So hoping he continues to improve ....
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But in the meantime:
Baby Royale is a superstar!!!!
Saturday we schooled a bit at the HHP and he was a total star. Just trots around with the best little attitude. It was of course 5000000 degrees out, so I kept it short and sweet.
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| A little BTV here, but it's just because he is weak and behind my leg |
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| Better here! |
Thanks to Jen for taking all of these wonderful photos!!!
Saturday night I crashed at Jen's house, and her hubs made I think the most delicious dinner I have had all year. No even exagerating! Then we drank sangria on their porch. You guys, their house is so dreamy and cool! Plus, Jen is great company. I felt a little old because I was ready for bed by 10 pm after eating so much and drinking sangria ... lol ... Jen I promise I can hang sometimes!!
Sunday morning we had out first ride - Intro A- at about 830. I decided to only warm up for 10 minutes because the heat index was HELL. NINTH RING OF HELL. But it seems I needed to burn a little more energy out of Royale as he was a bit distracted and skittery. I had some trouble keeping the gerbils on the wheel, leading to an "unfocused" test. But - that's why we do this! I just stayed calm and kept giving him direction and he was fine. One little spook but he gets a pass because he is 3, and because saddlebred.
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| Tense but trying for me |
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| Spooking! lol SQUIRREL! |
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| Yes!!! Good moments, too |
Our second test ... he was a totally different horse! He was relaxed and focused and we nailed Intro B with a 70% and first place!
He is still obviously all over in the contact, and wiggles his shoulders. But all that is normal. He got a great education and I was super proud of his wonderful behavior. He is still a bit bewildered at times but tries so hard and looks to his rider for confidence. I think he will have a great future!
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| Example of a "saddlebred moment" |
In fact, back at the barns I kept looking at him and saying to myself:
HE IS A SALES HORSE.
Did everyone read that?
HE IS A SALES HORSE.
Ugh. But he is just so stinkin fun!
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| Just love the little squirt |
Many many thanks to Jen again for these fab photos.
Also Liz kicked ass as well with her two horses. Our little crew really cleaned up!
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| Me, Connor (notice I am trying to steal him ... heh heh), Jen and Liz |
And since Royale is in KY now, I will have blog fodder this week that includes things besides boring hoof-soaking photos with Hampton.
Watch out those saddlebred have a way of worming into your heart. They are fun! Congrats
ReplyDeleteWhat a good saddler! I never much liked them until I sat on a friends and he was soooo fun. But he also had like a million buttons sooo.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good weekend!
Royale and Connor would make a good pair... just sayin'...
ReplyDeleteWhat a GOOD boy!!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh last weekend was so much fun! Let's do it again sometime. What a good baby Saddlebred he was all weekend, even for the sponge monster. Haha! No worries about going to bed early, I am one of those that would so much rather be alert and not hungover than have a wild night. I need my 8 hours of sleep! Seriously, you're welcome anytime!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Hampton - hoping lameness issues are gone. You and Royale looked great out there together! He really looked like he was trying his best to focus on you and I love your relaxed way of riding him. Great seeing you!
ReplyDeleteSaddlebreds in dressage are so cool, I think they are a really unappreciated breed with sport horse potential. Sounds like a good show overall, congrats on the first!
ReplyDelete