Gadget and I made our official debut at third level at a recognized show on June 7-9 at the Grand Haven show. The weather was cold and rainy when we arrived on Thursday and stayed that way until Sunday. Despite the nasty weather, Gadget warmed up beautifully on Thursday evening in the indoor arena. All of my changes were clean, there were no changes in the counter canter, and Kristin gave us great advice to improve the shoulder-in and halfpass. I need to start schooling these with way more bend, then I can regulate it in the test.
On the first day of the show, I didn't get him through for my first test of second level test three. It didn't feel fluid or like we were on the same page. This is normal for our first test at every show. I have no idea how to fix it. We scored a 59.7 and placed 5th. About an hour later, I was set to ride third level test one. I was the very last ride of the day. Gadget felt tired in the warm-up, but I got his neck and back softer. The rings were quite sloppy, but Gadget didn't mind a bit.
As I circled the ring before entering for my first third level test, I smiled from ear to ear really pleased that we made it this far. I think Gadget felt the smile. He gave me such a lovely, cooperative test. There were bloopers (our lowest scores were our halts!), but overall I felt really good about our first attempt. However, I was completely shocked that we actually WON our very first test at third level with a 62.5! It made my entire weekend!
My scores crept downward through the weekend (58.5% and 55.5%) as a rode just one third level test a day. I was proud of myself that I didn't let those scores shake my confidence. I am still learning how to keep enough jump in the canter while still having control and keeping my super smart horsey from anticipating the turn on the haunches and reinbacks.
It was so neat that Hani was excited as I was about my success at third level. We had a lot of fun at the show, and I am looking forward to NODA in July. One more score until I get my Bronze Medal! Hani snapped gobs of pictures and I've included a bunch of my favorites.
On the first day of the show, I didn't get him through for my first test of second level test three. It didn't feel fluid or like we were on the same page. This is normal for our first test at every show. I have no idea how to fix it. We scored a 59.7 and placed 5th. About an hour later, I was set to ride third level test one. I was the very last ride of the day. Gadget felt tired in the warm-up, but I got his neck and back softer. The rings were quite sloppy, but Gadget didn't mind a bit.
As I circled the ring before entering for my first third level test, I smiled from ear to ear really pleased that we made it this far. I think Gadget felt the smile. He gave me such a lovely, cooperative test. There were bloopers (our lowest scores were our halts!), but overall I felt really good about our first attempt. However, I was completely shocked that we actually WON our very first test at third level with a 62.5! It made my entire weekend!
My scores crept downward through the weekend (58.5% and 55.5%) as a rode just one third level test a day. I was proud of myself that I didn't let those scores shake my confidence. I am still learning how to keep enough jump in the canter while still having control and keeping my super smart horsey from anticipating the turn on the haunches and reinbacks.
It was so neat that Hani was excited as I was about my success at third level. We had a lot of fun at the show, and I am looking forward to NODA in July. One more score until I get my Bronze Medal! Hani snapped gobs of pictures and I've included a bunch of my favorites.
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