Mid Ohio Show Report
I can't believe that I forgot to report on my most successful show to date!
The beginning of this summer has been the rainiest I ever remember. It seems like it rained nearly every day for two months. Given all the rain, I wasn't able to school in the dressage ring before this show at home, so I have been trapped in the indoor arena to practice.
When we arrived at the show on Thursday night, the footing was very deep and soupy. Gadget really struggled in the warm up even with Kristin Stein coaching me. Although I always sleep for before shows, I tossed and turned all night worrying about the footing.
On Friday, the footing was still very wet, but Gadget felt good. He felt soft and active and really tried his heart out in the mud. We rode 4-1 first and he was a bit strong and not quite on my aids. We got a slightly generous 61% (and finished our scores needed for our silver at 4th level) and second place. Our next test of the day was third level test 3 and he settled and gave me a great test. We actually got a 70% and won our class! It was from a generous judge, but the test was actually the highest score at 3rd level among all divisions (including professionals) all weekend!
Kristin's coaching was so helpful. I really could get him rocking back and bending through his body in the halfpasses during our warm-up with her help. She also reminded me not to rush the tempo and bring him back for a more balanced, candenced trot and canter. We ended up winning our third level test on Saturday from a tough judge with a 63.8% and our fourth level test on Sunday. We got another second for our fourth level test on Saturday.
Despite the crazy weather, I had a great time with Robin and Shannon and met some new friends too. Very fun! Hani and I even ran to walmart to buy bathing suits/trunks to take advantage of the hotel pool.
It's funny when success comes all at once. Gadget won the same amount of blue ribbons at this show that he has his entire life prior to this show! It feels good that third level is more established. I have hope that fourth level will get easier and more consistent over the winter.
With our success, I have now convinced Hani to go to regionals! Since I have never gone, this will be a good year to go and focus on having fun. Can't wait! In the meantime, we have the WPDA Summer Sizzler just around the corner as our last show of the season before regionals.
I can't believe that I forgot to report on my most successful show to date!
The beginning of this summer has been the rainiest I ever remember. It seems like it rained nearly every day for two months. Given all the rain, I wasn't able to school in the dressage ring before this show at home, so I have been trapped in the indoor arena to practice.
When we arrived at the show on Thursday night, the footing was very deep and soupy. Gadget really struggled in the warm up even with Kristin Stein coaching me. Although I always sleep for before shows, I tossed and turned all night worrying about the footing.
On Friday, the footing was still very wet, but Gadget felt good. He felt soft and active and really tried his heart out in the mud. We rode 4-1 first and he was a bit strong and not quite on my aids. We got a slightly generous 61% (and finished our scores needed for our silver at 4th level) and second place. Our next test of the day was third level test 3 and he settled and gave me a great test. We actually got a 70% and won our class! It was from a generous judge, but the test was actually the highest score at 3rd level among all divisions (including professionals) all weekend!
Kristin's coaching was so helpful. I really could get him rocking back and bending through his body in the halfpasses during our warm-up with her help. She also reminded me not to rush the tempo and bring him back for a more balanced, candenced trot and canter. We ended up winning our third level test on Saturday from a tough judge with a 63.8% and our fourth level test on Sunday. We got another second for our fourth level test on Saturday.
Despite the crazy weather, I had a great time with Robin and Shannon and met some new friends too. Very fun! Hani and I even ran to walmart to buy bathing suits/trunks to take advantage of the hotel pool.
It's funny when success comes all at once. Gadget won the same amount of blue ribbons at this show that he has his entire life prior to this show! It feels good that third level is more established. I have hope that fourth level will get easier and more consistent over the winter.
With our success, I have now convinced Hani to go to regionals! Since I have never gone, this will be a good year to go and focus on having fun. Can't wait! In the meantime, we have the WPDA Summer Sizzler just around the corner as our last show of the season before regionals.
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