rotters13
Well-Known Member
I will say from the start that my weekend at Hambleden is nowhere near as impressive as other reports in both a stylistic sense, and in a competitive sense; but held many positives for me so thought I'd post anyway.
First of all: I ACTUALLY RODE MY HORSE! Not just sat there thinking how nice it was, but actually rode it. I influenced how he went (major step for me, I usually get petrified and just sit there).
Jasper did a super test forward, relaxed and over his back. Got a slightly disappointing score but agreed with all the judge's comments so fair. Took him round the showjumping got a good canter, ignored which leg he was on (he doesn't change and he doesn't trot!) and kept energy for lovely clear. Felt on top of the world and winning at life. Headed onto XC determined to set up for every fence, ride every fence and not finish riding till I crossed the finishing line! I rode with accelerator firmly off due to our inability to set up in less than 400 metres, but pointed him, (and rode him!) at correct fences and finished clear! No stupid stops from me almost falling off due to nerves! Lots of pats for Jasper and even learnt I had no time penalties?!
Took Iska off and tacked up. Wandered over to dressage still in eventing bliss from finishing on Jasper's dressage score. Proceeded to ride about on cloud 9 without really asking Iska to do anything. Unsurprisingly performed a substandard test. :-( Never mind, still on cloud heaven from achieving eventing nirvana of having finished on dressage score.
Onto SJ, warmed in, went in, ignored which leg she was and just kept energy and jumped clear!
Onto XC which was now much busier with spectators, a bit more of a cautious round from Iska but we did jump clear and we did finish in the time.
Here's the best part: I GOT PLACED ON BOTH! Jasper came 10th in the BE100 Open section, and Iska came 6th. Don't think I have ever had both horses go right on the same day, and I don't think I have ever *ridden* at an event properly since before I fell off last year. Very very happy rider.
Onwards and upwards! Next event is Hambleden UA - would be thrilled with repeat performance. Fingers crossed.
First of all: I ACTUALLY RODE MY HORSE! Not just sat there thinking how nice it was, but actually rode it. I influenced how he went (major step for me, I usually get petrified and just sit there).
Jasper did a super test forward, relaxed and over his back. Got a slightly disappointing score but agreed with all the judge's comments so fair. Took him round the showjumping got a good canter, ignored which leg he was on (he doesn't change and he doesn't trot!) and kept energy for lovely clear. Felt on top of the world and winning at life. Headed onto XC determined to set up for every fence, ride every fence and not finish riding till I crossed the finishing line! I rode with accelerator firmly off due to our inability to set up in less than 400 metres, but pointed him, (and rode him!) at correct fences and finished clear! No stupid stops from me almost falling off due to nerves! Lots of pats for Jasper and even learnt I had no time penalties?!
Took Iska off and tacked up. Wandered over to dressage still in eventing bliss from finishing on Jasper's dressage score. Proceeded to ride about on cloud 9 without really asking Iska to do anything. Unsurprisingly performed a substandard test. :-( Never mind, still on cloud heaven from achieving eventing nirvana of having finished on dressage score.
Onto SJ, warmed in, went in, ignored which leg she was and just kept energy and jumped clear!
Onto XC which was now much busier with spectators, a bit more of a cautious round from Iska but we did jump clear and we did finish in the time.
Here's the best part: I GOT PLACED ON BOTH! Jasper came 10th in the BE100 Open section, and Iska came 6th. Don't think I have ever had both horses go right on the same day, and I don't think I have ever *ridden* at an event properly since before I fell off last year. Very very happy rider.
Onwards and upwards! Next event is Hambleden UA - would be thrilled with repeat performance. Fingers crossed.
