The first show of the season is now done. A lot of new faces, new levels, and many happy riders!
Judy and Austin made their dressage debut at Milestone. Riding her own horse Silver Spoon aka Austin, Judy finally went down the centre line instead of being behind the camera for the past few years. What a splendid job they did! Wonderfully turned out, Judy piloted Austin through the Introductory tests, and received 2 scores near 60%. Austin was the one with the show nerves, which quickly went away as they entered the dressage ring. I'm proud of Judy! and Austin of course! Judy brought home a third and fifth place ribbon!
Sarah and Leah have been coming along very nicely with the 4 lessons that they have received with me. Working on relaxation and balance their hard work paid off in their Introductory tests. Sarah placed first and second in their classes with 67%!
I was the next to ride in the show. Unfortunately the weather began to turn for the worse, and I had predicted 2 hours beforehand that it would rain at my ride time. And a clap of thunder and a lightening bolt had everyone running for cover into the indoor arena. Fortunately the show was only delayed by 20 minutes, and it had only rained enough to soak my tails and new helmet, plus damp down the dust in the ring.
So, after a perfect warm-up interrupted by a storm, down the centre line I went. This was Allie's first shot at Prix St.George and Intermediare 1. Now that Maverick is retired from the show ring, I felt it was time that I moved Allie up to replace him as the highest level dressage Arabian in Canada. This is my third Dressage Half-Arabian that I have taken to Prix St.George and Intermediare 1. A couple of pilot errors on my part; perhaps a hair too cautious, but overall I was happy with the ride. The judge thought so too with a 63% score!
So down the centre line I went again for the Intermediare 1 . This time I was not being cautious. We've been doing our homewok, and I decided to go for it. Well, apart from a bobble in the full canter pirouette, and a missed 2 tempi, the rest of our work was really clean, and we were rewarded with a 67.9%! I was beyond thrilled with Allies' debut rides!
We are all glad to see Rosemarie and Chellis back in the show ring. The big Fresian mare has had a 3 year hiatus from the ring. After the birth of Chellis' foal Dante last year, Rosemarie has been bringing her back to dressage form. Rosemarie is also a declared Para-Dressage Rider, and will be competing in the Para Dressage Competitions. This is their first show back, and first time showing First Level. They both did well, and really shined in their second First level ride. All they both need to do now is get back into show-mode. Their work was relatively error free. Just a bit tense, but I was really happy with their rides, especially the First Level Test 2. They received over 62% in both tests.
Megan and Porshah have come a long way this year. At 12 years old she is maturing (and growing). They rode at First and Second level. They had some decent rides, and rode well. Porshah also placed 2nd in both Half-Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle classes, Open in ATH with 10 riders in each class.
Megan's other horse MEL Kahlua was a star in the dressage ring. They have made the transition to Second and Third Level. Megan and Kahlua have really developed into a great team. Kahlua won both the Second and Third Level Tests! He also placed in the sport horse classes.
Things are looking good for the 2010 dressage season with new riders, and horses advancing up the levels the way it should be!
Click on the title of this post to find all of the photos.
A big congratulations to Danielle and Twister! Danielle and husband Kyle have only been riding with me for a couple of months. This was Twisters' first ever show, and the first one for Danielle in 8 years. This just shows what good training is all about. A horse that focuses on the rider no matter where they are. Although things got a little shaky outside of the ring with spectators and umbrellas, once Danielle was back in control, things didn't matter. Danielle received a 59% in her Training 1 for second place, and after a pep talk went in the ring riding the "Elaine way" and won with a 65%! Well done.
