly disappointed in my riding. I suppose there's always another show right?
But for the moment I'm focused on something else. We're riding in a Karen Healey Clinic in a few weeks and I've got to get my Equitation on!
Cue the parade of cute ponies and kiddos in Shadbelly coats.
I was so proud of Ellie- we killed it! A slight bobble to the option fence when I pointed her directly at the center standard between the two options. She drifted left but I firmly suggested we do the 2'6" version.
Coming up to our trot fence it appeared she had just realized there were giant Disney cutouts (theme of the Derby: Disneyland) posted on the standards and paused a beat. Not a stop per say.....and with the help of a collective "cluck" from everyone on the rail we proceeded onward and did our bending line in a less-than-workmanlike 10 strides (it walked an 8 or 9).
All said (option included) we came out with a score of 83- which in hunterland is like WHOOOO but I'm pretty sure the judge was being a bit relaxed given the average age of the class. Either way, I'll take it.
The back ring announcer had been reading ribbon cutoff scores and it looked like we might be in for a victory gallop. An here's where I did win.....the Sportsmanship award as my barnmate (yes- the last rider to go) knocked us out by a half point.
Ah well. I think if we had smoothed a few of those rough spots out we would have been just fine.
We wrapped up the show with a 2'6" Medal just after the Derby and had a fine round, got our lines, just a major biff at the long ride to the last oxer. Theme of the weekend.
So much good right? An Ammy division move up (I've actually never jumped 2'6" in a California show), a mare who is quickly moving from green to finished (a fine ammy horse to boot), and some nice ribbons in a competitive Baby Green division.
I however, need to take a spin down "blog memory lane" and give myself a good kick in the butt to remind myself how far we've come. The blunders at this show were pilot error and as a highly competitive perfectionist, I can't help but come away slightly disappointed in my riding. I suppose there's always another show right?
But for the moment I'm focused on something else. We're riding in a Karen Healey Clinic in a few weeks and I've got to get my Equitation on!
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| Derby Course Walk! |
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| Look of relief! We're done! |
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| Spotted! Blue bow in Ellie's mane! |
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| Ready to roll! |
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| Homeward Bound! |
Wow an 83! That's great! Sounds like a really good move up show. Don't be to hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the show! Also I am very jealous, I very much want to ride with Karen Healey!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Sounds like a great show and with only a few minor bobbles. Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome show. It's so cool they had a small derby. I'd like to do one of those one day.
ReplyDeleteAn 83 in your first 2'6" derby? THAT'S AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteWoo that's awesome!! You two have come so far - bobbles aside its a LOT to be proud of!! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a great show (and great results!) You're keeping me inspired :)
ReplyDeleteYou and Ellie have some SO FAR! You should be so proud of your performances, and with more miles in the ring those sticky spots will iron themselves out. Congrats girl!!
ReplyDelete