I am dating myself again-- using that quote from Ed Sullivan.. but we did have a really big show coming up and and Zoe had lots of schooling to do- learning new tests and patterns.
Zoe and OYY Elektra had a big day this past Sunday, back at GMHA. This horse show was Dressage Days with all the upper levels from all over competing for big money awards. Zoe's ride times were pretty well spread out through the day- 9, 11, 2, 5. They did well- large classes and stiff competition. Most of the
riders and horses bring their trainers with them-- they get coaching while they are warming up in the exercise area... or for the high level riders and horses... they bring their grooms who ride and exercise the horses.
Zoe and OYY Elektra had a big day this past Sunday, back at GMHA. This horse show was Dressage Days with all the upper levels from all over competing for big money awards. Zoe's ride times were pretty well spread out through the day- 9, 11, 2, 5. They did well- large classes and stiff competition. Most of the
riders and horses bring their trainers with them-- they get coaching while they are warming up in the exercise area... or for the high level riders and horses... they bring their grooms who ride and exercise the horses. They even measured the crop to make sure it was within regulation length.
If you are not warming up your horse- then you are standing and waiting.
Gotta be ready for the bell or whistle.
Most times the rings are close together - different tests going on right next door often with a reader-- that can be distracting.
Zoe did training level 1 and 2 - with both tests, she and Elektra improved their score from the last show and in one test she earned a 4th place ribbon. In the other, they did not place but still managed to get scores well within the average range of all the other riders. With big classes, we were happy.
They did the FEI Young Horse test for 4 year olds... first time for both of them. Zoe learned the pattern perfectly-- but she somehow goofed it up when she got into the ring. They still did well with some good comments. One judge wrote that once Elektra is consistently on the bit, she and Zoe will get all 7's and better.
Zoe also entered the Dressage Seat Equitation class -- to find out where she "sat" as far as seat, posture, etc. The judges liked Elektra and Zoe scored really well on her riding style-- learning where her weaknesses and strengths were. 
At the end of the class, the judges say hi to Elektra. In this class, you get to have a conversation with the judges after to hear their comments plus you get the score/comment sheet to take home and study.
I made Zoe hold up her Equitation class first place prize so I could take a photo-- on a good day, this glass will make a great juice cup.. on a bad day-- perhaps a super big shot glass !
On the road to GMHA- there is a beautiful farm on both sides of the road. These people have a Zebra as a pet. Sunday- I stopped to take a photo of Zeus. 
One great thing I love about Elektra- she's a decent show mount and also a superb road/trail horse, with a very lovable personality. We try to get her out of the ring in the evenings.. and one night we went for a quick trot on the 8 mile loop.. it turned into--
How many different animals can you meet on horseback in 8 miles.
At the first pond we pass-- a large Goose family.. the second pond we trot by, we scare up a Great Blue Heron.. who flies off to perch in a tall tree.
Dog jumps out of the bushes as we trot by.. actually thinking he could scare us ? My horse wanted to chase him off...
Guineas were in the road- as we canter by, they duck into a safer place.
Two nights ago, we had a rainstorm which must have dumped over a half foot of precipitation during the night. The rivers and brooks are very high... we might go for another river crossing on Saturday-- that should be fun !
Enjoy your day ~
No comments:
Post a Comment