All Change (again) with a few pics

PaddyMonty

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Some of you may have read that owner of horse I qualified for regionals was taking over the competing.
Well friday I had my second training session with Richard Baldwin. It was arranged before the change of plan so thought I should go ahead with it. Horse worked nicely for me then Richard rode him and showed us what his real potential was. Much discussion followed with owner and upshot is I now have the ride back. :)

Saturday we toddle off to Houghton for BD. Smiled sweetly at patsy and got the entries changed yet again (owner was down to ride) back to me.
Getting ready the wind blew the horse box living door just as I was entering. Caught me a goodun knocking me off the top step landing in a puddle hitting both metal steps on the way down. So much for my nice clean fancy comp gear. Now wet and muddy with the odd bit of blood escaping from my right arm and leg. :(

First test was outdoors and thankfully the rain held off. Thats about the only good bit. :o Knew something wasn't right as the boy walked down spooky ally without the slightest sideways step, ignored all the scary stuff around the areana/warmup. Reduction in hard feed combined with intensive lesson the evening before had left him with an empty tank. Test was hard work, on his forehand, heavy in my hand and all attempts to correct this just annoyed him. Surprised to get 65% and 4th.

Hour and half to wait for second test which was indoors. Now last time we were there the judge was in a car. This time they had a table. :eek: He trotted in nicely then spotted the judge/writer sat at the table and slammed the brakes on. Some gentle persuaison and we managed to overcome the scary table but the real plus. He's now alert! Horse eating pro photographer just added to the hype.
Test was OK, couple of spooks at table and photographer but things generally happened where they should. Result 69% and second.

His feed is now being upped again and its full steam ahead with preparing for the regionals.

Now the bit you wanted - pics

Warm upo for first test....
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First test, best forgotten.
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Second test
No way am I going near that...
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Then some reasonable work
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Glad to hear you're staying a dressage diva!!! ;)

Well handled on both counts, and good scores considering circumstances!! Well done :) can't wait to see more of you both!!
 
Ouch, I do hope you have some decent bruises to show for it!

Well done and nicely ridden, when are you taking him jumping? :D
 
when are you taking him jumping? :D
Funny you should ask. The monday after the regionals we're off for a 5 day horse beach holiday with a group of others. Depending on how the rsgionals goes it will either be a very careful 5 days or fun on the beach and XC course.
 
You only lost the ride because you gave it back to a very unconvinced owner! Next time I recommend you don't suggest she could do it herself ��
Onwards and upwards now after all the changes of plans. You focus on dressage and I will focus on hacking and schooling the geriatric! ��
 
You only lost the ride because you gave it back to a very unconvinced owner! Next time I recommend you don't suggest she could do it herself ��
Onwards and upwards now after all the changes of plans. You focus on dressage and I will focus on hacking and schooling the geriatric! ��

PM, you've been rumbled :P
 
The geriatric has an uncanny way of proving his point every so often lol. A bit like all of us having a point to prove that we aren't past it yet, even if we can't manage the lorry steps! ;-)
 
Nice to see a report where people aren't complaining and blaming the centre holding the show for poor performance! Well done!
 
Congratulations on keeping the ride :D I'm so pleased for you!!
Kinda chuffed myself. I guess we will have a rematch at some point.

Nice to see a report where people aren't complaining and blaming the centre holding the show for poor performance! Well done!
I dont think I've ever blamed a venue for my lack of performance. I thought the table was great. Something else he has now experienced. Each time out he comes away a little more wordly wise.

Well done! Great report and love that you've been rumbled. Hope you aren't too sore today. Looking forward to seeing more of this chap. What tests did you do? :)
Guess I'll have to find some where else to moan about owners (just kidding MrsH1970).
Tests were P15 and P19. I could do P19 in my sleep! Only another 3 weeks to go then we can get the winter prelim quals out of the way and move up to novice.
 
Looks a fab horse and Richard is lovely and a great trainer too, isn't he. :) Good luck at the Regionals.
Horse is fantastic. Probably the nicest horse I've ridden. Richard is great. Certainly makes me work and love the fact that being a judge he also relates how we're performing to what we could expect in the ring. Apparently our trot work is currently a 7 which is what we generally get but I'm informed there is an 8, possibly 9 trot in the horse to be unleashed.
 
Cheeky ******! Personally I think you have it quite easy with this owner. She seems quite laid back and easy to get in with, so you shouldn't need to find elsewhere to moan about her 😉 Probably best to speak to her rather than moan about her, or she might get the hump😊
 
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