Eisenstein made his first dressage debut today at the Winterfest Dressage Show at Bronte Creek Equestrian (formerly Hendervale).
He was nothing short of a superstar!
I thought for sure he was going to be a bit excited, as he didn't want to get right on the trailer. I think he was thinking about the last time he was on...leaving his home in Quebec and a 7 hour ride to my farm. Perhaps his thoughts were that he was being "shipped out" never to return to Kirkridge again. With some gentle persuasion, he relented, and rode quietly in the back of the trailer to Milton.
So, we get to the show and bring him off the trailer...it's totally FREEZING as I put his tack and bandages on, and threw a cooler over his back. We go to the show area, lunge line in tow, and walked around the schooling arena for a few minutes. Nothing happened! He didn't shy, just behaved like a perfect gentleman. I reluctantly got on with the hope that he wouldn't explode. Eisenstein was PERFECTLY relaxed in the strange environment. We were privileged enough to go into the show arena during lunch break. He went into that ring like a seasoned competitor. No one would believe that my first ride on him was Dec 31!
So we did our tests, great trot and walk work, but a few lead problems in the canter. I used the opportunity to "re-do" the wrong leads by adding a couple of un-warranted circles. We got a couple of -2's and a couple of 3's, but still walked out with over 60%, and the judge LOVED him! So, after only learning to canter a couple of weeks ago, I am SO pleased with this boy. He's going to follow in Allies footsteps!
Can't wait for next month, as we will "Do it Again" and go for some higher scores!
Cathy, one of Eisensteins owners smiles proudly with the superstar in the making!
