benson21
Well-Known Member
We went to a club level one day event with driving yesterday, meant an early morning, leaving the yard just after 7!!
Got there in plenty of time, walked the cones, then got ready for the dressage. Donovan worked in beautifully, felt really light in my hand, and I was beginning to think it could be our best yet.
How wrong could I be!!! Got into the dressage area, had to start by walking down the centre line, we done that ok, but then asking to trot it all went wrong!
We cantered probably a good half of the test, head up in the air, really evading the bit, I was desperately trying to relax my shoulders, give with my hands, all to no avail!!
What happened, I have no idea! came out of the dressage almost in tears, I was ready to give up! but then went onto the cones and we done ok. At that stage we were 5th, out of 5. I let him canter for most of the course and he was quite relaxed, although we knocked 2 balls off.
Then in the afternoon we had the marathon. GOt to the start, asked him to move off and we did, in a very fast trot. he was a little unsettled again, in the end it was easier for me, and seemed more comfortable for him to go into canter, he then came into my hand, and I felt we had so much more control.
We done all the obstacles, almost without getting lost, and came home in the time allocated!!
We waited for the presentation, and I almopst fell over when they called me in third!!
Only got I think 1 more comp this year, we have decided not to door indoor driving, it seems so much quicker, and we think it will probably fizz him up too much!
So, winter will be plenty of schooling, and a bit of a break!
Got there in plenty of time, walked the cones, then got ready for the dressage. Donovan worked in beautifully, felt really light in my hand, and I was beginning to think it could be our best yet.
How wrong could I be!!! Got into the dressage area, had to start by walking down the centre line, we done that ok, but then asking to trot it all went wrong!
We cantered probably a good half of the test, head up in the air, really evading the bit, I was desperately trying to relax my shoulders, give with my hands, all to no avail!!
What happened, I have no idea! came out of the dressage almost in tears, I was ready to give up! but then went onto the cones and we done ok. At that stage we were 5th, out of 5. I let him canter for most of the course and he was quite relaxed, although we knocked 2 balls off.
Then in the afternoon we had the marathon. GOt to the start, asked him to move off and we did, in a very fast trot. he was a little unsettled again, in the end it was easier for me, and seemed more comfortable for him to go into canter, he then came into my hand, and I felt we had so much more control.
We done all the obstacles, almost without getting lost, and came home in the time allocated!!
We waited for the presentation, and I almopst fell over when they called me in third!!
Only got I think 1 more comp this year, we have decided not to door indoor driving, it seems so much quicker, and we think it will probably fizz him up too much!
So, winter will be plenty of schooling, and a bit of a break!
