BD reports and new yard pictures

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blood_magik

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I think we're starting to get the hang of this dressage malarky. :)

We've been out twice since my last report and whilst the first of the two outings didn't quite go to plan, it did show me that we're heading in the right direction. Despite Raz being *very* spooky (he decided that one side of the arena was a no-go zone due to the horse-eating monsters that were lurking in the shadows) and a mahoosive spook that landed us with a 2, we still managed an okay 64.41% and 2nd - our first BD points. :)

Thankfully the second outing was much more positive. I gave myself an hour to warm up but looking back now, I think he only really needed 35-45 minutes. Still, it was nice to have a few minutes to just let him stand in the tunnel and see what was going on.
The last time we were at Morris, the banners and flowers at the far side of the arena caused a few issues so I made sure to let him have a good look before getting him going around the outside of the boards. For once, I had enough time to settle him before the bell went so did a few final transitions whilst running through my test one last time in my head.

It started off well but then I held too much in the first medium trot and he broke into canter. The, during the rein back, someone started banging somewhere behind us and he got distracted, and the rein back ended up being performed in two parts. :rolleyes:
We got through the second leg yield okay and we managed to canter up the centre line towards the judge's box without any issues, but then I fluffed the first simple change by not having enough leg on. Thankfully the second one was a little better but we fluffed the final medium trot, leaving us on 64.81% and 2nd again. At least we're pretty consistent. :D

I'm not too disappointed, to be honest, given how 'with me' Raz was. The canter felt pretty uphill and light for the first time during a test and I thought we made good use of our corners. Our trainer was happy, too, and she's the sort who would tell me if something wasn't up to scratch - 'your 10m circle was 50cm too big'. ;)
We also managed to qualify for a local dressage group's championship show in a few weeks' time, which will be a good experience for us as we're hoping to do winter regionals this year.

[video=youtube;VzyqZG_V7GM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzyqZG_V7GM[/video]





Apart from that, things are pretty quiet. Beau and Blue are both back in work but our main focus at the moment is getting our lovely new yard ready for the boys to move into in a few weeks' time.
We've got 12 acres, a Canadian barn with 8 stables (naturally, I had to buy a new pony to fill one of the empty boxes :D), a 60x30 indoor with permission for a 40x30 outdoor, and a walker. And it's all mine - I still can't quite believe it. :eek:

Some pics of the build...
The start of the indoor construction:

Two weeks ago:

The indoor being prepped for the surface going down:


There's still a fair amount to get done so we'll be very busy for the next wee while. Hopefully the break will do the horses good.
Thanks for reading. :)
 
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Well done on the dressage outings. Jumper turned dressage diva? Have you got enough bling?!

And just Wow on being able to build your own yard, that is amazing. Must be very exciting but I can imagine there are so many choices. Have you been involved in the design etc? What an indoor !!
 
blood_magik, that's some lovely dressage. Your horse really can stand square and get into those corners!
All the best with the construction works, the arena is looking good. :)
 
Thanks, guys. :)
Yes, we've been able to pick and choose everything so fingers crossed we've made the right choices. ;)

And since you asked nicely....

The main yard and arena being constructed:









And today:


And some other shots around the yard/inside the barn:





Still lots to do inside the barn but it has come on a fair amount since that picture was taken. The picture inside the arena was taken this morning - they're nearly ready for the kickboards and membrane to go in.
The rainwater harvesting system was being put in this morning so by next week we should hopefully have some concrete/tarmac outside the front of the barn and arena. :)
 
I just stumbled across your business Facebook page and saw more pics of the progress. It's looking amazing! And just round the corner from me! Are you going to be holding events?

I think I have drove past it the other day, didn't click from the car what it was. Such a huge project, you must be thrilled with how it's all looking now!

* goes back to nosey at your pics*
 
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It's really starting to come together now.
There's still a lot of work to be done but we're close to being able to move in - a week today is D-day. :D

Not planning on holding shows but we're hoping to do arena hires and possibly hold clinics if I get enough interest. Need to get in and settled first though. :)
 
Looking so good, coming along brilliantly. How exciting. I feel we need a repeat of that monster thread with the horse box build!
 
Sorry CI, not doing livery - the thought of having to muck out my own five is bad enough. ;)

Bernster - I'll try to post some more pictures later if I get a chance. Might try to persuade dad to take the drone up now that we've got Tarmac laid and they're starting to tidy the place up.

Cortez - thanks. Still can't quite believe it's mine. :o
 
Stalker ;)

It’s really coming along now. :)
I’m hoping it will be finished this week so I have somewhere to ride while they sort my indoor out. Still lots more to do, unfortunately - waiting on planning for my turnout pens, which will be a godsend if we have another winter like last year.

Pics not playing ball for some reason... :(
 
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