Dressage shows gone wild

We're back safe and sound from what was a rather wild last show of the 2014 season (unless we sneak in a little schooling show or two in November.)

My friend L came down and picked me and the beast up on Friday. We decided that we would attempt a different route back to Indiana in order to avoid the hellhole that is I65 and pretty much any interstate in the Louisville area. They are building 2 new bridges here and the interstate system is being totally revamped. It is annoying and awful. It better be nice when they are finished.

Can you believe that is INDIANA?!?

Anyway, our new route ended up being ... not so smart. It took us through Madison, Indiana. Which, while beautiful, ended up taking us through curvy roads, up and now large hills, many stoplights. Basically what would have been about an hour and a half drive turned into 2 and half hours. We barely had any daylight when we arrived at the show grounds. But we tacked up anyway, determined to get in a quick school.

Then it started raining. And getting cold. And BLASTING ice cold rain. And then to top it off it proceeded to get quite windy.

So, pretty much the worse environment possible to school your horse in.

There were a couple of tents set up that were whipping around in the wind. The dressage letters in the rings were blowing over. Horses were violently spooking (there were a few other people stupid enough to school during this time like we were). My friend's horse was a little spooky, so I ponied her off Hampton into the ring. I was sort of expecting a wild ride.

But no. Hampton was SOLID. Not one spook. He was so obedient I was shocked. At times he wanted to turn his butt into the wind, but he was not being naughty. I couldn't really blame him for that. We had a slow school with a lot of jogging, easy shoulder-in and leg yields. I kept it rhythmical and slow and when the rain really started to soak me, I called it a day. I think the horse was happy I finally gave up. I could not believe how solid he was! What a veteran! Very proud of his behavior in that environment.

Saturday morning was an early one. Thankfully I had braided the night before (I figured his mane was already wet, might as well put braids in). Our first ride was Third-1. Hampton warmed up like a champ! I think I am finally getting a good warm up routine figured out. My parents also came to watch and I was glad they were finally able to see Hampton look good, and not be snarky and try to launch me. ha. Our test was decent. We did have one little snarky kick out at my leg during one change. I think I surprised him with my spur. But other than that, I was happy with the test. We earned a 63% and some change from a tough judge.

My mom took this picture of us just chillin in the warm up ring.

Our second test was Third-2. Our warm up was good again but I could tell he was running out of gas a bit. I think the sudden drop in temps made him a little gassy (he had extra "sound effects" going on). The test was not our best, but not our worst. I did go off course (I forgot the damn circle where you give your reins at the canter), and we totally biffed one flying change and trotted, but I think I just warmed up up too long and wore him out. He got super buried in the poll as well and I just could not bring his nose out for the life of me. But he was not naughty or snarky and the final 2 flying changes we NAILED. We got a 61% and some change with some major bobbles. So I was happy with that. One of these days it will all come together! haha!

We really held out own against the other horses and riders and I was so pleased with Hampton's behavior and how hard he tried. I totally think we can start scoring more consistently in the mid to high 60s next year with another winter of work. Despite the cold temps and wind, the show was a blast. Our scores were good enough for 2 second place ribbons! I did not get many photos since my friend who usually takes photos for me was also riding at the same time.

My dear friend L and her horse, Lucky, also had a great show.

It's now time for vacation for both me and the horse. I am going to Florida for 5 days and Hampton will hang out and be a horse. He more than deserves it.

After that it's time to get back into a more structured lesson program.

For for now, the beach!