Send Me on My Way (show report!)

Seems like many bloggers have been out at their first shows of the season this weekend!

Hamps and I went to Majestic Farm in Ohio for our first recognized show of the year. It was my first time at Majestic, but won't be the last. I really liked the facility, rings, footing and stalls. It was well run (even a typed test, and my score was texted to me in less than 10 minutes after I walked out of the ring!).

7s on our half passes.
Never thought I'd see the day.

This show was run entirely indoors, which was fine considering it's early April. But I'd like to come back and show when all the rings are set up outdoors. It's gorgeous.

Speaking of the indoor, it was causing problems for multiple pairs all weekend. The end of the arena by the judge was highly offensive. Plus, there were 50mph+ wind gusts all day Saturday which made the atmosphere quite electric as the horses were getting spooked and feeding off one another.

One of the gorgeous outdoor arenas
Plus some sketchy ass weather rolling in
(BTW: It SNOWED that night)

Hampton was unfortunately not immune to the CORNER OF DEATH and expressed his opinions on the matter several times, especially in our first go which was 3-1. I did what I could, but he was just too much of a snarky shit spooked in that corner so our test wasn't as fluid as it could have been. Even so, we squeaked out a 61%. I'll take it considering.

Not a movement in 3-1

May be one of the best comments I have ever gotten.

Later in the day we came back for 4-1 and he was better, but still spooked a few times. After our shoulder-in on the centerline, he came to a dead halt before A. (sidenote: There was not a halt there in the test). Sigh.

But when he was listening, he was so good! Our score was 61% and some change. I was more than happy with that for our recognized debut at 4th. The environment was just not ideal and I rode the best I could. It's a score toward my SILVER medal though! That alone is worth celebrating!

Still stunned that we are now a 4th level pair!

On Sunday the weather was much better and we just did the one test, 4-1 in the afternoon. It was going splendidly until the left canter half pass when he dropped too low in the poll and shut down on me - swapping leads and napping up and down. Considering I had nothing to lose, I booted him over but it did ruin the two movements (half pass and the flying change right after). GRRRR.

BUT even with those mistakes, we got a 64%!!! I was thrilled with that!!! Many 7s including GAITS and RIDER POSITION. Boy did he make me work for it though. At no point was I ever just sitting there enjoying the ride. I was half halting every stride and basically praying for the extended walk to come up so I could catch my breath. haha.

9:30 pm visit (I may have had a lot of tequila)

Sucks that we were not allowed to be in the indoor area to take photos. Everyone had to watch in the (admittedly lovely) observation room behind glass. So, I do apologize for the crappy cell phone shots.

Between myself, my instructor and her other student we hauled in 10+ blue ribbons. Not too shabby! And BFF Liz also came along with the wonder pony and showed Second 3. I was super proud of them, the pony mare is not easy and neither is that test (or the level for that matter). She's going to get her score to do her freestyle very soon. They are knocking on the door!

Overall I am super super pleased with Hampton. The quality of our work has really improved this winter. We just need to keep focused on straightness and strength. 

The only thing we are missing for the PSG is the damn tempi changes!

Porkchop will get a day or two off and then back to work!