Dressage Competition report: the cyclops makes his debut!

DressageCob

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Of course, it’s not truly a debut, but it is the first time out since he lost his eye 😊

So for those who don’t know, my little cob Albert has a corneal ulcer, an auto immune meltdown and a liquid eyeball which had to be removed (following almost 2 months in Leahurst).

We’ve reached a number of milestones: first ride, first ride without an instructor telling me to man up, first hack, first time escorting a hack, first jump...but what I really wanted to end the year on was a first competition. We were supposed to go out last Saturday but it was cancelled so we did a trailblazers qualifier at Foxes instead.

Albert came in from the field this morning looking like a hippo who had heard mud baths are good for the skin, so aimed to get a bit on every part. Thankfully the YO leant me her hot horse shower. What an invention.

We had some minor lorry trouble (wouldn’t start!) but after a panic got it started.

I was worried about loading the little man. His last few outings have been for horrible things, and he was very tricky to load. It was fair enough, he had a very poorly and then missing left eye, so I guess all perspective had changed. But this morning he must have known we were going out partying because he walked straight on like a pro ❤️ We took a little pony and rider with us and they got on well.

We got to Foxes ina bit of a hurry so I abandoned Albert to get the pony and rider sorted. They did a phenomenal test and won their prelim class.

We got settled into the rented stable, since there were several hours between her class and mine. Albert very much enjoyed the view.

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There was an arena walk, which was appreciated! Albert was a little worried on the right rein, because there was a gallery on the left with people on who were chatting and moving around, and he didn’t quite understand what the source of the noise was. He also wasn’t completely happy about seeing his ski goggles in the mirror!

Next was the working in. I was a bit nervous about this because he has been getting worried with the whole left to left thing and hearing horses trotting or cantering past on his left. The working in was super quiet though and he was absolutely fine. A little tense but he listened when I told him to get over it 😄

We then went into the arena for Novice 27. He was still a little worried about things but he softened and listened to me when I told him everything was ok. He did some lovely work and it was the calmest he has cantered since he’s been back in work.

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I left feeling that whatever the score, my pony is awesome. He was so brave and he tried really hard. I’d have been happy with anything.

But the little lad outdid himself and got a fabulous 70.17%. I was delighted. It’s one of his highest scores in the novice ever! He got a few 8s, for things my instructor had shouted at me about so that was a bonus!

Ultimately he came fourth and got a nice rossie for his efforts.

I love my pony!

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Thanks for reading 😊
 

DabDab

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Oh wow, fantastic! What a great end to year after all the horrible time with his eye. He looks absolutely fantastic in that picture from the test, you must be beyond chuffed with him 😍
 

DressageCob

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Very well done!
I guess the goggles are to protect his other eye? Do you need any special permission to use it? Just curious :)

He has reduced tear production in the remaining eye so it’s at high risk of a similar meltdown if anything happens to it. So I turn out in a fly mask and ride in goggles.

BD says you can have a face masks so long as they don’t interfere with the bit, so I’m hopeful they will accept it. The organiser at Foxes was great about it, as was the judge.
 

Sheep

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He has reduced tear production in the remaining eye so it’s at high risk of a similar meltdown if anything happens to it. So I turn out in a fly mask and ride in goggles.

BD says you can have a face masks so long as they don’t interfere with the bit, so I’m hopeful they will accept it. The organiser at Foxes was great about it, as was the judge.

Thanks for explaining! Sounds very sensible.
Well done again, looking forward to your next report!
 

DressageCob

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Oh wow, this is great to read! Very well done the pair of you! It wasn't so long ago that you weren't sure if he was going to make it, and now look at you both! Doesn't he look happy!

Brilliant!

I know! He has well and truly proved me wrong. It’s like he slapped me round the face saying “don’t be so silly”! He’s a little trooper.
 

Noble

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My local venue too, would have been nice to come and support you. I am the one on the crazy TB, hopefully getting less crazy as time goes on. Well done on a fabulous result with your wonderful boy.
 
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